Online Nursing Degrees

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Online colleges help at work nurses earn a nursing degree in a flexible format. Earning a nursing degree online may ready you to enter or further a nursing career. Both registered and advanced care nurses are in high demand, making now a perfect time to start.

What is an Online Nursing Degree?

A nursing degree is a path of study that one can follow to prepare for a professional career in nursing. It is often the credential you need to pursue a registered nurse (RN) or other state license.

There are online nursing degrees at all levels. From associates and bachelors (BSN), to masters (MSN) and doctorates. At each level, there are ways to tailor your nursing degree to line up with your goals. This may help you to gain patient care skills to work with a specific group (e.g. infants) or health issue (e.g. cancer patients). 

Before getting to online nursing degrees, there are a few other types of programs to mention. These are not direct pathways to become a nurse. But they may prepare you to get your feet wet in a nursing support role and help others along the way.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have basic patient care duties. Things like taking blood pressure or starting an IV drip. They work under the direction of RNs and doctors.

To become an LPN, you need to complete a state approved Practical Nursing Diploma program. Usually these are available at technical schools and community colleges. Some high schools, online colleges and hospitals too.

LPN programs award a certificate or diploma and may take one year (or more) to complete. Having the diploma allows you to pursue a license. But first you need to take and pass an exam. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) work in hospitals, nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Their tasks involve helping patients with basics. Things like taking a bath, eating or getting dressed.

CNAs also listen to patients and check vital signs. Plus, in some states, they may dispense medication. They perform these duties under the watch of LPNs and/or RNs.

To become a CNA, you must complete a state-approved education program. Plus, you must pass your state’s competency exam.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Registered nurses (RNs) have a wide range of patient care duties. Some RNs are responsible for overseeing LPNs, CNAs and other healthcare staff too.

In their role, a RN often starts with a patient assessment. They observe and record symptoms and medical history. Often, they

also educate patients and the public about various health conditions.

To become an RN, there are three possible education paths.

1. Diploma (From an approved nursing program)
2. Associates degree in Nursing (ADN)
3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

From there, you’ll need a nursing license. To become a registered nurse, you’ll need to do two main things. One is graduate from an approved nursing program. The other is to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

BSN – Bachelors of Science in Nursing Degree

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a higher educational award than the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Having a BSN degree, you may be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.

You don’t always need a BSN degree to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. But things may be changing. Many hospitals ask that all incoming nursing staff hold a BSN in addition to state credentials. 

As such, the BSN is the entry-level education listed for registered nursing. A BSN or higher the rule of thumb for other positions too. Among them are administrative positions, research, consulting, advanced practice roles (APRN) and teaching. It’s also a gateway to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctoral degree.

Usually, a BSN program offers well-rounded professional nursing instruction. It includes courses in nursing science, patient care and key skills. These skills are also called ‘competencies.’

BSN competencies are about understanding how to manage care. This involves being able to make decisions. Often under a variety of clinical situations and care settings. You may also put in some time in the lab and clinical settings as you practice under supervision.

It may take about four years to earn a bachelors degree in nursing online. But many online colleges offer accelerated BSN programs. These tend to be for non nurses (career switchers) who have a bachelor’s degree in another major.

RN to BSN

Registered nurses with an ADN or diploma often return to school to earn a BSN degree. They often do so through an online RN to BSN program. 

As it is a post licensure program and students have the RN license, an RN BSN program may take less time. Many online colleges offer programs that take about 18 months to two years full-time.

Direct Entry BSN

An accelerated BSN or direct entry BSN is for those who have a bachelors degree in a non nursing major. It allows students to apply general education credits from their first degree to the BSN. This path may take between one to one-and-a-half years.

How much does nursing school cost? The average tuition of a nursing school varies. It often depends whether you pay in state or out of state tuition. At last check, the average tuition for an in-state nursing school is $7,992. The average tuition for an out of state nursing school is $33,920.

MSN – Masters of Science in Nursing Degree

A master of science in nursing (MSN) is a graduate nursing degree. It is also the least education you’ll need to pursue an APRN license.

APRNs are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. There are four advanced practice roles that an MSN may prepare you for. These are:

1. Clinical nurse specialists (CNS)
2. Nurse practitioners (NP)
3. Certified nurse midwives (CNM)
4. Certified nurse anesthetists (CRNA)

To enter any of the above nursing professions, nurses need to earn an MSN in their specialty. Having the MSN is a requirement to take a role-specific exam to gain licensure. Though there is a motion in place to change this to the Doctor of Nursing Practice at some point.

The curriculum for an MSN program can vary a bit depending on what you pursue your MSN degree in. Apart from the direct care APRN roles, there are programs that focus on indirect care. Nurse educator, nurse executive and the like. 

Either way, most programs involve a mix of more complex competencies and knowledge. One often studies pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, IT, community health and evidence-based practice. There is a practicum too.

Another variable for online MSN programs is the time it takes to complete one. If you already have an RN license and a bachelors degree in nursing, it may take two years to earn your MSN degree.

