Direct-Entry online programs?

elkpark · May 29, 2017

There are no on-line direct entry nursing programs because it's not possible to do the basic, pre-licensure nursing education portion of the program via distance education as an individual with no prior healthcare licensure or experience.

FiremedicMike, BSN, RN, EMT-P · May 29, 2017

There are no on-line direct entry nursing programs because it's not possible to do the basic, pre-licensure nursing education portion of the program via distance education as an individual with no prior healthcare licensure or experience.

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but there are online RN programs and I do have a pretty significant amount of healthcare experience.

MierKat · May 29, 2017

Firemedic Mike - online RN degrees are very much the exception - though there are some good ones like UWisc OshKosh for those with prior bachelor's degrees. I think an online NP degree would be good only for those working as RNs and doubt that an online NP degree for non-RNs would ever get enough credence to get an individual licensed.

umbdude, MSN, APRN · May 30, 2017

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but there are online RN programs and I do have a pretty significant amount of healthcare experience.

Unless your experience is RN experience, your other healthcare experience does not matter one bit. What you are looking for doesn't exist. You need to reconsider your options. If you are not willing or able to attend a brick & mortar school as a direct-entry or BSN/ADN student, may be now is not the right time.

FiremedicMike, BSN, RN, EMT-P · May 30, 2017

Fair enough guys/gals, thanks for the input!

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 30, 2017

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but there are online RN programs and I do have a pretty significant amount of healthcare experience.

Online prelicensure RN programs do exists BUT you still have clinicals. For example, WGUs PL program has 700+ hours of in person clinicals plus another 100 or so of lab and sim. You cannot become an RN 100% online- nor would you want to, assuming you would want to practice safely.

Zyprexa · May 30, 2017

With the way nursing education is going...I wouldn't be surprised if some direct-entry online (with online clinical) nursing programs come out in the next few years. :eek:

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · May 30, 2017

With the way nursing education is going...I wouldn't be surprised if some direct-entry online (with online clinical) nursing programs come out in the next few years.

*shudders

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · May 31, 2017

With the way nursing education is going...I wouldn't be surprised if some direct-entry online (with online clinical) nursing programs come out in the next few years.

I cringe for those future patients. YIKES! :eek:

MierKat · Jun 1, 2017

I'd have to think that MOST state BON would push back against that. As an online instructor, I think online classes have their place. Online RN to BSN has its place. Online MSN with in-person clinicals is stretching it to me unless the program has required residencies for the non-clinical portion. Online DE MSN with online clinicals is loony tunes.

FiremedicMike, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 1, 2017

Online prelicensure RN programs do exists BUT you still have clinicals. For example, WGUs PL program has 700+ hours of in person clinicals plus another 100 or so of lab and sim. You cannot become an RN 100% online- nor would you want to, assuming you would want to practice safely.

I definitely agree that clinicals, lab, and simulations are critical portions of coursework and should be structured and in-person. As for the didactic portions, I feel that a well proctored program can be as effective (if not more) when available in a non-traditional format.