Online Nursing Programs For Non Nurses

Are you interested in becoming a nurse but don’t have a nursing degree? Online nursing programs can help you achieve your career goals. Learn more about the benefits, requirements, and options of online nursing programs for non nurses.

Nursing is a rewarding and challenging career that offers many opportunities for growth and advancement. However, becoming a nurse requires a lot of education and training, which can be difficult for people who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Fortunately, there are online nursing programs for non nurses that can help you achieve your nursing goals without starting from scratch. These programs are designed for people who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to earn a nursing degree or certificate in a shorter time frame.

In this article, we will explain what online nursing programs for non nurses are, how they work, what are the benefits and challenges of online learning, and what are some of the best online nursing programs for non nurses available today.

How to Become a Nurse Practitioner Without a Nursing Degree

A nurse practitioner (NP) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who can provide primary and specialty care to patients of all ages. NPs can diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, order and interpret tests, and perform procedures. NPs can also specialize in various areas of practice, such as family, pediatrics, geriatrics, women’s health, mental health, or acute care.

To become an NP, you need to have a master’s or doctoral degree in nursing, as well as national certification and state licensure in your specialty area. However, if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you can still become an NP by following one of these pathways:

Online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice (MENP): This is an online direct entry MSN program that allows you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in nursing in one accelerated program. You will complete all the coursework online, except for one or two on-campus residencies and clinical placements in your local community. After completing the program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse (RN) and the certification exam to become an NP in your chosen specialty.

Online Accelerated BSN + Online MSN: This is a two-step process that involves earning an online accelerated BSN degree first, then applying to an online MSN program. You will complete all the coursework online, except for one or two on-campus residencies and clinical placements in your local community. After completing the BSN program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN. After completing the MSN program, you will be eligible to take the certification exam to become an NP in your chosen specialty.

Accelerated Online Nursing Programs For Non Nurses

Accelerated online nursing programs for non nurses are fast-track programs that allow you to earn a nursing degree or certificate in less time than traditional programs. These programs are ideal for people who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to switch careers or advance their nursing skills.

Accelerated online nursing programs for non nurses can vary in length, cost, admission requirements, curriculum, and outcomes. However, they typically share some common features:

Online coursework:

You will complete most of the coursework online through video lectures, interactive modules, assignments, quizzes, and exams. You will need a reliable computer and internet connection, as well as good time management and self-discipline skills.

On-campus residencies:

You will attend one or two on-campus residencies during the program. These are intensive sessions where you will meet your instructors and classmates, participate in hands-on labs and simulations, and prepare for clinical rotations.

Clinical placements:

You will complete clinical rotations at local health care facilities under the supervision of preceptors. These are practical experiences where you will apply your knowledge and skills to real patients and situations.

NCLEX-RN preparation:

You will prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam throughout the program. The NCLEX-RN is the national licensing exam for RNs that tests your competence and safety in nursing practice. Passing the NCLEX-RN is required to become an RN in any state.

Some examples of accelerated online nursing programs for non nurses are:

Online Accelerated BSN (ABSN):

This is an online second-degree BSN program that allows you to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 12 to 18 months. You will complete 60 credits of upper-division nursing courses online, except for two on-campus residencies and 450+ clinical hours. After completing the program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN.

Online Accelerated MSN (AMSN):

This is an online second-degree MSN program that allows you to earn a master’s degree in nursing in 18 to 24 months. You will complete 70 credits of graduate-level nursing courses online, except for one on-campus residency and 850+ clinical hours. After completing the program, you will be eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become an RN and the certification exam to become a clinical nurse leader (CNL).

Can You Do Nursing School Online?

Nursing school is a term that refers to any educational program that prepares you for a career in nursing. Nursing school can be offered at different levels, such as associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral. Nursing school can also have different formats, such as traditional, hybrid, or online.

Online nursing school is a format that allows you to complete most of the coursework online, while still meeting the clinical and residency requirements of the program. Online nursing school can offer many benefits, such as:

Flexibility: You can study at your own pace and schedule, without having to commute or relocate to a campus. You can also balance your studies with your personal and professional obligations.
Accessibility: You can access the online courses from anywhere with an internet connection, using any device. You can also choose from a variety of online nursing programs across the country, without being limited by geographic location.
Affordability: You can save money on tuition, fees, transportation, housing, and other expenses associated with attending a campus-based program. You can also apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, or loans to help cover the cost of online nursing school.

However, online nursing school also has some challenges, such as:

Isolation: You may feel lonely or disconnected from your instructors and classmates, especially if you are used to face-to-face interactions. You may also miss out on some of the social and networking opportunities that campus-based programs offer.
Motivation: You may struggle with staying focused and motivated, especially if you have many distractions or competing priorities. You may also find it hard to manage your time and workload effectively.
Technology: You may encounter technical issues or difficulties with accessing or using the online platform or software. You may also need to invest in a reliable computer and internet connection, as well as update your skills and knowledge in using online tools.

How to Get a Nursing Degree Online

Getting a nursing degree online is similar to getting a nursing degree on campus, except that you will complete most of the coursework online. However, depending on the level and type of nursing degree you want to pursue, the process may vary slightly.

