Hey, my mom is a CNA but wants to take online classes to be an RN. I can't find anywhere that does that, help?

Question

She's always wanted to be a RN (Registered Nurse) but could never afford college when she was younger. If anyone can tell me what I can do or possibly give me a website so she can do her online classes than that would help a whole lot. Thanks!

Answer 1

try excelsior online, rue or college network

Answer 2

Your mom is really thinking ahead, and that is very cool.   I bet with that initiative she'll make a great nurse.

However, you cannot get a nursing degree online. You could COULD possibly complete some prerequisites online, such as English, basic math, or basic science. But NURSING courses must be taught by an accredited school, and typically have a laboratory and clinical component to them (working in a controlled/artificial environment, and then working with real patients).

Typically, RN nursing schools in community colleges are about 2-3 yrs, and university will take about 4 yrs; -- both depending on how the person's previous or highschool science and math grades are! The competition to get in is quite fierce, as there is a shortage of both nursing faculty and clinical places for students to practice. So an applicant would want to keep high, and pile on the sciences!

(You can become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) in about one VERY full time year, at a community college.)

Then, after school, while you work, you can go on for Continuing Education units that will give certifications as an expert in that area -- such as a specialty certifications in Labor and Delivery, or Neonatal Care, etc. You could also go on to Master's Degree and become a Certified Nurse Midwife, faculty member, Nurse Practitioner, or Nurse Administrator.  

In the meantime -- being a CNA is an excellent introduction to the world of nursing.  It not only prepares you to be a better nurse, but also would help you see whether nursing is the place for you.  However, the RN responsibilities are much more expanded than the CNAs, and sometimes CNAs have a  hard time making the transition to the new role.  I do not say this to inhibit you, but rather, to just make your mom aware of it, so she can watch out for this.  She will need to develop the mindset and critical thinking skills of an RN, and not just stay at the CNA level.

What i would encourage her and you to do is to start finding out about nursing programs in your home area.  Often a good place to do this is at the academic guidance counselor's office of the nearest community college.  If they do not have a school of nursing (SON), then they will certainly be able to direct you to nearby SONs.  

One internet search method you might try is (without the quotation marks) "School of nursing + {your zipcode}"  ----  for example, in my area of suburban Chicago, that search brings up a large group of SONs pinned to a google map.  If you live in a more rural area, it might be harder.

If you do not have a nearby SON, then you have to decide if you are willing to commute afew days a week, or move altogether, to do the schooling.  Each solution has its pros and cons, that only your family can make a decision on.

i hope this helps! Please post again with further questions.

Kathy (MSN, RN)