If you have a knack for helping people but find yourself in a non-nursing field, you may reconsider your stance. Healthcare professionals are among the top-respected, nurses in particular. Undoubtedly, nurses are an essential component of the healthcare system.
Without them, other professionals in the industry may not function properly. They help promote good health, prevent diseases, and look after sick and disabled people. Thus, nursing is an in-demand profession, filling some integral roles in the healthcare system.
Are you looking for the best online nursing programs for non-nurses to study? This guide will help you with affordable programs you can do, including their tuition and the schools offering them. Without much ado, here are some things to know about online nursing programs that non-nurses can study and the available options.
Can you get a degree entirely online?
For over a decade, technology has demystified what seemed impossible in the education sector. People can now obtain a degree virtually with little or no physical contact.
Thus, earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing online is possible. It was recorded that in the fall of 2020, online institutions in the US experienced over 90% of students who exclusively enrolled in distance education courses (National Center for Education Statistics, 2020).
Online nursing programs offer non-nursing students the option to learn remotely and acquire a degree in nursing. Moreover, the education is cost-efficient and customized to meet individual flexibility. The students can do everything online, including learning and writing the exams. However, the hands-on aspect of the learning is done in person.
Are online degrees recognized all over the world?
Some agencies regulate these online education programs, which must be acknowledged by the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
If that is the case, employers worldwide will accept the online degree. Undoubtedly, many popular US universities offer some of the best online degrees in nursing and other fields.
Online vs. conventional bachelor’s degree in nursing
Due to its flexibility and convenience, many students opt for an online nursing degree. They don’t have to sacrifice their interests and obligations before obtaining their dream program, which is the gap online learning came to bridge.
However, if they are to pursue a traditional nursing degree, it will necessitate their on-site presence, which requires a definite time and date. However, online learning is asynchronous, allowing students to do their assignments and join the class activities independently. Since students focus on self-directed learning, obtaining a distance-based nursing program is more resourceful.
Aside from that, online nursing programs are cheaper. Students can also network and connect with their classmates, professors, and others from diverse settings and share their experiences and challenges.
What are the conditions for an online bachelor’s degree in nursing?
To become part of the university learning community through distance education, students must meet the relevant requirements of the institution. Thus, the following are general requirements:
- Proof of graduation: You must submit proof of graduation from your previous institution before you can be offered admission to an online nursing program for non-nurses. It can be a transcript or a high school diploma.
- Mandatory coursework: You must have a joint GPA of 2.75 in prerequisite science courses like chemistry, biology, Anatomy, and Physiology.
- Minimum General Point Average (GPA). The overall GPA for an online nursing degree is 3.0. However, other supporting documents can be considered if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements.
- SAT and ACT. There are varied SAT and ACT minimum scores, depending on the university. However, you must have a minimum SAT score of 1440 – 1560 and an ACT score of 32 – 35.
- Other requirements: Some institutions may mandate you to submit letters of recommendation, personal essays, and proof of application fee payment (if there is any). If you are an international student, a minimum TOEFL score of 80 is necessary.
What are the technological requirements of students for online learning?
To ensure a seamless learning experience, you must have a working computer with a video camera. If it is a PC, it must be upgraded to at least Windows 7 with 4 GB RAM and 6.0 GB disk space. If you are using MAC, it must be macOS 10.10 or more, 4 GB RAM, and 12 GB disk space. Finally, the internet connection must be fast and stable.
Courses to Expect in Online Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
An online nursing program for non-nurses starts with general learning that develops essential knowledge and skills. They include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pathophysiology, nursing research, and nursing care of mental health patients.
Best Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses
If you are looking for nursing online courses to help you transition from a non-nursing field to a nursing field, check out these schools below:
Tuition: $1,608 per credit hour
Program Length: 12 months
The first online school offering nursing programs for non-nurses is Emory University. It provides a distance-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN), a full-time program allowing students to earn a nursing degree swiftly.
The program is designed to impart students through the internet using a mix of lectures and clinical practice. These non-nurse students develop sound clinical judgment and critical thinking skills through the program. It also allows the students to experience an extensive range of US and global clinical settings.
In addition, the beginning of the program involves live video orientation. To gain admission into Emory University BSN requires a bachelor’s degree, transcripts, resume, and other prerequisites.
