Question:

What are the challenges to getting an RN degree?

Challenges to Obtaining an RN Degree

Deciding you want to become a nurse is the first step in your nursing career; however, actually attaining your RN degree can be a challenge on its own. Here are some challenges to consider when deciding to obtain your RN degree:

• RN programs are selective. Because there is a shortage of nurses, many nurses who may have opted into the educational arena are staying in the field. For that reason, there are less teachers in RN programs, and RN programs are limited in the number of students they can take. This leads RN programs to be very selective

• RN programs cost money. No matter what kind of RN program you choose to pursue – ADN, RN, or MSN, you will be faced with tuition payments, which could be a problem if you are switching careers. Remember, though, that financial aid is available to qualified students

• RN programs are time-intensive. Because RN programs require both classroom learning and clinical learning, there is no “shortcut” to getting your RN degree. While accelerated programs exist, they are usually all-consuming for the 12 to 18 months they take to complete

RN Degree Challenges

If you have decided to go back to school at South University Online to pursue either your BSN or MSN degree, you may face a few challenges along the way. Here are some areas to look out for:

• School is time-intensive. South University Online tries in every possible way to make school as flexible and easy to complete as possible. Even so, you are attending a degree program, and you need to be prepared to spend time working and studying for either your BSN or MSN degree
• RN degrees cost money. At between $280 and $310 a credit hour, South University Online's programs are affordable. However, you will still need to come up with the money to pay your tuition. Look to various sources of financial aid available through South University Online, both federal and work-study, to help defray your costs
• Self-motivation is key. Since South University's programs are online, you must be willing and able to motivate yourself to work – even when sometimes you don't feel like it. Considering you'll probably keep your job while going to school, after a long day at work, sometimes motivation can wane; you need to be able to keep on task and keep doing your coursework.