Get Your Masters of Nursing Through
Distance Education
Getting your Online Masters
Nursing Degree using distance education is a prudent
move if you lead a hectic life both at work and at
home. The flexibility that these online programs or
distance programs afford you can't be matched by the
traditional classroom setting. Studying and attending
Nursing classes on a fixed schedule, especially with the
unusual hours typical of the Nursing profession, can be
extremely disruptive to your home and personal
life.
Taking classes at your own pace and on your timetable
can make the difference between a failed educational effort and
achieving your cherished Nursing degree. And
achieving a Masters of Science degree in Nursing can be a
career enhancing experience as better positions and salaries
are often tied to having this advanced degree.
We think that you will find the following article
interesting as it provides additional insight into the
challenges and solutions facing nursing professionals
interested in earning their Masters of Nursing
degrees:
RN to MSN Programs Online - RN's Taking
Control of Their Higher Education
Goals
by John Napoletano
Tip!
Accreditation enhances the credibility and reliability of an
online course. It is safer for students to go for an online
educational program accredited by any of the accrediting
organizations, as many employers prefer accredited
degrees.
Registered Nurses (RN) seeking a Masters of Science Degree
in Nursing (MSN) are increasingly enrolling into online nursing
degree programs. And why shouldn't they? Traditional nursing
schools, all campus based schools for that matter, seem to
increase tuition costs beyond the rate of inflation each year.
Classes are often not scheduled at times appropriate for
working nurses. And qualified nursing students are rejected or
delayed from enrolling due to capacity shortages. RN's seeking
their MSN can take control of their higher education goals
through online degree completion programs.
The Online Nursing Education Revolution Is Now
There currently exists RN to MSN programs online which carry
the same accreditation standards as traditional campus based
programs. One such program was formulated through a partnership
of two educators: The College Network and Regis University.
Together, The College Network and Regis University have created
RN to MSN
programs online accredited by the American Association
of Colleges of Nursing, Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (AACN-CCNE). Take another look at your first
college of choice and see if they too are accredited by the
AACN-CCNE.
The College Network is one of the nation's largest
publishers of educational materials. Regis University has been
consistently ranked as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S.
News and World Report. The RN to MSN programs online they have
created utilize blended learning formats of independent study,
local mentoring, online classes, discussion groups, chats,
emails, streaming video, and video conferencing. All of these
educational tools keep you active and in touch with educators
and fellow nursing students.
Tip! Several
universities, including the University of Phoenix (which was
the pioneer in online education in the US), offer excellent
accredited professional courses on the Net. For those nursing
professionals, the American Nurses Association offers excellent
Online Continuing Education courses with tests, some of which
are free to its members.
The College Network - Regis University RN to MSN programs
online feature study guides and practicum materials written by
nationally recognized educators. In addition, all practicum
courses are mentored by local preceptors to eliminate the need
for travel and clinical testing. Are you expecting to move
within the next 12 months? Not a problem at all. Testing
centers are available in all 50 states, at most military bases
worldwide and American Embassies. The College Network - Regis
University RN to MSN online program relocates when you do.
Why Registered Nurses Choose Online Programs
One of the most frustrating issues nursing students face
today must be the wait to begin studies. Traditional campus
based programs, even those with some online coursework, can
take one to two years or more just to get accepted. A recent
article posted by the American Association of Colleges of
Nursing (AACN) states that USA nursing schools actually turned
away more than 30,000 "qualified" applications in 2005! Proof
that traditional campuses can not meet the current demand for
more, and higher educated nurses. The College Network - Regis
University RN to MSN programs online can start RN's in less
than 30 days.
Tip! An
online education is available in almost every field where you
can earn a bachelor's degree, a master degree or even a
certification diploma. The fees for such courses are also very
affordable due to low overhead and very little administration
by the educating facility.
Another frustrating issue faced by nursing students today is
inflexible course schedules. Busy Registered Nurses must juggle
course schedules with career and family responsibilities. Four
to Five years is a long time to sacrifice the things that
matter most in your life. Because of the inflexibility of
traditional nursing schools, many Registered Nurses postpone
their pursuit of a RN to MSN nursing degree. Nurses whom chose
RN to MSN programs online enjoy flexible, accelerated or slow
paced studies - they are in control.
Many Registered Nurses remember what it was like to attend
class on a traditional campus. Not looking forward to that
again? Nurses who choose RN to MSN
programs online have no classes to attend, avoid crowded
lecture rooms, and remove time wasted commuting to and from
campus.
How RN to MSN Programs Online Work
The College Network's RN to MSN programs online are
generally divided into two phases. First, the RN to MSN student
utilizes comprehensive learning materials, created to prepare
them to test out of prerequisites and general education
courses. Second, the RN to MSN degree student enrolls into the
Regis University online degree program to receive college
credit, and to complete practicum courses and experience
requirements.
According to The College Network, the first phase of the RN
to MSN programs online offers the most flexibility, as the
learning materials and challenge exams can be completed
anywhere, anytime, fast, slow, at your own pace. Once the
prerequisites and general education courses are completed,
students begin the second phase of their RN to MSN programs
online. Throughout your RN to MSN degree program, academic
support is available by phone 8am to 11pm Monday through
Friday. Help is available when you need it, day and night.
Tip! Today
distance learning has taken on a new and more respectable shape
in online education. Offered by many accredited colleges and
universities, this method of distance learning can help you
earn a degree that is every bit as valued as the one you'd get
if you were physically attending courses on the campus of a
major university.
Second phase coursework is completed online, with no
required campus visits or specified log-in times. Practicum
courses are mentored by local preceptors which eliminates any
travel and clinical testing. All learning is flexible to meet
your individual needs. Through it all, The College Network
makes every effort to provide convenience and assistance to you
to ensure your success. Most students finish the complete RN to
MSN program in 3 years.
Cost of RN to MSN Programs Online
Each Registered Nurse's program cost will vary based upon
factors such as the availability of transfer credits and work
experience. At The College Network, a program advisor is
assigned to each potential student to review their individual
goals and curriculum requirements. The program advisor can also
discuss available pre-approved financing options and how to
apply for federal financial aid.
Nursing students can realize savings of 50% to 70% versus
traditional campus degree costs. These savings estimates do not
include savings on transportation to and from school,
childcare, parking, nor room and board. With annual college
tuition rates reaching $20,000 to $30,000 per year, a simple
50% annual savings is $10,000 to $15,000 that can be saved by
completing your RN to MSN programs online.
Conclusion
Tip! Getting
an online education is both a very thrilling proposition and a
challenging one as well. It is quite exciting to learn through
a very new and non-traditional form of education and it offers
a set of new challenges that would compel individuals to really
immerse themselves in what they are doing.
It's no wonder why more nurses are choosing to obtain their
advanced degree through RN to MSN
programs online. Registered Nurses now have respectable
alternatives to waiting for acceptance, ever increasing
tuition costs, and inflexible class schedules. The College
Network - Regis University partnership is a unique and
innovative way to deliver the same accredited nursing
education. For nurses seeking an RN to MSN program, each
year forgone is less money earned and a missed managerial
position. Discuss online education with your hiring manager,
then take control of your higher education needs.
John Napoletano is a contributing author and founder of
NursingDegree.Net, a free directory of accredited nursing
schools and nursing related resources. With a Masters Degree in
Business and years of Financial Planning and Analysis
experience, John Napoletano provides a unique perspective on
educational issues. Find more information about RN to MSN programs
online at www.NursingDegree.Net
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