There are a few schools that allow your to earn an associate's degree and qualify for an initial RN licensure online.
While this may vary from school to school, an online class is generally hosted on its own web site. The instructor posts lecture materials and assignments to this site, and there is usually a bulletin board or other discussion forum where students may post comments and questions. The instructor may occasionally designate a specific log-in time for an online chat session, but otherwise you may log in and work at any time. Assignments are emailed to the instructor, usually on designated due dates. For many online classes, written course-work takes the place of traditional examinations. When this is not the case, examinations may be offered online, or they may be proctored; many schools provide students with listings of suitable locations in their area where tests may be taken.
When enrolled in an online nursing degree program, you generally complete the non-clinical portion of your coursework via online classes. Clinicals are usually arranged at a medical facility near your home. Obviously, you cannot fulfill clinical requirements online.
Some schools may require students to spend a few days or weeks on campus, but many have no residency requirement.
While some online classes or degree programs allow students to complete coursework at their own pace, many programs affiliated with traditional universities require online students to maintain the same quarter or semester schedule as on-campus students. Many online classes are structured around a series of assignments and examinations, much like traditional courses. While some classes and degrees may be completed at an accelerated pace, classes are usually structured in such a way that they require a minimum of six to eight weeks to complete.
If the class or degree program you're enrolled in is self-paced, you'll probably be able to start any time. However, many online classes/degree programs are structured like traditional classes/degree programs in that groups of students are scheduled to take a class/go through a degree-program together. When this is the case, there is generally a designated start date.
If you are enrolling in an online degree program, it's highly likely that you will work closely with an academic advisor to plan your curriculum. If you're enrolling only in an online course or two, you probably won't work with an advisor.
Benefits of Online Learning
Many working nurses with family responsibilities cannot afford to work less while attending school. Though online education is no less demanding than traditional education, the option of learning online allows many nurses to earn an advanced degree at home, completing coursework at their convenience. This saves on travel time which is particularly useful for students living in rural areas that are not close to any nursing schools.
Although online course content is generally the same as that of a traditional course, many prospective students worry that by taking courses online, they will not receive the benefit of personal interaction with their instructors and fellow classmates. However, although students who take courses online usually do not meet face-to-face with instructors and classmates, communication via email or online discussions often proves to be just as rewarding. Students who take courses online also usually have the advantage of receiving instructors' lectures in written form.
Degrees Most Commonly Offered Online
The RN-to-BSN and MSN degrees are the most commonly offered online degrees. Although some institutions offer a variety of advanced degree and certificate options for students seeking online education, most schools that offer online degrees only offer one or a handful of degree programs online. You can find more information on the specific degree offerings by reading the fact sheets for the online nursing schools found on the internet.
Prerequisites For An Online Nursing Degree
Check with the school you are interested in to learn the specific entrance requirements for your degree program. Generally, BSN programs, online or traditional, require the following:
- SAT or ACT exam, minimums vary widely by school
- GPA range from 2.0-3.25, depending on the school
- 3 years of high school math, including geometry and algebra II
- 3 years of high school science, including biology and chemistry
- 4 years of high school English
- 2 years of high school foreign language
RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, and MSN programs generally require:
- Graduation from a National League of Nursing (NLN) accredited nursing school
- A current (RN) nursing license
- 2.5-3.00 GPA (grade point average in selected prerequisite courses)
Other types of certificate and degree programs may have their own specific prerequisites; schools generally list these in their catalogues or on their web sites.
Cost
Cost varies widely by school and degree program. Students can expect to pay anywhere from slightly less than $100 to more than $300 a credit with average tuition for online programs sponsored by public universities generally falling in the $110-170 range. Additional registration or enrollment fees may also be charged. One advantage of taking classes online is that out-of-state tuition is not typically charged.
Scholarships
Students enrolled in online degree programs are often eligible for the same types of scholarships and financial aid as are students enrolled in traditional programs.
Credit for work experience
Many schools allow students to complete proficiency exams such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP) in lieu of course-work in areas in which they have work experience or knowledge gained though independent study. Some schools also allow students to turn in a portfolio (officially documented) listing experiences for which college credit may be awarded.
Entry-Level Nursing Programs
Become a Registered Nurse (RN)
Bachelor's Degrees in Nursing
Master's Degrees and Post-Master Certification in Nursing
Online Degrees in Nursing