So you want to pursue a nursing degree online? Welcome to the world of achievers, as you will surely reach your goals if you have what it takes to cross the finishing line. What is key in your endeavor is to ensure that you settle for an accredited nursing degree program online.
Why Should You Go for an Accredited Nursing Degree Online?
There are many reasons why you should opt for a globally recognized and credible nursing degree. The cyber world is a mixed bag of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Not all institutions claiming to offer nursing degrees online can equip you with an acceptable and credible qualification worth putting your name on. Some are bogus, fly-by-night scams designed to swindle unsuspecting degree seekers.
By studying with an accredited institution, you are assured that you are enrolling in a recognized, credible, and fully compliant academic institution that will equip you with a degree you can proudly present in the job market.
Institutions offering nursing degrees need to be accredited by nursing boards or other governing bodies that assess the institution’s academic standards and give it approval if all criteria are met. Choosing such an institution will also make it easier for you to transfer credits or switch schools without hassle.
HealthCare is A Sensitive and Tightly Regulated Industry
Healthcare is a sensitive industry. As a healthcare professional, you will be responsible for people‘s health and lives. Employers want to be certain that they are hiring well-trained and educated nursing professionals. If you want to become a registered nurse (RN), graduating from an accredited nursing degree program is essential.
As a graduate from an accredited institution, the patients you care for will know that you have met the academic and regulatory standards required for licensure. Your employers will also have confidence in your qualifications. This matters greatly because it can influence your salary and how far you advance in your nursing career.
Whether you are a Nurse Practitioner (NP), Registered Nurse (RN), or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), graduating from an accredited institution signifies that you have been thoroughly trained and prepared to work in a clinical environment.
Graduating from an accredited institution not only adds credibility to your nursing degree but also gives you an advantage in the job market. Employers tend to prioritize hiring nursing professionals from accredited programs, as it reduces their need to verify competence and knowledge independently.
Another important benefit of studying with an accredited institution is the assurance of high-quality education.
How to Check University Accreditation Online?
In the United States, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the main accrediting bodies for nursing programs.
You can verify a university or program’s accreditation status by visiting their official websites or checking the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).
Many reputable online nursing programs are offered through well-known platforms and institutions such as University of the People (UoPeople), Coursera (partnered with accredited universities), Edureka, Pluralsight, LinkedIn Learning, and traditional universities that have embraced online education. Always verify that the specific nursing program is accredited, not just the university.
Can I Study Nursing Online in the USA?
Yes, many universities and colleges in the USA offer accredited nursing degrees online, often using a hybrid model that combines online coursework with in-person clinicals arranged locally.
Online nursing programs are flexible and designed to accommodate working professionals, offering everything from Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificates to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees.
Examples of Accredited Online Nursing Programs
- University of the People offers an accredited, tuition-free nursing degree pathway that aligns with recognized standards.
- Jacksonville University provides an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs.
- Kaplan University (now part of Purdue University Global) also offers an online BSN program.
- Platforms like Coursera and edX offer online nursing courses through partnerships with accredited institutions, often allowing for credit transfer toward degrees.
Types of Online Nursing Degrees
Are you looking to upgrade your education, or are you considering switching into the healthcare sector? This section will expose you to different types of online nursing degrees that can serve as a strong launchpad for your healthcare career. Deciding on a career path is an important exercise.
To make a well-informed decision, you need adequate information. Choosing a career is critical, and it’s important to take your time weighing options.
This is important for two main reasons:
- Match your ultimate career goals: If you want to work as a cardiac nurse specialist, for example, you should pick an online degree tailored to cardiac nursing. Missing this focus may lead to a dead-end after graduation.
- Align your education with your long-term academic goals: Your first nursing degree should be the right stepping stone to your desired postgraduate qualification, whether that’s a master’s or doctoral nursing degree.
Let’s explore the different types of online nursing programs:
1. Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN)
This is one of the best options for those seeking 1-year online nursing degrees. It’s especially suited for working professionals. You can earn this degree through intensive training at a local hospital, community college, or vocational technical school. Some programs are entirely onsite, but many offer online options now.
