How Long Do Online Nursing Programs Take
On average, earning your Associates Degree in Nursing takes up to two years. Depending on your previous educational background, getting your BSN degree online can take anywhere from 12 months to four years, while online MSN degrees usually take around 2 years to complete.
When it comes to online learning you can also opt for an accelerated program, which lets you earn your degree faster. Granted, this type of program is more challenging, but if you are looking for the fastest route towards your degree, this may be a worthy option to consider. Also, if you already have a Bachelors Degree in an unrelated field and wish to switch to nursing, that might also shorten the duration of your studies.
The Nightingale College online nursing programs are specifically designed to be completed in a fairly short amount of time, while also holding onto the highest standards of nursing education. Generally, this is how long it takes to complete each online program at our college:
Read more about how long it takes to complete nursing school.
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How Do You Get A Life In Nursing School
How to Balance Nursing School and Family Life
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How Do I Complete Clinicals Practicums And Internships During Online Nursing School
Clinicals, preceptorships, or internships are required for all nursing degrees with the exception of the RN to BSN degree. However, this bridge degree often requires full-time employment as an RN. For these roles, the state requires an exam for licensure, and to be eligible to sit for the exam, clinical hours are required. The requirement varies by state.
For online programs, either the student will be required to find a willing healthcare provider to act as a preceptor, the school will arrange them in the student’s local area, or the student must travel to another area to complete the required hours. The school may have resources to help locate a preceptor and tips on the best ways to approach them.
Clinical hours are not required for RN to BSN courses, but many schools do require the student to work full or part-time as a registered nurse throughout the program.
Check out what we have to say regarding clinical hours during RN school.
What Can I Gain With An Online Nursing Certificate

An online certification in nursing provides you with the legal authority to practice professional nursing. This means, if you have an online nursing certificate, you will be recognized as a professional nurse and can be employed.
Moreso, online nursing certificate professionalism and clinical competence show that you are committed to achieving excellence in your nursing career. It further shows you are dedicated to a certain subject area.
In addition, completing free online nursing certification courses can contribute to better patient care. This entails that it provides you with the enhanced knowledge and expertise needed to provide excellent care, exercise, moral judgment, and ensure patient safety.
Lastly, online certification in nursing can broaden and diversify your employment opportunities. With a certification, youll look more prepared and attractive to employers.
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Taking Online Learning To A New Level
Online Learning at Chamberlain
When it comes to online healthcare education, not all programs are created equal. You cant build an online university overnight, and its not as simple as moving traditional classroom-based courses to a virtual environment. It takes time and experience to acquire the right people, processes and technologies, and to learn how to use all these resources to their full potential in an online setting.
As a University solely dedicated to healthcare, Chamberlain has a long history of successfully delivering and providing access to an extensive selection of online nursing and health professions offerings to educate, empower and embolden diverse healthcare professionals who advance the health of people, families, communities and nations.
Chamberlain University confers online degrees from its Main Campus in Addison, IL.
Adn Programs Cant Be 100% Online
Be Aware! Even programs that are advertised as online ADN programs arent 100% online, because state nursing boards require a set number of in-person clinical hours in order to become a Registered Nurse. The exact number of clinical hours varies by state, but is usually somewhere around 70 clinical hours. Clinical requirements are necessary because thats where you will learn the hands-on skills you need to perform as a nurse — everything from placing an IV to inserting a catheter to working with equipment and patients in person.
And, of course, after fulfilling your academic program and your clinical hours requirement, you still have to pass the NCLEX exam to be an official RN. All three components together — your academic courses, your clinical hours, and successfully passing the NCLEX — are needed to be granted a Registered Nurses license in your state.
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With A Bsn From Uf Online You Can:
- Put yourself on a path to advanced education and leadership roles.
- Provide leadership in the delivery of safe, high-quality health care.
- Apply information management, current evidence and technology to improve outcomes.
- Analyze processes through which health care policies are developed and changed.
- Influence professional nursing practice and health care systems.
- Implement wellness promotion and illness prevention strategies.
At this time, UF Online is only able to accept students who have an active, unencumbered Florida RN license or enhanced licensure through the Nurse Licensure Compact . Please note that admissions to this program is offered every Spring only. For full details, read about our application process below.
The Top Online Lpn/lvn Programs 2021
Based in Wesson, Mississippi, Co-Lin offers a one-year licensed practical nursing training program. Students complete coursework online and gain eligibility to sit for practical nurse licensure exams.
