Online university for nursing

Why Online University For Nursing is The Best Option To Study Nursing

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Online university for nursing is the best option to study nursing for those with busy schedules or those who want to pursue a degree in nursing without sacrificing their jobs

I know almost everyone would prefer sitting at home and studying at their convenience without the stress of going to campuses. But there are many things you should know about an online university for nursing.

Some questions might be running through your mind. Can I study nursing thoroughly online? What programs does an online university for a nursing offer? This article will answer most of your questions and give you information about an online University for nursing. 

What is nursing all about?

Nursing is a profession that deals with caring for the sick or injured. 

Nurses are skilled in caring for the sick, usually under the supervision of a physician, which implies that the healthcare industry won’t be complete without nurses because they play an essential function in the industry

Nursing programs can result in working in the health care sector. Online nursing programs are offered to train students whose intention is to earn a nursing degree or advance their nursing careers.

Can I study nursing online?

Most students ask if they can study nursing entirely online in an online University for nursing.

Nursing degrees can be earned as a non-nurse or advance your registered nurse education, but a few on-ground courses would be needed.\

However, not all nursing degrees can be earned entirely online. Most nursing programs are hybrid because nursing is a hands-on profession that requires clinical experience that will prepare you to work with patients.

Therefore, beginners are advised to choose hybrid programs when choosing an online program for nursing and not a fully online alternative. Classroom course work would be done online why you will be required to complete your clinical hours at a hospital or related medical setting. No good online nursing program is ever entirely online

Most online nursing programs are available to those who already have an RN degree and want to gain an advanced degree. 

If you already have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you might be able to take programs for a Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSN) that are entirely online.

Online University Nursing programs

Several Universities have made nursing study easier by providing online nursing programs for students.

Programs that an online university can offer for nursing include;

  • Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) diploma.
  • Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) degree programs.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) programs
  • Master of Science in Nursing degree(MSN) programs
  • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree programs

As a beginner, you might be confused about the degree to choose, but below are guides on what program would be fit for you as a non-nurse or a registered nurse

Online Nursing programs for non-nurses

Non-nurses without an RN degree should consider taking the LPN/LVN diploma first because it is a stepping stone to becoming a registered nurse.

Online LPN/LVN diploma

The licensed practical nurse/licensed vocational nurse diploma is considered the beginning of nursing school. This can usually be completed in about a year, and the state offers graduates a license after passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN)

After completing the LPN/LVN successfully, most schools do offer at least nine months of bridge programs to gain an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which is the minor degree that is needed to take the NCLEX-RN.

Online ADN degree

The associate’s degree in nursing is a minor degree that can enable you to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Graduates who successfully pass this exam are eligible to become licensed as an RN by the state.

Most online universities for nursing only give coursework online, then clinical hours are done in hospitals or any related sector. You must complete your clinical hours before being eligible to take the RN license exam.

If you have no background in nursing but wish to pursue a career as a registered nurse (RN), consider taking an ADN-RN program. This program takes approximately two years to be completed.

Registered nurses with an ADN degree can start working in different healthcare facilities, including clinics, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, etc.

Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree(BSN) programs

Online bachelor of science in nursing degree(BSN) is a four-year program offered at most universities and colleges. This program is available mainly for ADN-educated nurses.

Moreover, nurses use the knowledge gained from their studies in a practical healthcare sector. This program is popular among students because it makes one eligible to acquire a well-paid job with a considerable salary after completion.

After completion, one is opportune to earn licensure as a registered nurse. Nurses with this degree work as bedside nurses.

Accelerated BSN programs

These programs are made known as second-degree programs. They are mainly available for students who have received a previous degree or non-nurses who already hold a bachelor’s degree in other fields but want to pursue a career as a registered nurse.

These programs are highly recommended because it offers a faster way of gaining a bachelor’s degree in nursing. An Accelerated BSN degree takes 15 to 18 months to be completed.

RN to BSN programs

These programs are meant for the ADN holders who want to change their studies to bachelor of science (BSN) qualifications.RN to BSN online program is an excellent option for students who wish to keep working while learning.

Online Master of  Science in Nursing (MSN) programs

The master of science in nursing programs are needed for advanced nursing professionals. Non-nurses with other degrees may enter a direct entry MSN program to earn this graduate degree from the beginning of their nursing careers.

Many online universities for nursing offer direct entry MSN programs that are available as fully online nursing degrees but with clinical practice requirements offline. These programs generally take 15 months to two years to complete.

Below are several work opportunities available for MSN degree holders;

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs

Many MSN programs are being discarded and are substituted by Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs.

These programs focus on training students in research methods such as nursing science history and philosophy, data analysis and statistics, and leadership skills. The program generally lasts between 18 and 30 months.

How much does the online Nursing program cost?

The cost of classes and programs differ significantly by College. However, students discovered that online programs are cheaper than campuses after considering the money and time saved, and the convenience of learning in their living room outweighs that of campuses.

 

Many online universities for nursing will require the purchase of electronic books, uniforms, white nursing shoes, stethoscopes, or other items necessary for clinical use. Students are also required to have access to a fast enough computer and have sufficient memory to support the program.

Conclusion

Although online university for nursing is the best option for those with busy schedules, it can not be done entirely online. Clinical hours that are completed in a medical setting will be required.

An online university for nursing offers the LPN/LVN diploma, ADN degree programs, BSN degree programs, MSN degree programs, and DNP degree programs, while some schools offer nursing bridge programs.

The diverse range of nursing options may seem surprising. Still, with the above areas and different programs listed, you can start to study courses available in an online university for nursing of your choice.