How to Become a Nurse Online: Learning & Degree Guide

Becoming a registered nurse or advancing your nursing education online is possible and even recommended for those who need access to traditional educational paths. Today, we want to share everything you need to know about the experience of remote education: how to become a nurse online, how online or hybrid programs work, and what makes online learning worthy of your time and consideration.

Can You Get a Nursing Degree or Become a Nurse Online?

The answer is more complicated: in most cases, you can find hybrid programs and start studying to become a nurse online. However, most full certification programs require you to complete on-ground courses, whether we consider PN, RN, or MSN educational programs. That is why most nursing programs are hybrid: they include online instructional courses and on-ground supervised field experiences, also referred to as SOFE. The reasoning is that many skills can only be learned by caring for patients through hands-on experience. While online courses can deliver nursing concepts, they need to gain the immersive experience of being in a hospital or other healthcare facility.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Generally, online nursing schools ensure accessibility and flexibility by having multiple healthcare settings nationwide, guaranteeing that you can easily complete your required courses. We advise that learners who need the flexibility of an online program choose a hybrid program and not a fully online alternative. Remember that some educational tracks can be completed entirely online, but this depends on the skills it teaches you and the level of preparation you already have achieved. For instance, although the BSN Program at Nightingale College requires participation in physical field experience, if you already have an ADN-level education, you can earn your Bachelor’s degree by enrolling in a 1-year-long 100% online RN-to-BSN Track.

How to Choose Your Online Nursing Program

If you want to become a nurse online, the first step is to find the appropriate program for your career expectations. Most online nursing programs you will encounter are designed for aspiring students who want to achieve registered nursing degrees, such as an ADN, ASN, or BSN. Many others are geared toward certified RNs who have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam and want to advance their education. Another thing you should consider when starting your nursing education online is the level of experience the school has with online learning. Enrolling in an online RN program from an experienced school is a safer decision. At Nightingale College, we have provided trusted, high-quality nursing education for years and continue to improve our curriculum.

Overview of Academic Programs

Our programs cover most educational paths necessary for starting or furthering your career:

• PN Diploma Program – If you are just starting as a nursing student and want to join the workforce and start practicing as soon as possible, the fastest way into a healthcare setting is the 12-month PN Diploma Program.
• LPN-to-ASN Path – Essential fast-track for advancing from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse in as few as 16 months.
• RN-to-BSN Track – 12-month 100% online educational track for advancing to the highest level of accreditation for registered nurses.
• BSN Program – If you want to start your career as a registered nurse with a BSN, this program will provide quality concept-based education and trusted field experience, allowing you to graduate in less than 3 years.
• MSN Ed, MSN FNP, and MSN PMHNP Programs – 24-month Master’s programs that prepare you to pursue a career in education, family and community health, or psychiatric and mental health care.

Becoming an LPN: Entry-level Program

Receiving practical nursing education is the shortest route to starting your nursing career and practice. You can do so via a hybrid PN Diploma Program, such as the one offered by Nightingale College. You can receive your PN diploma in as few as 12 months.