Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online?

Planning to become a nurse? Perhaps you're interested in the different options available for completing your education.

If you are a busy or nontraditional student with family and work commitments, you probably need a training program that allows a lot of flexibility. With that in mind, you're wondering: Can you get a nursing degree online?

Yes, it is possible to complete a nursing degree online. But, depending on the program, you will probably have to complete in-person clinical training at a healthcare facility near you.

Read on to learn more.

Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online?

In an age of modern technology, it is possible to get just about any type of degree online. Nursing degrees are no exception.

In fact, many schools offer online nursing degrees at various levels. These programs usually offer a flexible curriculum that allows you to study on your own time as long as you meet set deadlines.

That said, becoming a nurse requires that you work a certain number of clinical hours as part of your training.

These clinicals allow you to gain hands-on experience in a hospital or other healthcare facility, shadowing experienced healthcare providers and practicing the skills you have learned.

Due to their hands-on nature, these clinical experiences cannot be replaced or replicated with online instruction. They must be completed in addition to your online coursework.

Some nursing programs may have clinical rotations built into the program; others require you to seek out and participate in your own clinical experiences outside of the degree program.

Either way, if you are completing an online degree, you should be able to complete your clinical experience at a hospital or other healthcare facility close to where you live.

Online nursing degrees typically provide the same high-quality education and instruction as in-person programs. Be sure and choose a program that's accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or another nationally recognized organization.

What Kinds of Nursing Degrees Are Available Online?

You can complete associate, bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral nursing degrees online. Not every school offers every type of nursing program, so you'll have to do your research to determine if your school of choice offers the online degree you need.

One of the most common online nursing degrees is the registered nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) bridge program.

This type of nursing degree allows registered nurses who have received an associate degree or diploma in nursing to complete their bachelor's degree.

Because RNs have already completed their clinical experiences, they don't have to repeat them when obtaining their BSN. As such, RN-BSN programs can be completed 100% online.

The same is typically true for Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees, which are often available online.

Some schools offer online accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs that allow students who have already completed a bachelor's degree in any field to get a secondary degree in nursing, usually within a year and a half.

Sometimes Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and traditional BSN programs can be completed online as well.

Online ABSN, ADN, and traditional BSN programs all have clinical requirements that must be completed in person.

Are Online Nursing Programs Better Than On Campus?

Both online and in-person nursing programs have pros and cons. Only you can determine which type of program is better for you.

Online nursing programs give you added flexibility since you can choose when and where to study. However, they require a great amount of time management and self-discipline.

Meanwhile, in-person programs can provide a more personal, hands-on experience, allowing you to interact more with peers and instructors. But they typically follow a set schedule and don't provide a lot of flexibility.

Online programs are sometimes cheaper than in-person programs because online tuition is often lower, fewer fees are charged, and you don't have additional expenses such as room and board or transportation.

You may feel that you have less support when studying online, especially when it comes time to find a location to complete your clinical experiences.

It's a good idea to consider the pros and cons of each type of program and choose whichever one best aligns with your personal needs and professional goals.

Where Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online?

As noted above, there are many good schools that offer online degree programs in nursing. Let's take a closer look at a handful of those schools.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a large public school located in Phoenix, Arizona. It has a large global campus known as ASU Online, where it offers dozens of degree programs to remote students throughout the world.

This school offers several online degrees in nursing, including:

• RN to BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing
• RN to MSN
• Nursing Education (MS)

Online coursework is completed in 7.5-week course sessions. Number of courses varies depending on the program.

2. Western Governors University

Western Governors University is headquartered in Millcreek, Utah, but the school provides its degree programs exclusively online.

Various nursing degree specialties are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including:

• nursing (prelicensure)
• nursing education
• nursing informatics
• nursing leadership and management
• family nurse practitioner

All coursework is completed online in a self-paced format, allowing students to progress through their studies as quickly as they want. Clinicals (when required) are performed at local healthcare facilities close to where students live.

3. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is a private school located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a prestigious research university known for providing many top-quality degrees in healthcare and other fields.

This school provides only MSN and DNP degrees online. Some of the degree options include:

• healthcare organizational leadership MSN
• pediatric dual primary/acute care DNP
• family primary care DNP
• psychiatric mental health DNP

Several graduate-level certificates and degrees are also available in nurse education, administration, and other specialties.

Get Your Nursing Degree Online Today

If you're were wondering: 'Can you get a nursing degree online?' then you're in luck: there are many schools that offer online nursing degrees.

However, unless you're already a registered nurse, be prepared to complete your required clinical experiences in person.