How to Earn an Online Nursing Degree
Consider carefully what is involved in being a nurse., Decide on which degree course is right for you., Find a suitable online nursing degree course., Consider your time availability., Complete online enrollment for your basic courses., Make...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Consider carefully what is involved in being a nurse.
The responsibilities, the long hours and the relatively low pay involved in a nursing career can be challenging.
However, it is important to balance these challenges with the rewards of serving for the greater good of society and helping others, including the knowledge that you are genuinely helping to make the lives of many patients a lot better.
One of the most compelling reasons to become a nurse is its many job opportunities; the Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecast a large shortage of nurses in the coming years with the aging baby boomer population.Do some research online to see what nurses say themselves (there are lots of forum posts you can check out), and ask nurses to find out what they believe is good and bad about the job before making your decision. -
Step 2: Decide on which degree course is right for you.
If you already have nursing experience, or a nursing degree, you might be looking for more advanced online degree work than if you're starting out for the first time.
In general, you can expect to find the following degree courses on offer:
Online or Credit-by-Examination Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
-- this degree leads to RN licensure, and is a good option if you are already a paramedic or a practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- this will result in you becoming a registered nurse (RN) Online RN-to-BSN
- if you already have a nursing diploma or an associate degree, this is a "fast track" way to get a BSN Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- this is about specializing in one area of advanced practice Online Nursing Doctorate
- further specialization in advanced practice or clinical research, when you are seeking a leadership role. , There are numerous courses available on the Internet and you will need to spend time sifting through them.
There are two main search methods
- one is to go to a university that is reputed for its nursing school degrees (ask friends, nurses you know, at the local hospital, etc., if you're not sure), or you can use one of the many online degree collating portals that mention all the major, reputable universities.
It is really important though to ensure that you are looking at a reputable degree course; you might get some help by reading LifeGuide Hub's article on ensuring online degree credibility to help you avoid any pitfalls.
Once you have chosen an online degree that seems right for you, take your time to read up on the terms and conditions, the frequently asked questions, and to learn whether or not everything offered meets your needs and interests. , It is also a good idea to decide about how much flexibility you want from your degree
- if you still need to work while completing your course, find a course with the best flexibility to adapt to your schedule.
Most online courses are already aware that their students keep working, and accommodate this well. , The courses will likely include:
Introduction to Professional Nursing, Nursing Management, Health Policy Issues, Nursing Administration, Health and Disease Management, Research Methods, Nursing Theory, and more.
Check about residency requirements
- many online nursing schools won't have this, although you will need to complete the laboratory and clinical requirements at some stage, so it is important to think in advance about how you will accommodate this at the time. , This will need to be done once basic coursework has been completed and should be something to keep in mind as part of your enrollment process, in case you also need to plan for a temporary stay elsewhere. , Expect current online nursing programs offered through public universities to cost between $110 and $170 per credit hour.
Depending on the school’s academic calendar, this could be anywhere from 60 to 90 credits.
As an online student, you usually won’t be charged out-of-state fees and tuition.
There are scholarships and grants available for online nursing degrees, in place to encourage people to enter the nursing field; just look at the university's scholarships and grants section on the Internet, or ask for advice. -
Step 3: Find a suitable online nursing degree course.
-
Step 4: Consider your time availability.
-
Step 5: Complete online enrollment for your basic courses.
-
Step 6: Make arrangements with the school to fulfill the clinical requirements at a medical facility near their place of residence.
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Step 7: Work out your ability to pay for the degree.
Detailed Guide
The responsibilities, the long hours and the relatively low pay involved in a nursing career can be challenging.
However, it is important to balance these challenges with the rewards of serving for the greater good of society and helping others, including the knowledge that you are genuinely helping to make the lives of many patients a lot better.
One of the most compelling reasons to become a nurse is its many job opportunities; the Bureau of Labor Statistics has forecast a large shortage of nurses in the coming years with the aging baby boomer population.Do some research online to see what nurses say themselves (there are lots of forum posts you can check out), and ask nurses to find out what they believe is good and bad about the job before making your decision.
If you already have nursing experience, or a nursing degree, you might be looking for more advanced online degree work than if you're starting out for the first time.
In general, you can expect to find the following degree courses on offer:
Online or Credit-by-Examination Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
-- this degree leads to RN licensure, and is a good option if you are already a paramedic or a practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- this will result in you becoming a registered nurse (RN) Online RN-to-BSN
- if you already have a nursing diploma or an associate degree, this is a "fast track" way to get a BSN Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- this is about specializing in one area of advanced practice Online Nursing Doctorate
- further specialization in advanced practice or clinical research, when you are seeking a leadership role. , There are numerous courses available on the Internet and you will need to spend time sifting through them.
There are two main search methods
- one is to go to a university that is reputed for its nursing school degrees (ask friends, nurses you know, at the local hospital, etc., if you're not sure), or you can use one of the many online degree collating portals that mention all the major, reputable universities.
It is really important though to ensure that you are looking at a reputable degree course; you might get some help by reading LifeGuide Hub's article on ensuring online degree credibility to help you avoid any pitfalls.
Once you have chosen an online degree that seems right for you, take your time to read up on the terms and conditions, the frequently asked questions, and to learn whether or not everything offered meets your needs and interests. , It is also a good idea to decide about how much flexibility you want from your degree
- if you still need to work while completing your course, find a course with the best flexibility to adapt to your schedule.
Most online courses are already aware that their students keep working, and accommodate this well. , The courses will likely include:
Introduction to Professional Nursing, Nursing Management, Health Policy Issues, Nursing Administration, Health and Disease Management, Research Methods, Nursing Theory, and more.
Check about residency requirements
- many online nursing schools won't have this, although you will need to complete the laboratory and clinical requirements at some stage, so it is important to think in advance about how you will accommodate this at the time. , This will need to be done once basic coursework has been completed and should be something to keep in mind as part of your enrollment process, in case you also need to plan for a temporary stay elsewhere. , Expect current online nursing programs offered through public universities to cost between $110 and $170 per credit hour.
Depending on the school’s academic calendar, this could be anywhere from 60 to 90 credits.
As an online student, you usually won’t be charged out-of-state fees and tuition.
There are scholarships and grants available for online nursing degrees, in place to encourage people to enter the nursing field; just look at the university's scholarships and grants section on the Internet, or ask for advice.
About the Author
Claire Sanders
A passionate writer with expertise in cooking topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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