With the advent of the internet taking over distance education as a whole, online nursing degrees are becoming more and more prevalent within the busy lives of all levels of nursing. Online nursing degrees are quickly gaining acceptance as the norm, as many regular class-based programs of well-recognized schools are adding online components. As the reader might have heard, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that nursing is growing considerably faster than the average career path.
What It Requires
Typically, the program involves instruction via DVDs or proctored tests. The benefits for the self-starting are clear: flexible hours, less crowded classrooms, and convenience of mobility. Gasoline costs are increasingly cost prohibitive for the non-traditional student who must commute. Prior to beginning any online class, it’s important to recognize the internet requirements needed for a class. Computer literacy is imperative for online students, even though most are, take this consideration seriously. If a student does not know how to troubleshoot the most basic of problems, the course can become more of a challenge than is truly required. Blackboard is a common method of didactic instruction for online education. The method of didactic instruction varies, but usually notes are given to the students. It’s also possible for instructors to prerecord their lectures and make them available for streaming video.
The Details
Most online nursing programs that need a clinical requirement outsource their rotations to a teaching hospital. Keep in mind, online RN student may be responsible for finding their own rotations, proctors and rotation supervisors. Reliable broadband internet is recommended due to the administration of tests online, and a loss of connection during a testing period could be disastrous. Enrollment and completion of these types of programs is critical to salary increases and improving general knowledge. Ascension throughout nursing management is contingent both on experience and level of education attained. Nurses command high salaries due to a nation-wide shortage. An online nursing degree is equivalent to a brick and mortar degree, providing the college is accredited by a regional body. A nursing degree online for associate’s and bachelor’s requires a practicum, which is a face to face curriculum where the nurse learns such clinical skill like intravenous administration, sterility and charting. An advanced program like Masters and Doctorates may not require any clinical practicum. Other specialized programs include certifications in certain sub-specialties like geriatrics (study of aging populations) or psychiatric certifications. Online emergency medical technician to RN is another viable option. An RN to MSN program or RN to BS program are common educational paths for getting a nursing degree online.
The Best For You
What online nursing degree program is correct largely depends on the state in which certification is required. They type of certification needed is critical here, as colleges may only offer one program. Entrance requirements may vary considerably as well. University of Southern California has an intrepid MA program in Gerontology for nurses. Common for-profit programs ranked near the top of customer satisfaction are Kaplan, Benedictine, University of Phoenix, University of Cincinnati, Loyola University of New Orleans, and Chamberlain University. Lesser ranked programs are Regis University and Walden University, mainly due to accreditation complaints. That’s not to discourage these programs, but the cost of for-profit programs can be considerably more than local community colleges or technical colleges. Other programs to consider are South University, Western Governor’s University, and Virginia College Online. Lesser advertised for-profit programs include: Jones International University, Jacksonville University, and the Ultimate Medical Academy (for medical assisting, not RN).
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