Online Nursing Programs

With the advent of online nursing programs, students now have many more options available to them if they wish to pursue a career as a Registered Nurse. Not everyone can attend a traditional college campus to earn a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing to become a RN, but now, that doesn’t mean giving up on the dream. Busy people who have full time jobs, families and other obligations can find a way to fit their coursework into their hectic schedules and learn at their own pace with opportunities for personal attention from professors. Online education has truly been a boon for the nursing industry.

The Facts about Getting your Nursing Degree Online

The first thing you should know about online nursing education is that there will still be some traditional classroom and lab work required. There are some things you just can’t learn while you’re at home sitting in front of a computer. There will be some requirements for clinical study and hands-on training, in which you must travel to a physical location at a set time to complete. Most online schools offer flexible options for students, though, so if they need to visit a lab, clinical setting or test-taking center, they can plan their schedules in advance and find a place and time that works for them.

Some online nursing programs also require students to log into their computers at regularly scheduled times for tests, class discussions and other purposes. There are many programs to choose from, though, so you can find one that works with your schedule. Just make sure to learn all these things before you apply, because it would be unfortunate to find out this program isn’t right for you after enrolling.

Different Programs for Different Types of Nurses

Typically, students begin attending nursing school so that they can become a Registered Nurse. There are online programs that can lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN, which is the traditional route to becoming a RN. You may also choose a program to become a Licensed Practical Nurse, or LPN. These nurses earn a little less and do not have the same responsibilities as RNs, but you can begin working in half the time and continue your schooling to eventually become a RN. If you already have a BSN, you can also attend classes at an online school to complete a graduate degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.