How to Become a Nurse Online

Starting a nursing career can look unique for everyone. With various degree programs leading into different nursing roles and professional qualifications, you may have more questions than when you began your research. An online nursing program is one option for those seeking a non-traditional program that adapts to their lifestyle. But how can you get a nursing degree online?

While an online nursing program differs from a traditional program, students still graduate with the same degree, knowledge, and hands-on experience. With Concordia University Irvine’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you can complete your nursing degree in as few as 15 months without sacrificing flexibility. In addition to Concordia's campus- based ABSN program in Irvine, we offer a hybrid program in Rancho Cucamonga that incorporates elements of online learning.

Read on to discover how to become a nurse with hard work and the help of Concordia’s Accelerated BSN.

Benefits of Online Nursing Degree Programs

A nursing degree is quite a commitment, regardless of whether it is earned in-person or online, but programs offered in a flexible format allow individuals to pursue an alternative path to a career in healthcare. Non-traditional students can pursue their dreams of becoming nurses by enrolling in a hybrid nursing program that incorporates online elements such as Concordia’s Accelerated BSN.

Because Concordia’s online ABSN program is designed for non-traditional students to succeed on an accelerated timeline, students must meet specific admissions requirements before being admitted. These include at least 65 non-nursing credits from an accredited institution or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.25. Many of these credits may be eligible for prerequisite transfer, so students can begin their nursing journey sooner without spending four years on an entirely new bachelor’s degree.

Online nursing students do not have to sacrifice quality of education in return for flexibility. Earning a degree with hands-on, rigorous career experience is still possible while maintaining other priorities.

How Do Online Nursing Degree Programs Work?

An online nursing program has three primary components: coursework, labs, and clinical rotations. These are also part of a traditional nursing program, but in a different format.

• Online coursework is completed in an asynchronous format, and students work on their own schedule while still completing assignments by due dates to stay on track. Online courses are designed for students of all learning types, and they can collaborate with peers and easily access instructors for additional support when needed.
• Skills and simulation labs are conducted on-site with experienced instructors who help establish foundational nursing skills and provide realistic simulation experience with manikins. These labs build confidence and the knowledge base to work with actual patients.
• Clinical rotations are the final step between learning and real-world application. For clinicals, students travel to healthcare facilities to gain experience working with actual patients and learning from registered nurses in various specialties.

Part of what makes this accelerated format possible is that students must complete a set of prerequisites before being admitted into the program. Often, these credits may be transferred from previous college experience or taken in preparation for ABSN program admission. That way, the 15 months spent in the program are all nursing-focused.

How Do Clinicals Work in Nursing School?

It may seem confusing that in-person clinicals are still required in an online program. Because nursing is a hands-on profession, nursing students must gain practical experience before entering the workforce.

Similar to a traditional nursing program, students attend clinicals in various nursing specialties. These rotations align with other program learning so students can apply their knowledge to real patient interactions. For example, students in the ABSN program will take their Pediatric Nursing Theory class in their third semester. They will simultaneously complete their pediatric clinical rotation in a variety of health care settings, including acute care, community care, and ambulatory care.

Are Online Nursing Students Required to Come to Campus?

There are a few situations in which a student is required to come to campus, the first of which is for scheduled labs. These labs are done alongside peers and instructors to gain experience and receive helpful feedback to build upon going forward. While the online coursework does include many activities that reinforce learning, there is no replacement for hands-on learning experiences in a lab setting.

Students must also come to campus to take proctored exams and periodically meet with their counselor. We also recommend students attend in-person office hours with professors and even form study groups with peers in their cohort. This can be profoundly helpful in building a support system. Even though the coursework is online, nursing school is challenging, and reaching out to others in person can be highly motivating.

What Are the Steps to Becoming a Nurse Online?

At Concordia University Irvine, we want to make your transition into a nursing career possible with our online hybrid ABSN program. Our program is designed with healthcare values and principles that are not limited to scientific principles, but also promote compassion, accountability, and awareness. To become a Concordia nursing student, you will need to take a few steps:

1. Meet with your admissions counselor to create an application plan with a schedule and checklist of things you must complete before applying.
2. Finish all prerequisites, ensuring you meet GPA requirements. Your admissions counselor will help you determine which prerequisites you need.
3. Fill out the online admission application and mail any necessary documentation.
4. If invited, complete an interview with Concordia admissions to finish the process.

If you want to start your nursing journey with Concordia University Irvine’s ABSN program, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact an admissions counselor today by filling out our online form. We look forward to answering any remaining questions you have about how to become a nurse online and exploring your next steps.