Associate Degree Nursing: Pros And Cons In Earning An Associate Nursing Degree Online

An associate degree nursing is almost the same as that of an LPN or an LVN. An associate degree nursing is a two-year program structured to focus on direct skills and and care of health care management. The good thing about an associate degree is it caters mainly to those who have financial constraints. The short length of the course significantly lowers down any further costs allowing it to be more affordable in terms of nursing profession while it directly prepares graduates to provide care for patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or in doctor's offices. Focusing more on technical skills, an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree is considered to be the stepping stone for nursing applicants looking into completing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.



The fastest way that you can start on earning your associate degree nursing would be through online universities. With online programs designed in such a way as to fit the convenience of nursing applicants where they can greatly enhance their career without having to sacrifice time for their family and work. All you would need upon admission would be your high school diploma or the equivalent GED. Some online universities may require you to take basic skills test before admission. Before enrolling, you may need to do research for nursing programs featured in accredited universities. This way you can compare the admission criteria and find out which criteria would best suit your needs. A list of the pros and cons with regard to an associate nursing degree should help you get prepared for the task ahead.



Pros



Online Degree - With the convenience of earning your associate degree nursing online, you won't need to sacrifice time to travel getting from work to school. You can save precious time for work, family, and study by just having to log online to access your classes. Another convenience for earning your nursing degree online is you can complete your classes at your own pace and in your own time.



Accelerated Programs - With accelerated programs you can have your previous courses credited in order to inch up you nursing degree. If you're already working, you can have your clinical hours integrated as part of the program's curriculum.



Online Options - With countless accredited university options online, you won't have a hard time finding one that suits your program needs.



Cons



Being Internet Savvy - Online education doesn't really require a person to be technically savvy, however, basic internet skills such as chatting, surfing the net, and the likes are needed for you to get around with your online classes.



Online Discussion vs. Classroom Lecture - There are some students who learn more through an active classroom lecture in contrast to just an online discussion of the lesson. In this case, if a face-to-face interaction with a teacher is needed, an online program may not work for you.



Internet Connection - Since most of your associate degree nursing classes are conducted online, you will need to have a steady internet connection. Most online universities do not issue refunds for missed classes.



These are just some of the things you need to keep in mind when applying for an associate degree nursing online. The few disadvantages mentioned are manageable provided that you would be able to work around with them.