The best online graduate programs for nursing
January 16, 2012
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job prospects for registered nurses are expected to be excellent over the next decade. In addition, the average annual salary for a registered nurse in the U.S. is more than $62,000, making it both a rewarding and lucrative career for many people.
Nursing is a popular job for many mothers who want a job that offers them flexibility to work while raising a family.
The BLS reports that "nurses most commonly enter the occupation by completing an associate degree or bachelor's degree program. Individuals then must complete a national licensing examination in order to obtain a nursing license. Advanced practice nurses - clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse-midwives, and nurse practitioners - need a master's degree."
In addition, many of those who want to pursue administrative, research, consulting and teaching positions within the nursing profession need a master's degree.
Since many individuals who want to pursue a master's degree are already working in their chosen profession, online colleges offer a great alternative to traditional colleges and universities. In addition to giving students the flexibility to complete work when it's convenient for them, an online degree program is typically less expensive than traditional ones.
US News and World Report recently released a list of the top online graduate nursing programs.
"Thanks to the growth of online nursing degree programs, students can advance their careers in one of the most in-demand professions in healthcare today," the publication states. "Students should be prepared to spend two or three years earning their nursing degree online, and with their master's degree, graduates can be certified with an advanced license as a nurse."
The magazine considered a few major factors when determining the best online nursing degree programs, including faculty credentials and training, student engagement and accreditation, student services and technology as well as admissions selectivity.
The top online programs in terms of faculty credentials and training were George Washington University, Loyola University New Orleans and Lamar University.
The University of Northern Colorado, Drexel University and the University of Texas at Tyler ranked highest when it comes to student engagement and accreditation.
Online programs that ranked best due to their student services and technology included Loyola University New Orleans, Drexel University and the University of Colorado - Denver.
And, when it comes to admissions selectivity, Delta State University, Old Dominion University and Michigan State University ranked highest.
Moms who want to pursue a graduate degree in nursing - or any other field - should consider alleviating some of the financial stress of going back to school by researching single mother scholarships, scholarships for mothers, grants for parents and other financial aid options.