While an online BSN to MSN program may suit some, it may not suit you. Fortunately, there are other programs that enable working nurses to earn a masters degree in nursing.

Direct Entry MSN

Accelerated or direct entry MSN programs are for students with a bachelors or grad degree in a non-nursing major. They often take up to 3 years to complete. Upon completion of year one, many are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

RN to BSN to MSN

An RN to MSN program is a three-step program if you enter as an ADN prepared nurse. After earning a BSN, the nurse is prepared to enroll in an MSN program. Usually, you need to fulfill extra clinical hours, but many programs take 2 to 3 years to complete. At the end, successful grads earn two degrees – BSN and MSN.

RN to MSN Bridge

An RN to MSN program is similar to the RN to BSN to MSN. But instead of step by step, nurses may enroll in the MSN portion of the program while still completing their BSN. It is set up differently in each school but may take around 3 years to complete. At the end, successful grads earn the MSN – but not always the BSN also.

DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP degree) is the highest award nurses might achieve. It has the same academic value of a PhD in Nursing. But unlike the research focus of the PhD, the DNP is nurses who want to hone expertise in their clinical area.

In fact, since 2004, the nursing world has been trying to replace the MSN with the DNP as the entry point to APRN nursing. As a practice-focused doctorate, the DNP aims to instill leadership skills.

The curriculum of a DNP revolves around translating nursing science (evidence) into practice. This often means learning how to collaborate in health care teams to deliver care. Other aspects include clinical hours with your chosen patient group and a final DNP project. 

There are many ways to enter an online DNP program so the time it takes to complete one varies. But for post-MSN nurses, it may take about 3 years.

How much does it cost to earn an MSN or DNP degree online? The average cost of a graduate degree from a public institution is $11,617. This means you will be able to find online nursing programs both more affordable and more expensive than this amount.

What can I do with an Online Nursing Degree?

A nursing degree may ready you pursue a range of jobs in healthcare and the nursing profession. As a nursing professional, you might deliver care to a specific patient group. But if your interests lie helping in other ways, careers in indirect care need nursing skills too.

With a BSN degree and current RN license, you might work as a registered nurse. Many RNs focus on providing patient care for a niche group. This can include addiction, oncology, critical care, infants, public health and cardiovascular nursing.

With an MSN degree and current license in your field, you might pursue a career in an APRN role. Of these, nurse practitioners (NPs) often apply their skills to a specific group too. Adult/geriatric, women’s health, pediatrics, psychiatric and mental health are a few.

With a DNP degree, you may have other options besides being a leader in advanced practice nursing. One of these is to teach the clinical components of nursing programs. DNP leaders might also set hospital policy to improve the quality of patient care. Or manage teams of nurses. 

Here are 15 potential careers in nursing that require either an undergraduate or graduate nursing degree:

1. Community Health Consultant
2. Public Health Educator
3. Director of Nursing
4. Staff Nurse
5. Emergency Department RN
6. Nursing Professor
7. Nursing Information Systems Coordinator
8. Nurse Manager
9. Board-Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
10. Nurse practitioners (NP)
11. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
12. Chief Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
13. HIV CTS Specialist
14. Nursing Director
15. Chief Nursing Officer

Is a Degree in Nursing worth it?

One reason to consider earning a nursing degree online is for the potential to earn more. Another is the opportunity to pursue a wider spectrum of career paths.

Let’s take a look at salaries for LPNs (diploma) vs. registered nurses (BSN). In the latest data from the BLS.gov, Licensed Practical Nurses earned a median annual salary of $46,240 in 2018. In comparison, the median annual salary of an RN was $71,730. That’s $25,310 per year more.

If you’re wondering whether getting a masters in nursing is worth it, let’s again look at salary from the BLS.gov. In 2018, the median annual wage for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners was $113,930. That’s $42,200 more than for RNs and $67,690 above LPNs.

About jobs and opportunity. Nurses are vital contributors to healthcare, and this is only getting stronger. The need for registered nurses is on the rise by 15% to 2026. It’s 31% for APRNs. These figures mean there are jobs available now, and more predicted for the future.

Some of the reasons for this are aging population and the health issues that go along with it. There’s also more emphasis now on team-based models of care and preventive health.

Salaries for jobs with an Online Nursing Degree

Occupation	Average Salary	Employment
Nurse Anesthetist	$164,030	39,860
Nurse Practitioner	$107,480	166,280
Nurse Midwife	$102,390	6,270
Registered Nurse	$75,510	2,951,960

Top States for Employment with an Online Nursing Degree

State	Employment	Annual Mean Wage
California	294,510	$109,950
Texas	210,350	$72,890
New York	182,490	$85,610
Florida	177,600	$66,210
Pennsylvania	148,520	$70,390

What classes will I take with an Online Nursing Degree?

Most online nursing programs, like on-campus ones, consist of the same basic curriculum. But, the classes and number of clinical practice hours differ for each nursing degree.

Many online colleges deliver all or most nursing degree courses via web technology. But in some programs, one may need to visit campus from time to time. That stated, you are usually able to complete your clinical hours in your local community.

