By Carol Trehearn
More and more people are looking at ways to further their careers online, especially with school closures during the COVID-19 outbreak. Plus, web-based universities offer flexible learning environments that are a good fit for busy adults. If you’re considering pursuing an education in nursing, what can you expect to learn in online programs?
Types of Online Nursing Programs
First, it’s essential to make a distinction between different online nursing degrees and certificate programs. The main types available are:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN-FNP)
- Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate (FMC-FNP)
- Registered Nurse to Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (RN-MSN-FNP)
If you are not sure about the qualifications necessary for enrollment or how to apply, ask a reputable educational institution like Carson-Newman University for assistance. This university is nationally ranked and provides each of the programs listed above to position you for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
While each program differs by what the curriculum teaches you and qualifies you for, what they all share is helping you grow as an independent caregiver and becoming confident in your skills. You will gain a working knowledge of nursing values and procedures that can take you far in your career, no matter which specialty you pursue down the road.
To help you identify which of the four listed online programs is the best fit for you, let’s look at what each one is designed to teach you. This information can help you decide what educational path to take to meet your goals.
RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Commonly called RN-BSN, the Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program can take only 14 months at accredited Carson-Newman University. Its curriculum is designed for the working practical nurse, under the assumption that you will be working full-time while going to school.
As you progress through the degree program, expect to grow not only as a nurse but also professionally. Among the topics you will study are:
- Nursing ethics
- Patient advocacy
- Servant leadership traits
- Community health
Online MSN-FNP Program
If you are looking to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), then this program for those who already hold a Master of Science in Nursing might be right for you. Providing family care to communities and families is an important role with more responsibilities than an RN and a 78% job offer rate at graduation as a nurse practitioner (American Association of Colleges of Nursing Report, 2017).
The program from Carson-Newman University focuses on teaching you how to provide holistic primary care to patients of all ages and takes the extra step of providing you with the clinical placements. Save time and stress by not having to search for clinical sites for rotations yourself so you can put your full effort into the program.
Courses include Advanced Pharmacology, Advanced Health Assessment, and Advanced Primary Nursing Care for Adults. All courses are online and take as little as 32 months to complete.
Online MSN-FNP Program
Do you feel that you have more to give in your career? If so, then a Family Nursing Practitioner Certificate for those who already have a Post Master’s Certificate could be the next step for you.
The MSN-FNP program prepares you for success as an FNP, where you can choose between many different work environments in city or rural communities. As you take the classes, you will realize more than ever the number of jobs available outside of the hospital setting.
Your role will be close to becoming a family physician without being one. Thus, you will work directly with patients, unlike with some other advanced educational options that prepare you for jobs behind the scenes after graduation.
The online courses will focus on:
- How to promote health and wellness
- How to provide preventative care
Thus, you can anticipate gaining in-depth knowledge as a student in both proactive and reactive approaches to providing primary healthcare to families and individuals. Indeed, the healthcare industry is moving from reactive to proactive and preventative care. You will also practice independent decision making through web-based assignments and clinical placements.
You’ll also get excellent support throughout the program at Carson-Newman University, including having your placement set for you to reduce stress when you enroll. Residency experience is also an exciting part of the program.
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