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Today, earning a nursing degree is easier and more convenient thanks to the growing number of online nursing schools available. Affordability, flexibility, and specialized training in the nursing field of your choice are just some of the many benefits of enrolling in an online nursing school program.
Wondering how it works and how to get started? Here are some of the top FAQs about online nursing school.
What Kind of Nursing Degree Can I Get Online?
You can earn associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in nursing online. However, in-person and hands-on training is required to become a nurse, so you will still need to clock clinical hours at a physical location.
Will I Ever Need to Visit a School Campus?
At some point in your online nursing program, you’ll likely be required to spend time training in-person at a campus. Some programs may require you to visit a campus once or twice a week, while others may allow you to visit the campus on your own time when it is most convenient.
When choosing an online nursing school, check into the requirements surrounding how often you need to visit a campus, especially if you have other obligations related to work or family that limit the amount of time you have available in your schedule.
How Long Will It Take Me to Get an Online Nursing Degree?
The length of time it takes for you to earn an online nursing degree depends on the type of degree you’re pursuing. You can usually earn an associate degree within two years, a bachelor’s degree within four years, and a master’s degree within two years. Some online nursing schools allow you to go at your own pace, which means you could earn your degrees faster if you devote extra time to studying and completing your coursework.
Can I Get Financial Aid for Online Nursing School?
Yes, financial aid is available regardless of whether you earn your degree in nursing online or at a college or university. Scholarships, grants, and federal aid are available for aspiring nurses who qualify.
There are countless scholarships for nurses, some of which are specific to certain subspecialties and fields. For example, the AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship Fund is open to students who want to become nursing educators and are seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Use a resource such as the website of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to browse and apply for forms of financial aid. Or, contact the administrators at your online nursing school to learn more about other financial aid opportunities.
What Are the Requirements to Get Into Online Nursing School?
The prerequisites to get into online nursing school vary based on the program and type of degree you’re pursuing. Many online nursing schools require you to have a high school GPA of 2.5 or above, a passing score on the school’s entrance exam, and course completion in subjects including English, biology, chemistry, and algebra. In some cases, you must also have high scores on the SAT or ACT.
Contact nursing schools directly to learn more about their exact requirements and prerequisites for admission.
What Should I Look For in an Online Nursing School Program?
One of the top benefits of earning your nursing degree online is being able to choose a school that fulfills all your personal, professional, and educational needs. For example, if you are already balancing a demanding work-family life, you may want to look for an online nursing school that offers flexible hours and allows you to learn at your own pace.
Other factors to consider when looking for an online nursing school program include:
- Admission requirements and prerequisites
- The length of time it will take you to graduate
- High-quality virtual learning experiences
- Clinical requirements that can fit into your schedule
- Realistic exam-passing rates
- Accreditation
- Nursing specialties
Do Employers Hold Online Nursing Schools in High Regard?
School accreditation is the number-one feature many employers take into consideration when reviewing your education and credentials. Online education is now highly common and mainstream, and thousands of nurses have earned their degrees through online schools. Plus, online nursing schools require you to gain hands-on clinical training just like nursing programs offered in person at many colleges and universities, which can satisfy experience requirements.
Online nursing programs are ideal for students who work and for aspiring nurses who may also be caring for children or meeting other life obligations. With the right amount of dedication and drive, you can earn your nursing degree in two years.
Resource Links
- “Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online?” via National University
- “Online Nursing School: Can You Become a Registered Nurse or Advance Your Nursing Education Online?” via Nightingale College
- “Scholarships and Financial Aid” via American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- “Seven Things To Consider When Picking an Online Nursing Program” via Elmhurst University