Do you want to become a nurse? Are you thinking of going back to school to increase your salary and prestige? Education is one of the best investments you can make in your career. But what if I don’t have time to go to class? Can you get your nursing degree online?
There are many advantages to seeking and signing up for an online nursing program. They are comfortable and provide flexibility. If you are currently looking for a career change, the online program is for you, especially if you already have a job you want to hold by earning a degree. Online programs are great for students in rural or remote areas where traditional brick and mortar facilities are not readily available.
When looking for any online nursing program, make sure you are considering an accredited school. Students will need to check their country’s online education regulations where you will practice with a nursing license to ensure you meet all of their requirements.
What should I look for in the program?
First, decide how much program you need to be online. Look at the work schedule, family responsibilities and other important parts of your life to determine if a partially or completely online program (minus clinical hours) would be appropriate. Then ask additional questions, such as:
- Does this program offer courses in any specialization that interests me?
- How much communication will I have with lecturers and other students?
- Will I be able to work with an academic adviser?
- Do I have to attend online courses at specific times?
- What is the average rate of students taking license and certification exams?
- Does the school offer job placement programs?
The key thing to look out for is that your school is approved by the state Nursing Board, which is required if you want to take the licensing exam. Another matter to consider is program accreditation. Although it is not necessary to obtain a license, accreditation shows that your program meets the education standards necessary to succeed in this field. It also allows you to qualify for federal financial assistance and transfer loans if you decide to continue your education.
How long will the online program take?
Again it depends on the program introduced. In most cases, online options take roughly the same time as traditional options, although you can enter an accelerated program that allows you to get a diploma faster. Any loans from previous degrees can also shorten your time. That said, expect the programs to run approximately for the following periods:
- 18 months – 2 years – Associated degrees
- 3-4 years – Bachelor’s degree
- 18 months – 3 years Master’s degree
How much do online nursing programs cost?
There is no easy way to determine how much an online nursing program will cost. Rates vary considerably depending on the school, program, diploma level and number of points obtained. For undergraduate programs, it is common to follow courses that range from $ 200- $ 400 per loan, while graduate programs typically cost more. Regardless of whether the school is public or private, it will also play a role, increased rates for non-state public programs often do not apply to online students, as is the case for campus attendees.
In general, online programs are usually cheaper than traditional programs because students are often not charged extra fees for some resources on campus.
