If you are a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or RN (Registered Nurse), it’stime for you to advance your career by earning a bachelor degree in nursing.Today, with so many nursing degrees offers through distance learning, now youcan earn your bachelor nursing degree without the need to put your life onhold.
With so many nursing programs offers online, it sometime makes you feeldifficult to choose one from among all the best. This article will outline thebasic guidelines on how to consider an online nursing degree which will secureyou for a brighter future. Get the answers to the following questions in orderto make an informed decision:
1. Is the university accredited?
Although graduating from an accredited university does not guarantee jobs orlicensure for individuals, it reflects the quality of the educational programsoffer by the university. It speaks to a sense of public trust, as well as toprofessional quality. Thus, it is important to enroll to a university which isaccredited by a recognized accreditation agency.
Regional accreditation is the highest level of accreditation a college oruniversity can obtain and is recognized throughout the United States. Examplesof regional accrediting bodies include the Southern Association of Colleges andSchools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the MiddleStates Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
2. Is the nursing school accredited?
Accreditation of a nursing school is a voluntary endeavor, but it ensuresthe quality and commitment of its educational program in the proper training ofnurses. If you are planning to apply for any financial aid or you plan toadvance your studies to a higher level in the future, an accredited nursingschool is a factor to consider. Online nursing programs offered by anaccredited nursing school will also increase your competitive edge in the jobmarket because many employers prefer to hire practitioners with degrees fromaccredited institutions.
3. What are the lectures like?
Most university programs are purely reading and taking tests, but if youenroll into an online nursing degree program which can offer streaming videoand audio lectures, along with textbooks, study guides and CDs; these visuallearning material will definite help you to understand your courses better andfaster.
4. Does proctored exams needed and can you take the testonline? Some online nursing programs require you to take proctored exams attesting centers, which involves traveling to testing centers and paying fees.But there are universities which you can take your proctored exams and completeyour assignment 100% online.
5. Do you need to attend physical classes?
Some nursing courses require you to attend a certain hours of physicalclasses at campus. But there are universities offer the courses fully online.It is good for you to ask and confirm with the university to avoid any crashwith your working schedule. If attending a certain hours of physical classes isnot possible for you, then 100% online classes may be your better option.
6. What are the fees over and above the tuition and textbooks?
Many institutions charge not only tuition costs but also a host of assortedfees that may include application, transcript evaluation, library privileges,graduation and more. Plus, tuition may seem low at first, but then they hit youwith extra expenses when you matriculate.
7. How can I contact my professors and classmates?
A worthy University program will give you several options such as chat room,message board, email, MSN or the university may implement their own proprietaryonline learning system for contacting your professors and classmates.
8. What are the practice project requirements?
This is a very important question. Determine your obligations by asking thefollowing:
Do I have to travel to another city? If so, for how long?
Are there additional travel costs, or is travel included in my tuitioncosts?
Can I select a preceptor I already know?
Can I fulfill the requirements with my own employer?
Are there additional fees?
How many hours are required?
In Summary
Pursuing an online bachelor nursing degree is your education investment foryour career advancement, so you must make the right choice. Getting the answersfor the above questions will help you to make your right decision and select anonline nursing degree that meet your career goal.
Jullie Harvard is the author of http://www.studykiosk.com.This site featured over 1,000 online degrees and you can get more information on Online Nursing Degree at this site.
Jullie Harvard is the author of http://www.studykiosk.com.This site featured over 1,000 online degrees and you can get more information on Online Nursing Degree at this site.