Whether you’re just getting started with nursing or you’re looking to advance your career, move into management, and otherwise increase your job prospects,Online Nursing Classes is your guide to finding the right nursing courses for you.

Nursing is one of the most challenging and rewarding professions, and it also happens to be recession-proof. There is always a need for qualified nurses, and indeed, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts excellent job growth for registered nurses (RNs) and faster than average for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) through 2016.

If you’re interested in pursuing or advancing a nursing career, below you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about online nursing classes.

Online Nursing Classes FAQ

What types of online nursing classes are available?

Online nursing classes are available at all levels of nursing study, including those that fall under the most popular nursing degree programs:

• Certificate/diploma: Toward Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam; one year of study.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN): Toward Registered Nurse (RN) exam; two years of study.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Also prepares for RN exam; four years of study; gives degree holders more job opportunities than an RN without bachelor’s degree.
• Master (MSN): Toward Advanced Practical Nurses (APN), which come in four specialties: clinical nurse specialist, nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner.
• Doctorate (PhD): Toward a career in research or teaching.

What are online nursing classes like?

In most instances, online nursing classes are quite similar to traditional nursing courses, cover the same materials and readings, and have exams at the end; the big difference is that with online courses you pace yourself and may even have the option of taking tests when you’re ready as opposed to on scheduled dates.

Some online nursing classes may also require the completion of a clinical requirement, so be sure to check before signing up.

Can I pursue a specialty through online nursing classes?

Yes! No matter what your specific medical interest is, you can pursue it online. Some nursing specialties include:

• Anesthesiology
• Cancer/Oncology
• Clinical
• Cardiac
• Emergency Medicine
• Gastrointestinal
• Geriatric
• Labor and Delivery
• Midwifery
• Neuroscience
• Nurse Practitioner
• Obstetrics-Gynecology (Ob-Gyn)
• Orthopedic
• Pain Management
• Pediatric
• Psychology
• Respiratory
• Urology

In choosing your specialty, be sure to consider your ideal patient care setting, i.e., where you will be most comfortable and effective. Some common patient care settings include hospitals, mental health/psychiatric facilities, rehabilitation centers, long term care facilities/nursing homes, correctional facilities, diagnostic laboratories, research clinics, home health care, and private practice.

Are online nursing classes for you?

If you’re a caring, responsible, organized person with an interest in medicine, nursing may be for you, but what about taking courses online?

Ask yourself these questions to determine whether online nursing classes are for you:

• Are you comfortable using computers and e-mail?
• Do you enjoy and excel at learning on your own?
• Do you enjoy reading and excel at text-based learning?
• Are you good at managing your time and responsibilities and pushing yourself to succeed?
• Do you have the time, money, and energy for online classes?

How do you choose the right online nursing classes for you?

The first thing you need to do is evaluate your goals. Decide what you would like to do as a nurse and whether that falls into being an LPN, RN, or something different.

Next, figure out how much time and money you have to devote to online learning. Prices and required time commitments vary greatly, so it’s a good idea to know how much of each you have available before choosing online nursing courses.

Once you’ve decided on what you want from a program and how much time and money you have available, you can begin looking at courses. Some factors to consider in choosing online nursing classes include:

• Does this class offer the level of training I need?
• Does it offer the level of interaction with professors and other students I’m seeking?
• Will it prepare me for the licensure requirements of my chosen profession?
• Are there clinical/in-person requirements?
• Does it compare well with classes at traditional universities?

Once you have decided on one or more online classes, you should consider the school’s accreditation, fees, and faculty to make sure you’re getting the most value for your money.

Try to talk to past and current students as well so you can get a first-hand account of what’s it’s like to take online classes at your chosen school; you may also consider contacting and communicating with professors as well.

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