Short answer: Yes, you can achieve your vocational, bachelor’s, and even advanced nursing degrees online. The longer answer is: while you can earn your degree and complete your coursework online, you still have to fulfill practical hours at a physical location.
An exception to the above scenario is if you already have your registered nurse (RN) license, you can complete an online program to advance your education and potentially pursue further specialization.
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Benefits of Online Nursing Programs
Working as an RN and helping people with their healthcare needs can be a rewarding career choice. However, nursing, as a profession and at all levels of education, can be quite demanding. If you have a job and/or family responsibilities, this can pose an even greater challenge. Online nursing programs can provide flexibility and convenience in learning according to your own schedule. You don’t need to commute or spend hours attending classes in person at a school.
When you enroll in an online class, you are limited to selecting programs offered in your area. With online classes, you can choose a program that suits your needs without worrying about where you live or where the school is located. Online nursing programs also tend to have lower costs compared to on-campus options because you pay per credit and often don’t incur additional fees and expenses.
A drawback of completing an online nursing degree is that you still need to find a physical location to fulfill the required practical hours. This can be a downside because you have to research to find a suitable program, however, with flexible scheduling, you can complete some of the practical hours during your study period.
How Do Clinical Hours in Nursing School Work?
Clinical hours are similar to a real-life experience or apprenticeship. Clinical hours allow students to gain practical experience and are a requirement to work in the nursing field. Clinical hours can be organized through your degree program, or you may need to arrange this yourself if your online program does not provide clinical hours. You will have a supervisor accompanying you during your shift or rotation to answer questions, but you will primarily work under the shadow of a team member such as a nurse with their patients.
Most clinical programs culminate in a practicum or preceptorship phase, where you will be required to demonstrate the skills you have learned during your study. You may spend this time with a single unit or work with a small group of patients. This period typically lasts around 180 hours.
The Best Online Nursing School
The best online nursing school is one that offers the necessary classes and certifications and provides the most ideal schedule to allow you to succeed. The Nursing program at National University offers various options for you to complete your degree online. From a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, to RN and LVN programs, we provide a flexible schedule for you to complete your degree based on your busy schedule.
Is an Online Nursing Program Good?
Just because a program is online doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing the quality of your education. Online nursing programs are valid options for passionate healthcare professionals, but like any degree, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. That depends on how much time and effort you invest, studying correctly, seeking help when needed, and finding a practicum program that allows you to gain the necessary hands-on experience to work in the nursing field.
Can You Get a Job with an Online Nursing Degree?
While having a nursing degree is required to work in the healthcare field, where you obtain your degree doesn’t matter as much as the amount of relevant practical experience you have. Of course, do thorough research and make sure you enroll in a reputable, accredited nursing program. However, once you earn your degree, you still need to complete clinical hours and demonstrate the necessary skills to work in a hospital or healthcare facility. Obtaining an online nursing degree should not put you at a disadvantage when seeking employment, as long as you have completed the required online training.
Earn Your Online Nursing Degree from National University
If you are ready to start or advance your career in the promising field of nursing, learn more about the nursing programs we offer at National University. Our unique four-week schedule allows you to complete the courses while still working full-time and/or taking care of your family. Don’t let your busy schedule hold you back from pursuing your passion. Contact an advisor to learn more about our nursing program and select the option that helps you advance your career or prepare for success in a new field.