For many licensed practical nurses, the next step on the career ladder is to become a Registered Nurse. One increasingly, common way to earn an RN is to enroll in an LPN to RN online program. While there are many reputable online nursing programs available, not all are created equal. Prospective nursing students must understand the most important qualities to seek in online LPN to RN plans, in order to ensure successful program completion and RN certification. The following are some tips to help weigh the pros and cons of these programs:
The Good
The main benefit of an online RN program is clear; classes can be taken completed virtually. Many programs give you the freedom of completing coursework on your own terms within your own timeframe. The best programs provide the ability to attend the same instructor-taught courses online as you would at a local campus. In these virtual environments, students benefits from the structure of traditional classroom learning, as well as live interaction with instructors and students. For already certified professionals, online learning can be extremely importance because it provides nursing students with the flexibility to balance work and family obligations, while mastering the skills and knowledge needed to perform at a more advanced level.
Another benefit of learning through an LPN to RN online program is the ability to advance your education in a less costly and time-consuming manner than traditional nursing programs. With online nursing programs, you can enroll and start courses within weeks, avoiding the hassles of waitlists that are frequently found at traditional nursing programs. Online programs also provide the ability to save thousands of dollars in tuition costs.
The Bad
- Perhaps the biggest downfalls of getting an education online are the lack of structure and the inability to interact with instructors and fellow students. Nursing students often find the self-study model of most online learning to be un-motivating, making it difficult to progress through the program. With no classes, no assignments or support from instructors, many students may feel all they’ve gained is a stack of books. Make sure that your desired online nursing program provides individualized support and remediation programs, in the event that you fail a course. Also ask the organization to provide their current student pass rates; good programs can tout pass rates between 94%-96%.
- Although lowered tuition costs are one of the perks you can enjoy with online learning, beware of hidden costs that can actually raise your overall expenses. Many online LPN to RN programs rack up costs in books alone, charging up to $600 per course. While books are typically an additional charge associated with higher education, there are nursing programs that include books in the cost of tuition. Be sure to focus on these types of programs to minimize expenses. Also make sure you are aware of all additional fees before deciding to enroll.
The Ugly
Virtual learning courses and online career training are high in demand. As a result there are a lot of worthless programs being offered by schools trying to profit from the educational market. They seem to offer the same attributes of traditional classroom learning, however they often leave a lot to be desired. Hidden costs, lack of structure and support are all reasons that many LPN to RN candidates will be unsuccessful with these programs. Students can additionally find themselves bound to tuition payments, even though they’ve decided to drop out of the program. Further, many organizations have varying degrees of accredited, so it is important to do your research and find a quality, accredited LPN to RN program.
Now that you’ve learned the good, bad and ugly about online LPN to RN programs, hopefully you feel more confident about how to select a good online nursing program. To get the most out of your virtual learning experience, look for organizations like Achieve Test Prep, where you’ll receive the structure and support needed to successfully earn your RN.