As a rule of thumb, accredited online nursing degree programs may follow certain content guidelines. These often stem from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN).

The AACN has what they call the “Essentials Series”. Each one covers programs at the bachelors, masters or DNP levels. Nursing schools who abide by this may use different names for their courses.

We’ll take a look at a few topics you might learn at each level before taking a deeper look at some popular classes.

Online BSN Classes

A nurse with a BSN degree has added duties. This often includes playing a support role to patients and families. They may also need to educate their patients, taking time to go over health habits.

Apart from helping with a patient care plan, they may also assist doctors. Key courses at this level might include:

• Microbiology
• Case management
• Public health nursing
• Health assessment

Online MSN Classes

An MSN program often helps students learn to conduct a head-to-toe physical exam. Depending on the program, you may learn to apply these skills for a specific patient group. It also aims to further knowledge about prescribing medications.

Most study plans also help students refine research skills. This is key to using sound decision making skills in dealing with patients and improving quality along the way. Apart from these areas, key courses at this level might include:

• Organizational and systems leadership
• Healthcare IT
• Advocacy
• Inter professional collaboration

Online DNP Classes

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program prepares leaders in advanced nursing practice. DNP prepared nurses know how to bring evidence into the practice arena. They also understand how to improve health care outcomes. Both to guide complex care delivery and nursing education.

While studying nursing science and how to apply it, you will likely research for a DNP project. It is a synthesis of course material, research and clinical learning. Key courses at this level include:

• Health assessment (advanced) and clinical reasoning
• Advanced physiology and pathophysiology
• Advanced pharmacotherapeutics
• Quality Improvement in healthcare

While course names vary, here is a deeper look at some popular online nursing classes.

Fundamentals of Nursing

This bachelors level course covers the basics of nursing skills and duties. You may learn to read and record vitals signs, analyze symptoms and assist patients with things like bathing and getting dressed.

Nursing Health Assessment

This class is about how to conduct a routine health exam. At its most basic level, it may help to hone your bedside manner. You may also learn how to review a patient’s history, process lab tests and other protocols. 

Depending on the degree level, you might also study assessments for a specific patient group. Like women’s health, geriatrics or pediatrics. Each of these requires certain forms of communication and observation. 

Healthcare Policy and Advocacy

This course provides an over view of health care policy, organization, and financing. It may also touch on the role of an MSN-prepared nurse as leader. One whose voice may help to form new health care policies.

Health Care Informatics

This class helps MSN students learn basic computer skills to manage patient care. It also touches on how to use healthcare data to make informed decisions. 

Nursing Research

This class is often a feature of an MSN program. It centers around identifying and solving problems through research. You may also look at nursing innovations in clinical practice.

Health Promotions in Populations

This class is a staple on most DNP curricula. It usually has two goals. One touches on the basic concepts and causes of population health. This often includes studying the tools used in disease control. Another is to help students learn how to develop, put into use and assess programs. These either help to promote health or prevent illness.

Leadership in Advanced Practice Nursing

This class is about systems thinking. It may help DNP students learn some ways to improve health outcomes for patient safety. Also, how to work in teams with other health care professionals within their organization.

How long does it take to get a Nursing Degree online?

The time it takes to complete a nursing degree online depends on a few things. One is your level of education. Another is the level of nursing degree you are working to achieve. Last, your course load – are you studying full-time or part-time?

Here are some average time frames for earning a degree in nursing online. Most programs entail courses and clinical hours. You’ll need to log the hours to earn your degree.

• Associates degree (ADN): two years
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing; four years
• Direct Entry BSN: one to one and a half years
• Master of Science in Nursing: two years
• Doctor of Nursing Practice: three years

University	Level of Degree	# of Credits Required	Starts Per Year	Minimum Months to Complete
Ohio University Main Campus	RN to BSN	120	8	12
Mount Carmel College of Nursing	RN to BSN	128	3	18
Samuel Merritt University	MSN-FNP	49	3	20
Simmons University	RN to MSN	68	multiple	30
University of Mary	ADN to MSN	43	multiple	20
Chamberlain University	RN to BSN to MSN	122	3	48
Samford University	RN to DNP-FNP	84	3	48
Vanderbilt University	BSN to DNP	64	3	36
University of Cincinnati Main Campus	BSN to DNP	78 – 84	3	36
Benedictine University	BSN to MSN	39	3	24
Xavier University	BSN to MSN	36	3	24
Bradley University	MSN to DNP	43	multiple	36

15 Online Nursing Degrees

Here are 15 schools where you can find online nursing degrees. Many of these online colleges offer more than one track and/or concentration.

1. Chamberlain University
2. Purdue University Global
3. Clarion University
4. Pennsylvania State World Campus
5. Fort Hays University
6. Benedictine University
7. Xavier University
8. Simmons University
9. Samuel Merritt University
10. University of Mary
11. Bradley University
12. University of Michigan – Flint
13. George Washington University
14. Vanderbilt University
15. University of Cincinnati

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