In today’s digital world, there are several types of nursing degrees offered online with little or no campus residency requirements. This is great news for busy nurses interested in furthering their clinical training while working full-time. Online nursing programs allow students to log-in anytime 24/7 to access course materials and assignments. Most online degrees easily conform to nurses’ existing lifestyle by arranging supervised practicum in their local community. Now is a great time for future and current nurses to pursue online nursing studies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts fast job growth by 16 percent for RNs and 31 percent for APRNs. Master the clinical skills for coordinating patient care by pursuing one of these nursing degrees online.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Online associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs are available at many two-year community colleges and vocational schools. This degree is geared towards students wishing to become entry-level registered nurses. ADN programs typically consist of 60 to 70 credits for learning fundamental treatment skills and nursing theories. Earning an online ADN degree will satisfy the requirements for taking the NCLEX-RN exam in most states. More than 30 percent of graduates will utilize the program as a stepping stone to a BSN.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) was labeled the minimal preparation for professional practice by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. This four-year degree can be completed online or in hybrid formats to develop requisite nursing skills. BSN programs seamlessly blend general education with nursing science and applied clinical practice. Online colleges may allow BSN students to select specialties, such as pediatrics, oncology, surgery, acute care, and psychiatry. Around 120 credits is required for completing an online BSN, including practicum at local healthcare centers.
RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN
Bridge programs are becoming very popular at online colleges to accelerate nurses’ learning based on prior experience. First, RN-to-BSN programs are designed for registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree. RNs save considerable time and money by earning credit for nursing skills they’ve already learned. Most online RN-to-BSN programs can be completed in just 18 to 24 months. Next, RN-to-MSN programs helps registered nurses catch up their baccalaureate education and attend graduate school immediately. Online RN-to-MSN programs typically take five semesters full-time.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs can be completed online by registered nurses preparing for entry into advanced practice nursing. Traditional MSN programs include one to three years of rigorous study in a specialty area. Online universities may offer tracks for Nursing Education, Nurse Midwifery, Nursing Administration, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, and more. Although most courses are delivered online, MSN training will involve clinical practicum and thesis or capstone projects. Online MSN programs can also be paired with degrees like an MBA, MPH, or MPA.
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It’s also possible at some online schools to earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for clinical, practice-oriented leadership development. Although rare, online DNP programs take three to five years full-time to unlock the highest level of nursing jobs. Whenever you’re looking for online nursing programs, make certain you check for proper accreditation to fulfill ANCC certification requirements, according to Nurse Credentialing. The various types of nursing degrees offered online will make achieving high-quality training more flexible and sometimes more affordable.
