As a popular career option, nursing is now in much higher demand than ever before. Because of this, students and young professionals are exploring several ways to achieve their goals of working in the medical field.
Instead of the traditional route of applying at a physical nursing school and getting a degree, many are wondering if they can do this online. The short answer is yes. There are several nursing programs online that offer an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in nursing that can help students prepare for becoming a nurse.
However, since nursing is a hands-on profession, those interested in taking the digital route will still need clinical experience to complete the program. This includes working with clients, dealing with facility operations, and learning on-ground.
That said, if you want to pursue a career in nursing and start by enrolling online, here are some of the factors that you need to consider.
The Advantages of Attending Nursing School Online
Deciding to further your education in nursing is one of the best ways you can advance in your career. But sometimes, going back to school on-campus can be a difficult commitment, especially if you already have a job or a family that you attend to everyday. That’s why attending nursing school online may be your only option to attain your career goals without sacrificing your daily routine or lifestyle.
If you decide to take on this path, here are some advantages you can experience:
Flexibility and Convenience
One of the perks of enrolling in an online nursing school is that you can enjoy flexibility and convenience. For one, you are allowed to arrange your workload in a way that fits your schedule. For another, you can obtain resources and submit requirements without needing to go out of your home, office, or dedicated workspace. Especially if the school you’re eyeing is far from where you live, taking classes online can reduce the minutes or hours you spend on the road and use them for more productive activities.
Accessibility to Wider Opportunities
Compared to physical schools that offer a set of established courses, online nursing school offers a much wider variety of options to choose from. You can enroll for a course in one institution and take another workshop from a different source. Your choices are virtually limitless. Because of this, you can gain access to more opportunities to advance your learning.
Interactive Learning Environments
Oftentimes, online nursing schools offer more interactive learning approaches to ensure that students remain engaged. Many schools have their own platform where students can obtain the materials they need while being able to interact with faculty members. Many institutions still believe in creating a conducive learning environment, even online, so they increase their efforts to provide an optimal learning experience for everyone.
Whether that’s holding classes in small sizes, having one-on-one consultations, or providing group discussions, online nursing programs are equipped to give students what they need to advance in their education and career.
Online Nursing Schools To Look Into
Because of all the options available, you may find it overwhelming to narrow your choice of school and program. So, to help you get started on the right path, here are some of the top online nursing schools you can further look into.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a public college that educates students in dual modalities. This means that while they do have classes and programs on campus, they also offer courses online. One of which is their four-year RN-to-BSN program. This is one of 88 online bachelor’s degree programs that they offer even for distance learners.
The program itself facilitates interactive learning via a virtual classroom where their students can collaborate and work with faculty members and colleagues. In terms of the curriculum, the program consists of both foundational and advanced coursework to help aspiring nurses obtain the knowledge and experience they need to thrive in the field.
To help students achieve their career goals, the program also offers other learning opportunities like internships and research projects. So, if you want a program that encompasses all the relevant topics to nursing, this may be the right institution for you.
Texas A&M International University
Another great institution to explore is the Texas A&M International University. It is a public institution that offers 35 bachelor’s degree programs, one of which is their four-year RN-to-BSN program.
This particular program equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in the nursing profession. Much like at the University of Central Florida, the program also facilitates a virtual learning environment where students can collaborate with faculty and classmates.
Every week, there’s a lecture on foundational and advanced topics. If students are interested, the program also offers career workshops and many institutional resources to enhance the learning experience.
The program itself requires online and campus attendance. That said, if you live near the area, this may be a convenient option for you.
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies
If you’re looking for an institution offering a more diverse and advanced nursing program, you can check out Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies. This institution offers a Master, Doctorate, and Post-Graduate degree for students who are looking to expand their education.
Some of the MS nursing programs they offer include the following:
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Program
- Nurse-Midwifery Program
For more advanced degrees, they also have doctoral nursing practice programs and post-graduate certificate programs.
The Cost of Online Nursing School
Depending on where you decide to go, the cost of earning a nursing degree online may vary. But generally, you can expect to spend an amount within the range of $38,000 to $75,000 for a four-year BSN degree.
If you’re interested in an MSN program or a postgraduate degree, you may spend up to $100,000 for the whole course.
Get Your Nursing Degree Online Today
With this information, you can kickstart your career in nursing. Make sure to weigh all your options before selecting which institution and program to choose. Remember, even if you’re taking nursing courses online, it still requires time and commitment. So, as much as possible, try to find a course that can cater to your personal requirements. Only then can you get the most of the experience.