Can You Get A Job With An Online Nursing Degree?

Online degrees are becoming more accepted by employers, and these days there isn't much difference between an online degree and a traditional one. But what about the nursing sector—can you get a high-paying job with an online nursing degree?

Can I Get a Nursing Degree Online?

It is possible to complete a nursing degree online. There are many great online nursing programs out there and they can help you to acquire the necessary education and qualifications.

However, you can't complete your entire education remotely. You'll still need in-person clinical hours, and these must be completed at a physical location.

You can also combine an online education with a traditional one. If you already have your Registered Nurse (RN) license, you could apply for an online degree program to continue your education and learn about more specialized roles.

The Best Online Nursing Degrees

Are you looking to apply for an online nursing program? Check out the following options. The costs vary, as do the enrolments, but there are plenty of great options for aspiring nursing students:

University	Location	Cost (Per Credit)	Enrollment	Type of School	Admissions Deadline
Duke University	Durham, NC	$1,838	599	Private	Dec 1st
George Washington University	Washington, DC	$1,395	584	Private	Jan 15th
Rush University	Chicago, IL	$1,166	711	Private	Jan 6th
Ohio State University	Columbus, OH	$973	222	Public	Oct 31st
University of South Carolina	Columbia, SC	$1,438	409	Public	March 1st
University of Nevada—Las Vegas	Las Vegas, NV	$446	129	Public	Feb 1st
St. Xavier University	Chicago, IL	$750	233	Private	Rolling
The Catholic University of America Conway School Of Nursing	Washington, DC	$1,180	40	Private	Rolling
Texas A&M University Health Science Centre	Bryan, TX	$811	121	Public	Jan 15th
John Hopkins University	Baltimore, MD	$1,738	66	Private	Jan 1st
Stony Brook University—SUNY	Stony Brook, NY	$963	920	Public	Dec 1st
University of Cincinnati	Cincinnati, OH	$677	1,334	Public	April 1st
Oregon Health and Science University	Portland, OR	$825	41	Public	May 31st
University of Massachusetts--Amherst	Amherst, MA	$750	31	Public	Rolling
Ball State University	Muncie, IN	$661	266	Public	Feb 1st
University of Connecticut	Storrs, CY	$925	65	Public	Rolling
University of North Carolina--Greensboro	Greensboro, NC	$928	89	Public	May 15th
Medical university of South Carolina	Charleston, SC	$1,087	272	Public	Rolling
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus	Aurora, CO	$711	189	Public	Dec 15th
University of Alabama	Tuscaloosa, AL	$420	199	Public	Rolling

How to Find the Best Online Nursing Program

First things first, look for online programs approved by your state's licensing board, as well as ones that are accredited. Not only will this make life easier for you when applying for nursing jobs, but it will help you to secure financial aid if you need it.

Next, think about what you need from an online nursing school.

Consider your schedule, responsibilities, social life, and whether you need a program that is fully online or only partially online.

From there, look at factors such as:

• What is the pass rate for the online nursing school?
• Are the online courses conducted at specific times?
• Are there any specialties that are of interest to you?
• Will you have access to the faculty and other nursing students?

Prerequisites should also be considered, although these are fairly standard and include a GPA of at least 2.5 and passes for subjects such as English, biology, and chemistry.

The Pros and Cons of Online Nursing Schools

The biggest benefit of online nursing degree programs is that you can structure the work around your life. If you have a lot of responsibilities at home, including work and children, online nursing programs are a fantastic option.

In some cases, you can also set the pace at which you learn, which is great for students who don't have a lot of free time.

The downside is that remote learning requires a lot of self-discipline, and if you're not used to studying or working at home, that might be a challenge.

On campus, you can't simply ignore your work and spend a few hours watching Netflix instead, but when you're home alone and there's no one to watch over you, the latest must-watch series begins to look more interesting than your coursework.

Studying online requires good time management. Students must also be relatively tech-savvy. They will be seriously disadvantaged if they don't know how to use teleconferencing software or panic every time they need to send an email or submit an assignment.

Online learning is perfect for some people and terrible for others.

Questions About Online Nursing Degrees

Do you have a question about online nursing degree programs? Are you not sure whether this option is best for you or if it's even a possibility? Check out the following FAQs to get more information.

How Do Traditional and Online Nursing Programs Compare?

Everything that you learn in a traditional nursing program can also be taught via an online nursing program. The difference is that most of your time is spent working remotely behind computers and devices. Instead of in-person lectures and classrooms, you'll be given access to teleconferencing, videos, online quizzes, and often helpful software.

You can still speak to your professors and should also be able to communicate with other students. However, the exact structure of the course will vary depending on your chosen school and program.

Will I Ever Attend Campus?

You'll need to conduct clinical work, and this can't be done remotely, but the amount of time you spend on campus varies from school to school.

Nursing is a collaborative profession. You learn more when you're engaging with professors and fellow students, so most online degree programs encourage campus visits.

How Long Do Online Programs Take?

Most online nursing degrees take the same time as traditional programs, and as with traditional options, you can speed things up by choosing an accelerated program or using previous credits.

An associate degree takes an average of 2 years to complete and you can expect 4 years of study for a bachelor's degree. A master's degree can be completed with between 2 and 3 years of study.

Can I Complete Online Nursing Degree Programs at a Pace That Suits Me?

There are online nursing schools that allow you to learn at your own pace, but that's not true for all of them.

Can I Get Financial Aid for Online Nursing Programs?

There are financial aid options for online nursing degrees. These include federal aid, which is available to students attending accredited schools, and scholarships.

If you do receive financial aid, look into student loan forgiveness programs for nurses. These may be available if you work for a certain length of time in regions where there are nursing shortages. You could also qualify by working with a government agency or a nonprofit organization.

Are Online BSN Programs Worth It?

As with any degree program, you get out what you put in. An online nursing program is a great way to advance your nursing education, but the fact you're studying remotely doesn't mean you can cruise through the course.

You'll still need to study hard and work hard, and if you do, that online nursing degree could help you achieve your goals within the healthcare profession.