How to Earn Your Registered Nursing Degree Online

To become a registered nurse, or RN, you need to fulfill certain requirements. The very basic requirement is to become licensed by your state, which requires that you complete a state-approved program and then take a test, called the NCLEX examination. If you are interested in learning how to earn your registered nursing degree online, the following information will help point you in the right direction.

The Basics

There are a number of programs available online which will prepare you to become an RN. Depending on your goals, these programs can range from two-year associates programs to longer, four-year bachelor programs. Should you start with an associate or diploma program, there are a number of online schools allowing you to continue your education and work toward the next level of degree.

Before you decide on a program, check with your state to learn its requirements. The support staff of schools you are considering may also help you determine how to earn your registered nursing degree online in a program that will meet your state’s requirements. When you have narrowed your choices to a few schools, ask each school if it has information on how students scored on the NCLEX exam. Choose a school that has a high rate of passing scores compared to the number of students who graduate. This indicates that when you finish, you will be well prepared to take the exam and become a registered nurse.

When reviewing schools, bear in mind that accredited programs are preferable, and often required by a state’s guidelines. Most online nursing schools have accreditation information posted prominently on their websites. If you are unsure, contact the admissions department to obtain more details on the school’s accreditation.

Costs and Benefits

A major factor in determining how to earn your Registered Nursing degree online is the cost of the program. Because you can consider programs of varying length, consider your long-term goals as well as your financial capabilities. A bachelor’s degree program, for example, will cost more, but you will also gain additional knowledge and be able to perform more duties when you finish than if you only complete a degree program. Your financial situation may prevent you from completing a longer degree program, however, and in this case, remember that many online nursing programs allow you to build on your current education and experience.

Top Online Nursing Programs

	University of Phoenix - RN to BSN. 27 Nursing Degrees. Students interested in reaching their career goals in the healthcare industry as a nurse will reach them at University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix allows working adults the convenience of taking classes when they can.
	The College Network - 10 universities offering Nursing Degrees. The College Network educates students in nursing and turn them into successful healthcare professionals. The College Network offers flexible, accredited nursing plans at affordable prices.
	Kaplan University - RN to BSN. 20 Nursing Degrees. Kaplan University offers a variety of nursing degree programs at affordable prices. Students who attend Kaplan will receive a degree from a well respected accredited nursing program.
	Indiana State University - LPN to BSN. Students looking to jump start a career will find accredited an accredited RN to BSN nursing degree from the Indiana State University. Indiana State University was originally founded in 1865 and over this time has prepared thousands of students for new, exciting careers.
	Mountain State University - A.S. in Medical Assisting. Mountain State University has a well respected nursing degree program. Students can learn from this respected nursing program affordably and get their degree online.