Online Certified Nursing Courses Overview

There are many online nursing programs available, including bachelor's programs, master's programs, certificate programs and certified nursing assistant programs. Some programs can help registered nurses apply the courses they have already completed toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a Master of Science in Nursing.

Overview of Online Certified Nursing Courses

Students who wish to pursue an online education in nursing can participate in bachelor's programs or master's program. There are also online graduate certificates available, including a certificate in nursing and health care education and a certificate in nursing administration and leadership. Some programs are for currently employed nurses who want to advance their training. Entry-level students may complete a certified nursing assistant program online or through a hybrid program.
Graduates of online nursing programs may become nurses in hospitals, clinics or doctor's offices. They also may find careers as administrative nurses, heads of nursing departments, teachers, nursing aides or certified nursing assistants, depending upon their level of education.

Course Requirements

Online nursing students are required to have access to a computer, the Internet, Microsoft Word and an e-mail account. Some programs, including some master's degree programs, may require that the student already holds a valid registered nurse (RN) license. Some instructors might require students to purchase textbooks to supplement the materials provided online.

Online Certified Nursing Courses

Certified Nursing Assistant Course

Instructors of this course often provide online lectures and video materials to teach students to perform basic patient care tasks and work with registered nurses. Online certified nursing assistant courses often include a lab section that may be held at an on-campus or a clinical location. Some programs also require students to work in a clinical setting to gain hands-on experience.

Introductory Professional Nursing Course

This course is generally taken in the beginning of a student's nursing program. Students may participate in online discussions about common perceptions of nursing. They also learn about the general demands of the nursing profession and the different types of careers available for nurses.

Health Evaluation Course

This course may be taken in the beginning or middle of a nursing program. Students usually learn about how to assess a patient's health and what kind of information they might need to record. Instructors may give students online exams or quizzes about all the variables that affect a patient's health, such as diet, exercise or genetics.

Nursing Research Course

In this beginning-to-intermediate course, students learn about the need to stay up-to-date on current nursing and medical information and technology. Instructors may ask students to participate in online discussions with their peers about their research methods and findings.

Communication in Health Care Course

This course helps students to understand the importance of effective and professional communication in the nursing environment. Instructors may schedule online meetings for students to discuss how to vary their communication style depending on whether they are talking to a doctor, another nurse, a patient or the patient's family. Students may be assessed by participating in online role-play scenarios via video chat.

Medical Law and Ethics Course

A medical law and ethics course may be taken toward the middle or end of an online nursing program. This course provides students with a general introduction to state and national health law. Instructors often emphasize the importance of ethics in nursing.