Five steps for choosing an online nursing school.

Return to:Going From an RN to a BSN.--Becoming a nurse

Continuing your nursing education can open a lot of doors and employment opportunities. There are online programs to receive your RN, BSN as well as advanced practice programs. Going to nursing school online is a great way to further your nursing education while continuing to work as a nurse. If you are an RN or LPN looking to continue your nursing education, choosing the right online nursing school is essential.

Step 1. Request information from all the nursing programs you can. This information is free and should contain: the school's accreditation, the cost of attending, what the program consists of and the method of learning.

Step 2. Make a short list of the schools you like (Right click here for free Excel spreadsheet) List the name, accreditations, cost.

Step 3. Verify the school's accreditation. Go to chea.org and see if the nursing school you are interested in is listed and in good standing. You should also check the National League for Nursing http://www.nlnac.org/home.htm  and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Accreditation/ . The school should be accredited by one or both of these organizations.

Step 4. Will this school help you achieve your goals? If you are seeking your BSN for advancement at work or a specific job opportunity, speak to a few human resource officers to see if attending a particular school will help you reach that goal.

If you are seeking a BSN as a steping stone for a Master's Degree in Nursing or advance practice it is essential that the degree you would earn is acceptable to the school you are planning to attend later.

I knew a Registered Nurse whose goal was to become a nurse anesthesiologist. He had almost started his BSN with a very well-known and accredited online nursing program. When he checked with a few colleges that offered nurse anesthesiologist programs, he learned that that online program he had been considering did not have the right accreditation needed to get into the college programs. He decided to attend Grand Canyon University online, that was acceptable to the other college.

Step five. Make your decision. If the school's teaching styles fit your learning style, the cost fits your budget and has the proper accreditation, it is time to sign up and get to work.

Return to: College Tips--Becoming a Nurse