Online Nursing Programs: How to Attend Nursing School Online, What Practical Activities Do You Need to Complete In-person & How to Get Your Degree Flexibly
If you are currently exploring ways to become a registered nurse, online RN programs may seem the ideal path, particularly if you have other personal, professional, or family commitments. Yet, the viability of an online RN program depends considerably on your current level of education, career goals, and readiness to pursue fully online or blended distance educational paths.
If you need help in understanding online learning options for nurses, we provide you with a comprehensive guide that tells you all you need to know about the experience of remote education, including whether you can become a nurse online, how online or blended distance programs work, and what makes online learning worthy of your time and consideration.
Can You Get a Nursing Degree or Become a Nurse Online?
Generally speaking, although there are educational options that allow you to complete part of your learning experience fully online, most full certification programs require you to complete on-ground courses, whether considering PN, RN, or MSN educational paths. In other words, in order to earn a nursing degree, you will need to complete some level of in-person practical preparation.
That is why most nursing programs with an online learning component are, in fact, blended-distance. This means that they include instructional courses that can be completed entirely online, along with the practical preparation required for certified nursing education. The reasoning is that many skills can only be learned by caring for patients through hands-on experience. While online courses can deliver nursing concepts, students need the immersive experience of being in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
At Nightingale College, for instance, you can pursue various academic programs and complete the concept-based, theoretical instruction entirely online, while the practical component is completed in designated areas. To maintain an increased level of viability and availability, we ensure that our learners can complete the in-person activities in one of the many Supervised On-ground Field Experience (SOFE) areas throughout the country.
Discover the SOFE areas made available for Nightingale College students.
Generally, partially online nursing programs ensure accessibility and flexibility by having multiple healthcare settings nationwide, guaranteeing that you can easily complete your required courses. Thus, a blended distance learning option is recommended for learners who need more flexibility in their educational process.
How to Choose Your Partially Online Nursing Program?
If you want to become a nurse online, the first step is to find the appropriate program for your career expectations. Most online nursing programs you will encounter are designed for aspiring students who want to achieve registered nursing degrees, such as an ADN, ASN, or BSN. Many others are geared toward certified RNs who have already passed the NCLEX-RN exam and want to advance their education.
Another thing you should consider when starting your nursing education online is the school's experience with online learning. Enrolling in a partially online RN program from an experienced school is a safer decision.
At Nightingale College, we have provided trusted, high-quality nursing education for years and continue to improve our curriculum. Additionally, our programs cover most educational paths necessary for starting or furthering your career:
- PN Diploma Program – If you are just starting as a nursing student and want to join the workforce and start practicing as soon as possible, the fastest way into a healthcare setting is the 12-month PN Diploma Program.
- LPN-to-ASN Path – Essential fast-track for advancing from a licensed practical nurse to a registered nurse in as few as 16 months.
- BSN Program – If you want to start your career as a registered nurse with a BSN, this program will provide quality concept-based education and trusted field experience, allowing you to graduate in less than 3 years.
- MSN FNP and MSN PMHNP Programs – 24-month Master’s programs that prepare you to pursue a career in education, family and community health, or psychiatric and mental health care.
Keep in mind that all full-time nursing programs that allow you to receive certification will also require you to complete some in-person practical activities. However, online theoretical learning can greatly improve the viability and appeal of a nursing program.
Find out more about the academic programs at Nightingale College.
How to Become a Nurse Online: Getting Your Nursing Degree
If you are considering earning your nursing degree by studying online and completing your practice in-person, you can find the relevant details for the process below.
Becoming an LPN: Entry-level Program
Receiving practical nursing education is the shortest route to starting your nursing career and practice. You can do so via the blended distance PN Diploma Program offered by Nightingale College. The program allows you to complete the entirety of your nursing theoretical instruction online, and perform necessary practical activities in one of the SOFE areas close to your location.
