on-line RN programs...

Sheri257 · Dec 17, 2003

Always check with your state Board of Nursing, and you might want to check the school's NCLEX pass rates as well.

Some boards will tell you online programs are OK, others won't. A lot of it depends on the program and your own state's criteria.

New Castle Ken · Dec 17, 2003

Originally posted by tinabell
what do you think of on-line programs to get your RN...are they as good as going to universities? and i know that at TWU they have you go to the hospital for your clinicals...do on-line programs just skip that part? how does the whole on-line process work? thanks!

Most online programs that you see advertised and hear about are degree completion programs for those who already are licensed as RNs trying to earn a BSN or MSN. There are very very few that are for people not already an RN. One popular one, Excelsior College, requires experience like an LPN or EMT to be accepted.

Someone who didn't have experience was talking about an online program where she had to arrange clinicals in her own area but most of the hospitals refused to allow her in their facility so she was having a very difficult time setting up her specialties. Good luck.

Ken

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2003

Just to ditto what was mentioned above, online programs generally refer to RNs wishing to get their baccelaureate and up the ladder. I personally know of no online programs that take you from scratch.

tinabell · Dec 20, 2003

thanks so much for your information regarding my questions...after looking on-line i was starting to wonder if there was any on-line schools to get my RN. it is nice to know...i actually think that i will go to a school to get it (that seems like my best option) but i was just wondering to find out my options. one more question i have is are technical institutes known to be as good as universitys for getting your RN? i just really want to get a good education and a good hands on experience--i just want to make sure that i am going to be prepared for being an RN.

do you have any thoughts about that? it would be great to find that out...:)

New Castle Ken · Dec 20, 2003

Originally posted by tinabell
thanks so much for your information regarding my questions...after looking on-line i was starting to wonder if there was any on-line schools to get my RN. it is nice to know...i actually think that i will go to a school to get it (that seems like my best option) but i was just wondering to find out my options. one more question i have is are technical institutes known to be as good as universitys for getting your RN? i just really want to get a good education and a good hands on experience--i just want to make sure that i am going to be prepared for being an RN.
do you have any thoughts about that? it would be great to find that out...:)

This is a question that might open a can of worms as it has been for years. Your goal should be to obtain a BSN at the minimum and a graduate degree to advance. It is fine to start out with an associate degree which you can earn in 2-3 years. The important thing is to choose a program that is accredited regionally and by both nursing. Once you are an RN there are many RN/BSN programs at local colleges and online. Unless money is no problem I like the idea of getting the associate first. That way you are earning an RN salary while you finish. If parents are sending you and money is no problem then enrolling in a BSN right off works in that situation.

College programs do not offer as much clinical experience as the former hospital diploma programs. Most hospitals have some type of training or internship for new nurses. You will have to get experience after you graduate. Working as a nursing assistant while going to school also helps. Good luck.

Ken

Kens Web page

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2003

Hi

Try http://www.deaconess.edu

They offer an online nursing program and you can enter with no nursing background at all. You do have to make mandatory visits to their campus in Missouri after each clinical rotation. For the first year you can become a practical nurse and then proceed to the asn portion of the program.

mona