How Do You Earn Your Degree From An Online Nursing School?

If you're one of those who are forever stuck in a nursing school waiting list and can't catch a break in your nursing career, online nursing schools may be a good option for you. But how does an online nursing school really work? Is it actually possible to earn a nursing degree online? Get the facts straight first:

First of all, an online nursing degree is only possible if you have already obtained your license in a related health field such as licensed practical nursing, paramedics, or chiropractic.

Different states have different policies regarding online nursing schools and degrees so it's important to check with the Board of Nursing in your respective state first. Also, some states approve the LPN to RN program but not the paramedic or respiratory therapist to RN program, so be sure to check before signing up.

As soon as you get into the program, you can then study at your own pace. There may be prerequisite courses that you would have to take first and you have two options in doing that: take them online to where the fees may be more expensive, or enroll at a local community college for these subjects first.

The prerequisite courses may include Nutrition, Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Speech, college level Algebra, and possibly a few others. It all depends on the online school you plan to enroll to, but these courses need to be completed and passed before you can be accepted in an online LPN to RN program.

Also, before you decide on a particular nursing school, it's definitely worth checking out first if they honor transfer credits from other universities and colleges Some do, some don't . If you have taken some of your prerequisite classes already, try to make sure that you enroll in an online nursing program that will accept those transfer credits. Why waste all that time and money going through these courses again?

Finally, the online programs will have a person in your area who oversees your "clinicals". Clinicals or hands-on duty as a student nurse will be made at local hospitals, supervised by an RN who is accredited by the online school and trained to teach nursing students. Among the skills you will learn as a student nurse are patient assessment, making of care plans, and administering medicines. As mentioned, these activities in your "on-the-job training" will all be done with a registered nurse supervising.

So now you know. It is possible to earn your nursing degree online even with just some experience and knowledge in the health care field. If you have the right qualifications, consider an online nursing school in advancing your career opportunities.