How to get my RN? Online??

[2Peaches]

So I really want to go back to school for my RN, my dream job is to work as a LD nurse eventually. There are a couple of programs that have a second degree offering near me, and a county college I could get some basic stuff done at....but does anyone know if you can actually do some online classes too? It seems like are many routes to becoming an RN so any insight you can share with me would be much appreciated! I live in Morris Co, NJ, if that makes a difference. Thank you!!

[bluebunny]

I imagine that you could get the prerequisites online but most of the nursing programs that I know about have clinical rotations, that obviously need to be done in a hospital or medical setting.

[Ianthe]

You still have to do Clinicals, but here is an online uni that offers online: http://www.wgu.edu/online_health_pro...sing_licensure

[CrazyCatLady]

I was going to say WGU too, except for it's only in a couple of states on the West Coast. Other than that, A lot of prerequisites can be done online if you are able to do all that math and science work independently. But I don't know anyway to get a nursing degree online. I think all paths take at least a little being in school and then obviously, the rotations and clinical.

[cakemama579]

I am in a two year RN program now, and am taking two hybrid courses online. I have to show up for lab and tests, but the rest (as in lectures) is done online and on my own time. They are both only 1 credit courses, and my big course (the 7 credit one), is not available online due to clinicals, hands-on needs, etc.

You might find some programs in your area that do at least a partial hybrid program. There are also programs out there that are weekend or evening programs, though there aren't for me in my immediate area.

[aphel]

Just wanted to add that many RN programs are no longer accepting prerequisites completed through online unis, unfortunately. Check with whatever schools are in your area before spending any time/money.

If you have LOs or just not a lot of time, keep in mind that many of the prereqs are sequential courses. In my case, I only have two classes left, and they must be taken one after the other, so I'm really only able/required to be away from home for a few hours a week anyway.

Also, keep in mind that 60% RNs are educated in community colleges, and most of those have evening and weekend classes.

Good luck . . . .

[2Peaches]

Thanks for all of the replies! I think I am going to opt for getting the AS and then transferring for my second degree BSN. I would ultimately like to work in Labor and Delivery or Mom and Baby at the hospital....I checked out their job listings and it says a BSN is required. So maybe I could get a job at the hospital with my AS/RN and get tuition reimbursement even towards the BSN so I could reach my ultimate goal.
Good luck to all!

[kittywitty]

I think Tennessee Regents (not sure exact name) at least recently had an online AS program.

[Ellien C]

Can I pull a little on the L&D aspect? I'm sure you love babies and birth, but are you SURE a hospital setting is the right place for you? There are some people who go into the field certain that they want to make a difference in how it's practiced. If you know that's you- GREAT. But you might post in the Birth professions (? forum) and get some insider information on what it's like for natural-minded people to work in L&D. Just want to make sure you're making the right decision for you.