With so many nursing programs offers online, it sometime makes you feel difficult to choose one from among all the best. This article will outline the basic guidelines on how to consider an online nursing degree which will secure you for a brighter future. Get the answers to the following questions in order to make an informed decision:
1. Is the university accredited?
Although graduating from an accredited university does not guarantee jobs or licensure for individuals, it reflects the quality of the educational programs offer by the university. It speaks to a sense of public trust, as well as to professional quality. Thus, it is important to enroll to a university which is accredited by a recognized accreditation agency.
Regional accreditation is the highest level of accreditation a college or university can obtain and is recognized throughout the United States. Examples of regional accrediting bodies include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
2. Is the nursing school accredited?
Accreditation of a nursing school is a voluntary endeavor, but it ensures the quality and commitment of its educational program in the proper training of nurses. If you are planning to apply for any financial aid or you plan to advance your studies to a higher level in the future, an accredited nursing school is a factor to consider. Online nursing programs offered by an accredited nursing school will also increase your competitive edge in the job market because many employers prefer to hire practitioners with degrees from accredited institutions.
3. What are the lectures like?
Most university programs are purely reading and taking tests, but if you enroll into an online nursing degree program which can offer streaming video and audio lectures, along with textbooks, study guides and CDs; these visual learning material will definite help you to understand your courses better and faster.
4. Does proctored exams needed and can you take the test online? Some online nursing programs require you to take proctored exams at testing centers, which involves traveling to testing centers and paying fees. But there are universities which you can take your proctored exams and complete your assignment 100% online.
5. Do you need to attend physical classes?
Some nursing courses require you to attend a certain hours of physical classes at campus. But there are universities offer the courses fully online. It is good for you to ask and confirm with the university to avoid any crash with your working schedule. If attending a certain hours of physical classes is not possible for you, then 100% online classes may be your better option.
6. What are the fees over and above the tuition and textbooks?
Many institutions charge not only tuition costs but also a host of assorted fees that may include application, transcript evaluation, library privileges, graduation and more. Plus, tuition may seem low at first, but then they hit you with extra expenses when you matriculate.
7. How can I contact my professors and classmates?
A worthy University program will give you several options such as chat room, message board, email, MSN or the university may implement their own proprietary online learning system for contacting your professors and classmates.
8. What are the practice project requirements?
This is a very important question. Determine your obligations by asking the following:
- Do I have to travel to another city? If so, for how long?
- Are there additional travel costs, or is travel included in my tuition costs?
- Can I select a preceptor I already know?
- Can I fulfill the requirements with my own employer?
- Are there additional fees?
- How many hours are required?
In Summary
Pursuing an online bachelor nursing degree is your education investment for your career advancement, so you must make the right choice. Getting the answers for the above questions will help you to make your right decision and select an online nursing degree that meet your career goal.
