RN Degree Online

A registered nurse, commonly referred to as an RN, is the nurse that has successfully completed a rigorous course of study and has successfully passed the NCLEX-RN certification exam. These nurses generally provide a high level of patient care. Registered nurses typically follow one of three paths in becoming a registered nurse. The first path to consider leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Other nurses choose to earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. While these two educational paths are the most popular, there are a limited number of diploma programs in existence. The bachelor’s degree program typically takes four years to complete, while the associate’s degree can be earned in two years. A popular option for many nurses is to earn an RN degree online.

The RN typically possesses at least an Associate’s Degree in Nursing, while many opt to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing. At some point, many RN’s opt to continue their education so that they can become Nurse Practitioners or specialize in a particular area of nursing. Employment settings for nurses vary. While registered nurses can work in doctor’s offices, private homes, nursing homes, and corporate offices, registered nurses are an integral part of the hospital staff. Their duties run the gamut from taking temperatures and other vital signs to performing triage in trauma units.

National standards dictate the overall requirements for registered nurses, but individual states also have standards for RN’s. This is particularly true for nurses who work in the surgical or emergency specialties. Many registered nurses begin working as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s.) Certification for these entry level positions can be earned in less than a year. When these nurses seek to expand their education, it is entirely possible to earn an RN degree online. This advanced degree qualifies the nurse for additional duties, and significantly greater compensation.

A number of certified online colleges offer an RN degree online. Online degrees eliminate the hassle of attending face-to-face classes. The major attraction for many online students is the flexibility they afford. Classes may be self-paced, and often are taught through individualized schedules. Students seeking an RN degree online can expect the same quality instruction and materials afforded their counterparts attending traditional nursing schools. An added incentive to RN degree online programs is that there is usually less competition for entry into the registered nurse program, and without the nursing school waiting list found at most brick and mortar institutions.