Get an Online Degree in Nursing

An online degree in nursing sounds impossible. How can the hands on knowledge that nursing requires be learned online? The truth is that all schools offering a degree in nursing require that a student be a currently licensed RN. The degrees are offered to those nurses who want to advance or expand career options. Some of the schools require brief on campus stays and some require fieldwork or internships to be done where the student lives.

Some schools are old pros at online learning while others, especially the traditional campus based schools, are quite new at it. Prospective students should try to get a sample of the online experience since they can range from bare text copies of lectures to rich, interactive content.

There are many schools that offer nursing programs. The following were chosen because they all have at least regional accreditation.

University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is the behemoth of online schools. It is the largest university in the United States online or off line. It offers several degree programs in nursing. All but one program are totally online. The nursing program is nationally accredited and students are eligible for federal loans and grants.

Students are required to be licensed RNs.

RN to BS in nursing
The student must be a licensed RN. This program gives the student a general liberal arts education plus additional education in nursing.

MSN/MBA/HCM
This program is a blend of nursing and business management skills. The student will get a functional knowledge of finance, accounting, and management plus very practical report writing, oral reporting and group process skills.

The student must complete an applied management science project that
Relates to his interests or responsibilities.

The student must be a licensed RN, have a bachelors degree, and have three or more years working in health care.

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
A person holding this degree would obtain work at the higher levels of health care administration and management. A short residency at the Phoenix campus is required: 8 days for the first year, 3 days the second year, and 4 days for the third year.

Kaplan
Kaplan offers a BS in nursing. Lab and clinical work are required and must be done in the state where the student is licensed. Kaplan's nursing program is not now nationally accredited, but they are seeking accreditation in Nov. of 2005.

Walden
Walden offers a number of Masters degrees. Students must be RNs with a BSB, an AND, or a Diploma.
MS nursing (BSN to MSN)
MS nursing (BSN to MSN) Specialization in Leadership and Management

MS nursing (RN to MSN)
MS nursing (RN to MSN) Leadership and Management specialization.

University of Delaware
MSN/Health Services
The student develops the skills and knowledge for responsible management positions. Requires BS.

MS nursing (RN to MSN)
This program required 134 credits because the student is going directly from the RN to an MS. The program has some flexibility, allowing for part time studies.

Jacksonville University
Offers an RN to BSN

No campus attendance is required. They claim to be the only online school offering streaming video and video lectures online. CDs are provided of all lectures so that the student may study off line.

The school is fully accredited and students are eligible for federal loans.

National American University
RN to BSN
Study is focused using work cohorts online. Students are required to have an RN, an Associate degree in nursing, or a Diploma in nursing with a GPA of at least 2.5.

Federal loans are available.

University of Cincinnati
RN to BSN

MSN Nurse Midwifery
Online plus clinical rotations in your local community with a preceptor Graduates are eligible for certification by the American College of Nurse-Midwives Certification Commission. An RN or BSN is required.

MS Women's Health Nurse
This is online but local clinical rotations are required. Students are eligible for national certification.

Federal loans are available to students.

Indiana Westleyan University
RN to BS

Students receive assistance with online programs before they start the first class. Federal loans are available.

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences
RN to BS with a concentration in nursing
Requires a GPA of 2.5 with no grade below a C.

Saint Joesph's College
RN to BSN
All online except for 2 weeks during the summer that the student must spend on campus.

Students are eligible for federal loans.

University of Delaware
BRN or Baccalaureate for the RN

MSN Health Services Administration

The student will acquire skills and knowledge necessary to be in management in health services.

Some programs require an on campus stay from one day to one week.

University of Mass Boston Online
BS in Nursing
Students must attend an orientation prior to the beginning of classes and then attend for four hours during the Health Assessment and Promotion course. Out of state students may make arrangements to complete these requirements at a distance.

MS in Nursing/Master of Public Health dual degree
This degree requires several clinical internships: one each in a rural and urban setting; on working with a "Healthy People 2010" priority issue; at least one with low-income or underserved populations; and one policy internship in a state or federal legislative office.

The MS requires a Bachelor's degree.

Students are eligible for federal loans.