College online nursing programs

Victor Taylor , director of graduate and professional programs at York College of Pennsylvania. The new slate of online offerings includes a Master of Science in Nursing —with professional tracks that include family nursing practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, adult gerontology nurse practitioner, and nurse educator—as well as a Master of Science in Healthcare Analytics , a Master of Science in Data Analytics , and a Data Analytics Certificate. Demand for both registered and advanced practice nurses has continued to increase during the pandemic, amid a growing shortage of primary care providers and increased turnover within the healthcare sector.

To help meet demand for continuing and graduate education for these high-growth industries, the College has selected iDesign , which has worked with more than institutions to design, build and support award-winning online courses. A team of veteran instructional designers and educators from iDesign will collaborate with program leaders, administrators, and faculty experts from the College to design and develop the online courses for the new degree programs and certificates.

Additionally, York College of Pennsylvania will tap iDesign's expertise in marketing, employer partnerships, strategic enrollment management, and student success coaching to help grow the program and sustain it over time. An associate degree in nursing requires about two years. A BSN takes around four years to finish.

RNs need at least an associate degree. RNs with a bachelor's degree enjoy a competitive edge and often earn more money. All RNs need a degree to practice. Some employers, such as hospitals, may require job candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Earning a BSN degree online comes with extra benefits. Online BSN degree-seekers often save money on commuting costs and tuition.

Distance learners also experience more flexibility. Students in asynchronous classes watch lectures and write on discussion boards at their convenience. However, online students must be strong independent learners to succeed in asynchronous classes. Online learners wanting more accountability can apply for synchronous online RN programs.

This option lets students attend live virtual classes and ask questions in real time. The exact price for an RN program varies. Fortunately, online RN programs often cost less than in-person programs. Some schools even charge rates similar to in-state tuition for virtual learners.

The National Center for Education Statistics collects data on tuition costs. This data does not include living expenses, like room and board. College students pursuing a BSN degree online often live at home and save on these costs. Besides tuition, learners need to budget for other fees. Online RN programs usually feature a fee for an online classroom platform. Distance learners also need to pay for high-speed internet and a reliable computer.

Some online programs require additional software. Books are another expense for online learners. Purchasing used, renting, or opting for virtual copies saves money. Most schools charge a graduation fee to participate in a ceremony.

Learners may need to budget for a cap and gown. Degree-holders need to pay for their registered nursing license. Renewal also costs a small fee. However, an RN's location impacts salary. Education level also affects earning potential.

According to Dec. Lastly, years of experience influences pay. An entry-level nurse typically earns less than one with 20 years of experience. During their studies, nursing students learn the importance of providing quality care. Enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program prepares you for greater responsibilities and gives you the academic credentials to seek advanced nursing career paths.

You can work in areas such as:. The next level of nursing education is the Master of Science in Nursing MSN , which builds on your prior learning and practical experience with leadership and independent-practice opportunities. You can specialize in one of five pathways aligned to specific advanced nursing roles. Finally, the Doctor of Nursing Practice DNP is a terminal nursing degree that prepares nursing leaders to practice at the highest levels of the profession.

As a graduate, you can pursue careers in executive leadership and a variety of advanced practice nursing roles. APRN roles include:. Our School of Nursing also offers online postgraduate certificates for advanced-practice nurses, including adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, executive leader, and nurse educator.

Many online nursing programs today offer the same rigorous, rewarding experience as brick-and-mortar nursing schools—without the commute or inconvenient class hours. This is why a growing number of students are choosing to study nursing online for the more flexible course experience it offers.

As an online nursing school student, strong organizational and time management skills are especially important. You must be ready to participate in online seminars and communicate about the material with instructors and fellow students via email and discussion boards.

They provide enriching training opportunities to support your academic and career goals. You can complete these experiences where you work, or work with our skilled clinical placement team to help you locate an approved health facility in your community. Our blog has even more specifics on how online nursing programs work at Purdue Global. Yes, many online nursing school programs are accredited, including those offered by Purdue University Global. But you must do your due diligence and research the accreditation status of each institution you are considering.

Accreditation tells you that an impartial agency recognized by the Department of Education DOE has validated the nursing program for quality and rigor. When evaluating accredited online nursing programs, consider which university or college is offering the program and see whether the school itself is accredited—and, if so, by which accrediting body. Another organization that accredits online nursing schools in the U. In addition to choosing an accredited online nursing program, you should be sure your program meets the educational requirements of the Board of Nursing in the state where you want to practice.

How many years of school it will take to become a nurse depends on where you are in your educational journey and career, and the level of nursing degree you wish to pursue. Typically, students can complete the program in as few as 18 months of full-time study. Admission requires a license to practice as a registered nurse, as well as an associate's degree, diploma, or certificate in nursing.

On average, our students complete their DNP in as few as 18 months. Postgraduate Certificates: Our CCNE-approved programs can prepare you to become a nurse practitioner or apply new expertise to your career. Certificates consist of 30 to 60 quarter credit hours. You can read more about the time it takes to progress your nursing career on our blog. There are many career paths in nursing. Your personal strengths, professional skills, and the patient population you want to care for will help determine your nursing career path.

Learners complete nontraditional clinicals that include class projects and research. Prospective students need a current RN license in North Carolina or a compact state. They also need an associate degree in nursing or a nursing diploma with a minimum 2.

The program blends theoretical nursing principles with clinical training. The degree prepares nurses for career advancement. Learners study evidence-based practice and strengthen their clinical skills. Degree-seekers also study topics like integrative care and health assessment. Another course explores community health nursing. The curriculum trains nurses to apply nursing theory and research to patient care. Prospective students must hold an RN license and submit a resume and letter of intent.

Located in southwestern Kentucky, Murray State enrolls 9, students annually. The school offers several online programs, including multiple online nursing programs. They also learn nursing assessment and community nursing. All online students pay in-state tuition rates regardless of residency. Applicants must hold a current RN license and meet educational requirements.

Nurses learn how to build strong patient care systems. The degree prepares nurses to move into leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Nursing students complete 21 core credits and three elective credits.

The curriculum covers topics like community health nursing and nursing leadership. Students also analyze healthcare informatics.

Learners complete a primary care academic certificate or a nursing in school health services certificate. The College of Nursing offers in-state tuition rates for all distance learners, regardless of residency. Ohio State is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

UNF is a public university located in Jacksonville. The program covers topics like population-based healthcare. Enrollees also explore community nursing and nursing leadership.

Coursework strengthens students' abilities to evaluate nursing research and act as leaders. The program uses eight-week terms and includes community experience hours in the student's local area. The school also offers online MSN programs in nursing education and nursing leadership. The online program offers an accelerated month route to a BSN.

The credit program covers advanced nursing concepts. Courses explore community health nursing and evidence-based practice. The curriculum also covers key topics like nursing research, informatics, and patient care technology.

Students gain hands-on experience through a clinical practicum and a clinical leadership capstone.