Online Nursing Degree Programs

In today’s volatile job market, undoubtedly one of the most stable careers is in the field of nursing. The demand for nurses continues to grow at a steady rate. It is possible to enter the nursing field with as little as one year of training. This is the amount of time it generally takes to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. Often, nurses desire to advance in their careers, and this is accomplished by a combination of education and experience. Considering the demands of work and family, many people find themselves unable to return to school full-time to obtain an advanced degree. Taking into account that nurses may work odd hours or shift-work, time constraints are often viewed as the primary obstacle for nurses wishing to return to school. Thanks to several online nursing degree programs, it is possible to advance all the way from LPN through a doctorate degree in nursing without the constraints of face-to-face, traditional classes.

• Sometimes referred to as “bridge programs”, online nursing degrees facilitate the process for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) to become Registered Nurses (RN). RN’s can receive bachelor’s degrees. It is entirely possible to achieve a doctorate degree in nursing. All of this can be accomplished through online nursing degree programs.

• Nurses with advanced degrees assume greater responsibility and may be employed in supervisory positions. Compensation may be substantially higher for nurses with advanced education and training.

• The reasons for obtaining a nursing degree online are many and varied. In addition to the time constraints imposed by traditional colleges and universities, online programs offer flexibility which many people require. Since classes are completed online, there is no need to worry about commuting. Classes are often self-paced, and assignments can be completed and submitted at the student’s convenience. Tuition may be substantially less for online nursing degrees than for degrees earned in face-to-face classes. These classes offer the same quality instruction, curriculum, and materials as received by students sitting in lecture halls and labs.

• Numerous schools exist offering online nursing degree programs. To select the most appropriate school, the student should be certain that the school is accredited. Several well-known state and independent colleges and universities offer advanced nursing degrees through online studies. A significant number of accredited private schools offer advanced nursing degrees. With classes taught online, the location of the college is unimportant.

• While years of experience and region of the country may influence salaries, LPNs earn an average salary of around $17.00 per hour. In a recent study, RN’s earn an average hourly salary of $25.00. Earning a BSN can garner the nurse a salary in excess of $35.00 or higher per hour.

• Often, nurses who obtain advanced degrees opt to become head nurses, administrative nurses, and department heads. Employment opportunities exist for these nurses in hospitals, clinics, and doctors’ offices. The current trend in many hospitals is that nurse anesthetists and operating room nurses possess a BSN degree.