In today’s busy world, many people are turning to online college courses to earn their degrees. Believe it or not, nursing is one of those degrees — and yes, you absolutely can earn your associate or bachelor’s degree online. You can even earn your master’s degree in nursing online. Of course, there’s one caveat: You’ll still have to complete your clinical hours at a physical location, and it’s important to keep this in mind.
Below, we’re answering some of the most common questions regarding getting a nursing degree online, including how to get started.
Which Nursing Degrees Can You Earn Online?
As far as studying to become a nurse online goes, you can choose from plenty of online courses offered by accredited colleges and universities. You should note that when these colleges and universities refer to “online nursing programs,” they’re referring to a hybrid education, meaning you complete your coursework online. However, you’ll still complete your clinical hours in a hospital or potentially a nursing home setting.
The degrees you can earn for nursing online include:
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN)
- Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN)
- Master of science in nursing (MSN)
Of course, much of your online versus in-person education will depend on whether or not you already have a nursing degree, have a registered nurse (RN) license, or have already earned a certain number of clinical hours.
Will I Ever Have to Go to Campus?
As mentioned above, online nursing programs are considered a type of hybrid education. Having said that, you may have to attend one or two in-person classes per week (not counting your clinical hours).
You’ll also want to consider the fact that nursing is a social profession as well as a medical one. It’s important to be part of a community as you further your education. This way, you can interact with your professors and network with other classmates who will likely work alongside you in the future. However, it all comes down to the specific college or university and its nursing programs.
Can I Complete My Online Nursing Program on My Own Time?
It’s common to want to meet your existing commitments when you start a degree program, which is why many people who work full-time or have families inquire about the time frame for online nursing programs. However, the pace at which your online courses must be completed will depend on the specific program you choose.
Many colleges and universities only offer online courses that run on the same time frame as their regularly scheduled semesters on campus. Some, however, offer year-round online programs that allow students to work on their own time.
If you already have your ADN and prior nursing experience, you may be able to find what’s referred to as a “bridge program” to enroll in. These programs allow you to finish your education at an accelerated pace. Plus, you likely won’t have to repeat coursework or carry out as many clinical hours.
How Does Studying Nursing Online Compare to Attending On-Campus Classes?
Online nursing programs provide the same information as traditional classes, although the experiences are different. Some online nursing programs use specific software to provide virtual classrooms, which sometimes show pre-recorded lectures. Others use certain platforms to deliver the information. For both types of online courses, you’ll likely need to download the school’s software to access course content, turn in assignments, communicate with professors, and take tests or quizzes. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face experience that you’d get in a traditional classroom setting is made up for via online chat sessions, student-professor discussion forums, continuous email communication and video chat sessions.
How Do Clinical Hours Work in Online Nursing School?
Nursing clinicals function similarly to work-study programs and internships that allow nursing students to gain practical experience. They’re also a requirement to earn your degree and RN license.
Depending on the college or nursing program you select, your clinical hours may be pre-arranged, or you might have to arrange them yourself. During your actual clinical hours, you’ll likely have an instructor there to guide you and answer questions, but you’ll mostly be shadowing the nursing staff as they care for patients.
Is It Harder to Get a Job With an Online Nursing Degree?
Some people believe that online degrees aren’t as effective as traditional degrees. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Getting your nursing degree online doesn’t mean you’re compromising on a good education. Online nursing programs are perfectly viable, as they provide you with the same course information as in-person education. Plus, the clinical hours are essentially the same.
Once you earn your degree, take the NCLEX exam for your RN license and gain clinical experience, you’re ready to start working as a nurse, regardless of whether you got your nursing degree online or on campus.