It’s not uncommon if you pose the question, “How do online nursing degrees work?” Because of the hands-on nature and patient care needed in this profession, how is pursuing this degree online even possible? Well, thanks to advances in modern technology and advances in online communication, high-quality nursing programs are available online – and the difference between a traditional nursing degree only lies in the presentation of the coursework. Here is a synopsis of what you can expect while pursuing an online nursing degree:
Step 1: Identifying Your Program of Interest
The first question you will want to answer for yourself is, “What nursing programs do I want to enter into?” Most levels of nursing education have online degrees available. Here are some common levels that you could pursue:
– Certificate/Diploma in Nursing (RN bridge programs)
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
– Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
– Doctorate in Nursing
Step 2: The Application
The college search and application process for an online nursing school is very similar to a traditional college or university. The first step is to find a high-quality, accredited school by researching online, obtaining recommendations from your personal network, or if you are a high school student by connecting with your guidance counselor. After you narrow your selection down to a few schools, you will submit required college application materials like standardized test scores, former college credits/transcripts, essays, and personal background information. This is usually done online with a college admissions counselor.
Step 3: Course Expectations and Format
Once you are accepted into a nursing program, your journey to higher learning begins. Many online schools have multiple start dates throughout the year, unlike traditional universities, so keep that in mind. Your classes are not constricted to a set time of day, though you may have weekly deadlines that you have to hit. Your courses will be delivered to you in an online portal (password protected) through WebCT, Blackboard, or a proprietary school portal. Each week, your online instructor will post required reading and assignments, and then it is up to you to fulfill those obligations. Lectures are delivered through videos, PowerPoint presentations, or plain text. Coursework usually takes the form of essays or worksheets. All testing will be done within this platform too. Because of the science and biology-based nature of much of the coursework, your online nursing program will be highly interactive with video, images, online lab work, and even multimedia games. Required lab credits can be fulfilled online too through an interactive lab with multimedia.
As you progress through your nursing degree, you will be required to conduct an internship, otherwise known as clinical externship, at a local health care facility. Often times, you may even receive a grade and college credit during your internship instead of compensation. Though the modality may differ, online nursing degrees and traditional nursing degrees have definite synergies. They require a commitment to learning and effort.
Online degree in nursing is gaining traction and respect around the world, and it is definitely worth considering pursuing if you are working full-time or have specific time constraints.