Online Nursing Degrees
Online nursing degrees have become a popular option both for students wishing to enter the healthcare field and for those interested in furthering their career. This guide answers the questions you may have if you’ve been considering studying nursing online and offers tips for successfully completing your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will online learning work for me?
Are online degrees respected?
What types of online nursing degrees are available?
How does an online nursing degree work?
How do I choose the right school?
What can I do to be a successful student?
Will online learning work for me?
While earning a degree online can be a convenient way to further your education, e-learning isn’t for everyone. Here are a few questions to ask before enrolling in a program:
- Are you organized and self-motivated?
- Can you stick to deadlines even when no one is watching?
- Do you enjoy working independently?
- Are you comfortable with technology, such as e-mail, forums, FTP, and the World Wide Web?
If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then online education may be an ideal option for you. Online courses often require students to meet tight deadlines and complete coursework with minimal instruction (University of Illinois). Students must be highly motivated and possess excellent time management skills.
Are online degrees respected?
The respect an online degree holds depends both on the employer and the school in question. More employers are viewing online degrees favorably, but not everyone has come on board. The best way to ensure your degree is accepted is to attend a respected and accredited school. Accreditation information can be found quickly by searching the Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. The database includes institutional and specialized accreditation info.
What types of online nursing degrees are available?
Online programs range from diplomas to Masters level degrees. Beginning students can prepare for their LPN or RN exams through online study, or current nurses can advance their existing degrees. For advanced practice nursing, PhD education is normally reserved for brick and mortar schools.
How does an online nursing degree work?
Online nursing degrees work in much the same way as other programs. Students participate in discussions, either through real-time chat at pre-designated times or via ongoing forum posts. Exams are taken online, and assignments are submitted through e-mail or online courseware. Access to a computer, the Internet, and word processing software are necessary for students to complete their degree. Most schools offer additional research tools, like access to online libraries and article databases. Some instructors make use of PowerPoint presentations, videos, and podcasts to communicate course material, in addition to traditional textbooks.
An important difference from other degrees is that nursing students need to complete clinical experience hours in addition to their online courses. If a student has not completed a prior nursing degree, they will need to complete clinical hours at a facility in their area (Asu’s Estimates). Many degree completion programs, however, do not require clinical experience beyond what has already been completed.
How do I choose the right school?
Before enrolling in any degree program, online or otherwise, it is important to know the facts. Ask questions. Do your research. Do not enroll in any program unless you are completely comfortable with the information you’ve found. In addition to any on-site requirements, here are several things to consider before sending in your enrollment application (Distance Learning):
- Accreditation
- Tuition, Fees, Textbook and Other Costs
- Instructor Experience
- Class Size
- Hardware and Software Requirements
- Degrees Offered
- Completion Time
- Available Assistance
- School History
- Graduation Rates
What can I do to be a successful student?
Once you’ve enrolled in an online degree program, you’ll want to do everything you can to be a successful student. The Illinois Online Network has identified several tips for student success. Among them are:
- Set up a private study space.
- Participate daily in forum discussions.
- Respect your peers and instructors.
- Ask for help when you need it.
- Apply what you’ve learned to your daily life.