8 Reasons to Get an Online Nursing Degree

Many people today are opting for an online nursing degree for many reasons. There are several benefits of getting into an online nursing program when compared to traditional programs. Not only that, but online nursing degrees are being accepted by the most prestigious healthcare facilities. Here are eight reasons why you should get an online nursing degree.

1. Convenience and Flexibility

With an online nursing program, you have much more flexibility when it comes to scheduling the time and duration of your lessons. With an online nursing degree, you’ll be able to continue to work while learning, which makes it very convenient, especially when you’re not able to enrol full time. You can also decide on the entire length of the program depending on your preference. An online nursing program from an institution such as Purdue University Global (which has 11 different nursing programs currently) will give you the option to choose from multiple start dates making it that much more convenient.

2. Numerous Specialization Options

Online nursing programs offer many different specialization options depending on your interests. You’ll get the opportunity to specialize in either types of treatments, organs you deal with, specific health conditions or body system types. It is also possible to combine two or three specialization areas when you opt for an online program due to flexibility. Not only that, but registered nurses that want to further their studies find online degrees to be the best options in many cases, since they already have the foundation needed and can fit their school time with their busy schedules more easily. This allows them to seek higher positions or choose to go into a more specialized field if they want to add more feathers to their cap.

3. Reduced Expenses

With an online degree you’ll be able to cut down on several expenses, like transportation and lodging for instance. Online learning is often cheaper when compared to on-campus education since universities don’t have to deal with all the overheads. Unlike on-campus students, you won't have to worry about additional payments like activity and treatment fees. As a result, you’ll have reduced student loans that will be easier to repay once you secure employment.

4. Guaranteed Quality of Education

Contrary to popular belief, online schools receive just the same accreditation as traditional campuses. You don't need to worry about getting a poor quality education once you enrol in an accredited online school. Online nursing programs have a lot of resources that you’ll be able to access if you need assistance. Most online institutions will also give you exclusive access to the teaching staff which will make it easier for you to get assistance with a particular topic.

5. You Could Take Your Degree to a Higher Level

With an online nursing program, your education doesn't need to stop at the bachelors or associates level. Many online nursing schools will give you the option of upgrading to a doctoral or master's degree program at a time of your choosing. A bachelor's degree doesn't necessarily have to be the end of the nursing program for you.

6. You Can Create Your Learning Environment

Not everyone is comfortable with classroom learning due to several different reasons. Some, for instance, do not cope well with the distractions in a normal learning environment. When you decide to take an online class, you’ll be able to create your own learning environment to suit your particular needs. Learning will be much easier once you can control the type of setting that best suits you. You could decide to take your classes outside in an open space, in your favorite coffee shop or library, or from home according to your preference.

7. Ease of Interaction Between Students

It’s quite easy to interact with fellow students and share ideas when taking an online course, mainly due to the convenience technology offers. Traditional programs may limit interactions because students are usually too distracted by other activities after classes. Online platforms have made it easy for students to hold discussions and you could also refer back to the conversations should you encounter any difficulties.

8. Job Security

There is a massive shortage of nurses mainly due to the rising need for quality healthcare. Nurses are in demand, and the demand is expected to go even higher in the coming years due to the ‘baby boomers’ generation having more healthcare needs. And there are sectors where nurses are in much higher demand, such as prenatal care for instance. Once you complete your online nursing program, you will almost be guaranteed to get employment from either the private or public sector.

An online nursing degree is an excellent career choice that can open up a wide variety of employment options. All you need to do is find the right program for you and fully dedicate yourself to your studies.

This is a guest blog entry.