Tuition: $46,500
Program Length: 12 months
This school provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Accelerated BSN) for non-nurse students who want to obtain a nursing degree. The program runs for 12 months and is designed for individuals who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field but seek a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Yearly, three Accelerated BSN options are offered at the University of Wisconsin starting in February, May, and October. They are all offered 100% online but with clinical rotations completed in or near the student’s home community. The student must also complete one on-campus residency, comprising a two-week lab/clinical learning.
Requirements for this course include a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least a GPA of 2.5 and other prerequisites.
Tuition: $30,000
Program Length: Four or five semesters
Kent State University offers another online nursing program for non-nurses. The college provides diverse undergraduate and graduate online nursing programs. But they also have Accelerated BSN for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.
This program prepares such students for professional nursing and graduate study. To become successful in Accelerated BSN at Kent State University, the student must possess critical thinking skills, solid oral and written communication, and resources to commit to a full-time learning program for four or five semesters.
Besides, the student must have completed a baccalaureate degree with a CGPA of 2.7 or higher and other prerequisites.
Tuition: $21,675
Program Length: 15 months
This school offers an online Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It is designed to prepare the student to become proficient, self-directed, and general practitioners in nursing.
Therefore, they can assume a leadership role and take on increased responsibility in delivering nursing care. At the end of the program, the student is set on the path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) and further into the complex world of healthcare.
To gain admission into the University of Texas Accelerated online nursing program for non-nurses, you must have completed 70 credit hours. You must also complete prerequisite and pre-nursing courses before application.
Tuition: $695 per credit
Program Length: 3 years or less when attending full-time
Herzing University offers four tracks to pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. These tracks include BSN for non-nurses, pre-nursing, Accelerated BSN, and RN-to-BSN.
The online bachelor’s degree equips students with essential knowledge and skills in safe, holistic, and evidence-based patient care. The students must take instructive and leisure classes online with on-campus clinical and intensive learning.
Students need a high school diploma or equivalent with at least a GPA of 2.5 and a TEAS score 66. However, only residents of certain states can enroll.
Cost per credit: $180 to $495
Program Length: Three years
This university offers an inventive hybrid learning style and acquiring an online bachelor’s degree in nursing. Students can complete their didactic courses online, while skills lab, community-based clinical experience, and seminars are completed in person.
Students with no prior nursing qualification can apply for this program.
Tuition: $1,106 per credit hour
Program Length: 16 months, 65 credit hours
The next on the list of online nursing programs for non-nurses is Marymount University Acceleration BSN. It is designed to empower students with didactic coursework and clinical nursing skills to meet the requirements for nursing qualification. It will also help them make a positive career change as they transition into the contemporary healthcare setting.
However, you must have a previous bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 2.8 GPA, which you will build upon with this current degree. Taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and becoming a registered nurse (RN) is necessary. Except for clinical and on-campus residency, courses are offered 100% online.
Tuition: $675-$699 per credit hour depending upon location
Program Length: 3 years
Chamberlain University offers a BSN Online Option model. It blends premium-quality curriculum with practical skills mastery and clinical rotation in Maryland, Iowa, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Nebraska. Non-nurses who wish to transition into the nursing field can offer this program, which is purely online.
In addition, it offers a combination of interactivity, flexibility, and experiential learning. This includes live virtual classes, in-person skill evaluation, virtual lab, next-generation simulation, personalized learning program, and more.
Again, you must show proof of graduation with a minimum CGPA of 2.75 from high school and 73 on the HESI test.
Tuition: $677 per credit hour
Program Length: 120 credit hours, available both part-time and full-time
The Methodist College offers the BSN Second Degree in an online platform solely created for it. The program is held on weekends and is offered to those with a bachelor’s degree (2.0 CGPA) in any field other than nursing. After that, the student will work towards becoming a registered nurse.
To earn a Master of Science in Nursing after becoming a registered nurse, the school offers an MSN Prelicensure. This leads to a pathway for doctoral studies or a higher career opportunity.
- Roseman University of Health Science
Tuition: $58,200 (756.83 per credit)
Program Length: 18 months
Roseman University’s College of Nursing offers real-world training and applications in different programs. The aim is to prepare non-nursing individuals who wish to transition into nursing for an exciting and rewarding career.
They have various learning options, from BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). However, you must provide proof of a bachelor’s degree or transcript from an accredited college, reflecting a minimum of 2.75 GPA.
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