Online RN Programs: Find Registered Nurse Certification From Home
Higher Education Articles February 13, 2013A registered nurse (RN) needs hands-on clinical experience, so it is impossible to obtain a RN licensure online. However, online instruction and on-campus training are blended by some schools to allow aspiring RNs to enroll in associate degree programs in nursing. Similarly, blended RN-to-BSN degree courses are available to current RNs who want to pursue online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. In this article, we will take a closer look at online RN Programs.
Earning RN Certification
Licensure norms for RNs in most states include the completion of a training program in nursing as a mandatory requirement. Completing a two-year associate degree program in nursing is the quickest way to obtaining a license to practice the profession. Four-year undergraduate degree programs leading to licensure are also offered by many schools. Students who possess an associate degree in nursing and registered nurse licensure could be interested in obtaining an accelerated undergraduate degree program in order to qualify for graduate study in nursing. Once they have completed an associate or bachelor degree program, aspiring nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Once they pass the exam, students can seek local RN licenses from the nursing boards in their home states. Applicants are required to pass a criminal background check in most states.
Online Registered Nurse Programs
State education requirements mandate that aspiring RNs receive hands on instruction in clinical and classroom settings. As a result, it is not possible to qualify for registered nurse licensure exclusively via online education. However, several universities and colleges offer hybrid nursing degree programs, which combine on-campus and online instruction. This is usually available at the associate degree level for students with no prior experience in nursing and at the undergraduate degree level for students who possess a registered nurse license.
Associate Degree Programs
Students can obtain an online registered nurse license in a hybrid learning environment via associate degree program in nursing. It depends on colleges and universities, the programs may lead to an Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (AND), but these degrees are equivalent to one another. Rather than offering some courses either all on-campus or online, majority of associate degree programs in nursing blend individual classes. Prospective students could complete some coursework in a face-to-face setting and some online; this will help minimize the total amount of scheduled class hours. In regard to clinical experience, it has to be completed either at an associate health care facility or on campus. The online portion of hybrid nursing courses usually includes related study materials, online tutorials, and case studies. Several colleges and universities use web-based learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard, Angel, or Desire2Learn to deliver online content. Coursework includes subjects such as Pathophysiology, Nursing process and Anatomy and physiology.
RN-to-BSN Degree Programs
Students who hold registered nurse certifications should consider pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Students who utilize their prerequisites and credits from an associate degree program may accelerate their time to a degree completion. The undergraduate degree will help registered nurses advance in their careers or qualify for master degree programs, which is required for advanced practice nursing. Schools offer several RN-to-BSN courses in a blended on-campus and online format. Ordinarily, a student enrolled in a blended program can avail fifty percent of the instructions online including general education coursework offered on the web along with some nursing coursework offered online as well as on-campus. Similar to the graduate degree programs, clinical experience for the BSN degree are expected to be performed at an associated health care setting or on-campus. Coursework includes subjects such as Community nursing, Theory of clinical practice and Leadership and management for Registered Nurses.
