Requirements for Online Nursing Programs

Nursing stands among the most flourishing professions in today’s job market. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states a projected 22 percent job growth rate for nurses through 2018. This projection, along with the increasing demand for nurses, makes now an ideal time to earn your Nursing Degree.

Nursing online programs offer flexibility and affordability as well as an accelerated program to finish your nursing degree. These advantages and the rising popularity of online nursing education has inspired colleges and universities to develop their own nursing online degrees, giving students interested in online learning the choices and opportunities they need and deserve.

Yet despite the popularity and convenience of an online nursing program, they are not without requirements. While you can find more information about specific degrees and their requirements by reading the fact sheets for the online nursing school of your choice, in general, online or traditional nursing programs have the following requirements:

• SAT or ACT exam; minimum scores vary widely by school
• Minimum GPAs range from 2.0 to 3.25, depending on the school
• 3 years of high school math, including geometry and algebra II
• 3 years of high school science, including biology and chemistry
• 4 years of high school English
• 2 years of high school foreign language
• Introduction to psychology and medical terminology
• Graduation from a National League of Nursing (NLN) accredited nursing school
• A current RN nursing license
• A 2.5-3.0 GPA (grade point average in selected prerequisite courses)

It is also imperative that you verify before enrolling in any Online Nursing Degree course that it will transfer to the nursing school program you will be applying for. You will also want to be aware tuition costs vary by school and program. You should request this information from the schools you are interested in. They will be able to provide you with detailed pricing information. A requirement for online nursing courses is to provide payment for the course before you begin the classes.

Class requirements include access to the internet and a computer. Many students have been disheartened when the expectations of availability of a public computer, school or friend’s computer was not available and they missed important course work. Ensure your success by verifying you will always have internet computer access to fulfill your course requirements.

While residency is often not a requirement, some online nursing schools may require students to spend a few days or weeks on campus and or in a local medical facility such as a hospital. This is to fulfill the nursing program requirements of clinicals, lab work, exams and /or hands-on training.

Finally, be a student who can manage your time and account for the commitment that an online course will require. Taking a course online requires time management and discipline to meet deadlines set forth by your professor. The quality of self-discipline is one of the finest requirements you can possess in order to be successful with online nursing degree courses.