This program equips you with basic nursing skills, preparing you for your first nursing job. After completion, you become eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam, which is required for licensure as an LPN or LVN.
2. LPN-to-Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)
The LPN-to-ADN program acts as a bridge course for students who want to advance to become entry-level Registered Nurses (RNs). This program includes courses beyond healthcare, such as liberal arts modules.
While many institutions still offer this course onsite, there are growing options online. However, you will need to coordinate local clinicals with a hospital or clinic to fulfill practical training requirements.
The ADN is often a stepping stone for those who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree later on.
Top platforms and institutions offering LPN and ADN programs now include community colleges partnering with online platforms like Coursera and edX, as well as universities like the University of Phoenix and SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University), which offer flexible, accredited online nursing degrees.
Coming up next:
In the next section, we are diving into other online nursing degree types such as Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), LPN-to-BSN, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.
Remember, your life circumstances and how much time you can dedicate will be key in choosing the best online nursing degree aligned with your career goals.
Accredited Nursing Degree Program Online
So you want to pursue a nursing degree online? Welcome to the world of achievers, as you will surely achieve your goals if you have what it takes to cross the finishing line. What is key in your endeavor is to ensure that you settle for an accredited nursing degree program online.
Why Should You Go for an Accredited Nursing Degree Online?
There are various reasons why you should opt for a globally recognized and acceptable nursing degree. The cyber world is a precarious mixed bag of the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Not all institutions that claim to be offering nursing degrees online can equip you with an acceptable and credible nursing degree worth putting your name on. Some institutions are bogus fly-by-night scams set to swindle gullible degree seekers.
If you study with an accredited institution, you are assured that you are studying with a recognized and credible, as well as fully compliant academic institution that will equip you with a degree you can proudly march with into the job market.
Institutions offering nursing degrees need to be accredited by nursing boards or such governing bodies that assess the academic thrust of an institution in its entirety, giving it a thumbs-up if all is well. Going this route also enables you to switch across institutions and transfer your credits seamlessly without any hassles.
How to Check University Accreditation Online?
Checking accreditation online is easier than ever with official resources. For U.S. institutions, you can use the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website or the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
These platforms list recognized nursing schools and programs to ensure your chosen program meets quality standards. For international programs, consult the nursing regulatory bodies or the World Directory of Nursing Schools to verify accreditation.
Healthcare is a sensitive industry. As a healthcare professional, you will be dealing with people’s health and handling people’s lives. Employing entities want the surety that they are engaging a well-trained and educated nursing professional. If you want to be a registered nurse, graduating from an accredited nursing degree program is a must.
As a graduate from an accredited institution, the patients you handle will know you have a qualification that has satisfied the set academic and regulatory standards required for licensing. Your employers will also know they are employing a well-trained professional. This is important as it affects your remuneration and how far you can climb the ladder of your professional career.
Whether you are an NP (Nurse Practitioner), RN (Registered Nurse), or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), graduating from an accredited institution indicates thorough training and preparation to function in a clinical environment.
Graduating from an accredited institution not only lends credibility to your nursing degree but also gives you an edge in the job market. Employers often prioritize, if not limit their options to, nursing professionals coming from accredited institutions. Employing such professionals means they have already verified the candidate’s competence and knowledge.
Can I Study Nursing Online in the USA?
Yes, many universities and colleges in the USA now offer accredited nursing degrees online, including hybrid programs combining online coursework with in-person clinicals. Institutions like Jacksonville University, Kaplan University, and others offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees online with proper accreditation, allowing flexibility for working professionals.
Explore accredited online nursing programs through platforms and universities like Coursera, edX, University of Phoenix, and Walden University that partner with accredited institutions to provide reputable nursing education online.
