New Member Seeking Nursing Info: Please read!

llg, PhD, RN · Apr 27, 2004

I doubt there are any totally online programs for an entry-level nursing degree because nursing requires supervised clinical experiences. It's not just a matter of taking classes. Those clinicals typically required 12-16 hours per week providing care under the supervision of an instructor. There are also usually laboratory experiences in which you learn specific technical skills.

Once you get that first degree and pass the state board exam and become an RN, then you can often get further education with just classroom experiences and/or online classes. But that first degree that makes you eligible for the RN exam requires those clinicals.

llg

AshleeCMA · Apr 27, 2004

Thanks for the reply. As with any medical occupation, including my current position, clinical practice and externship is/was very expansive in the classroom as well as supervised hours spent in the medical office, so I understand the need to be in a classroom; however, with the exception of clinical, several schools have the option to complete courses online before attending the institution for the remainder of the schooling. Finding a legitimate school is the core of my problem. Once again, thanks for your thoughts. Have a great day!

I doubt there are any totally online programs for an entry-level nursing degree because nursing requires supervised clinical experiences. It's not just a matter of taking classes. Those clinicals typically required 12-16 hours per week providing care under the supervision of an instructor. There are also usually laboratory experiences in which you learn specific technical skills.
Once you get that first degree and pass the state board exam and become an RN, then you can often get further education with just classroom experiences and/or online classes. But that first degree that makes you eligible for the RN exam requires those clinicals.
llg

NCDiane · May 4, 2004

Ashlee, since you said you are from Wilmington, as I am, it would benefit you to look into the ADN program at CFCC. There are many scholarship opportunities out there and you could still work part time.

AshleeCMA · May 4, 2004

Ashlee, since you said you are from Wilmington, as I am, it would benefit you to look into the ADN program at CFCC. There are many scholarship opportunities out there and you could still work part time.

Hi NCDiane! It's nice to hear from someone from my neck of the woods :-) Are you an RN yourself? I have considered CFCC, however, I have been informed the ADN program is tough to get into--not academically--but physically--this past year only 50 students were accepted, and the other 500 plus applicants had to wait until the following year to apply again. By the time I completed core classes and began applying to the ADN program, I will have nearly invested 2-3 years which is almost worth applying to a four year institution instead. I have visited UNCW's website, and it says that all applicant's to the nursing program must complete a CNA course. I will call CFCC tomorrow to find out when the next class begins so that I will have that under my belt when I complete the registration process. Thanks for your suggestions. Have a wonderful day !!

jelrtLPN · May 5, 2004

NCDIANE, I hope you dont mind me popping into this discussion, but im planning on moving to NC very soon, the southport area, I'm an LPN, want to go on to my RN, is there an accelerated program at the college you spoke about, any info would be helpful, even a web site i could look at.. thank you

Liz

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 6, 2004

All "good" accredited Nursing schools (for nonmedical personnel) require clinical hours for getting a degree and most require that theory classes are done at the same time as the appropriate clinicals. That said, I doubt if an accredited online degree for nonmedical personnel exists.

And if it does, I would doubt the quality of it's products.

nursetopray · May 7, 2004

Thanks for the reply. As with any medical occupation, including my current position, clinical practice and externship is/was very expansive in the classroom as well as supervised hours spent in the medical office, so I understand the need to be in a classroom; however, with the exception of clinical, several schools have the option to complete courses online before attending the institution for the remainder of the schooling. Finding a legitimate school is the core of my problem. Once again, thanks for your thoughts. Have a great day!

AshleeCMA, I know night school maybe a little difficult, but I know Durham Tech has an LPN program that is offered in the evenings.

I am in CNA school (evenings) and I plan to work on weekends while I attend school during the day. How much different is a CMA vs CNA? Have you thought about working in a hospital? They have 24hr daycare and they will reimburse you for school. I know of these programs in the triangle area. My husband watches the children while I am in class, but there are ladies in class with small children and they have evening sitters. Some also work in the day also. I hope this was of some help to you.

I hope things work out for you.