Online nurse program

RNs need at least an associate degree. RNs with a bachelor's degree enjoy a competitive edge and often earn more money. All RNs need a degree to practice.

Some employers, such as hospitals, may require job candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. Earning a BSN degree online comes with extra benefits. Online BSN degree-seekers often save money on commuting costs and tuition. Distance learners also experience more flexibility.

Students in asynchronous classes watch lectures and write on discussion boards at their convenience. However, online students must be strong independent learners to succeed in asynchronous classes. Online learners wanting more accountability can apply for synchronous online RN programs. This option lets students attend live virtual classes and ask questions in real time.

The exact price for an RN program varies. Fortunately, online RN programs often cost less than in-person programs. Some schools even charge rates similar to in-state tuition for virtual learners. The National Center for Education Statistics collects data on tuition costs. This data does not include living expenses, like room and board.

College students pursuing a BSN degree online often live at home and save on these costs. Besides tuition, learners need to budget for other fees. Online RN programs usually feature a fee for an online classroom platform.

Distance learners also need to pay for high-speed internet and a reliable computer. Some online programs require additional software. Books are another expense for online learners.

Purchasing used, renting, or opting for virtual copies saves money. Most schools charge a graduation fee to participate in a ceremony. Learners may need to budget for a cap and gown. Degree-holders need to pay for their registered nursing license. Renewal also costs a small fee. However, an RN's location impacts salary. Education level also affects earning potential.

According to Dec. Lastly, years of experience influences pay. An entry-level nurse typically earns less than one with 20 years of experience. During their studies, nursing students learn the importance of providing quality care. They discover how to create a comfortable atmosphere for patients and help them meet their daily needs.

Online RN program curricula cover hard skills and soft skills. Applicants must have a combined minimum of a 2. Enrollment in the university and in the First Term does not guarantee acceptance into the clinical nursing program. Note: Preference will be given to those individuals with a prior college degree. All prerequisites must be complete before an application for enrollment can be considered. Applicants who are not native speakers of English are required to take appropriate tests of language proficiency.

As admission is competitive, the GPA of the applicants admitted is usually significantly higher than the minimum 2. The higher your TEAS scores, the more competitive your file will be. WGU allows two attempts in a month period. TEAS scores are valid for five years. There are costs outside of tuition and fees involved with creating your compliance account early in your first term and purchasing uniforms and supplies by the end of the term.

Students who are successful in Term 1 will be eligible for progression into Term 2. The following must be completed in order to be considered for progression into Term Students in Term 1 will be required to submit evidence of all of the below to be considered for progression into Term 2: Immunization Requirements.

If you have any questions about these required immunizations and physical requirements, please speak with an Enrollment Counselor. You will work with your WGU Program Mentor and Instructors to prepare for rigorous assessments, virtual-reality simulations, and high-fidelity simulations. Once you've successfully completed those, you will qualify to attend your agency-based clinical rotations.

Expect to spend at least 30 hours or more per week on your studies, and in the completion of clinical rotations and simulation labs.

The WGU B. Nursing Prelicensure curriculum was designed and is regularly updated with input from the experts on our Nursing Program Council, ensuring you learn what you need to know and master the skills you need to excel as a nurse and play your part on a vital team. Tuition and fees are as of August 1, All fees are subject to change. Please speak to an Enrollment Counselor to learn more about what is required of you. Financial aid and scholarships available!

Learn more. Caring for others in their time of need has been your lifelong passion. Healthcare and nursing employers want employees with the credentials that prove they can help improve patient care while streamlining facilities and strengthening their reputations.

Those are the kind of people [who] represent graduates of Western Governors University. Value is a combination of low cost and high quality.

WGU designs its curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—in other words, to make sure your degree is proof that you really know your stuff. Every course focuses on mastering the skills and knowledge it takes to be an outstanding nurse.

Your nursing degree requirements are carefully developed to give you high-level competence in a variety of patient care settings, including chronic care, geriatrics, pediatrics, etc.

Nursing Prelicensure curriculum. That means that what you learn in school will serve you well in your practice as a nurse—and as you continue to move forward in your healthcare career, whatever your goals and aspirations may be.

