Web-based nursing degrees offer a flexible option for busy individuals who have a hard time fitting traditional class time around work and family. Virtual classrooms offer students the opportunity to check in with other students and professors, participate in discussions, receive assignments, submit papers and utilize resources. Bookstores and full libraries are often accessible online. Accredited online colleges and universities participate in federal financial aid programs as well as offer other financial opportunities such as grants and scholarships. Some programs, although virtual, will require some face-to-face internship or testing as part of the degree-completion requirements.
A wide range of nursing degrees exist in web-based formats. According to RNdegrees.net, online opportunities include degrees such as nursing associate degrees, licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse to registered nurse transition, registered nurse to a master of science in nursing or doctorate programs. Degrees are tailored by specialty areas such as adults, adolescents, geriatric or mentally ill patient populations.
A variety of schools offer web-based nursing-degree programs. The University of Phoenix offers bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing. Contacting an enrollment counselor from the school is an important first step to inquire about financial aid, requirements, credit transfers and to determine if the state you live in offers practicum opportunities. Kaplan University offers bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing as well as a wide range of certificate programs.
According to Kaplan University, in 2011, registered nurses are one of the top professions that will continue to grow the work force. Nurses are used in a number of settings including hospitals, home-health, nursing homes, mental-health facilities, schools, clinics, public service organizations or correctional facilities. Before completing admission paperwork for any web-based nursing program, find out if the school is nationally accredited. Most employers will not accept degrees or certificates from non-accredited schools.