Online Nursing Programs a Practical Guide
A relatively new entry into getting your nurse degree is to look at online nursing degree programs that are offered by both specialized online nursing schools and colleges as well as traditional universities offering an online option and alternative.
Types of Online Programs
All the usual degree programs are offered by most of the schools to start your nursing career or advance it by studying for a masters. The course offered include:
- Nursing diploma courses which is the entry level to becoming a registered nurse (RN)
- Associate degree program which offers a slightly faster route to qualification
- Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs which is seen as the most popular route to becoming a RN
- LPN to BSN programs if you are a licensed practical nurse and want to study for the BSN qualification this course is specific to upgrade your qualification
- Master of science in nursing (MSN) or masters degree follows on from the BSN and is for specialized work
- There are also nurse practitioner programs incorporating the masters degree course
- And if you want to learn faster and/ or do not have a nursing degree already there are now accelerated nursing degree programs offered by many colleges
Taking the NCLEX Exam
Once you have your degree qualification you'll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination to become a registered nurse (NCLEX-RN) and the current pass rates by degree type are as follows:
- Diploma - 1,654 candidates 91.5% pass rate
- Baccalaureate Degree - 25,459 candidates - 90.8% pass rate
- Associate Degree - 39,356 candidates - 88.6% pass rate
List of Online Nursing Schools
As mentioned there are many stand alone online nursing schools that are fully accredited with the various nursing boards in the US and a couple that are recommended are as follows:
| Walden University School offers all nursing degree programs including post masters certificates, master of science and bachelor of science in nursing. |
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Kaplan University offers bachelor degrees in health science and wellness as well as associate degrees and advance start bachelor degrees. |
Other online nursing schools include the following:
- American Sentinel University - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- University of Cincinnati - Nursing practioner (NP) and Midwifery
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nursing Practioner Acute Care, adult mental health and nursing faculty
- Duquesne University in Pennsylvania - Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Nurse Practioner family, acute care and nursing educator
- Gonzaga University in Spokane offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in health systems and nurse educator
- Grand Canyon University offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in health systems and nurse educator
- Indiana State University in Terra Haute offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse
- Indiana Wesleyan University offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in adminstration and nurse educator
- Jacksonville University offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse
- Keiser Campus Online offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse
- Liberty University in Lynchburg offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse and Masters programs in acute care and community health
- Loyola University New Orleans offers both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a number of hospital sites throughout in Louisiana and Masters programs as a health care systems management
- Michigan State University offers both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Masters programs as a nursing educator
- Nebraska Methodist College offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs for nursing education and a nurse executive as well as a post graduate certificate as a nurse educator
- University of North Carolina offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) courses and occupational health certificate
- Norwich University in Vermont offers Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs
- Post University in Connecticut offers the legal nursing certificate program
- Samuel Merritt College in Oakland California offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program
- Seton Hall University in New Jersey offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) as a nurse practioner and nurse administrator
- University of Phoenix - nursing certificate, associate degree, bachelors degree, masters and doctoral degree programs
- Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee offers the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in systems management and research management
- Western Governors University offers MSN in nursing education and leadership and management
As you can see there are plenty of online nursing degree programs to choose from. Just contact the relevant university for more information.
Financial Aid for Online Programs
Almost all the above universities and colleges have financial aid programs to assist with your studies. The information is available at their websites alternatively you may be able to apply for a nursing scholarship program in addition to your student loan.