The demand for nurses with advanced degrees has never been higher or more competitive. If you have a degree in nursing, you can work in almost any healthcare facility, from a doctor’s office to a hospital to a clinic to an insurance company. Many schools offer an online RN to BSN program, as well as graduate degrees, which can be more specialized. What are some things you need to know about online nursing degrees?
RN to BSN Online Nursing Programs
If you currently have your RN certification, you can go back to school online and still do your regular work as an RN to get your Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (Southern New Hampshire University, n.d.). This will give you more clout for administrative roles, and it can increase your income as well. You will transfer some of your credits from your RN and then earn credits to get your BSN. In most cases, this takes about 18 months, depending upon how quickly you move through the classes.
Graduate Online Nursing Programs
From a Master’s degree to a Doctorate, there are several choices for you if you want to get a graduate degree in nursing. Getting a Master’s degree allows you to specialize in the area of nursing you want to be part of, whether it is in a more administrative role or a specialty care one. It not only increases your knowledge but will also raise your income with the successful completion of your degree.
Still another route you can take in the graduate nursing realm is becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). These professionals come alongside physicians to see patients, diagnose, and even prescribe medications. The demand for FNP’s continues to grow, as hospitals and other healthcare facilities try to cut costs by hiring fewer doctors.
Did you know you can become a Doctor in Nursing (Purdue Global, n.d.)? A Doctorate in or DNP prepares a nurse for higher-level work, such as in clinical and leadership positions in a variety of facilities and healthcare settings.
Where Do I Need to Start?
The first thing you need to do is get your RN certification. This cannot be earned entirely online, simply because there are clinical rotations you must do in person. However, some of the classes leading up to this point can be done online. Once you have your RN certification, you can get further degrees online, such as a BSN, a Master’s, or even a Doctorate, while you work.
Nurses have an essential job, but they have to stay on top of the latest knowledge to continue to grow. If you are looking to move into leadership or a more specialized area of nursing, you want to consider getting a BSN or even a graduate degree. You can work in your nursing position you currently have and upgrade your knowledge and skills on your schedule. Don’t put it off any longer! Start your online nursing degree today.