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Online Nursing Degrees and Careers

Jobs in nursing are expected to grow 16% by 2024 — quicker than the average for any other occupation.

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Earning Your Nursing Degree Online

Considering a degree program in nursing, but can't find the time for all of the in-person classes? Online nursing programs are on the rise. In fact, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, online nursing programs have grown by more than 30% in the last two years.

And it's no wonder: jobs in nursing are expected to grow 16% by 2024 — quicker than the average for any other occupation. As people are living longer, and there are higher instances of chronic health problems, nurses are in high demand. Experienced registered nurses can expect a median salary of $68,450.

In online nursing programs, a combination of traditional lecture-style courses and online seminars allow busy adults to increase their earning potential and advance their career, all while balancing other work and family obligations. Students complete the same curriculum, but with a more flexible schedule. Even online nursing programs that include an in-person clinical component have flexible terms, allowing students to complete clinicals through labs on campus, at local hospitals, or at their hospital of employment.

Costs vary depending on which institution you choose, but online nursing programs are typically cheaper than their in-person counterparts, as students are not required to pay fees for on-campus facilities or technology costs.

The Best Online Nursing Programs

Job Outlook for Nursing Graduates

Graduates from any type of college degree program usually have one thing on their minds: will I be able to find a job? Luckily for those who have completed nursing degrees from accredited online nurse practitioner programs, job placement rates for recent graduates at every level of nursing are considerably higher than other fields.

These rates will vary slightly based on the graduate's institution, but where the applicant resides in the U.S. does have significant bearing on their job future. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) found that for those graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the West have a 41% job placement rate after graduation, compared with their counterparts from the South at 70%. Job placement rates also go up significantly with the attainment of advanced degrees.

The AACN also found that employers show preference to nursing candidates who have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing. Research has shown that nurses with this degree provide better care, causing lower death rates and increased patient outcomes. One AACN study surveyed 582 nursing schools, and found that while only 47.4% of them require new nursing hires to have at least a bachelor's degree, 83.5% of employers at said nursing schools have at least a preference for hiring nursing candidates who have a bachelor-level education.

A 2014 study by the National Association of Colleges found that of the nearly 44,000 students surveyed in all majors, only 29.3% had job offers at the time of their graduation. For those graduating with an online degree in nursing, however, prospects are much higher.

Types of Nursing Degrees

Depending on the type of nursing job you are looking to pursue, there are various levels of nursing degrees. When selecting the online degree that's right for you, consider your individual career aspirations and the time commitment it requires.

Nursing Certifications and Licensing

For nurses, a license is more than just a piece of paper that allows you to practice: it's a confirmation to yourself and to your patients that you have mastered the coursework and training necessary to provide excellent nursing care. Each state, as required by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, mandates that graduating nurses take one of two licensing exams.

Licensure requirements vary from state to state, but are generally comprised of nursing education, a passing score on the licensing exam, and the character of the applicant. These requirements are evaluated by the Nursing State Board in the state in which you will be practicing.

For LVNs (Licensed Vocational Nurses) and LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses), states require completion of an accredited educational program, most of which are about a year in length, and include coursework in biology, nursing, and pharmacology. From there, candidates for licensure have to take the NCLEX exam, an online test that evaluates competency in safe and effective care, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity. Full licensure, in addition to passing the NCLEX exam, includes successful background checks and character references for the nursing candidate.

Licenses must be renewed every few years; renewal requires a small fee and confirmation that any out-of-state licensees are in good standing.

Nursing Scholarships

The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce predicts 1.6 million new jobs for nurses through the year 2020. As the need for nurses continues to grow, and many organizations and hospitals have taken note, there is an increasing number of scholarship opportunities to help potential nursing students with the cost of their education.

