Nursing is more than just a lucrative career with job stability and growth. It is a vocation through which one can contribute immensely to society by caring for people suffering from various illnesses. Many universities, local clinics, and hospitals offer hands-on training to candidates willing to enter this field. Moreover, individuals can sign up for online nursing programs and earn a degree or certification from the comforts of their homes.

Types of online nursing degrees
The curriculum of online nursing degrees is similar to that of a regular program. One can pursue the following types of nursing programs online:

Diploma in Licensed Practical Nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Master’s Degree in Nursing
Post-Master’s Certificate
Doctorate Degree

A few specializations in nursing include:

Certified nursing assistant
Family nurse practitioner
Mental health nursing
Public health nursing
Critical care nursing
Clinical nurse specialist

Online nursing programs are available in both synchronous and asynchronous formats, which means one can pursue them without interrupting their schedule.

Cost of online nursing programs
Online nursing programs are more affordable than in-person courses, and some institutes also offer discounts and scholarships to high-school students with good GPAs. A student’s credit influences the amount they pay. One may pay less if they meet the credit requirement of a specific university. The approximate cost of online nursing programs is as follows:

• Up to $23,000 for a two-year associate degree
• Up to $40,000 for a four-year bachelor’s degree
• Up to $70,000 for a master’s degree
• Up to $80,000 for a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree

Note that students may be charged extra for scrubs, insurance, and lab and technology fees.

Pros and cons of online nursing programs
The quality and content of online programs are rigorous, similar to regular programs. The main benefit is that they are flexible and convenient. People already working can do asynchronous programs and complete assignments and projects after work. They can avoid long commutes, save time and money, and continue staying with their families.

However, a lack of personal interaction with faculty due to virtual sessions can rob students of valuable input. One may also miss out on campus experiences that are crucial to learning. Moreover, poor internet connectivity or technical issues can make learning cumbersome, especially for those in far-flung locations.

Popular institutions for online nursing programs
Those looking to enroll in an online nursing program can consider these universities:

University of South Carolina
The university offers certificate, bachelor’s, master’s, and advanced nursing degrees online. Their classes are recorded and archived, and students benefit from live tech, academic support, and financial aid.

New Mexico State University
This university offers about 12 bachelor’s and 16 master’s programs in nursing online. It also offers multiple scholarships, grants, and loans for students to cover the cost of tuition.

Duke University
Duke University is a private institution offering world-class online nursing programs. As part of their advanced courses, they offer some of the best concentrations, like informatics, nursing leadership, and nursing administration.

Ohio State University
This university is ranked high as almost every student who enrolls becomes job-ready. Most classes are synchronous, with live interaction between students and faculty. They have collaborations with other institutions and hospitals that enrich a student’s learning experience.