Advice for an LPN looking to become RN

[phenom720]

Hello "allnurses.com",

My mother is looking to step up from being an LPN to becoming an RN. I've researched plenty on online degrees -- virtual classes will be the only way she attends due to her extremely busy work life that now requires her to work over 50 hours a week -- but most seem to involve scams (especially The College Network). I'm looking for some advice from fellow nurses/hopeful nurses.

The first question is: Do online degrees carry the same 'weight' as in-class ones? There's no point of getting an online degree if it isn't accredited in many states. We live in Illinois, so I'm thinking it's going to require accreditation in Illinois.

The second question is: What universities that offer online-only classes are credible? Is Indiana State University a legitimate school, or is it a degree mill?

If you have any other important information to announce, I'd truly appreciate it!

Thanks!

[caliotter3]

Even if she takes up an online or distance program, she will have to deal with the clinical portion of the program, so that is something she has to look into and prepare for. Excelsior is about the only program that has an abbreviated clinical exam at the end. Her first concern is to verify what programs will be accepted by her state. I would not worry too much about the credibility of the program, as long as it provides the pathway to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The diploma mills and legitimate programs alike can be expensive. Good rule of thumb is to look for programs associated with your standard, well-known, brick and mortar schools. If it were Harvard, you would know the program is well regarded. If it is Joe Apollo Academy of Nursing and Barbering, not a good bet. Go to the the Board of Registered Nursing website for your state and look for their list of accredited programs to begin the investigation process.