A nursing career in 2023 is a highly attractive prospect for many. One of the most attractive reasons to become a nurse is the direct impact healthcare professionals have on the health and well-being of their patients. Ultimately, a nurse can change a patient’s life for the better.
Why you should consider a career in nursing
Besides helping others by improving their overall health and well-being, individuals interested in nursing can take advantage of the following opportunities in what is a rewarding and increasingly in-demand career:
- Fulfill a growing demand in the market.
- Enhance your marketability and career potential.
- Increase your earning potential.
- Contribute to better health outcomes.
- Enjoy more independence and leadership opportunities.
While the above points briefly outline some of the many benefits of a nursing career, they don’t explain how to become a qualified nurse. To increase both your career and earning potential as a nurse, it’s advantageous to hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
Why you should consider a degree in nursing
To obtain a nursing degree, students must complete coursework and work several hours in a clinical setting. Previously, nurses would have to complete coursework in a campus setting, where they would attend classes in person and complete their clinical hours in settings such as hospitals, laboratories, medical offices, nursing homes, and other such facilities. Obtaining a nursing degree in that way requires students to spend many hours on-site.
While there are pros to completing a nursing degree onsite, there are also many cons. One of the most obvious drawbacks to the in-person approach is the lack of flexibility. If you must attend classes and complete your clinical hours in person, it’s fair to say there might not be much time for you to do anything else, such as work. For those studying practical subjects such as nursing and medicine, the in-person approach to learning can be particularly time-consuming in what can be an already challenging field of study.
Why you should consider a hybrid degree program in nursing
Thankfully, the in-person model of learning isn’t the only approach available to individuals studying for a nursing degree. Hybrid learning, which combines both online and campus learning models, is growing in popularity. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant that more courses and degree programs are available online than ever before.
Since much of healthcare education is practical and conducted face-to-face, a hybrid degree program in nursing could be the ideal option for students seeking accessibility and flexibility.
Some of the further benefits of a hybrid learning model in nursing include the following:
Self-paced
A hybrid degree program often allows you to learn and work at a pace that suits you, which is beneficial if you’re juggling your studies with work and/or extracurricular activities.
Blended environments
You can benefit from a model that blends traditional, in-person learning with new learning technologies such as Blackboard.
Professional accommodation
Some hybrid nursing programs allow you to integrate your current work experience, which can be beneficial to creating a more seamless transition when it comes to working clinical hours.
Diverse methods of communication
Besides the face-to-face method of communication traditionally found in campus models of learning, students enrolled in hybrid degree programs can benefit from other methods of communication, including virtual conferencing.
Personalization
Another benefit of hybrid learning is the potential for personalization. Hybrid learning models, unlike campus-based or online programs, allow students plenty of input and autonomy in how they want to learn. This kind of learning enables students to develop plans with instructors that are specifically tailored to their individual needs.
Where to look for hybrid degree programs in nursing
Now that you hopefully have a better understanding of why hybrid degree programs are beneficial when studying a practical subject, it’s time to take the next step by considering which hybrid degree program is right for you.
Rockhurst University’s Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) offers you the chance to learn the foundational and entry-level skills required to qualify as a registered nurse (RN). As hybrid accelerated BSN programs go, Rockhurst University’s course is regarded as one of the best in the country. The university is ranked as the number one regional university in Kansas City (2021 U.S. News and World Report). Its online programs are highly competitive and delivered by the highly reputable Saint Luke’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Rockhurst University’s ABSN is a full-time degree program that enables you to become a qualified nurse in as little as 16 months. It’s designed specifically for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree in a field different from nursing but who now want to pursue careers as RNs.
The program also allows for a great deal of flexibility. While you must complete 546.5 hours in lab and clinical settings, you can complete all your coursework online. That means you can strike a balance between completing your clinical hours onsite and completing your coursework offsite at a time that is convenient for you. The combination of an on-campus residency or clinical hours and 100% online coursework is beneficial for students who either don’t want or don’t have the time to complete their degree programs entirely on campus.
There’s no better time than now to enroll in a hybrid degree program
Now is truly a good time to consider a hybrid degree program in nursing. The systemic changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic mean it’s no longer necessary for you to complete your studies entirely on campus or entirely online. You can enjoy the benefits of completing your coursework online in the comfort of your own home while completing your lab and clinical hours onsite alongside other students and teachers. This hybrid approach provides a great deal of flexibility and can be tailored to suit your individual needs.