Here are some general steps on how to get a nursing degree online:

Choose a nursing degree program: You need to decide what level and type of nursing degree you want to pursue, such as an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing. You also need to consider your career goals, interests, budget, and availability.
Research online nursing schools: You need to find online nursing schools that offer the nursing degree program you want. You need to compare their accreditation, reputation, curriculum, cost, admission requirements, outcomes, and support services.
Apply to online nursing schools: You need to submit your application materials to the online nursing schools you are interested in. These may include transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, resume, and application fee.
Enroll in online nursing courses: Once you are accepted into an online nursing school, you need to enroll in the online nursing courses that are required for your degree program. You need to follow the course syllabus and schedule, complete the assignments and exams, and participate in the discussions and activities.
Attend on-campus residencies: Depending on your online nursing program, you may need to attend one or two on-campus residencies during your studies. These are intensive sessions where you will meet your instructors and classmates, participate in hands-on labs and simulations, and prepare for clinical rotations.
Complete clinical placements: Depending on your online nursing program, you may need to complete clinical rotations at local health care facilities under the supervision of preceptors. These are practical experiences where you will apply your knowledge and skills to real patients and situations.
Graduate from online nursing school: Once you have completed all the coursework and clinical requirements of your online nursing program, you will graduate from online nursing school with a nursing degree. You will also receive a diploma and transcript that indicate your academic achievement.
Prepare for licensure exams: Depending on your level and type of nursing degree, you may need to take one or more licensure exams to become a licensed nurse in your state. These may include the NCLEX-RN exam for RNs or the certification exam for APRNs.

Conclusion

Online nursing programs for non nurses are a great option for people who have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to pursue a career in nursing. These programs allow you to earn a nursing degree or certificate in a shorter time frame than traditional programs, while still meeting the clinical and residency requirements of the profession.

Online nursing programs for non nurses can offer many benefits, such as flexibility, accessibility, and affordability. However, they also have some challenges, such as isolation, motivation, and technology. Therefore, you need to do your research, choose the right program for you, and follow some tips to succeed in online nursing school.

If you are interested in online nursing programs for non nurses, you can start by exploring some of the best online nursing programs for non nurses available today. You can also contact the schools directly to learn more about their admission requirements, curriculum, cost, outcomes, and support services. You can also apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, or loans to help cover the cost of online nursing school.

Online nursing programs for non nurses can help you achieve your nursing goals without starting from scratch. By enrolling in one of these programs, you can become a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse in less than two years. You can also enjoy a rewarding and challenging career that offers many opportunities for growth and advancement.

Online Nursing Programs For Non Nurses FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about online nursing programs for non nurses:

What are the prerequisites for online nursing programs for non nurses?

The prerequisites for online nursing programs for non nurses vary depending on the level and type of program. However, some common prerequisites include:

A bachelor’s degree in any non-nursing discipline from an accredited institution
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.
A minimum grade of C or better in prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and psychology

Learn More: 10 Schools Offering 2 Year Nursing Degree in the Philippines

A satisfactory score on a standardized test, such as the GRE, MAT, or TEAS
A personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, and interview

How much do online nursing programs for non nurses cost?

The cost of online nursing programs for non nurses depends on several factors, such as the level and type of program, the number of credits required, the tuition and fees charged by the school, and the financial aid available to the student. However, some general estimates are:

Online Accelerated BSN: $30,000 to $60,000
Online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice: $40,000 to $80,000
Online Accelerated MSN: $50,000 to $100,000

How long do online nursing programs for non nurses take?

The length of online nursing programs for non nurses depends on the level and type of program, the number of credits required, the pace of study, and the availability of courses. However, some general estimates are:

Online Accelerated BSN: 12 to 18 months
Online Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice: 18 to 24 months
Online Accelerated MSN: 18 to 24 months

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online nursing programs for non nurses?

Online nursing programs for non nurses have both advantages and disadvantages. Some of the advantages are:

Flexibility: You can study at your own pace and schedule, without having to commute or relocate to a campus. You can also balance your studies with your personal and professional obligations.
Accessibility: You can access the online courses from anywhere with an internet connection, using any device. You can also choose from a variety of online nursing programs across the country, without being limited by geographic location.
Affordability: You can save money on tuition, fees, transportation, housing, and other expenses associated with attending a campus-based program. You can also apply for financial aid, scholarships, grants, or loans to help cover the cost of online nursing school.

Some of the disadvantages are:

Isolation: You may feel lonely or disconnected from your instructors and classmates, especially if you are used to face-to-face interactions. You may also miss out on some of the social and networking opportunities that campus-based programs offer.
Motivation: You may struggle with staying focused and motivated, especially if you have many distractions or competing priorities. You may also find it hard to manage your time and workload effectively.
Technology: You may encounter technical issues or difficulties with accessing or using the online platform or software. You may also need to invest in a reliable computer and internet connection, as well as update your skills and knowledge in using online tools.

What are some tips for succeeding in online nursing programs for non nurses?

Some tips for succeeding in online nursing programs for non nurses are:

Plan ahead: Before you start your online nursing program, make sure you have all the necessary equipment, software, and materials. Also, review the course syllabus and schedule, and set realistic goals and deadlines for yourself.
Stay organized: Keep track of your assignments, exams, and clinical requirements. Use a calendar or planner to manage your time and tasks. Create a dedicated study space that is comfortable and free from distractions.
Communicate effectively: Communicate regularly with your instructors and classmates via email, phone, chat, or video conferencing. Ask questions when you need clarification or assistance. Participate actively in discussions and activities. Give and receive feedback constructively.
Seek support: Seek support from your instructors, classmates, advisors, mentors, preceptors, or tutors when you encounter challenges or difficulties. Also, seek support from your family, friends, or peers who can encourage you and motivate you.
Take care of yourself: Take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly, and relax. Avoid burnout, stress, and procrastination. Celebrate your achievements and reward yourself.

NG Universities

Empowering Students To Achieve There Dreams Through Scholarship, Internship And Jobs