The waiting list for admission to registered nursing programs is long. It is a strong indication of the interest in this health care career. But even with so many taking a nursing course, the supply is still far less than the demand for these professionals. And a nursing shortage up to 800,000 is even predicted by 2020.
Fortunately, there is an alternative to becoming a nurse without having to wait to be admitted to a nursing school. And as long as it is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, online registered nursing programs are just as valid as one taken inside a university classroom.
What Degree is available for Registered Nursing Programs?
Whether your classes are online or in campus, the coursework included in most curricula are basically the same for any registered nurse program. It is the length of the program that will vary based on the degree you opted for. Registered nursing programs are traditionally offered three ways: the associate nursing degree (ADN) program, the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), and the diploma program for nursing. Any of these will qualify you for entry-level nursing positions.
To further your career, there is the advance nursing practice (APN) or masters of science in nursing (MSN). Becoming a nurse practitioner means joining the ranks of clinical nurse specialists (nurse anesthesiologists, midwives, etc) or focus on health care management.But there are also other non-clinical opportunities that will allow you to advance as a professional including legal nurse consulting and forensic nursing. If you’ve already completed a non-nursing bachelor degree and want to shift careers, a second degree BSN is also an option.
What Courses can I expect from Registered Nursing Programs
An overview of the nursing profession is essential to any RN program. This includes a history of the occupation and the theories and skills needed by nurses. Emphasis is given on the development of critical thinking skills and decision making capabilities in this course. Likewise, an introduction to health care systems and the legal and ethical aspects of nursing are tackled here.
Anatomy, physiology and microbiology are the core of nursing. This is the foundation of any health care career. From here, you will learn pathophysiology, which encompasses common illnesses and disease patterns which will help students understand how and why a person becomes ill that will serve as basis for determining how to treat a patient.
Pharmacology, or the study of drugs, their effects on the body and the most common therapeutic drugs are taken up in this course. Students are also made aware of the ethical and legal aspects of drug prescription.
Finally, RN programs should equip you with the knowledge and skills to assess health conditions including respiratory, cardiac, muscoskeletal, abdominal and lymphatic systems. This is also the course that teaches would-be nurses how to gather patient histories and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Can I choose Online Classes?
One vital component of any registered nursing program is clinical training. This is especially true for entry-level accredited nursing programs, either LPN, ADN or BSN. Your advantage in taking up online registered nursing programs is having the convenience to study according to your schedule and to pace yourself.
Arrangements for clinical training, which should be at least 50 to 70 hours, must be made prior to, or at the time of, enrollment. This is what often sets back successful completion of a nursing degree program so be sure you have a health facility to intern with or been assigned a preceptor. Meanwhile, coursework that need not be done on site can be completed online, based on materials sent by instructors. You must also submit required assignments and tests via online.
Below is a sample online curriculum, which is basically similar to those in traditional classroom set ups:
- Health Assessment and Promotion in Nursing Practice
- Nursing Research in Practice
- Professional Nursing and Nursing Practice
- Health Care Systems and Policy
- Leadership and Management in Nursing
- Population Focused Nursing
- Clinical Placement
This curriculum is based on the assumption that all prerequisite courses in science (anatomy, physiology, microbiology) have already been complied with, as well as other general subjects like English and math.
Where are the Best Schools?
With so many bodies making their own list of best nursing schools, it can be quite confusing when you make the decision where to apply for registered nursing programs. A safe guideline for every prospective nursing student is to find a school that will help meet your professional goals and enhance your career path. The most basic criteria in choosing registered nursing schools is the percentage of students who complete the programs, pass the license exam (NCLEX-RN) and find gainful employment.
The top nursing schools which often end up on lists are University of Pennsylvania, University of Michigan and Johns Hopkins University. Their RN programs are usually at the bachelor level, including a second degree nursing program.
UPenn has accelerated registered nursing programs, as well as undergraduate programs. University of Michigan also offers similar nursing programs, but has added an undergraduate honors program, which adds a research component to its regular curriculum. Johns Hopkins’ School of Nursing, meanwhile mostly offers accelerated training for its registered nursing programs.
Community and vocational colleges usually offer associate degrees in nursing. If you already are a registered nurse and want to earn a bachelors degree, there are schools with RN-to-BSN programs that you can look into.
Are you ready to fill in the shortage for professional nurses? Check out the registered nursing programs that can best help you to prepare for the challenge.