Does an online RN degree get the same respect...

SmilingBluEyes · Jan 16, 2006

Going to shuffle this one off to the forum where you can get the most feedback. GOOD LUCK!

suzanne4, RN · Jan 16, 2006

Before signing up for an on-line program, make sure that it is approved by your BON for licensure. Not all are. Especially when going for initial licensure as an RN.

Most of the programs that you do see are for an RN to get their BSN or MSN. Since they already have their RN, there is no issue with those degrees.

stacyinMD · Jan 16, 2006

I don't plan on taking online courses. I was curious about them. My email box is being bombarded with info on online courses. I usually delete them but now I'm intriqued :)

MedictoRN · Jan 16, 2006

It does get the same respect everywhere except california and these message boards. Everywhere else it is the same.

traumahawk99 · Jan 17, 2006

i'd be aware that most of those selling online programs are actually selling excelsior college. if you're going to go through excelsior (basically, you'd have to be an lpn or paramedic or have completed more than 1/2 of the clinicals of a traditional program in order to get into excelsior), then buy directly from the source, rather than through some publishing company that will mark up the program substantially.

i don't think it matters one iota once you've got a license and can show up for work and fill shifts. read the posts and make your own judgement.

bottom line, once you've got a license, people won't give a rat's behind about how you did it.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jan 18, 2006

Here's something to keep in mind: The largest program that will allow you to become an RN via distance education is Excelsior College. Excelsior does require that its students already be healthcare providers - either LVN's, paramedics, or respiratory therapists in most cases. The program is not geared to the student just out of high school or to a person who has no healthcare background.

opalmRN · Jan 18, 2006

Going to shuffle this one off to the forum where you can get the most feedback. GOOD LUCK!

My ASN indicates it is from the school of nursing I attended. There is no distinction of what was online and what was on campus as is the same with the other schools I attended. Check the NLN accreditation for ASN degrees.

KatieBell · Jan 18, 2006

I have found most people are skeptical of on line programs. However, once you are working, people do not care where you wnet to school, only that you have a license.

The people that do the on line programs do clinical time, they are responsible for finding their own clinical site and preceptor, which can be difficult.

I have a traditional degree, but have since taken some on line classes. I probably learned more because I can't zone out like I can in lecture.

featherzRN, MSN · Jan 18, 2006

I went through regents (now excelsior) and am in California. I've NEVER had a problem finding a job even with the new attitude the CA BRN is taking. Matter of fact no one has even paid much attention.. /shrug. Of course, I was licensed in 1989 so where I went to school all that time ago is pretty irrelevant.

NICURNtobe · Jan 19, 2006

I graduated from Deaconess (online) last year and didn't have a problem getting the 2 jobs I have. I'm an RN, that's all that matters!

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jan 19, 2006

I'm a Regent's Graduate (now known as Excelsior) and no one has ever asked me how I got my RN. I'm glad to tell them and they're like "oh that's hard to do, good for you", as another poster mentioned as long as you show up and do a good job no cares, they don't care about your grades either, although I'm proud to say I graduated with a 3.87 at age 46!