How to Get a Nursing Degree Online & Benefits of Online Nursing Programs

It is possible to earn an associate, bachelor’s, and even master’s degree in nursing online. Earning an online nursing degree is an excellent way to progress your career, increase your salary, and qualify for leadership positions in nursing. However, due to the hands-on nature of the nursing profession, clinical hours will still need to be completed in-person when working toward becoming a Registered Nurse (RN).

How To Earn a Nursing Degree Online

Here, we will break down the steps to earning a nursing degree online. Understanding what your goals are and which steps to follow can ease the burden of starting a new career.

Step 1: Earn RN license

The most common professional license for nurses is the registered nurse (RN) license. To earn an RN license, students must first complete an approved nursing program such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN). A two-year ADN degree meets the minimum education requirement to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) exam. While a two-year degree allows you to become an RN, many healthcare employers now strongly prefer candidates with a bachelor’s (BSN degree).

Step 2: Enroll in an online RN to BSN program

Nurses wondering how to get a nursing degree online should explore RN to BSN programs offered in remote learning formats. For nurses that already have their RN license and have completed their clinical experience, it is possible to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing without ever stepping foot on campus or having to do in-person clinicals.

Step 3: Complete clinical hours

Online nursing degrees for nurses who have not yet earned a nursing license will include clinical experience hours. Most online nursing degrees will be able to facilitate a placement near the student’s area of residence. If you have already completed an ADN degree and earned an RN license, additional clinical hours may not be required.

Benefits of Earning a Nursing Degree Online

Online degrees have become increasingly popular over recent years due to their flexibility for students with busy schedules and other priorities. Possessing everything from convenience and versatility to enrichment and cost-effective choices, online degree programs are an effective way to earn a degree.

• Save Time and Money: Earning a degree online is often much faster than completing an in-person degree, and some universities offer accelerated programs. Online students save money by avoiding commuting costs and costs associated with living on campus.
• Flexible Schedule: Online students can study when and how they need to while continuing to work and care for their families. Flexibility can be found in having the ability to learn from anywhere you have computer access, and having the option to choose courses and class times.

Online Nursing Colleges: What Questions to Ask

When it comes to being well-informed about online universities and what to expect of your nursing education, it's important to know that you can never ask too many questions! Here are a few to get you started:

• How much will it cost? Take the time to ask about total tuition cost as well as costs for books and miscellaneous fees. Ask if the nursing college you are considering guarantees fixed tuition rates to avoid unpredictable increases.
• Does this college offer financial assistance? Reputable schools offer some form of aid, such as grants, federal loans, and work-study programs. Financial aid offerings should remain the same whether you decide to take courses in-seat or online.
• How long will it take to complete the program? Ask when you can expect to graduate within your specific nursing program and find out the start and end dates for each of your courses.
• What are the technology requirements? You will need a reliable computer, but you also may need specific hardware or software to get the most from your classes.
• Do you offer educational assistance? Find out if the school offers tutoring, if you'll have access to a library, and if instructors are available after hours to help.
• Will I receive help with finding a job? Most online colleges offer career services like resume reviews, networking skills, and mock interviews for online students.

Program Statistics to Consider

It is your right to inquire about and to be provided with statistics regarding program outcomes:

• Graduation Rate: The percentage of students who complete their program within 150% of the published program time.
• Job Placement Rate: The percentage of students with positive post-collegiate career outcomes, or jobs.