The field of nursing has undergone significant transformations in recent years, largely driven by the emergence and expansion of online programs. With the demand for healthcare professionals on the rise, the nursing field has experienced a surge in employment opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses who typically hold a bachelor's degree are projected to see a 6% growth in employment from 2021 to 2031. Additionally, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse workforce, consisting of nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and nurse midwives, is expected to undergo a remarkable 40% growth by 2031.
These advanced roles necessitate at least a master's degree, with further advancement often requiring a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Ph.D. degree. Online education can play a key role in this regard, revolutionizing the accessibility to high-quality nursing programs, removing geographical barriers, and accommodating individuals with time constraints.
In this article, we will delve into the various online programs that are shaping the nursing world, exploring their impact on the profession and the benefits they offer to both aspiring and experienced nurses.
Table of Contents
Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
The popularity of online BSN programs has soared due to their flexibility and convenience, allowing aspiring nurses to gain comprehensive theoretical knowledge, clinical training, and practical experiences through virtual simulations.
These programs enable individuals to pursue a BSN degree while managing their existing commitments, making nursing education more accessible and meeting the growing demand for registered nurses.
Holding a BSN degree, coupled with relevant practice experience, provides advantages in diverse healthcare settings and opens doors to various nursing career paths. According to the AACN survey, approximately 41% of employers now require a bachelor's degree for new nurse hires, emphasizing the importance of online BSN programs.
Additionally, there has been a rise in the popularity of Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs, which have garnered recognition in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report rankings.
Rockhurst University acknowledges that traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs generally require approximately four years of study to complete. However, accelerated programs provide a faster pathway to obtaining a BSN degree, often concluding in under two years.
Specifically designed for individuals who possess a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, online ABSN nursing programs facilitate an expedited nursing education, enabling graduates to enter the nursing profession with a BSN credential.
Online Nursing Education: How to Become a CNA
Online nursing education has made it easier and more convenient for people to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Individuals interested in becoming CNAs can find numerous programs online that offer the necessary training and education. The course typically covers a broad range of topics including basic nursing care, anatomy, physiology, infection control and medical terminologies. After completing their online coursework, students are required to gain hands-on experience in a clinical setting under the supervision of a registered nurse. Finally, to officially become a CNA, students must pass a state competency exam. This exam tests both their theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Consequently, online nursing education offers a comprehensive, flexible approach to becoming a CNA.
Online Master of Science in Nursing Programs
Online MSN programs have revolutionized career opportunities for registered nurses seeking advancement. These programs offer specialized tracks, including nursing administration, nurse education, and family nurse practitioner, among others.
The flexibility of online MSN programs allows nurses to balance their professional responsibilities while acquiring advanced knowledge and skills required for leadership positions in healthcare organizations or specialization in specific areas of patient care.
As of 2020, statistics indicate that 14.9% of registered nurses in the United States held a master's degree as their highest educational attainment, while 2.2% held a doctoral degree.
Fortune Education reports that the average wage for registered nurses (RNs) in May 2021 was $77,600 per annum. However, healthcare professions, such as nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists, and nurse practitioners, which require a master's degree, had a significantly higher median wage of $123,780 per year.
Obtaining an advanced degree can result in a salary increase of over $46,000 annually, highlighting the financial benefits of pursuing advanced education in the nursing field.
Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Programs
Online DNP programs have emerged as terminal degrees in nursing practice, catering to registered nurses aspiring to assume leadership positions in advanced practice nursing or healthcare administration.
These programs prioritize the development of advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, healthcare policy, and leadership competencies. Completion of a scholarly project or a clinical practicum is often required as part of these programs.
According to the AACN's report, in 2022, the number of practitioners enrolled in DNP programs increased from 39,530 to 40,834 between 2020 and 2021. Pursuing an online DNP degree offers a gateway to a diverse range of career opportunities and leadership roles within the nursing and healthcare sectors.
Research suggests that individuals pursue a DNP to gain advanced knowledge, skills, competencies, and self-assurance in performing advanced nursing practice. Online DNP programs are specifically designed to enhance the clinical knowledge and skills of advanced practice nurses, focusing on the application of evidence-based practices to elevate patient care and improve outcomes.
According to data from the Journal of Nursing Regulation, in 2023, a mere 0.9% of registered nurses pursued a Ph.D. in nursing, while 1.6% pursued a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2022. Although these percentages may seem relatively low, the increasing number of individuals pursuing DNPs can have a significant positive impact on the healthcare system.
Conclusion
Online programs have revolutionized the nursing world, enabling aspiring nurses to pursue their educational goals, empowering registered nurses to advance their careers, and facilitating lifelong learning and professional development.
Through virtual simulations, interprofessional collaboration, and global networking opportunities, online programs are transforming the way nurses acquire knowledge, develop skills, and provide care.
As technology continues to advance, it is essential for nursing education to adapt and embrace these online programs to shape a competent and skilled nursing workforce capable of meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our society.
