Online Nursing Degrees
While the idea of commencing a medical career via online study may seem odd, many online nursing schools are available and provide the same course work required of traditional students. Depending on the school's curriculum and policies, students may conduct most, if not all their instruction online, with no campus residency requirement for the classroom portion of the program. Online nursing schools still require students to participate in clinical, real-world training in order to complete their course of study; these experiences may be arranged with a nearby medical facility, often by the student with the assistance of an on-campus office.
Course scheduling for online nursing degrees also varies by institution. Some require that students enroll in a minimum number of classes per term in order to conform to their on-campus enrollment requirements. Others may allow completion of the course of study at the student's own pace. The school's guidance or admissions office can provide additional information on policies specific to remote students.
In addition to courses of study for RN and BSN candidates, many online nursing schools also provide transitional training, such as RN-to-BSN options, that many practicing nurses may find advantageous. BSN programs typically require prospective students to have completed typical high school requirements and to have taken the SAT or ACT exam. RN-to-BSN options generally insist on current RN licensure, along with the completion of certain prerequisite courses. Students who possess BSN degrees may also complete courses of study for the MSN via online nursing schools that offer advanced degrees.
Admissions policies vary, with some online nursing schools requiring a 3.5 GPA while others will accept a 2.0 or greater score. Some schools allow students to gain credit for work experience under the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP) in lieu of course work. Most schools provide academic advisors, and each student works with a designated individual to ensure all prerequisites are met prior to admission. The advisor generally follows the student's progress until their degree or certificate is complete, assisting in course selection and other areas relevant to successful completion of the program.
Financial aid is typically available for students enrolled in courses of study that result in the award of a Bachelors degree, i.e. the BSN. Aid options are identical to those available to students enrolled in other baccalaureate programs. These include Federal student loans, grants, and scholarships for particularly gifted students.
