Everything You Need to Know about Studying Nursing Online

If you have already made the decision to pursue a career in nursing, the next step towards your journey of becoming a registered nurse (RN) is to decide whether to study online or at a traditional college. While both have their pros and cons, there is no denying that online learning presents several benefits for students, particularly within current times where social distancing is key. 

Below is everything that you need to know about online learning in the nursing field. 

What online nursing programs are available?

You generally have four main options upon entering the realm of nursing:

• The first is to study towards your nursing diploma. This can take anywhere between 16-24 months to complete. However, it severely limits your options when it comes to furthering your education later in life. If you have your eye on an MSN or a DNP, it is definitely worthwhile to look into a bachelor's degree instead. 

• The second is to study towards your Associate Nursing degree (ADN). Most ADN programs take 20-24 months to complete. Like a nursing diploma, an ADN will not allow you to pursue an MSN or DNP. You will need to obtain your BSN first. 

• The third is to study towards a BSN, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. This is arguably the most popular route to becoming a registered nurse. It takes three to four years to complete. 

• The fourth is to study towards an ABSN, which is an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. If you have previous credits, this is a great way to fast-track your studies. There are a number of accelerated nursing programs out there, and depending on the one selected, most diligent students can complete their ABSN within one year. 

Is the entire course completed online?

No. When it comes to nursing programs, there are always two components involved. The first is that of nursing theory, which involves coursework, assignments, and learning via textbooks and online lectures. The second component is the practical nursing component, which involves taking a more hands-on approach to putting all that you have learnt into practice. 

Online nursing courses make it possible for you to complete the theory component of your studies 100% online. However, you will still need to complete your practical nursing experience in person. The great news is that most of the world-class online nursing universities handle all clinical placements and scheduling on your behalf. 

What kind of support is there? 

Many prospective students steer clear of online courses because they worry there will not be a sufficient level of support available to help them pass. On the contrary, because students will not have direct access to lecturers or mentors, the vast majority of online universities go that extra mile to ensure that their students feel adequately supported. 

Usually, you will have the option to get in touch with someone for assistance via email or a specialized support portal at any time and can respect a prompt response to your questions. In contrast, if you were to do the same while studying at a traditional university, you could expect to wait a few days for a reply, often having to follow-up before receiving any response at all.  

Now you know the details surrounding studying nursing online. Best of luck as you begin this exciting new chapter in your education.