Online Nursing Schools: What's The Catch?

An online nursing school sounds like the perfect solution for students who are frustrated by the traditional nursing school waiting lists. Going to school on your own time, making your own schedule, no annoying commutes, working and taking classes at the same time...it's the ideal scenario for many a wanna-be nurse.

But why isn't everyone rushing to enroll in an online program? Why do many still choose to wait in line at community colleges and state colleges and even costly private colleges?

Well, there's a catch.

The fact is, you must first have some sort of health care degree such as a degree in Licensed Practical Nursing, paramedic, or respiratory therapy, before you can be accepted at an online nursing school.

This rule was established for a really valid reason. A significant part of nurse training is made under the supervision of a registered nurse. The RN teacher is responsible for guiding a nurse trainee in administering medicine and interacting with patients. Nurses who have only been taught online lack the necessary hands-on experience for them to be really capable carers

An online nursing school is designed for the working health care professional. And even then, the student will have to work with an area coordinator for local hospitals and health care facilities, supervised by a registered nurse employed by the online school. Studying can only get you so far as an aspiring nurse; practical, actual experience is an absolute must.

So, while an online degree program sounds ideal, there are some practical limitations. It will allow those with the appropriate health care certificate to advance their careers, make more money, and have more job opportunities, but unfortunately there is no way for a person with no health care experience at all to get their education completely online.