Is an Online Nursing Degree Credible?

If you dream of a rewarding profession in which you can spend your days helping others, learning new skills, and being challenged, then nursing may be the field for you. Registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) dedicate their careers to working with patients, helping them feel safe and comfortable, performing important procedures, and working with doctors to determine and move forward with the right course of treatment. 

Whether you are already a registered nurse or becoming an RN is your first step, an online nursing degree can be a game changer. Online nursing programs offer flexible scheduling and the ability to learn at your own pace, making it easier to balance work and school. Additionally, many online nursing programs offer clinical rotations and hands-on experience to ensure that you are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in your new career. Keep reading to learn what makes an online nursing degree credible so that you can decide if pursuing one is right for your academic and professional goals.

Are Online Degrees Credible? 

Online degrees have become more popular in recent years, but some people still question their credibility. Many reputable universities and colleges now offer online degree programs, designed to provide students with the same quality of education as their on-campus counterparts. Additionally, online programs allow for greater flexibility in scheduling and often attract working professionals who may not have the ability to attend in-person classes. Individuals need to do their research and ensure that the online program they are considering is reputable.

Accreditation ensures that an institution meets the minimum standards of quality established by a recognized accrediting agency. Pursuing an online degree from an accredited institution guarantees that you receive an education that meets industry-standard benchmarks and will thus be valued and respected in the marketplace. Moreover, most accredited online degree programs offer rigorous curriculum, student support, and other resources necessary for success.

Online Degree Program Tuition

Prospective students may be wondering how online tuition costs compare to traditional, in-person programs. The answer is that tuition can vary greatly depending on the institution and the degree program. Some universities may offer reduced tuition rates for online programs, while others may charge the same tuition as in-person options. It is important to carefully research and compare the costs of different programs before making a decision.

Generally, most online institutions that are credible should be approved for federal financial aid and offer scholarships. WGU’s online degree programs are approved by the U.S. Department of Education for federal financial aid. At WGU, we also work to keep our flat-rate tuition low, and it’s charged once per six-month term. 

How Do Employers View an Online Nursing Degree? 

As the healthcare industry evolves, more and more nurses are pursuing online degrees to further their education and advance their careers. However, there is often concern about how employers view these degrees compared to traditional in-person programs. The truth is that employers generally view an online nursing degree as equal in value to a degree earned through traditional means. What matters most to employers is the quality of the education and the practical skills that a nurse possesses, not the format in which the degree was earned. As long as the online program is accredited and the nursing graduate has passed their licensing exam, they will likely be considered just as qualified as any other candidate. With the flexibility and convenience that online programs offer, a nursing degree obtained online can even demonstrate a candidate’s strong time management, technological proficiency, and self-discipline skills to potential employers.

Nursing School Accreditation 

Nursing school accreditation is the process whereby a nursing program is recognized by a governing authority as meeting certain predefined standards and educational requirements. Accreditation ensures that nursing schools are providing their students with an education that is both comprehensive and relevant to the profession. It also means that graduates of accredited nursing programs have met a certain level of competency that is considered necessary to practice in the field. Accreditation is important as it ensures that students receive the quality education they deserve. It also provides a measure of accountability for nursing schools because they must meet certain standards of excellence. Accreditation demonstrates to the public that a nursing school is devoted to providing the highest possible quality of education and preparing its students to excel in the nursing profession.

WGU bachelor’s and master’s nursing degrees are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE.) The CCNE is nationally recognized as an accreditation agency by the U.S. Department of Education.

Online Nursing Degree Program Coursework

Online nursing programs offer the flexibility and convenience that many students need to balance their coursework with work or family commitments. However, just like traditional nursing programs, online nursing programs involve rigorous coursework that is designed to prepare students for successful careers in healthcare. Students can expect to learn the fundamentals of nursing, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. They will also gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and simulations. The coursework of an online nursing degree program may be challenging, but the rewards of a career in nursing are countless.

If you’re already an RN, you may be interested in obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree, which gives nursing students theoretical depth and additional training for specific nursing careers. Just having a degree gives many registered nurses better access to promotions, raises, and leadership opportunities. Employers view the dedication and motivation to earn a degree as a very positive quality in nursing candidates. 

Online University NCLEX Pass Rates

When you want to become a nurse, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam to qualify for licensure. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an online university for nursing education is their NCLEX pass rates. A high NCLEX pass rate indicates that the nursing program has adequately prepared its students for the exam, which is a prerequisite for obtaining nursing licensure. Online universities with consistently high NCLEX pass rates instill confidence in their students and reassure employers that their graduates are competent practitioners. Low NCLEX pass rates, on the other hand, may indicate deficiencies in the program's curriculum or teaching methods. Therefore, it is crucial to research the NCLEX pass rates of potential online universities before making a decision. At WGU, the overall NCLEX pass rate for the 2021 NCLEX year is 90%. This is above the national average for NCLEX pass rates and means that students in the WGU RN program are likely to pass their NCLEX test and move forward with their licensure.

Ready to Begin? 

With flexible scheduling, personalized support from faculty, and a competency-based curriculum, WGU students have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a nurse at their own pace. WGU’s Leavitt School of Health also facilitates clinical experience with a partner facility, which is crucial to allowing students to apply what they learn in a real-world setting. This gives students the competitive edge needed to succeed in a fast-paced and demanding field. Whether you're a busy parent, working professional, or just looking for a new career opportunity, WGU's online nursing program can help you reach your goals.