There are three main types of online degree programs available, all of which enable graduating nursing students to take the NCLEX national licensure examination for both LPN and RN professions. The first option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), which is typically offered by community and technical colleges. The second option is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree program offered by four-year colleges and universities. The third option is a master of science in nursing (MSN) offered only by accredited online universities.
ADN programs require the completion of approximately 60 credit hours, and take two full academic years to complete for online students. Full BSN programs are generally consist of 120 credit hours, and take online students four full academic years to complete. (BSN programs designed only for registered nurses who have earned an ADN degree, but who would like to acquire a BSN for professional advancement, generally take between one and two years to complete.) MSN degree programs, which generally demand the completion of 30 credit hours in graduate courses, take full-time online students around two years to complete.
Online ADN and BSN programs both require the completion of general education requirements in conjunction with the completion of core nursing courses. In addition, both programs require the completion of clinical training hours in which students work with patients in a medical facility near their home under the supervision of a participating RN. While ADN programs generally require that 50 percent of nursing credit hours go toward clinical work, BSN programs generally commit 40 percent of nursing credit hours to clinical training. MSN programs, which do not require any general education requirements, demand that students complete core nursing courses, complete extensive clinical internships, and complete a research-based thesis dealing with a medical challenge in the nursing profession.
Online nursing programs generally deliver courses via a Web-based, centralized learning platform that offers asynchronous (archived) courses. Such archived structures allow students to log in and learn whenever it is most convenient for them. Additionally, most online programs provide online access to assignments, reading materials, research resources and student support services.
Students should avoid any online nursing program which has not been accredited by a board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, as such programs are often devalued by employers. Additionally, students should avoid any online nursing school originating from outside the United States, as such schools do not allow students to sit for the national licensure examination. Students are encouraged to check with the state nursing board where they reside to learn if a given online nursing school is recognized in that state.