Online Nursing Schools
Nurses are one of the most in demand groups of professionals in healthcare. A rapidly expanding field, nursing is a high-stress but rewarding and well-respected career. The wide availability of nursing jobs and competitive salaries make nursing one of the top occupations in the nation. As a result online nursing schools have been developed to address the need for quality and convenient nursing programs.
Most online nursing schools cater to all levels of nurses. Prospective LPNs, or Licensed Practical Nurses, can complete one year training courses to become eligible to take the state administered nursing examination, called NCLEX-PN, in order to earn licensure. Registered Nurses (RNs) can enroll in online nursing schools to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in nursing degree (MSN). Some online nursing degree programs allow direct entry. Direct entry programs offer MSN degrees to non-nurses who already hold bachelor degrees in unrelated fields. Doctor of Science in Nursing (DSN) and dual degrees, such as a MSN/ MBA are also widely available.
Apart from degree programs, online nursing schools offer certificate programs. Professional certifications prove expertise in specialized skills and give nurses an edge when applying for promotions or requesting salary increases.
What all of these online nursing degree programs have in common is their convenience. Online courses allow students to attend courses from home. Hospitals, nursing homes, and home health care often require nurses to work odd hours and over time. As a result, keeping a traditional college course schedule is nearly impossible. Online nursing schools allow working professionals to attend class without interrupting their full-time jobs. This flexibility is also important for direct entry students who may need to remain in their non-nursing fields until their MSN program is completed.
Online nursing schools are available for-profit online colleges such as the University of Phoenix, DeVry University, and Kaplan Universities. Also, traditional colleges such as Pennsylvania State University offer online branches of their on-campus nursing schools.