How to Determine the Quality of an Online Nursing Program
Online nursing programs have been an important aspect of the nursing field for years. Many students are interested in this option, but how can you tell how good a program is? Use these guidelines to help make a well-informed decision.
In order to be able the make an informed decision on whether or not to enroll in online nursing program, it's important that you understand what each of its components means. The following terms represent different aspects of online nursing programs:
Tuition- This covers the cost of classes and materials that will be provided by the program as a whole. Tuition is typically billed annually and generally includes fees for registration and college materials such as books and student identification cards. Certain expenses will also be covered, such as technology fees, student orientation and social events.
Fees- This is generally an additional charge that varies by program. The category may include course materials, lab fees or department specific costs. This section of the tuition usually encompasses a majority of the total cost of enrolling in a program. Some programs will offer discounts on these additional charges and can sometimes help graduates in the job market.
Program Costs- These are some of the resources needed to complete your degree requirements at the nursing program you choose to attend. These costs may include books, education supplies like papers and lab materials as well as health insurance costs for all students on campus.
On-campus Cost- This category includes the cost of attending regular classes and is typically the standard charge for conventional programs.
Online Degree Cost- This category is closely related to the topic at hand, but it's important to note that these charges don't just pertain to those enrolled in online nursing programs. These charges can include such things as tuition and fees, books, technology fees and other related expenses. Online programs have very similar components as traditional degree programs so this itemized list works for both types of schools.
Cost of Living- Students who choose to attend an online nursing program are required by certain states or professional associations to complete a certain amount of clinical work at their own hospitals or other healthcare facilities. These institutions may be used for training but attending them will also mean paying a fee for living expenses.
Job Prospects- Many students are interested in what kind of job prospects are available upon finishing their degree. Some programs offer grads assistance with the application process, resume building and interview coaching which helps increase their chances for success within their field.
The following is a list of questions you should ask your programs to help ensure that you are making the right educational decision:
1. What's the tuition cost? This is one of the first things to look at and it's usually listed on your school's website. If it isn't, call your admissions office and ask them directly.
2. What kinds of financial aid are available? Many online nursing programs offer multiple types of financial aid, including scholarships, grants and loans. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of each program before you accept any financial offers.
3. What are all of the fees? Look into the complete list of fees your program offers before accepting a spot in their school. Some programs may offer discounts on certain costs so make sure to read everything thoroughly.
4. Am I guaranteed a job? Most programs will advertise how many students they've placed within the past few years, but it's crucial that you ask this question when deciding where to enroll too.
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Title: Nursing School Rankings- What They Mean and Why they Matter
Author: Christine Marty, RN, MSN, PNP, NP-C
Website: http://www.christinemartynursing.com/blog/2013/09/23/nursing-school-rankings-what-they-mean-and-why-they-matter/
"An internet search for 'nursing school rankings' produces hundreds of thousands of results, but the most popular and frequently used sites are those that rank nursing schools by state or specialty areas. The main ranking sites include BestColleges.com, BestNursingDegrees.org, AffordableCollegesOnline.org, and the most recently developed CollegeAtlas.org."
"Some rankings are based on nothing more than a survey of the colleges themselves — schools submit information about themselves through online forms or through hard copies mailed to the organization behind the rankings. Other rankings (most notably U.S News & World Report) take a more scientific approach by using information gathered in multiple ways including surveys, statistics, and input from journals."
"In any case, it is important to remember that nursing school rankings are only one factor to consider when choosing a nursing school. Another important factor to keep in mind is your personal fit with the school. For example, if you are looking for a large school atmosphere, then rankings that lump all schools together may be useful to you. On the other hand, if you want small class sizes and a family-like environment, then knowing which schools have the lowest student/instructor ratio will help narrow down your choices."
"All of these nursing school rankings should be considered only as a starting point. It is up to you to dig deeper and look more closely at each program's overall mission, accreditation status, location, state-specific licensing procedure information, clinical sites and hands-on training opportunities."
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhLYFj4wf4
This video was made for those of you who have already decided that a career in nursing is what you want. This is especially true for those who are in their final year of nursing school and are very excited about going on to start a career in nursing as soon as possible. However, there may be doubts about the most logical choice for success in the field: what type of school to choose and which program to attend. Or, possibly the most important question still remains: what is the best nursing program?
The answers to these questions can be found in this article. It starts with an explanation of what is considered a top nursing school and why it matters. You will then learn about the criteria that make a nursing school one of the best. The next part discusses how to choose a good nursing school, and where that decision begins. It describes why student/instructor ratio is so important and how you can choose which schools have the best student-to-faculty ratios available today. You will then learn about the best nursing schools based on specific credentials, specialties and locations. Finally, the article concludes with a few important things to keep in mind before you make your decision.
http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCourses-CareerSuccess/Nursing-Schools/2016-Best-50-Nursing-Schools
By looking at data, you can decide which school is right for you. It's important that you start thinking about it early enough so that you have time to do research about each program and find out which one fits your needs best. There are several ways to find out which programs offer the most benefits for students' needs and wants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, obtaining a nursing degree can be a difficult and time consuming process. For those who are considering this career, it is important to understand that the education required for a nursing degree is fairly extensive and can be very expensive. It is vital that you complete your undergraduate studies before applying to an online graduate program so that you have the appropriate background for success in your desired field in nursing. Nursing school rankings are available all over the internet to help you choose where you will obtain your education. To ensure that you succeed within your field, make sure to do lots of research prior to accepting any position at an online university or school.