An online bachelor’s degree in nursing may provide students with the skills and training needed to provide and organize patient care as well as educate the public about a range of health conditions. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study changes to healthcare policies, ever-evolving technology, and taking care of an aging population. Coursework within these programs may include general education requirements as well as electives and core courses, such as clinical microbiology, health assessment, and healthcare statistics.

Graduates may seek entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in a master’s-level degree program in nursing. Bachelor’s-level graduates may find career opportunities in numerous settings, such as schools, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 26% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online baccalaureate-level program in nursing may combine general education requirements along with major-specific courses and electives. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to care for patients from infancy through old age and how to promote well-being throughout the community. Core online nursing programs may include the following courses:

• Health Assessment
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Clinical Microbiology
• Behavioral Sciences
• Healthcare Statistics
• Community and Population Health
• Nutrition

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in nursing may find career options at hospitals, physicians’ offices, healthcare facilities, and schools. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as registered nurses are expected to increase by 26% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Registered Nurse
• School Nurse
• Nursing Staff Educator
• Nursing Services Manager
• Visiting Nurse

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in nursing may continue their education and enroll in a master’s-level program in nursing. These graduate-level programs may provide students with additional training and skills on how to become health educators. Those who do pursue registered nursing positions must have licensure, which they may obtain by completing an accredited nursing program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook