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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