Can I earn a Associate Degree in Nursing online?

[AriyellsMom]

Hello I am interested to know if I can become a Registered Nurse online. I already know that many of you are going to point out that I have to complete clinical's which are hands on however, I have heard that some institutes will schedule your clinical's with local facilities in your area. I have completed a Associate Degree in Science (Office Technology) and I hold a certificate in medical billing & coding, as well and medical transcription. I have worked at my local hospital for 4 years and completed Semester 1 of a ADN program at a local college before having to drop out for certain reasons. I don't know if any of my experience counts for anything but due to me having children and having to work full time being able to complete my RN degree online would be great. Can anyone supply me with the name of a online college that will allow me to complete my RN degree solely online? By the way I am currently in Arkansas (don't know if that makes a difference).

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

There are no accredited RN programs that are completely online. It doesn't matter what your background is, you have to fulfill your state's BON education requirements to be eligible to sit for the NCLEX.

Once you complete your RN in an ADN program, there are many RN-to-BSN completion programs that are online, plus a clinical component.

Bottom line: you're going to have to spend some face-to-face time in a nursing program. Do any programs in your area offer a part-time program or a 3-year program? Our program offers this option specifically for working students, moms with kids, etc. This might be a good option if you have to work.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

The closest you may find is a hybrid program. My county college offered an "OSOL" (on site/online) one day a week program. Minimum entry is current licensing or certification in healthcare (CNA, RRT, EMT, medic, LPN, etc) and current minimum part time working in a direct patient care environment. Clinicals are 12hrs once a week with exams taken in a proctored setting at the college testing area ( therefore not appropriate for out of state residents). The program runs 4 semesters with one or two summer sessions and all pre-req's must be completed prior to taking first clinical nursing classes.

WGU (Western Govermors University) offers a hybrid program but only to residents of specific states. I don't believe yours is one of them.

Excelsior offers a program but you must be a licensed healthcare professional. Some states will license grads who were LPN RRT or medic then completed the program. Other states will only license LPNs who completed the program. CA will not license ANY excelsior ASN grads as RNs.