Choose a school accredited by an independent organization. Degrees from an unaccredited school may not be widely accepted. On-line colleges and traditional colleges are accredited in the same way and must meet the same standards. Even if a school is accredited, its programs may not be accepted everywhere. Before making a final decision on a nursing program, check with schools to which you may later want to transfer, and with potential employers to see if they accept degrees from the school you have chosen.
The registered nurse degree (RN) is considered the standard, and most hospital nurses have an RN. You can also get a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science or Ph.D in nursing. You may wish to start as a certified nurse assistant or licensed practical nurse. Advanced professions such as nurse practitioner, midwife, clinical nurse or nurse anesthetist require further education. Besides hospital nursing, online universities prepare you to work in public health, home health, diagnostic lab or several other specialties.
The cost for online nursing classes varies from about $100 to $300 per credit. The average for classes sponsored by public universities is $110 to $170 per credit. You do not have to pay out-of-state tuition for on-line classes. The references given below list schools that offer nursing classes online, and you can ask a local medical clinic or hospital for recommendations. Get information from more than one school so you can compare programs, cost and financial aid availability.
In one year you can get a diploma that prepares you to take the exam for licensed practical nurse. In two years you can get an associate degree, and a Bachelor of Science in four years. A degree requiring study of two years or more qualifies you to take the registered nurse license examination. You must do further study to work within its semester format. For schools operated only online, you may be able to work on your own schedule.