Nursing Education Online

Nursing education online offers registered nurses the opportunity to complete their baccalaureate degrees in nursing while continuing their current employment. Many schools of higher education offer this opportunity. Requirements for acceptance vary with the different schools. All schools require a current RN license and either an Associate Degree in Nursing or an accredited state board of nursing diploma.

The acceptable GPA for all previous credits for most colleges will be at a C level or better. For applicants from a diploma program, some colleges will offer a diploma evaluation to award up to 40 credit hours toward the required 60 hours for admission. There is at least one year of full-time work as an RN required before acceptance into most programs. For advancing to the Master of Science in Nursing degree, even more work history is required.

Nursing Education Online for Degrees

Virtual classrooms make learning as easy and effective as being in a physical classroom setting. The interactive capabilities via online education facilitate thousands of nurses in degree advancement. Before enrolling in nursing education online, make sure the program is recognized by the state's board of nursing. Always verify the accreditation of the online college or university offering the degree.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees offer intensive education and training in a variety of areas. The role of the nurse in the health care system is more clearly defined. Gerontology and pathophysiology are just two of the many specialty areas of nursing that are taught. Intercultural nursing and the role of the nurse in the community are a significant amount of the online education.

From the BSN to the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), a lot of emphasis in online programs is placed on nursing management. The qualification for department heads and other administrative positions usually requires an MSN degree. There are colleges and universities that offer even the MSN via online education. The ability to choose your own schedule and study time makes it possible for many to get a higher degree over the option of having to schedule work around classes for on-campus study.

Continuing Education Is Vital

Regardless of the level of nursing degree, many states require continuing education in nursing to maintain a valid license. While there are many states with no CEU requirement, the remainder of the states require anywhere from 15 hours in a two-year renewal period to 36 hours in a three-year renewal. It is important to check with your state nursing board for licensure information.

Where nursing continuing education is required, it is more than just taking a course or seminar about nursing. There are strict compliance standards to be met with the education. For instance, Texas requires 20 contact hours every two years. Of these hours, at least 10 must be Type 1 and accredited by ANCC.

Massachusetts requires 15 contact hours within the two year renewal. All CEUs may be obtained through home study courses if they meet the ANCC standard of accreditation. Minnesota CE requirements are for one contact hour for every month between license renewals. Florida has specific courses that must be included in the required 25 contact hours. These required courses include HIV/AIDS, Prevention of Medical Errors, and others. As you can see, it is important to verify the requirements for licensure renewal or licensure if you are transferring from another state.