Learners can complete the program in as few as 12 months and then apply to take the NCLEX-PN. Once having passed the NCLEX-PN exam, learners receive their practical nursing license and can start practicing as a licensed practical nurse.
You can learn more about the process of becoming an LPN, as well as about available LPN jobs and careers and the estimated LPN salary by state.
Becoming an RN Through Online ADN Programs
Similar to other nursing programs, what are called online ADN programs will involve in-person practical activities, along with online or partially online theoretical instruction. Thus, experiential learning will be completed in-person, in a medical facility.
Most ADN programs include classes in pharmacology, advanced issues in cognition, and gerontological nursing that can be taken online. These classes have no hands-on skills associated with them, so offering them in a virtual environment doesn’t reduce the quality of learning.
At the same time, classes like Concepts of Nursing in Acute Care, Entry into Professional Nursing Practice, and Concepts of Nursing – Health Promotion give the best results if offered on the ground. Nursing students, especially those at the beginning of their nursing career, must learn the skills they will need to be confident, competent, and compassionate RNs, and there’s no better way to do that than to interact with patients in healthcare facilities directly and to experience firsthand the real life of a nurse.
Advancing From LPN to RN via Bridge Paths
If you have previously received your PN diploma and have passed the NCLEX-PN, you can advance your education and become a nurse online faster via a bridge path.
For instance, the LPN-to-ASN Path at Nightingale College focuses on practical, concept-based education and can be completed in as few as 16 months. The program thoroughly prepares you to pass the NCLEX-RN, become a nurse online, and be a valuable and apt member in various healthcare settings. Remember that this path brings your education to the ASN/ADN level, which grants you the possibility to receive your certification and practice as an RN.
Find out more about LPN to RN bridge programs and everything they entail.
Getting Your BSN Degree Through Blended Distance Educational Programs
Registered nurses can earn a BSN by enrolling in a blended distance education program. These learning options, whether traditional, full-length BSN programs, or accelerated BSN programs, generally offer online study combined with necessary practical activities held in person within specified facilities.
For instance, during the BSN Program offered by Nightingale College, theoretical instruction is provided entirely online, while the practical experiences are held in one of the many Supervised On-ground Field Experience (SOFE) facilities around the country. In addition, the program culminates with a Capstone Leadership project that demonstrates your practice readiness and leadership competence in the field.
Discover the BSN Program at Nightingale College, and leverage online learning to reach your goals!
If you have already achieved ADN/ASN/AASN-level education and want to advance by earning a BSN, you may be able to enroll in an RN-to-BSN track, some of which are provided entirely online. However, educational bridge paths often involve a more intense and compressed learning experience, potentially creating time burdens that reduce the appeal of a partially online nursing program.
Getting a Master’s of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online
You can pursue an online MSN degree should you decide to advance your education and join the ranks of the graduate-level nurse practitioners and advanced practice registered nurses. As with other trusted educational paths, online MSN-level nursing programs combine online instruction with in-person seminars and preceptorship experiences to provide the high-level preparation necessary for advanced practice.
Nightingale College offers two blended distance educational options for advancing your education to the MSN level:
- MSN FNP – Recommended for aspiring family nurse practitioners who want to work with a broad range of patients throughout their lives.
- MSN PMHNP – Recommended for aspiring psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners who want to specialize in the provision of mental health and psychiatric care.
Find the online academic program that suits you best!
How Do Online Nursing Programs Work?
From paperless admissions to video interviews to completing prerequisites, learning class materials, taking exams, and even using pioneering teaching technology, online nursing programs with practical preparation components are specially designed to assure convenience and availability for learners.
Before enrolling, it helps to have a very clear picture of what blended-distance online nursing school is like, from start to finish:
Admissions
Admissions for online programs are similar to those in on-campus facilities, although they happen entirely in virtual environments. Schools can individualize their admission process, but generally, it goes along the same lines: you find a program that interests you, apply, submit a personal essay, and other required documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and different certificates, like CPR training (if available). In some cases, an interview with an admissions advisor might follow. Most schools also have entrance exams.
