Who should take advantage of online nursing programs? Is this a reliable mode of training considering the practical skills a student needs to develop for the job?
Although there are online programs offered for all levels of nursing, they are most beneficial for individuals who want to advance their careers yet have little to no time for formal schooling. What is important for employers is not the method by which you earned a degree as much as what you gained from your education and what you will bring in as a professional.
However, it is imperative that you complete a nursing program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) to ensure the quality of education you received is of the standard expected in the industry you will serve. This (graduate from accredited program) is also the minimum requirement to qualify for the licensure exam for nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Which Online Nursing Programs Are Available?
Whether you aim to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN), a registered nurse (RN) or take up advance nursing practice (APN) training, there are programs available in online format. There are individual programs offered (LPN, BSN, MSN) but the more preferred are bridge programs where any previous training is taken into account to fast track completion of the degree. So there are LPN to RN online nursing programs, LPN to BSN and RN to BSN programs you can choose from.
The best argument to take up an online nursing degree is the time and money you will save. You can either accelerate your progress depending on how disciplined and committed you are to studying. And not only will you cut transportation costs (no more traveling to school), most online programs are usually 30% to 40% cheaper than campus training. Without overhead expenses like electricity, schools pass on their savings to the students making it a more affordable option to get an education.
Online Nursing Programs And On-Site Training
The main concern about online nursing programs is how a student complies with the practical or clinical component of the training. Nursing, especially at the level of the licensed practical nurse, demands hands-on training. So while there are LPN online nursing programs, there is not one accredited nursing programs which is totally completed without on-site training.
Your option is to take as many of the coursework available online as possible and then set aside time for clinical training. This should be worked out with your school before, or at the time of enrollment. You either complete an internship or look for a preceptor at a community hospital. Do not believe an offer of 100 percent online LPN training. Remember, you can’t practice without passing the NCLEX-PN test and among their requirements is completing a certain number of clinical hours.
Some online nursing programs also require campus visits once or twice a semester for a class but otherwise, it is your clinicals where training will be held at a medical facility.
The advantage of online studies is being able to set your own pace for learning. You can skip or just browse through subjects you have previously taken up or are already familiar with, in the same way you can spend more time for topics that need mastering. For an LPN or RN student, you must master human anatomy and physiology because your efficacy at patient care will depend on how well you understand what ails a patient and how to make them better.
Who Gains The Most From Online Nurse Programs?
That’s why this mode of learning is more suited for individuals who wish to advance their nursing careers. The LPN to RN or LPN to BSN online program are both popular since licensed practical nurses have the immediate opportunity to apply what they learn from online courses. Likewise, they already have the background knowledge that makes it easier to absorb new information and skills.
Online nursing programs are most beneficial for an RN (whether holding an associate or bachelor degree) wishing to pursue a masters degree. By this time, you would have had ample experience as clinical nurse and are gearing for either specialization or a different aspect of nursing such as administration, research or teaching.
You can also pursue online nurse practitioner programs if you who want to take your practice to the next level and take on leadership roles in the workplace.
Earning an RN degree via online classes will qualify LPNs to sit for the registered nurse licensure exam and eventually take on more responsibilities in the workplace. While a practical nurse may already have advance knowledge and skills performed by an RN, there is the matter of passing the test to become a bonafide registered nurse. This will also entitle you to a higher salary and hopefully, better benefits.
For the more experienced nurses who deserve or want more from their careers, you will appreciate online nursing programs to help achieve your goals.