Foundations like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have created initiatives and funds to support future nurses, citing that "nurses should achieve higher levels of education and training through an improved education system that promotes seamless academic progression." Even the US Health Resources and Services Administration has joined in the efforts, offering scholarships for tuition and fees through their NURSE Corps Scholarship Program. Below are just some of the scholarships available to those interested in pursuing or advancing their career in nursing:

Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization is like hanging out with a group of your friends who can relate to you and who have your back. They all understand the latest nursing lingo and have relatable on-the-job stories. Professional organizations are great for nurses at every level, whether they are still in school or ten years into the job. They can help members find jobs, connect with mentors, and offer opportunities for professional development. These organizations are also great for students enrolled in online nurse practitioner programs and online nursing programs, bringing networking opportunities to students from all over the country. Professional organizations keep their members informed of changes and updates in the field, and encourage continuing education and certification opportunities.

Fees and membership dues vary for professional organizations, but most offer discounted rates for students and young professionals. Some organizations even offer scholarship awards to college students studying in the field. There are a variety of professional organizations out there to fit the specific needs of its members, including this sample selection below:

• American Association of Nurse Practitioners: AANP is the largest national membership organization for nurse practitioners, holding annual conferences and offering free continuing education opportunities. Members pay annual dues of $135 ($55 for students) and receive a daily SmartBrief newsletter, filling them in on the most recent news and events for nurse practitioners.

• American Nursing Association: The ANA represents registered nurses by advocating for the rights and well-being of practicing nurses. The ANA offers members discounts on personal insurance costs, ANCC certification testing costs, and annual Nursing Quality Conference expenses.

• National League for Nursing: The NLN works with those in nursing education, offering professional development, networking, and advocacy on public policy initiatives. The NLN publishes a bimonthly research journal, and gives members (dues are $150 for professionals, $80 for graduate students) access to their annual education summit, educational webinars, and discounts toward the Certified Nurse Educator exam.

• Academy of Neonatal Nursing: ANN is dedicated to the continuing education and development of neonatal nurses, and offers members access to peer-reviewed publications, online resources, and annual conferences. Annual dues cost $105 ($50 for students), and include discounts to conferences and access to an archive of online learning materials.

• American Assembly for Men in Nursing: The AAMN supports men in the nursing profession by encouraging their education, practice, and leadership. Membership ($100 for professionals, $30 for students) is open to both males and females, and includes voting privileges at committee meetings, access to quarterly newsletters and reports, and discounts to the annual AAMN conference.

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing: AACN represents academic nurses and promotes advancements in nursing education and research. The AACN releases an annual guide to Graduate Nursing Programs, and offers member schools ($2,492 for first-year dues) access to national leadership networks, free continuing education credits, and connections to mentors in the field.

Open Courseware

Open Courseware is a convenient and worthwhile resource for both beginners just entering the field and seasoned professionals alike. Classes are available online, for free, and provide high-level, institution-designed information for all to view.

If you're switching careers or coming into nursing as a newbie, nursing-related Open Courseware can help you get your feet wet, learn some of the terms and jargon, and get you prepared for official coursework once your college classes start.

If you're a nursing veteran, Open Courseware can help you brush up on your skills. In an ever-changing health field, continuing education for nurses is critical. It's important to constantly refresh your knowledge of the basics and essentials of patient care and to learn new medical standards and research. Those in the medical profession also have to contend with frequent updates to technology and industry protocols. Time constraints and limited financial resources can prohibit nurses from keeping up to date on these changes, and can limit their ability to take additional classes. Open Courseware is a flexible alternative to stay up to date on industry standards and on top of your game. Below are a few options for available courses:

Nursing for Beginners

• Nursing Concepts: Liberty University

• Nursing Fundamentals: Kaplan University

• General Human Anatomy: University of California Berkeley

• Chemistry for Nursing Professionals: Liberty University

Specialized Care

• Nursing Studies – Communication and Transcultural Factors: Army Medical Department

• Population-Based Nursing Care: East Tennessee State University

• Managing Long-Term Care Services for Aging Populations: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

• Acute Adult Nursing: Birmingham City University

The Business of Nursing

• Leading Healthcare Quality & Safety: The George Washington University

• Professional Issues in Nursing: University of Massachusetts

• Caring in Hospitals: The Open University

• Managed Care and Health Insurance: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

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