Online masters?

ShayRN · Dec 29, 2005

Can't help, but am anxiously waiting to see what replys you do get! :rolleyes:

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 29, 2005

Can't help either, but I guess one important factor is if your states allows it etc. Good luck to you.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 29, 2005

It depends a lot on the particular program. Some are more respected than others. Also, some individual people are more receptive to online graduates than others. I suspect that over the next few years, the better programs will gain more respect and more acceptance -- but that some of the lesser programs will be shown to be inferior.

One big thing though to consider -- and to take care of before you make a committment -- ..... Be sure to thoroughly investigate the school's clinical requirements and your ability to fulfill them. Some online MSN programs expect the students to arrange their own clinicals. When the students reach that portion of their program, they find that making those arrangements is much harder than they thought. Those students are approaching hospitals and other potential preceptors essentially asking them to provide them with an education for free. There are legal/financial/liabililty issues galore and a lot of hospitals have been burned by such students in the past. Those hospitals are now hesitant to keep providing those things. Make sure you've got that aspect covered before you invest any money or time in an online program. If you do a search of this forum, you might find similar threads which discuss this big problem.

Good luck,

llg

Trauma Columnist · Dec 29, 2005

I did the MSN online (concentration management and leadership) via University of Phoenix. It was completely online and had 110 hours of clinical. It has been well-respected. It is a non-clinical MSN, meaning I didn't get an advanced practice nurse from it. However, it did allow me to do a post-MSN clinical nurse specialist at my local college of nursing. So..it has been completely worth it for me.

Katnip, RN · Dec 29, 2005

I worked with 4 people who got their Masters' from University of Phoenix onlline. They all did either education or management. It turned out to be well worth it for them and they had no trouble getting positions with that degree.

Like stated above, do make sure the school is reputable and accredited.

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Jan 7, 2006

I was wondering...is it "frowned upon" to get a master's degree in nursing through an online program? I was looking into nursing education degrees. I started doing an FNP program at a local school, but I live 50 miles away from the nursing programs in my area, and it was such a pain wasting that much time communting when I could have been studying, doing housework, seeing my family, etc. FNP also just didn't seem to fit me very well. I am thinking educator might be right, but didn't know if the online programs are just as good or more difficult or if employers prefered one over the other. Anybody know??
Thanks

I think there are many, many online MSN programs:) . I enjoy online learning for all of the reasons you mention in your post. I would imagine that some people still have a hard time believing that you can get a degree online but it really is not uncommon these days. JMHO

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do:)