How to Select the Right Online RN Program for You

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Written By Berry Mathew

Online RN programs are a great way to gain the knowledge and skills you need for a rewarding nursing career. However, you must choose the right one for your goals and preferences.

There are many things to consider when choosing a nursing program, including the institution’s accreditation status, faculty credentials, and NCLEX exam pass rates. These factors can greatly impact your success in school and your future career.

Accreditation

If you want to find the right online RN programs in NC, it’s important to ensure it’s accredited. It’s a stamp of approval that shows employers and other stakeholders that you’ve received the education you need to succeed in your career.

Accreditation is a process that evaluates a college or university’s curriculum, resources, mission, and outcomes against certain standards. It’s a critical part of nursing education, allowing you to transfer credits from one school to another.

Two main nursing accrediting agencies are recognized by the Department of Education: ACEN and CCNE. The former focuses on baccalaureate and graduate programs, while the latter accredits all levels of nursing.

Reputation

One of the most important things to consider when choosing an online RN program is its reputation. It’s one of many things to look at, but it can be helpful.

Reputation measures how people perceive a person, brand, company, product, or service. It is a common concept in social science research, affecting behavior on various scales.

A school or nursing program’s reputation can be determined by several factors, including its accreditation status and NCLEX exam pass rates. It’s also good to check if the school offers student support services.

Student Support

Online RN programs offer a range of student support services that can help students overcome barriers and stay engaged throughout their studies. These services can include tutoring, supplemental classes, mental health counseling, and career counseling.

Many schools also provide technical support, including one-on-one help from a college support specialist or remote access to library services and technology. These services can be very helpful for busy, working RNs with unpredictable schedules.

Most online RN degrees also include opportunities for career-related experiences, such as internships and job fairs. Those opportunities can connect students to their career goals, a key motivator for most students.

Coursework

Online RN programs include classes that cover nursing theory and practical skills that prepare students for clinical rotations at hospitals, healthcare facilities, and other institutions. During these rotations, students practice administering medication and monitoring symptoms in patients’ bodies.

The curriculum of a nursing degree typically includes courses on hard skills (medicine, microbiology, pharmacology) and soft skills (communication, leadership, and communication). These courses are designed to help you become an effective nurse in the workforce.

A growing shortage of nurses means many aspiring nurses will need to enroll in an RN-to-BSN or MSN program to advance their careers. These bridge programs offer flexibility for RNs and allow them to complete their coursework at their own pace while maintaining their current employment.

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Flexibility

Flexible students can study when convenient for them and attend classes on their schedule. This can help them continue working and meeting family commitments.

Online RN programs are ideal for busy nurses who want to earn their nursing diploma or bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). They offer the same nursing education as traditional classroom-based schools but on an expedited timeline. They also have various features, such as student discussion boards and virtual office hours, to make learning easier.

Cost

There are a variety of factors that can affect the cost of an online nursing program. Among the most important are accreditation and reputation.

In addition, a student should consider their learning style and course schedule. Some students learn best from lectures, while others are more comfortable participating in online discussion forums or chats with fellow students.

Some different online RN programs are available for every degree level and specialization, from associate to doctoral degrees. Before enrolling, research and find a high-quality program with good reviews.