Online Programs A Scam?

Elle71 · Jul 9, 2010

I'm sure they have on-site clinicals. There are a few schools that are blended online and onsite. Just check out their accreditations and see if they are listed on the BRN site.

tokidokifantasy · Jul 10, 2010

Check school's accredition. I know someone who went to online RN program, upon finishing, she was told none of the courses she took were accredited, so she was not able to take the state exam. I would check to make sure.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jul 10, 2010

I think there are some legit LVN to RN bridge programs online but I can't imagine doing an RN from scratch all online.

I think people need to be weary of online schools, even the accredited ones.. some are definitely not as respected as others.

Tricia76 · Jul 10, 2010

I would not trust online RN..I would take the pre-reqs online then go to school.

caliotter3 · Jul 10, 2010

There are many scam-like ads out there on the internet. One good way to distinguish some of them is to look at any information link provided. If it ends in .edu, you are dealing with a school. Take seriously the ads put up by schools, disregard the rest. Better yet, if you are interested in nursing school, look up nursing schools online, and get your information directly from the school website.

racquetmom · Jul 10, 2010

I was browsing the internet today, and stumbled upon some online sites that claim that you can become a RN by taking their online courses.
How is this possible though? You need clinical experience, right?
Something about it seems off, yet I am still wondering if it's really true?
I can understand for a Vocational Nurse, or even a LSN, but it seems unlikely to complete this online course to become a RN.
Thanks for any replies! :)

I don't know what you mean by vocational nurse or LSN but regardless, why do you think those nursing careers wouldn't need to have clinicals? CNA's go through clinical training.

happy2learn · Jul 10, 2010

The online school works by having your bookwork done online then your clinicals usually set up locally.

However, some students go to these schools and can never get their clinicals set up because the local hospitals are already filled with local college nursing students.

cnmbfa · Jul 25, 2010

Go to the state Board of Nursing website and see if graduates of the program are approved to take the NCLEX exam. If no, stay away.

Even if yes, other states may not let you get a license if you move there if they do not also recognize the program. That is why either NLN or CCNE accreditation matter. They assure you that all states will grant you a license if you also pass NCLEX.

States also publish the NCLEX pass rates for all programs in their state. Look into that as well, and avoid any program with a cumulative pass rate over several years of under 70-75%.