Examples of Accredited Nursing Degree Programs Online
Check out these accredited nursing degree programs online:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Jacksonville University: jacksonvilleu.com/online-nursing-degree
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Jacksonville University: jacksonvilleu.com/online-msn-nursing-degrees
- Kaplan University also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing: kaplanuniversity.edu/nursing/nursing-bachelor-degree
Types of Online Nursing Degrees
Are you looking to upgrade your education or switch over into the healthcare sector? This post exposes different types of online nursing degrees that can be a formidable launchpad for your healthcare career. Deciding on a career path is an important exercise.
You need adequate information to make a well-informed decision because choosing a career is critical and deserves careful consideration.
Two main reasons for this:
- You want to pick a course matching your ultimate career goals. For example, if you want to be a cardiac nurse, choose an online degree specialized in cardiac nursing.
- You want to align your education with your academic goals, ensuring that your nursing degree is the right pathway to postgraduate qualifications such as master’s or doctoral degrees.
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN)
One of the best nursing degrees for those seeking 1-year online nursing degrees. This is also suitable for working professionals. You can obtain this degree through intensive training at a hospital, community college, or vocational technical school. Some institutions require onsite learning, but others offer online completion.
Completing your LPN/LVN makes you eligible for licensure upon passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
LPN-to-Associate’s Degrees
LPN to Associate Degrees (ADN) act as bridge courses for students aiming to become entry-level Registered Nurses (RNs). Many institutions offer these online, though you’ll need local clinical placements.
An LPN degree is a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree for those pursuing further nursing education.
Associate of Science in Nursing
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) equips students with practical skills. Many ADN students continue toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This program takes about two years, typically offered at community colleges or vocational schools.
The LPN-to-BSN Bridge Program
The LPN-to-BSN bridge program acknowledges LPN work experience and shortens the path to BSN. Full-time students can finish in about four semesters; part-time schedules require careful planning.
Completing this program qualifies you to work as an RN with opportunities for administrative and managerial roles.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree (BSN)
The BSN is a common and highly regarded nursing degree. It runs for four years and includes extensive coursework and clinicals, often offered in hybrid models combining online courses with onsite clinical requirements.
The BSN is often the minimum qualification for professional nursing practice and a strong foundation for postgraduate nursing studies.
How to Validate Your Nursing Degree in the USA Online?
To validate your nursing degree in the USA, you must:
- Verify your school’s accreditation with recognized bodies such as the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- Foreign-educated nurses must have their credentials evaluated by organizations like CGFNS International.
- Register and pass the NCLEX-RN exam for licensing.
Most states require proof of graduation from an accredited program for licensure.
How to Validate a Foreign Degree Online?
If you have a foreign nursing degree, you can validate it online by:
- Contacting your country’s nursing regulatory authority for official transcripts.
- Using credential evaluation services like World Education Services (WES) or CGFNS to assess your qualifications against U.S. standards.
- Checking the U.S. Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) requirements if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a foreign nurse work in the US without NCLEX?
Generally, foreign nurses must pass the NCLEX exam to work as registered nurses in the U.S., although some roles and states have specific requirements or alternative pathways.
How to check accreditation of online nurses courses?
Use official databases such as the CHEA or the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database to verify program legitimacy.
What foreign universities are accredited in the US?
It’s not easy to give a generic answer to this one – that said, foreign universities recognized by U.S. accreditation agencies or approved credential evaluation organizations qualify, but always verify through official channels.
How can I verify my bachelor’s degree in the USA?
Credential evaluation services like WES or NACES members provide official degree verification for foreign qualifications.
How can I verify a nursing degree in Europe?
European nursing degrees can be verified through the European Network of Nursing Regulators or by contacting the nursing regulatory body of the country where the degree was earned.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an accredited online nursing program is essential for a credible nursing career. With the growth of e-learning platforms and university partnerships with providers like Coursera, edX, and Walden University, quality nursing education is more accessible than ever.
Always verify the accreditation status of your chosen program to ensure your qualification is recognized and valuable in the job market. Doing so sets you on the right path toward a successful nursing career.
If you need help finding a program that fits your goals or want to explore flexible online options, consider reputable platforms like Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillshare for supplemental courses that can build your healthcare skills alongside formal education.
All the best in your learning endeavors!