Is this possible?

Nurses General Nursing

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My mother (who is an RN, PhD) mentioned what I think is a nutty idea but I promised I would look into it.

I am starting the process of nursing school. My state (MA) does not recognize any online nursing schools. She mentioned going through schooling in another state that might recognize an online education - or part with some small residency requirement - and then transferring the degree back to my home state.

Crazy? This can't be possible.

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If you aren't an RN then you have to have clinicals.

It cannot be done exclusively online.

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Just to make sure I understand you right, you want to get your degree for your RN completely online? Am I understanding correctly that you don't already have your RN, and aren't trying to do an RN-BSN? I can't speak to whether or not that is actually possible, but here's what I will say: I just can't fathom getting a nursing degree online with no clinical experience. Being a new grad with a rather large number of clinical hours from school has been hard enough, I can't imagine doing it without the "experience" I had from clinical hours in school.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

Are you able to move (do you have spouse/kids?)? Why not stay at a dorm and do your RN schooling?

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Just to make sure I understand you right, you want to get your degree for your RN completely online? Am I understanding correctly that you don't already have your RN, and aren't trying to do an RN-BSN? I can't speak to whether or not that is actually possible, but here's what I will say: I just can't fathom getting a nursing degree online with no clinical experience. Being a new grad with a rather large number of clinical hours from school has been hard enough, I can't imagine doing it without the "experience" I had from clinical hours in school.

That's correct. I do not have my RN.

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Are you able to move (do you have spouse/kids?)? Why not stay at a dorm and do your RN schooling?

Yes, spouse, kids, dogs, home, and a career - the works. No dorm for me.

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Just to make sure I understand you right, you want to get your degree for your RN completely online? Am I understanding correctly that you don't already have your RN, and aren't trying to do an RN-BSN? I can't speak to whether or not that is actually possible, but here's what I will say: I just can't fathom getting a nursing degree online with no clinical experience. Being a new grad with a rather large number of clinical hours from school has been hard enough, I can't imagine doing it without the "experience" I had from clinical hours in school.

And to be clear, I can't imagine getting an RN online either! Mom and her wacky ideas. :-)

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I HAVE heard of an online ADN program that will allow the student to pass the clinical component by taking practical exams (hands-on tests of clinical skills, observed by an instructor). I thought this a poor method of earning a degree in nursing, myself, but it is an option out there.

However, and it's a BIG "however", this degree is NOT accepted everywhere when it comes to continuing one's education (or, as you found out, getting licensure in any particular State).

You cannot "transfer" a degree from one State to another....you can only transfer credits from one school to another. You must have a degree from an approved institution in order to sit for NCLEX in your home State. If you think you can just sit for NCLEX in another State that DOES allow a program like I mentioned to be acceptable for entry to the Exam, you will find that to be a big mistake. Just ask the umpteen-hundred RNs who received licensing in California when they did not have a degree in professional nursing.....they used a loophole allowing LPNs to "challenge" the RN exam and thereby obtain a CA RN nursing license. So what's the problem? It's only good in California!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

There are schools like excelsior that have something like that. The problem is not every state accepts them. Better really research this before wasting effort and money. Just apply to a school in your state and if I were you then I would go straight for the BSN. Many places are requiring it any way. Nothing can replace good old fashioned hard work.

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Short answer: No, it's not possible in MA. I am sure they have tumbled to the idea that some people will try this dodge, and the BoN will still recognize it for the dodge it is. Just because someplace might grant you a license based on NCLEX and an education in another state does not obligate any other state to grant you a license by reciprocity/endorsement. MA is also not a Compact state.

:no: If you really want to be a real nurse, an RN, then get a real education, no matter where you live.

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Yup. Thanks for all the messages. Like I said, I did not think this would fly but as a dutiful daughter I promised I'd check.

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Specializes in Pedi.

IF- and this is a big IF- you find such a program, are able to pass NCLEX and obtain licensure in another state, and the MA BoN accepts your application for licensure by endorsement you will never find a job in Massachusetts with that educational background. I'd bet money on it. There are hardly any jobs for new grads here, period, and almost all the hospitals demand a BSN.

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