How Online Nursing Programs Work

In recent years, nursing education has undergone a significant transformation, with many programs shifting to affordable options that are partially or fully online. This evolution caters to the need for flexibility and accessibility and helps break down geographical barriers that could limit educational opportunities.

Advancements in digital learning offer a blend of convenience and quality. Online nursing programs have integrated remote coursework, with hands-on clinical experiences in the student’s local area to provide a comprehensive nursing education.

If you are unsure about navigating the online education landscape, this guide explores everything you need to know about how online nursing programs work. We cover the core components of remote learning, including the technology that powers it, and what to expect in your journey toward becoming a nursing professional.

Online nursing programs offer students the same rigorous education they would receive at a traditional on-campus program. Employers hold online learners in the same regard and treat them as equally competent as those who graduated from traditional on-campus programs.

Some of the key differences between online formats and traditional in-person programs include coursework delivery, flexibility and scheduling, interaction with faculty, and the learning styles required by the programs. For example, online programs typically are better suited to self-motivated learners who can manage their time efficiently.

Since many online nursing courses are asynchronous, students with family and work obligations can complete their assignments around a busy schedule. Another key difference involves clinical hours. Most traditional programs arrange clinical experiences, while online students may need to plan their clinical placements in local, approved facilities. Some online programs also offer virtual teaching labs. You can learn more about these options when you check with faculty members at your prospective school.

Online nursing programs deliver remote classes in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Synchronous learning happens in real-time using a live feed or another channel that requires students to engage with classes at predetermined times. Asynchronous classes feature written or recorded course content students engage with on their own time.

In this way, asynchronous classes offer more flexibility for students with busy schedules but include far fewer opportunities to interact with other students and professors. Synchronous online nursing classes provide learners with traditional classroom opportunities, including higher levels of interaction among participants.

Online nursing programs require students to be connected to the online platform using a computer and a reliable internet connection. Most programs have a list of minimum technological requirements to access all information in the program, including software and hardware.

Some programs offer a loaner laptop for specific purposes or for those students who demonstrate financial need. Students can also request help from nonprofit organizations, such as Computers with Causes, Dell Scholars laptop scholarship program, ConnectAll, or PCs for People.

Online nursing programs have integrated a variety of options for video synchronous and asynchronous classroom experiences and platforms that allow students to communicate easily. Some use learning management system (LMS) software to deliver recorded videos and coursework, others use group video platforms, such as Zoom, integrated into the existing online platform, and others may integrate HIPAA-compliant platforms like Slack to communicate with students.

Distance learning students typically have access to the same resources as on-campus students. Schools typically list available remote resources, such as personal counseling, academic advising, and tutoring services, on the distance learning homepage.

Depending on how committed a school is to its online learning program, students may also have access to additional resources for distance education. Some schools also offer nursing students a variety of helpful resources with useful tips for new and returning remote learners. NurseJournal.org offers tips for students to help them protect their data, well-being, and study skills.

An online licensed practical nurse (LPN) program offers students a flexible career path, combining online coursework with local clinical placements. Typically, students access materials at their convenience, including lectures, readings, and assignments.

The length of the program varies, but most can be completed within 1-2 years, depending on the student’s pace and the program structure. This time frame allows students to transition into the workplace quickly.

The cost depends on factors, such as the institution’s reputation, geographic location, and whether each school is public or private. On average, tuition can range from $5,000-$25,000, but this typically excludes expenses like textbooks, supplies, and fees. Financial aid and scholarships can be available to help offset costs.

Any online LPN program should be accredited by a nursing accreditation body. This is crucial to ensure the quality of education, eligibility for licensure, and the ability to advance your education in the future.

The primary difference between an associate degree in nursing (ADN) and an LPN is in the level of education and scope of practice. An ADN can take the widespread nursing exam, known as the NCLEX-RN, to become a registered nurse (RN), while an LPN must pass the NCLEX-PN and has a more limited scope of practice with fewer opportunities for advancement without further education.

An online ADN program combines theoretical coursework with clinical rotations that are typically arranged at healthcare facilities within the students’ local area. The length of the program can vary, but most students can complete an ADN program within two to three years of full-time study. The shortened time frame lets students transition into the workforce relatively quickly.

The cost of the program depends on the institution, whether it’s public or private, and the state where it’s located. On average, tuition costs can range $20,000-$35,000, not including added expenses, such as books, supplies, and fees. Accreditation is a key factor to consider when selecting your online ADN program. This ensures that your nursing education meets established standards and you qualify for the licensure examination.

A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree that prepares you for a comprehensive range of nursing roles. BSN-prepared nurses gain skills in patient care, leadership, and critical thinking. This positions you for higher salaries within healthcare and serves as a foundation for advanced nursing education and specialties.

An online RN-to-BSN degree affords students the opportunity to achieve a bachelor’s degree while continuing to work. Application requirements vary by program but typically include transfer of any credits from your ADN program, transcripts, references, resume, and information about your work experience.

Most programs require candidates to complete 120 credit hours for graduation. The RN-to-BSN program is the most common bridge program for working RNs since it generally offers a more flexible course schedule, and nurses who are working can often fulfill their clinical requirements of approximately 400 hours at the hospital where they are currently employed. Some programs require one or two on-campus visits, and others award proficiency credits for nurses who have an active license and are working.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A master of science in nursing (MSN) degree offers advanced opportunities for students interested in pursuing work in a specialized area of nursing or leadership roles. Common concentration areas include family practice, gerontology, midwifery, mental health, and pediatrics. The length of these programs depends on the applicant’s level of education and nursing training when they enter the program.

Currently, MSN-prepared nurses can work as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), but several nursing organizations are working to advance the entry-level requirement to a doctorate in nursing practice. Depending on your previous educational experience, you may consider a bridge program, like an online RN-to-MSN, ADN-to-MSN, or BSN-to-MSN program.

Students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree may complete a direct-entry MSN program online. Similar to an online RN-to-BSN program, the didactic component of an online MSN program can be completed virtually, while the required clinical hours are completed at a healthcare facility. Application requirements and materials for an MSN program vary by institution but may include letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses, GRE scores, and an interview.

The traditional online MSN for incoming students with a bachelor’s degree in nursing typically takes two years to complete. The number of required credits varies among programs, but students can expect to complete approximately 35-42 credits for graduation. Required courses vary among schools and specialty areas. MSN degree-seekers can expect to complete core master’s classes, such as theoretical foundations in nursing, healthcare policy, and disease prevention, along with coursework in their specialty.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) is a terminal degree in nursing. These candidates hold some of the most advanced positions in the field, emphasizing both clinical practice and leadership. DNPs may practice as APRNs, executives, faculty members, policymakers, research analysts, or entrepreneurs.

Students can complete the 30-90-credit coursework through synchronous and asynchronous classroom experiences online while fulfilling clinical requirements in approved settings. Programs offer a BSN-to-DNP pathway or an MSN-to-DNP pathway for nurses who want to advance their education.

Practical experiences integrate scientific evidence and theory within the healthcare system or in the candidate’s population specialty. Most programs require a practice-focused project demonstrating the student’s ability to synthesize evidence and develop systems within a specific population.

The differences between an online and traditional in-person classroom DNP program include learning formats, scheduling flexibility, and the opportunity to network with students and professors.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.