Prerequisites
Completing some prerequisite courses is a requirement for most nursing programs, online and otherwise. For instance, for enrollment in a PN diploma program or an ADN program, you can expect the prerequisites to include English, Math, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and developmental psychology. You might also have to pass statistics, microbiology, biology, chemistry, and other prerequisites for a BSN program.
The required prerequisites can slightly differ from school to school, so it’s best to check with the institution you wish to attend what classes to focus your attention on. The courses may also vary based on the specialty of your degree.
Learn more about nursing school prerequisites and admission requirements.
Homework & Course Schedule
When it comes to online nursing programs, you’re entirely responsible for how you choose to manage your time, place of study, and schedule. One problem online learners face is procrastination, so now is a great time to work on your planning and organization skills. Otherwise, doing your homework and following course materials will prove more difficult.
A good tip is to take the time to review the syllabus. This will help you understand the class format, the requirements, and also the expectations you have to meet. Thus, it will be easier to devise a schedule that works for you, and every assignment will find you prepared.
Exams
In online nursing programs, traditional exams are usually substituted by written work, in which you have to demonstrate how well you understood the provided materials. But don’t get too excited yet. Exams are still mandatory and extremely serious.
Lab Clinicals
Depending on the program and college, even in online nursing programs, you must participate in clinicals, allowing you to acquire essential hands-on experience from a medical facility.
You should perceive clinicals as intense working sessions where you learn to tackle real-life responsibilities in the workplace. It will help you gain experience in the field and ensure that you are ready to work in a healthcare facility.
Unlike other online nursing programs that require most learners to make the clinical arrangements, the practical experiences in the BSN program required by Nightingale are dedicated to Community Health and Capstone Projects, which demonstrate your readiness for clinical practice and abilities needed for leadership in the field, being valuable for your educational process and career later on.
Online-specific activities
Blended-distance online nursing programs will also have various didactic activities that are specific to their format.
For instance, academic programs at Nightingale College also involve the use of technology to support remote learning, further improving learners' practical skills. For instance, our VR learning solutions enable learners to have an increased level of interaction and "hands-on" experience.
Additionally, as part of learners' support services and resources, our learners receive dedicated NCLEX and academic coaching, which guarantees excellence and improved results. Thus, although a blended-distance online nursing program may garner poorer educational outcomes, the reality usually is the opposite, given the appropriate structure, faculty practices, and technological support.
Learn more about the learner experience at Nightingale College.
Curriculum
If you’re considering pursuing an online nursing program, you should know they cover the same topics as the campus-based courses.
You will learn nursing fundamentals, theories, healthcare ethics, and management-related disciplines. The curriculum also includes post-licensure coursework focusing on community nursing, leadership, policy, ethics, critical care, gerontology, health promotion, disease prevention, and informatics, among other key nursing concepts.
Learn more about the nursing classes and activities you will participate in based on the program you choose.
Browse our academic programs and consult the courses included in each one!
Graduation & Diploma
If you are enrolled in an ADN online program or a traditional BSN, once you complete the educational and clinical requirements of the chosen program, you must pursue licensure to become a nurse, online or otherwise. To do that, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), a comprehensive, all-encompassing exam that allows you to practice as an RN.
How Long Do Online Nursing Programs Take?
On average, earning your Associate’s Degree in Nursing takes up to two years. Depending on your previous educational background, getting your BSN degree online can take anywhere from 12 months to four years, while online MSN degrees usually take around 2 years to complete.
Regarding online learning, you can also opt for an accelerated program, which lets you earn your degree faster. This type of program is more challenging, but if you are looking for the fastest route toward your degree, this may be a worthy option. Also, if you already have a Bachelor’s Degree in an unrelated field and wish to switch to nursing, that might shorten the duration of your studies.
