If you’re reading this article, it means you’re thinking about getting an online nursing degree in the USA. The cost of attending a traditional brick-and-mortar nursing school is prohibitive for most people. Fortunately, there are several affordable options for students who want to study nursing from home or some other location that doesn’t require a long commute every day. The Internet makes it easy to find information about different universities and their on-line programs.
There are many reasons why someone might choose an on-line degree over a traditional campus program. Perhaps you live in a remote area where local colleges don’t offer any degree programs but there is high demand for professional nurses in your area. Or maybe you want to be able to work while pursuing your degree, or fit classes into your schedule after work or on the weekends, rather than having to make time for commuting every day and sitting through lectures before and after work.
Why You Might Not Want to Go with an Online Nursing Degree
There are a couple of reasons why you might want to choose a campus-based program over an on-line program.
First, if you have children or other dependents you might have to factor in the time you’ll have to miss from work to care for your family while you attend classes on campus.
If you prefer a very social learning environment, you might find online classes too isolating.
While it’s possible to make friends with other students in online programs, it’s not as easy as it is on campus where you can walk down the hall and find several people in the same boat as you are.
Also, if you’re very visual and need to be able to see the material being presented, online classes may not be right for you.
Read also: Why Getting Your Degree Online Is Actually The Smartest Thing To Do
Pros of getting an online nursing degree
Convenient: You can study whenever and wherever you want, including on-the-go via your smartphone or tablet. Depending on the program you choose, you can usually complete your degree in less time than it takes to earn a campus-based degree.
Affordability: Online programs tend to be much less expensive than campus-based programs, making them accessible to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend nursing school.
Networking: In addition to making friends with your fellow students, you can also form contacts with professors and administrators who can help you get a head start in your nursing career.
Growth: Online programs are dynamic and evolving, making them a great fit for students who are self-directed and constantly seeking new knowledge and ways to improve their skills.
Cons of getting an online nursing degree
Isolation: While it’s possible to make friends with students in online programs, it can be difficult to find people with whom you feel a real connection. If you prefer a very social learning environment, you might find online classes too isolating.
Lack of human touch: It’s not as easy as it is on campus where you can walk down the hall and find several people in the same boat as you are. In an online program, you’re on your own, although you can often find online groups where you can interact with other students.
Lack of hand-on experience: While online nursing degrees offer opportunities to build your clinical skills, you may not learn all the skills you need to graduate. Find out ahead of time if you’ll have the chance to put what you’ve learned in the classroom into practice before you graduate.
Read also: Choosing the Right Online Degree: Pros and Cons of Associate, Bachelors, and Masters Degrees
The Best Online Nursing Schools in the USA
To find out which online nursing schools are the best, we looked at several factors, including tuition, admission rate, graduation rate, and average student debt load.
1. University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is one of the most well-known online universities in the United States. Over 100,000 students are currently enrolled at this institution, with over 10,000 of them studying for an online nursing degree. This school has been around for over 40 years and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The university has campuses in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.
The University of Phoenix offers several nursing degree programs, including Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
As far as nursing school is concerned, online nursing programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs. Students can choose from several specializations:
- Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Critical Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatry Nurse Practitioner
- Public Health Nurse Practitioner
University of Phoenix is one of the most affordable schools for students who want to earn an online nursing degree. According-ranking of US News & World Report, University of Phoenix’s online RN to BSN program is ranked 15th among all online nursing programs. The average tuition for an online RN to BSN program at University of Phoenix is $9,400.
2. Capella University
Capella University is another reputable online university in the United States. This school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and was founded in 1913. Capella University has more than 100,000 students, with more than 8,000 of them studying for an online nursing degree.
The university has three campuses in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Capella University offers several nursing degree programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD).
Cape-University’s online nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
As far as nursing school is concerned, online nursing programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs. Students can choose from several specializations: –
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Public Health Nurse Practitioner
Capella University is another affordable school for students who want to earn an online nursing degree. According-ranking of US News & World Report, Capella University’s online BSN program is ranked 21st among all online nursing programs. The average tuition for an online BSN program at Capella University is $14,300.
3. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a reputable online university in the United States. This school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Southern New Hampshire University has more than 70,000 students, with more than 4,000 of them studying for an online nursing degree.
The university has campuses in New Hampshire.
Southern New Hampshire University offers several nursing degree programs, including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
As far as nursing school is concerned, online nursing programs offer the same rigorous curriculum as on-campus programs. Students can choose from several specializations:
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult Nurse Practitioner
- Critical Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Geriatric Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Pract-itioner
- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Public Health Nurse Practitioner
Southern New Hampshire University is another affordable school for students who want to earn an online nursing degree. According-ranking of US News & World Report, Southern New Hampshire University’s online BSN program is ranked 30th among all online nursing programs. The average tuition for an online BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University is $19,300.
Conclusion
As you can see, earning an online nursing degree is a great way to pursue a nursing career without attending a traditional brick-and-mortar college. You can complete the same rigorous coursework that you would find in a campus-based program, and you can do so from the comfort of your own home, on your own time. Now that you know what to look for when choosing an online nursing school, it’s time to start researching your options. Once you find a program that seems like a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school’s admissions team. They can answer any questions you have and help you get started on the path to becoming a nurse.
Read: Online Degree in Nursing in the USA: An In-Depth Look at This New Trend