Students take 44 credits in nursing foundations, including courses such as therapy and pharmacology, specialty areas in nursing, adult health nursing concepts, and body structure and function. Students complete required clinicals at the direction of the instructor. Students work various shifts and gain experience in direct patient care with direct mentoring from those in the field. At the end of the program, students can achieve certification and move on to the next stage of nursing.
Students need a minimum ACT score of 16 and a high school diploma or GED equivalent to qualify for admission. Students must also submit ATI TEAS exam scores. Accepted students must send a record of CPR certification and a physician-signed health form.
Co-Lin is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Based in Waycross, Georgia, CPTC offers a diploma in practical nursing. Students can complete the program in five semesters, taking 57 credits of nursing foundation courses.
Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2.75 in all required courses to qualify for admission. Students may complete required courses during the first term of acceptance into the nursing program if space permits but should plan to take the coursework before applying.
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Can I Get A Masters Of Nursing Online
Many students wonder if they can get a Masters of Nursing online as they work as professionals in the field. If you currently possess your Bachelors in Nursing and you are working as a Registered Nurse, you are probably familiar with the incentives of graduating from a graduate program with your MSN. Not only can you specialize in a specific practice, you can also earn a higher wage when you possess an advanced degree, but one of the drawbacks is making time to attend school. Luckily, there are more distance education programs than ever, which allow nursing students to become masters-trained nurses without spending time in a classroom environment. Read on, and learn more about online MSN programs so that you can decide if distance study is right for you.
What Is An Accelerated Bsn
Changing careers doesnt have to mean abandoning all the work youve already done. Accelerated degree programs can use some of the college credits you earned for your previous degree to reduce the time it takes to complete a nursing degree. General requirement classes like English, history, and electives that dont directly apply to your goals are skipped. This means you spend your class time concentrating on developing the skills needed to be a successful RN.
More than skipping repetitive general requirements, accelerated learning programs are highly customizable. Many courses are self-paced. Students can work as quickly as they like to complete their program earlier. Those who need extra time on some subjects can feel free to ensure they reach a satisfactory level of comprehension.
A combination of online learning and in-class participation give learners the ability to study around work schedules and other important obligations. This format makes these programs ideal for working adults.
There are some minimum requirements for BSN program applicants.
- Your existing bachelor’s degree must be from an accredited school.
- Your degree GPA must be at least 2.5.
- The cumulative GPA of your science classes must be at least 2.75.
Other documentation and testing are required to complete a nursing program application. However, if your previous educational experience does not meet these minimums, you may need to take additional classes before applying to a BSN program.
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Are There Reputable Programs That Can Be Completed 100% Online
Distance education technologies have advanced so much that now reputable colleges and universities can offer students the option to study in a completely online classroom. If you worried about the reputation of MSN programs that are held online, you will be happy to hear that there are programs that are accredited by recognized accreditation agencies like the CCNE. These accredited graduate programs use curriculum that is identical to the curriculum that is taught in a traditional classroom environment. As long as you take the time to research the validity of the program, you can earn a high-quality MSN program entirely online.
Questions People Ask About Lpn Degrees

LPNs complete a state-approved nursing program that culminates in a diploma in practical nursing.
It takes roughly one year to become an LPN. Aspiring LPNs complete a vocational program in practical nursing and pass a licensing exam.
LPNs provide basic nursing care and maximize comfort for patients. RNs administer treatments, medications, and offer health advice to patients. It takes longer to become an RN than an LPN.
Yes, LPNs and LVNs work the same job. Both LPNs and LVNs work under RNs and doctors. The term LVN occurs more frequently in California and Texas, while LPN occurs more frequently in other states in the U.S.
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Workplace Violence Prevention For Nurses
Each module in this CDC training course helps nurses recognize and prevent violence in the workplace. Participants learn to recognize risk factors, identify behavioral warning signs, and carry out a workplace violence prevention program.
The self-paced course consists of 13 15-minute modules and lasts approximately three hours in total. Modules examine the consequences of workplace violence, risk factors, and prevention strategies for organizations and nurses alike.
Participants earn 2.4 contact hours upon completion.
Healthcare Management Bs Business Administration
You can become a healthcare industry leader:…
You can become a healthcare industry leader:…
You can become a healthcare industry leader:
- Time: 70% of graduates finish within 35 months.
- Tuition and fees: $3,720 per 6-month term.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Health information manager
- Medical records manager
- Social service manager
The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.
