Online degrees have been around for a long time and nursing degrees were among the first ones to get dispensed online. They have had a lot of time to evolve and are now completely on par with regular nursing degrees. They’re also increasingly being explored as an option by both practicing nurses and first-time students. It’s a great option for students from around the globe as well. Let’s take a look at why 2020 is the best time to start looking at an online nursing degree.
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Online Degrees are Hotter than Ever
When we look at the trends in nursing for 2020, the rise of online education is at the very top. There is constant pressure to bring highly qualified nurses into the pipeline, and states like New York are even making it mandatory for registered nurses to hold at least a bachelor’s degree within their first 10 years of practice.
When combined with demographic shifts pushing aging nurses out of the field, we can expect to see a rise in online enrollment. Another factor that could influence this increase is the lack of faculties. Nursing schools are turning down nurses in record numbers, even those with a solid background, respectable results, and years of experience.
Another trend that is affecting this is the high demand in specialized fields such as family nursing. FNP programs are some of the most sought after online, and many new family nurse practitioners were formed completely online. The aging population coupled with a lack of primary care physicians are two of the reasons why FNPs are in high demand at the moment. The demand is even greater in states where they have full practice authority, such as Idaho, Maine, and Hawaii.
It’s a Great Option for Working Nurses
Working nurses are often faced with the dilemma of keeping their positions or going back to school. Some consider doing both, but it’s an uphill battle. Not to mention the faculty problem.
Getting an online degree is the best way for a working nurse to advance their career and get extra credentials. Here are some of the benefits of online degrees for working nurses:
- Career advancement opportunities
- Convenience and flexibility
- Interactive learning experience
- Maximizing time and money
- Top-level education from anywhere on the globe
The best thing about online courses for working nurses is that the coursework can be adapted to your schedule, not the other way around. You could take synchronous classes that are to be attended at certain times, asynchronous courses where you can take them at your own leisure, or go for an extended/part-time course.
Getting an online degree is also a great way to move into greater roles without missing a beat and continue to accrue experience while you do. You’ll have the chance to look at more listings within your own organization, and move up seamlessly.
Coursework is also much more interactive than many people imagine. As a matter of fact, it is much more interactive than regular courses in many ways. Students are free to ask questions, for instance, as they can do so without interrupting classes. Tech tools are making collaboration much easier as well.
It is also a great way to get a top-level education from wherever you are. No need to move state or even country to get an education from some of the best universities in the world. It can then make you a very valuable asset wherever you are and give you a skillset that will be in even greater demand in your market.
It’s One of the Most Rewarding Fields
Another reason why now is a great time to get an online degree is because of how financially and personally rewarding the job is.
“I love being a nurse for multiple reasons,” says public health nurse Lana Miller Davidson. “Mainly because I was in contact with people I wouldn’t in any other circumstances. Some of the best people I’ve met in my life came through nursing.”
For others, their satisfaction comes from the bond they build with patients.
“I have been a family nurse practitioner for 16 years now,” says RN and FNP Katheryne Hardy. “I get my joy from working with clients, and trusting relationships we build. They fulfill me, and I help deliver the care they deserve and need.”
Here are some of the other reasons why nursing is such a rewarding field:
- Job stability
- Possibilities for specialization and advancement
- Good salaries
- Continuous learning and development
- Possibility to empower yourself and others
Some of the highest-paid professionals in healthcare are nurses. The numbers are even higher for nurses who operate their own practices. The average registered nurse in America can stand to earn over $73,000 per year, which is around $35 per hour. This is roughly $20,000 more than the national average.
Some of the highest paying nursing positions include:
- Certified registered nurse anesthetist
- General nurse practitioner
- Psychiatric nurse practitioner
- Certified nurse midwife
- Family nurse practitioner
A certified registered nurse anesthetist can make as much as $240,000 in certain states, and they earned $174,790 per year on average as of May 2018. General nurse practitioners can earn over $107,000 per year.
Psychiatric nurses are in great demand and make around $107,000 per year as well. Midwifery is another sector with great demand, especially in rural areas. Certified nurse midwives can earn around $103,000 on average per year.
There is also a growing shortage of family nurse practitioners across the country, and they enjoy some of the best salaries too. They also can open up their own practices as well. The salary for family nurse practitioners is around $170,000 at the top 10%. The average salary for family NPs is around $107,500 per year.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are tons of reasons why you should consider embarking on an online nursing program this year. If you feel like this is something you could do or you are a working nurse looking at options, we strongly suggest you give them a closer look and don’t be afraid to speak with a counselor if you have any questions.
