Top 6 Questions About Online Nursing Degrees

Top Questions About Nursing Degrees

Nursing is a popular field of study for individuals interested in healthcare careers. Nurses fulfill a range of important responsibilities that contribute to patient health outcomes.

The demand for skilled healthcare workers such as nurses is expected to continue to increase over the next decade due to an aging population.

College degrees are an important part of the nurse education and training pathway and prepare graduates for successful careers in healthcare.

In this article, we answer some of the top questions about nursing degrees.

What types of nursing degrees are there?

There are four main nursing degrees that correspond to different degree levels. These are:

• associate degree in nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Most nurses start out with an ADN or BSN degree to gain introductory knowledge and skills in the field of healthcare.

Does a nursing degree make me a nurse?

A nursing degree alone does not grant students a professional nursing license, however, graduation from an approved nursing program is an important step to certification.

To become a registered nurse (RN) students must graduate from an approved nursing program and also pass the NCLEX-RN exam.

Most nursing degrees are designed to prepare graduates to pass this exam and become registered nurses. So while a nursing degree alone does not make you a nurse, it is a necessary step in the process.

What will I learn in a nursing degree?

A nursing degree is considered a competency-based education. Due to the need to maintain a high standard of care and ensure patient safety, nursing degrees are designed to help students handle real world situations.

Clinical healthcare often requires practitioners to use critical thinking, medical research, and interpersonal communication skills to make effective decisions.

Most nursing degrees will cover topics that are relevant to understanding and intervening in human health. Broadly, this includes a foundational education in science.

Common areas of study include biology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, epidemiology and infectious diseases, public health, clinical communication, and psychology.

Due to the hands-on nature of nursing, most nursing degrees include both laboratory modules and clinical experience hours.

One of the key learning outcomes of a nursing degree is being prepared to take and pass the NCLEX exam. Many programs include dedicated test preparation as students near graduation.

How long does a nursing degree take to complete?

The length of time required for a nursing degree depends on the type of degree pursued.

An ADN is an associate degree and typically takes two years to complete. A BSN is a bachelor's degree and requires around four years of study.

There are also many RN-BSN programs that allow registered nurses with an ADN degree to complete the remaining requirements for a BSN degree. In some cases, RN-BSN programs can be completed in as little as one year.

Advanced degrees such as a master's in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) will typically take at least two years and usually require students to have graduated from an ADN or BSN program.

How can I pay for a nursing degree?

While the cost of tuition can make attending college difficult for some students, there are many ways to reduce or eliminate this obstacle.

Financial aid can come in the form of grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, employer tuition reimbursement programs, and loans.

Depending on household income and expected family contribution, students may qualify for federal programs such as the Pell Grant. In most cases, grants do not need to be repaid.

Veterans, active military members, government workers, and public servants may qualify for tuition waivers or reduced prices in some cases.

Scholarships can also be awarded on the basis of academic merit, group membership, or other criteria.

Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs that employees can benefit from. Individuals who work in clinical settings such as hospitals should check to see if such programs are offered.

Is a nursing degree worth it?

A degree in nursing is a solid investment for students interested in a healthcare career.

Graduation from an approved nursing program is required for professional licensure, so a nursing degree directly contributes to a student's job outcome.

A career as a registered nurse can provide a stable income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn a median annual of $77,600 and the top 10% of nurses earn over $120,000.

The demand for nurses is very stable and is expected to increase as a large portion of the population reaches retirement age and requires additional care.

Find a Nursing Degree Today

Nursing degrees can put students on the path to stable, rewarding careers as professional healthcare practitioners. Find a program that fits your personal needs and career goals today.