College of Business
A program designed for future leaders in HIM:…
A program designed for future leaders in HIM:…
A program designed for future leaders in HIM:
- Time: 60% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition and fees: $3,795 per 6-month term, plus a Health Professions Student Fee of $350.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Director of informatics
A master’s in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs….
A master’s in nursing education program for…
A master’s in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.
This degree will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.
- Time: 80% of grads finish within 2 years.
- Tuition and fees: $4,385 per 6-month term, plus a Health Professions Student Fee of $350.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Nurse Educator
- Program Director
- Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
College of Health Professions
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Virtual Site Review For Continuing Accreditation
The College of Nursing at St. Petersburg College will host a virtual site review for continuing accreditation of its Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program.
You are invited to send written comments to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education prior to our virtual visit on November 15 to 17, 2021.
Written comments are welcomed and should be submitted directly to CCNE to using the following link:
All written comments should arrive at CCNE by .
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing
Yes. Many of the best nursing schools offer fully online degrees. Students complete coursework through a distance learning platform. They fulfill clinical requirements locally.
RNs need a two-year or four-year degree to meet the educational requirements to become an RN.
Nurse practitioners are the most in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for these nurses to grow 45% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than average.
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Online Adn Degree Program
Online ADN programs provide the fastest path to becoming a registered nurse . ADN-holders obtain entry-level RN positions with more responsibility and higher pay than LPN/LVNs. While a BSN may be required for further career advancement in the nursing field, an ADN can provide RNs with a leg up in admission to accelerated RN or ADN-to-BSN bridge programs. Students can earn their ADNs in two years and graduates can take the NCLEX-RN exam for their licenses.
Core ADN coursework includes introduction to nursing, health assessment, microbiology, and immunology. Students may also complete introductory specialty classes in surgical, pediatric, or neonatal nursing. RNs collaborate on teams of medical professionals to provide patient care, and the ADN curriculum emphasizes safety, ethical and legal practice, and care management. Distance learners complete about 500 hours of onsite clinical rotations.
Can You Get A Job With An Online Nursing Degree
While a degree in nursing is required to get a job in the medical field, where you earned your degree is not as important as the amount of job-related, hands-on experience you have. Of course, do your due diligence and make sure you enroll in a reputable, accredited nursing program. However, once you earn your degree, you will still need to complete your clinicals and display the necessary skills to work at a hospital or medical facility. Earning your degree online shouldnt put you at a disadvantage when it comes to finding a job, as long as you have completed the required in-person training.
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Which Nursing School Accreditation Should I Be Looking For In A School
Accreditation is very, very important. These are issued by regulatory bodies that monitor education quality and maintain high standards for schools. Completing a nursing degree from an accredited school is especially important when hoping to advance education at a different school, as many schools will only accept degrees or credits from schools with certain accreditation.
The government regulatory body of accreditation commissions is the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and they recognize 6 agencies when considering schools for regional accreditation. The agencies below are from 2016-2017, so be sure to visit for the most current information.
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western
- Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
The best approach for an undergraduate is to research graduate schools and find out which accreditation they accept. Leaving this option open for the future is very wise.
For more on this see nursing school accreditation.
What Is The Fastest Route To Obtaining A Nursing Degree Online

The length of time it takes to earn one of our online nursing degrees will depend on your previous education and individual schedule. RN to BSN candidates who want to earn an MSN can accelerate their nursing education by choosing the BSN to MSN Fast Track Option. Speak with an enrollment representative by calling 855-GCU-LOPE to learn more about your opportunities.
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How Do Instructors Teach Online Students To Practice Nursing
There are many misconceptions when it comes to online learning. One of those misconceptions is that online learning is an isolating experience. Teall counters that by developing an online community in her courses where her students can actively learn together.
Students are separated into small groups at the start of the semester. Throughout the course, the groups collaborate together online, using CarmenZoom, to complete case studies and prepare for exams. Students can analyze and discuss nursing case studies together using discussion boards on CarmenCanvas, as well.
Another popular teaching tool is called a branching activity. In these modules, nursing faculty create realistic scenarios and ask students to choose an option that represents the best action for the nurse to take. Their choice either leads them to a correct answer, sends them back to make another choice if the answer is incorrect or, in some cases, takes them further along in the simulation to an outcome they really dont want.
Teall also demonstrates skills via webcam and encourages students to practice on a friend or family member, while she supervises. With the rise of telehealth, the ability to utilize technology as part of patient care is critical for nurses.