Get Your Masters of Nursing Through
Distance Education
 Getting your Online Master's 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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