The B. Nursing Prelicensure program requires that you work closely with WGU faculty and clinical coaches. You will be expected to complete all required competency units assigned each 6-month term. The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, an expert in your program who can explain all the requirements and expectations in more detail.

You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide. Request info from an Enrollment Counselor. Download the Program Guide. Your clinical coach is an experienced staff nurse trained to help you throughout the duration of your rotations. Together with your Program Mentor, you will decide when you are ready to complete course assessments.

Assessment of your clinical competence will be conducted by clinical instructors. To ensure our degree programs are consistent with the expectations of today's healthcare strategists, transformational leaders, value innovators, tactical managers, and analysts, we develop our courses with input from councils composed of nationally recognized experts in their respective fields.

Council members offer guidance on key competencies to be expected from successful WGU graduates. You need your RN license to achieve your goal of being a nurse. Projected employment of registered nurses will grow 7 percent from to , much faster than the average for all occupations. Get info on how becoming a bachelor's-prepared nurse with an RN license can open doors for you.

WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U. View more about Financial Aid. We have sporadic start dates throughout the year within each geographic region inside each participating state.

The clinical hospital partners that we work with determine when our cohorts will begin and the size of those cohorts. We encourage applicants to diligently work on completing their entire application to ensure they are eligible to be considered for as many cohort start dates as possible in their geographic area.

You will only be considered for one start date at a time. Your Enrollment Counselor can provide specific location details. We do not work off of a waiting list. WGU reviews a variety of factors when making an admission decision.

WGU continues to focus on growth and this means obtaining new clinical hospital partnerships which allows us more space to enroll Nursing Prelicensure students. WGU reviews a variety of factors when making an admissions decision. Healthcare experience will be factored into the admission decision but experience in the healthcare realm is not a requirement for admission. Can I find my own preceptor and arrange an individual clinical agreement with a location in my area to complete this program, since I do not live in any of the areas listed on the website?

At this time, we do not allow individuals to set up their own clinical arrangements. Clinical arrangements require a great deal of legal approval and contracts. WGU is committed to the growth of this program and we encourage you to check back in the future to see if we have expanded to your geographic area.

I live outside the states listed for program availability. Students grow their nursing skills while developing critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership experience. Online nursing programs include core courses and specialized courses. Students may take classes in medical-surgical nursing, ambulatory care, or neonatal nursing. See below for common nursing courses. Aspiring registered nurses must complete an accredited nursing program. Students can enroll in a two-year diploma or associate program to meet the minimum education requirement.

A four-year BSN degree also qualifies graduates for licensure. Online nursing programs give learners the medical knowledge and hands-on training for nursing careers. BSN programs include specialized courses and clinical rotations. Students also complete clinical practicum hours. After earning a nursing degree from an accredited program, graduates can apply for their RN license. Each state sets its own nursing licensure requirements. Some states require a criminal background check.

Most states expect candidates to have a nursing degree from an approved program. Accredited nursing schools that incorporate practicum hours meet the education requirement for a nursing license. In addition to licensure, many nurses earn voluntary professional certifications. This allows them to show their experience in areas like pediatrics or oncology. Nurses can learn about their state's licensure requirements by visiting the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

Students can complete the credit post-licensure program online with minimal residency requirements. Course topics include public and community nursing programs, health promotion across the lifespan, dimensions of professional practice, and pathophysiology for nursing practice.

Students complete courses in semesters, in addition to any required general education core coursework. Required clinicals take place at an approved location near the student and provide an opportunity to practice direct patient care. Applicants must possess a minimum GPA of 2. All applicants must reside in a nurse licensure compact state to participate in the online program.

Earning Potential Online nursing degrees provide the same opportunity to grow your salary and rise up in the nursing ranks as do on-site colleges and universities. Career Opportunities Online nursing degrees are widely accepted by healthcare organizations and other employers, given that clinical hours are normally part of the essential components for graduation.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN Programs Online BSN programs have opened plenty of doors for registered nurses and non-nurses who want to add to their educational portfolios and need an online option to best fit their lifestyle. Master's Degree in Nursing MSN Solid online MSN degree programs offer strong traditional academic foundations in quality online education formats, as well as high graduation rates and top-level instructors.

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