Certified Online Nursing Courses: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding certified online nursing courses is an excellent step for advancing your career in the healthcare field. Whether you are starting out as a nurse or looking to specialize in a particular area, online courses offer flexibility and accessibility. This guide will provide an overview of certified online nursing courses.

1. Introduction to Certified Online Nursing Courses

Certified online nursing courses offer comprehensive training and education required for various nursing roles. These courses are designed to meet the standards set by accrediting bodies and provide recognized certifications upon completion. They cover a range of topics, from basic nursing principles to specialized fields like geriatric care, pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing.

2. Check Course Content and Structure

Review the curriculum of potential courses to ensure they cover the topics you’re interested in. Key subjects in online nursing courses typically include:

  • Principles of nursing

  • Health assessment and patient care

  • Clinical decision-making

  • Healthcare informatics

  • Global health and emergency response

Ensure the course provides a balanced mix of theory and practical application, with opportunities for hands-on projects.

3. List of Certified Online Nursing Courses

Below are some popular and reputable certified online nursing courses available:

American Nurses Association (ANA)

  • Courses Offered: Wide range of topics including infection control, pain management, and advanced practice issues.

  • Description: ANA provides various online courses designed to help nurses meet continuing education requirements and enhance their professional skills.

  • Accreditation: American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

  • Link: ANA Nursing Courses

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

  • Courses Offered: Advanced courses in areas such as Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care, and Health Informatics.

  • Description: Johns Hopkins offers online post-master’s certificate programs and continuing education opportunities that are recognized worldwide.

  • Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

  • Link: Johns Hopkins Online Nursing

Kaplan Nursing

  • Courses Offered: Preparation courses for NCLEX exams and continuing education.

  • Description: Kaplan is well-known for its comprehensive and effective preparation courses for nursing licensure exams, including a variety of continuing education courses.

  • Accreditation: Courses are designed to meet the requirements for nursing licensure.

  • Link: Kaplan Nursing Courses

Nurse.com

  • Courses Offered: Extensive range of continuing education courses covering various specialties and skills.

  • Description: Nurse.com is a leading platform for online nursing education, providing accredited CE courses to help nurses advance their knowledge and meet licensing requirements.

  • Accreditation: ANCC

  • Link: Nurse.com CE Courses

Western Governors University (WGU)

  • Courses Offered: Online BSN and MSN programs with an emphasis on leadership, education, and informatics.

  • Description: WGU offers competency-based education where progress is based on your ability to prove your skills and knowledge.

  • Accreditation: CCNE

  • Link: WGU Nursing Programs

Purdue University Global

  • Courses Offered: Online RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP programs.

  • Description: Designed for adult learners, Purdue Global provides advanced, flexible online nursing programs that fit the schedules of working nurses.

  • Accreditation: CCNE

  • Link: Purdue Global Nursing Programs

4. Good Schools with Online Nursing Degree Programs

For those seeking a more comprehensive education in nursing, several reputable schools offer online nursing degree programs:

  • University of Phoenix:
           University of Phoenix Nursing Programs
           Costs: Approximately $398 per credit
           Curriculum: Nursing fundamentals, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and leadership
           Program Link: Nursing Programs

  • Walden University:
           Walden University Nursing Programs
           Costs: Approximately $715 per quarter credit hour
           Curriculum: BSN, MSN, DNP programs covering clinical practice, nursing education, and healthcare administration
           Program Link: Nursing Programs

  • Capella University:
           Capella University Nursing Programs
           Costs: Approximately $425 per credit hour
           Curriculum: Competency-based curriculum including nursing practice, healthcare management, and informatics
           Program Link: Nursing Programs

  • Chamberlain University:
           Chamberlain University Nursing Programs
           Costs: Approximately $675 per credit hour
           Curriculum: BSN, MSN, DNP programs with a focus on evidence-based practice, patient care, and leadership
           Program Link: Nursing Programs

  • Excelsior College:
           Excelsior College Nursing Programs
           Costs: Approximately $510 per credit hour
           Curriculum: ASN, BSN, and MSN programs covering nursing theory, clinical practice, and healthcare systems
           Program Link: Nursing Programs

By following these steps, you can find a certified online nursing course that aligns with your goals, fits your schedule, and meets your budget. With the right training, you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in nursing.