When I went to nursing school many years ago, there was no such thing as the Internet, and everyone attended a traditional nursing school. School was tedious, and the class schedule was rigid. Today, students are attending LPN to RN degree programs, RN to BSN programs, and many other online nursing schools with a click of a mouse. These programs are gaining in popularity, and offer nursing students a way of going to school that fits into their busy lifestyle. It’s been estimated that nearly 50% of nurses further their nursing education by attending online nursing schools.

It’s not surprising that online nursing schools are popular among nursing professionals. One of the biggest advantages of an online class is convenience. Nurses work crazy shifts, seven days a week, and online classes offer flexibility not found in traditional nursing programs. Nurses can log onto the Internet day or night, and work at their own pace on classroom assignments. In addition, many online nursing schools are less expensive than traditional nursing programs. Online classes cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per credit hour, with the average tuition for programs sponsored by state and public universities generally averaging around $110-$200 per credit hour. Students usually do not pay out-of-state tuition fees for online classes, and they are eligible for the same types of scholarships and financial aid as students enrolled in traditional nursing programs.

Online nursing schools offer their students excellent educational opportunities while incorporating the latest technology within their nursing curriculum. Online students communicate with their nursing instructors and fellow students through live-chat, and by participating in video conferencing and discussion forums. Nursing students work on group projects and individual assignments, and students email their assignments to their instructors in addition to completing clinical hours at an approved clinical site. However, there is one downside to these types of programs. Online nursing schools are challenging, and they are not for procrastinators. Students must be self-motivated in order to graduate from an online nursing school.

Individuals wishing to enroll in online nursing classes must fulfill prerequisites before they can begin classes, and since prerequisites vary widely by school, it’s a good idea to shop around before deciding on a program that’s right for you. RNs wishing to obtain a BSN or MSN should look for an online nursing school that offers school credit for work experience. Now is the time to expand your horizons by attending an online nursing school. You can find more information about online nursing schools on the NursingJobs website, and if you are already a nursing student, come over to the NursingVoices forum and tell us about it. We’re waiting to hear from you!