For nearly six years, I worked with distance learning degrees for nurses.  We enrolled nurses into ASN programs through Regents College (Excelsior College), BSN programs through Regis University, and even MSN degrees.  While it may all sound glamorous to get an online degree in nursing, there are some things you need to know first.  This is part 1 in a series on advice from a former recruiter for nursing degrees.

Nursing is a profession that badly needs more qualified workers.  In today's fast paced world many people do not have the time to devote to a traditional classroom based degree program.  That's where online nursing degree programs come into the picture.  These programs allow people to earn their nursing degree online when it is convenient for them.  Here are a few things to look for when choosing an online nursing degree program.

Choose an accredited online nursing degree program. 

Using a course that is accredited will allow you the flexibility of furthering your education at a later date if you choose to do so.  Non accredited programs will not transfer to other schools and all of your hard work will be for nothing. 

Find out if there is a lab requirement.

Before you sign up for an online nursing degree program ask questions about whether there is a requirement for in person lab time.  Many online nursing degree programs need for you to do labs which you would need to schedule.  There are programs that allow you to do the entire nursing degree online.  If this is better suited to your lifestyle, make sure you choose one of these programs.  But, keep in mind that any clinicals will have to be done in person.