Online Nursing Degree Programs
Those who graduate with a diploma, certificate, or degree from an online nursing program may find employment in hospitals, patient care facilities, community health clinics, or private practices. Once they obtain the necessary skills and training from these online programs, graduates may secure a position as a nurse, care manager, paramedic, licensed practical nurse, or physician assistant.
Available Degree Levels
- Career Diploma: Varies
- Certificate: One to two years to complete
- Associate Degree: Two years to complete
- Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
- Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
- Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete
Online nursing diploma programs prepare students to seek nursing licensures, certifications, professional registrations, and entry-level employment by equipping them with pertinent training and knowledge in the field. Through a well-balanced curriculum, students may be prepared to deliver necessary, supervised care to patients. These programs may enhance an individual’s professionalism and communication skills while also covering the fundamentals of nursing, anatomy, and advanced surgical nursing.
An online post-graduate certificate in nursing is ideal for registered nurses who seek additional experience in the healthcare industry. Some programs may allow students to focus on a particular area of interest within the field, such as leadership and management, education, informatics, or administration. Upon completion of certain programs, students may qualify to sit for nursing certification exams.
An associate degree in nursing provides students with the skills and experience needed to become a registered nurse. Graduates may either pursue entry-level employment or continue their education through an online baccalaureate-level program. Students may complete coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, family health, pharmacology, nursing concepts, mental health, and nursing care of children.
Students enrolled in an online bachelor’s degree in nursing learn how to care for patients and family members, as well as how to adapt to the ever-evolving roles within the healthcare industry. Coursework may focus on home healthcare, case management, nursing research, American healthcare system, and pathophysiology.
Online master’s degree programs in nursing incorporate advanced nursing theory courses with healthcare and nursing care courses. Students may study health and nursing care, and may gain training on how to improve the quality of healthcare in under-served markets. Courses may include nursing administration, disease prevention, integrated delivery systems, workforce management, and managed care strategies.
Online doctoral-level programs in nursing prepare students for roles as independent researchers or faculty members. These programs are research-heavy and emphasize nursing care for the vulnerable, healthcare policy issues, and real-world challenges facing those in healthcare. Students may study quantitative nursing methods, theoretical development in nursing, research grantsmanship, health policy, and clinical program development.
Career Options
Those who graduate from nursing programs know how to care for patients, communicate with patients’ families about care away from the healthcare facility, and consult with other healthcare professionals. Graduates may secure positions in the healthcare industry, whether at hospitals, private practices, community health clinics, or patient care facilities. All nurses who work in the United States and its territories must possess a nursing license; to obtain a license, individuals must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
Possible career fields include:
- Registered Nurse
- Paramedic
- Physician Assistant
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Case Manager