The Nightingale College blended-distance learning online nursing programs are specifically designed to be completed in a relatively short amount of time while also holding onto the highest standards of nursing education. Generally, this is how long it takes to complete each online program at our college:
- Practical Nursing Certification: The PN Diploma Program is the required educational path for licensed practical nurses. It can take as few as 12 months to complete.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing: The blended-distance BSN usually takes around 32 months, allowing learners to develop skills, reasoning, and attributes of successful, compassionate, professional registered nurses.
- Master’s of Science in Nursing: The two MSN programs provided at Nightingale College (the MSN FNP and the MSN PMHNP) allow you to graduate in as few as 24 months. They are designed for learners with a BSN and prepare students to practice in diverse settings, from hospitals and schools to industry and businesses.
Read more about how long it takes to complete nursing school.
How Much Do Online Nursing Programs Cost?
Nursing programs with online theoretical learning components can often cost less than standard ones.
Although tuition fees are comparable, students can often reduce part of the costs typically associated with in-person classes. All the resources are updated online and uploaded on the learner portal, where you can log in and out whenever you want. Thus, online nursing programs are more cost-friendly, and this is another reason many people choose to go online.
For instance, depending on the learning institution chosen, a traditional, on-campus BSN program can currently cost you between $32,000 and $100,000 yearly, not including accommodation and transportation costs. At the same time, tuition for the Nightingale College blended BSN program is $655 per semester credit, with 120 semester credits required for the conferral of the BSN degree.
Find out more about nursing school costs.
Benefits of Online Nursing Programs vs On-Campus Learning
When considering the quality of education provided, online nursing schools are on par with traditional, on-campus institutions, as both require and are subject to the same types of accreditation.
Additionally, no matter the format, all nursing programs require the same level of commitment and passion.
Still, there are a few important differences between on-campus and blended-distance online programs. Below, you can find the relevant details:
Format
The main difference between online and traditional courses is that the former is hosted via an online portal, where you will interact with fellow learners and your professors during various lectures, assignments, and comments for students to access and review.
The main benefit of the blended-distance online format is that you can access quality education anywhere, regardless of location or other obligations that force you to stay home or be on the go.
Interaction with Teachers and Colleagues
One drawback is that the online learning format can become isolating, especially if you do not have a reliable support system.
Luckily, a blended distance program, such as most of the academic programs at Nightingale College, can relieve the alienation and allow you to meet and build relationships with academic staff and fellow students. Additionally, many online nursing schools take active steps toward building communities and supporting their students, no matter what walks of life they come from.
Studying at Your Own Pace
One of the significant benefits of online nursing programs is that they allow you to study at your own pace. You’re not restricted by structured, rigid schedules typically associated with in-person-only institutions.
Flexibility
When you take up an online nursing program, you can organize your learning around other fixed commitments you may have. This way, you can continue your daily work and look after your family life and social obligations. The ability to study remotely makes it easier to obtain a nursing qualification.
Accessibility
Online programs have a definitive advantage over on-campus ones in terms of accessibility. You can log on to your course anytime, from any location, even if it’s evening, lunch break, or weekend. Regardless of where you live, you can find a school that caters to your area.
Technology
Familiarization with technology plays a huge part in online nursing programs, which often involve cutting-edge teaching methods, such as the VR-assisted learning activities at Nightingale College. This not only guarantees better educational outcomes, as studies show, but can also help you keep up with the technological advancements taking place within the nursing industry.
Are Online Nursing Programs Better Than On-Campus Ones?
Ultimately, the answer comes down to your preferences, learning style, and personal requirements. While the viability of an online nursing program depends on your objectives, here are the main pros and cons of an online program:
Pros of online nursing programs:
- The virtual format guarantees maximum flexibility in organizing your learning tasks and responsibilities.
- Online nursing programs are designed to be accessible to a broader base of learners, especially those from underserved and underrepresented communities.
- Online nursing programs are helpful if you have to juggle studies, a full-time job, family responsibilities, and other personal priorities.
- They allow you to develop particular management and leadership skills sought by prospective employers while developing your tech savviness.
Cons of online nursing programs:
- Online learning can seem confusing if you’re unfamiliar with online education.
- They demand more responsibility, independence, and self-discipline from learners.
- Although most of your education will occur online, most programs require you to complete supervised on-ground field experience classes.
- Some programs may provide limited support for passing NCLEX exams post-graduation.
Learn more about the differences between online, hybrid, and on-ground BSN programs.
At Nightingale College, we aim to maximize the benefits of online education while reducing the drawbacks. This is why our academic programs include coaching for passing the NCLEX and other support systems, in addition to an accredited, high-quality curriculum that helps you become an essential member of your future work setting. We prioritize student success and provide a learning experience aimed toward career development and fulfillment.
Are Online Nursing Programs Harder?
Online nursing courses have the same difficulty as on-campus ones and can pose additional hurdles if you’re not used to planning your schedule and managing your time efficiently. You will have homework, required reading, deadlines, and projects and face the same expectations you would have to meet in a traditional class.
Remember that online nursing programs require clinical hours, which you must pass to get your degree. That’s your chance to put into practice all the things you learned online and also a turning point in your online nursing degree.
One difficulty specific to blended-distance education is the apparent lack of community or faculty support. However, rather than being a given, the potential alienation hinges on whether the faculty provides the grounds for creating a community. As with technology, it can either make you more isolated or connect you with people at an unprecedented level. That is why it is worth exploring the learner experiences of current and past students of the nursing school you want to apply to.
Are Online Nursing Programs Accredited?
Many high-quality online nursing degrees are available for various specialties and degree levels, from associate to doctoral degrees. Before enrollment, ensure that a reputable institution offers your chosen online degree.
Although many are, online degrees are not guaranteed to be accredited. Research and check if your online nursing program is accredited by a national association – the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Since the accreditation procedure follows the same standards to review and qualify all academic institutions, you can be sure that, in terms of the quality of education, online and offline programs will offer you the same level of preparation.
Nightingale College is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and our programs follow the AACN guidelines for Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing.
Our accreditation proves our commitment to upholding the highest educational standards. Our programs train strong nursing professionals while being recognized and respected among potential employers.
Are Online Nursing Programs Credible to Employers?
Employers do not discriminate against RNs who hold online nursing degrees as long as these degrees come from reputable, accredited institutions. So, if the online program you choose to enroll in is serious, employers will consider you a viable candidate for a job.
Remember, many employers will refuse to recognize degrees from colleges that are not accredited. If you’re considering attending an unaccredited program with no on-ground requirements, think about what options may or may not be available after graduation.
Enroll in a Blended-Distance Online Nursing Program and Take the Next Step in Your Nursing Career
Blended-distance online nursing programs are appreciated for their multiple benefits, from the flexibility they offer to the professionalism with which they are conducted. However, during the past few months, the importance of online nursing schools has skyrocketed.
Online nursing programs allow aspiring nurses to start their careers or advance if they’re already professionals.
Online nursing education is genuinely demanding and requires rigor, commitment, and a willingness from both learners and teachers to embrace modern technology academically. But if you stick with it, it will prepare you for a successful career in nursing. You’ll be better equipped to fight on the frontlines of any local or global medical threat, proving, again and again, how essential nurses are in the healthcare system.
FAQs About Online Nursing Programs, Schools, and Learning
- Can you get a nursing degree online?
- Can you become a registered nurse completely online?
- How do online nursing programs work?
- How do clinicals work in an online nursing program?
- Do online nursing students have to visit a campus?
- Are online nursing programs accredited?
- Is accreditation the same as state board approval?
- Can I enroll in an online nursing school located in another state?
- Can graduates of online nursing programs take the NCLEX?
- Are online nursing programs self-paced?
- Can I work while attending an online nursing program?
- Is financial aid available for online nursing programs?
- What should I look for in an online nursing school?