online nursing degree

Tips For Finding The Best Nursing Degree Programs

Looking to get your nursing degree?

Being a registered nurse is an incredible career. There’s great demand for nurses, solid earning potential and it gives you an opportunity to save lives and care for others.

While nursing is more of a “hands on” kind of career, you can earn your undergraduate nursing degree online. Below we look at tips for getting your undergraduate nursing degree online, how much getting a degree costs, how to choose an online nursing program and other helpful information.  

Why Nursing and Nursing Salary Information

For some people, being a nurse is a passion. As mentioned, not only do you get to help save lives, it’s also an in-demand profession. In fact, Registered Nursing is listed as one of the top occupations in terms of job growth according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Employment Projections.

Depending on your state, experience and education, you can also earn a lot in nursing. The average salary of a Registered Nurse in the United State ranges between $59,470 to $106,950 per year.

How to Choose an Nursing Program

Choosing an online nursing program is a big decision. It can affect your learning in a huge way. This is why it is important to do your research first.

To choose an nursing program, look at where your current experience level stands in nursing. There are some programs that allow you to complete everything online. However, if you are just beginning, there’s a greater chance you’ll need to spend at least some time on campus.

There are plenty of schools around the country that offer undergraduate nursing degrees. You’ll want to consider the program type, tuition costs, program reputation, financial aid and the degree type you want when you are selecting a school.

Cost of Getting an Undergraduate Nursing Degree

Online nursing degree costs are similar to the costs of getting a degree while on campus. According to US News & World Report, the cost of online nursing school for in-state students ranged from $50 – $1639 per credit. For out of state students the cost ranged from $253 – $1928.

Associate’s Degree vs Bachelor’s Degree For Nursing – Which Should You Get?

Another thing you should consider is whether you’re getting an Associate’s Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. There are major differences between the two.

Getting an Associate’s Degree is considerably quicker and easier than a Bachelor’s Degree. On the other hand, a BSN puts you on the path to provide more complex patient care and, of course, earn a higher income. Here is a little more info about each option…

Associate’s Degree in Nursing

An ADN nurse or a registered nurse usually provides nursing care such as recording patient symptoms and medical history. This job also gives you the opportunity to educate patients on diseases and allows you to work closely with doctors using simple medical equipment.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing

On the other hand, a BSN prepared nurse is qualified for more complex procedures under a doctor’s supervision. Additionally, you can manage other nursing staff if you are a BSN.

It also opens a lot of doors for your career. For instance, you can be a public health nurse, a nurse educator, or other specialties that you may be interested in.