Students entering Purdue Global's online nursing programs often have questions. According to Jessica Gordon, DNP, associate dean in the School of Nursing at Purdue Global, the most commonly asked questions include:

  1. How technologically savvy do I need to be?
  2. What type of resources will be available to me online?
  3. How flexible are the programs?
  4. What does the curriculum look like?
  5. What is the time commitment?
  6. How do clinicals or practicum experiences work?

If you’re considering enrolling in an online nursing program at Purdue Global, keep reading — this article explains how our programs work.

What Are the Technology Requirements at Purdue Global?

The basic technology requirements for an online nursing program at Purdue Global are a computer and an internet connection, but additional software and hardware may be required for some programs. For example, students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program are required to use Shadow Health software for certain courses. Instructions for purchasing this software are provided to students at the beginning of their course.

“Students do not need to be technology experts to be successful in our programs,” says Gordon. “They should be comfortable navigating websites, conducting research using online library resources, and evaluating the quality and credibility of information they find online.”

Beyond basic computer skills, Purdue Global provides guidance and support for any additional technology tools used within the program. Students have access to the online classroom via the Purdue Global Campus portal, a user-friendly, intuitive online learning platform.

“This is where you find your current classes, grades, updates from your instructors, and a variety of tools and resources designed to help you succeed in your coursework,” says Gordon. “Our goal is to ensure students feel confident using the technology they need to succeed.”

To learn more about our online learning platform and how online classes work, read the Purdue Global FAQ Guide.

Support for Nursing Students

Purdue Global offers a range of resources to help its nursing students succeed. These include:

  • Academic Support: Academic support comprises a number of resources, including the Center for Career Advancement and the Student Accessibility Services department.
  • Mentors: Students have access to a faculty mentor who can assist them in their studies.
  • Student Organizations: Purdue Global has a variety of clubs, groups, and honor societies that help you meet other students and develop your interests. One of the honor societies at Purdue Global is Sigma Theta Tau, which focuses on supporting nurses’ learning, knowledge, and professional development.
  • Purdue Global Library: We maintain a library of thousands of ebooks, periodicals, and professional, scholarly, and trade journals — all of which you can access at any time.
  • 24/7 IT Support and Solutions team: Receive technical and general support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Alumni Engagement: After you graduate, you will gain access to exclusive alumni benefits. The Alumni Engagement department offers you a means of connecting with our expansive network of graduates.
  • Dedicated Clinical Student Managers: Clinical student managers (CSMs) are assigned to each nursing student at Purdue Global based on the nursing program and state of residence. CSMs help students understand placement requirements, prepare required materials and documentation, and work with them to secure clinical sites and preceptors. They also serve as a resource for sites and preceptors, verify submitted documents, and confirm that requirements are complete before students register for their clinical or practicum course.

Clinical and practicum experiences allow students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world patient care and professional practice settings.

“Our clinical student managers provide early information about clinical and preceptor requirements, offer step-by-step guidance, and work closely with students as they prepare for their practicum experiences,” Gordon says. “Our goal is to make the process as clear and manageable as possible while helping students secure quality clinical learning opportunities that align with program requirements.”

Flexibility of Purdue Global’s Online Nursing Programs

Flexibility is the hallmark of a Purdue Global education. Without it, many of our students — the majority of whom work, have families, and manage additional responsibilities outside the home — simply wouldn’t be able to return to school and earn their next nursing degree.

“Our programs are intentionally designed for working adults,” Gordon says. “We understand that many of our students are balancing careers, families, and other responsibilities while pursuing their education. We offer flexible learning options, including seminar times that accommodate a variety of schedules and alternative assignments when attendance is not possible.”

Purdue Global nursing courses are structured to build knowledge progressively, helping students develop confidence and understanding over time. Wellness is woven into the curriculum and support services because balance and self-care are important to long-term success.

"While earning a degree requires commitment and effort, our faculty and staff work hard to provide students with the tools, guidance, encouragement, and support they need to make their goals achievable,” Gordon says.

Read on to learn more about how specific degree programs are structured, how much time is required for each program, and how clinicals or practicum experiences work.

Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)

Purdue Global offers the Associate of Science in Nursing for students in Iowa and Maine. This is a hybrid program that blends online coursework with clinical, on-the-ground experiences in local health care facilities. Students who successfully satisfy all requirements will earn an ASN and may apply to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam.

Time commitment: About 1.5 years of full-time study

How do clinicals work? Students are required to complete clinical practice experiences at a local health care facility to demonstrate mastery of skills and cognitive acquisition.

Curriculum: See the Associate of Science in Nursing entry in the Purdue Global Academic Catalog.

RN-to-BSN Program

The RN-to-BSN program at Purdue Global is for registered nurses who hold an associate degree, certificate, or diploma in nursing. Courses and seminars are conducted entirely online.

Time commitment: About 13 months of full-time study for the standard program

How do practicum experiences work? Practicum hours are required in the RN-to-BSN program, but there is flexibility in how students can complete those practicum experiences. Students may be able to satisfy their practicum requirements by:

  • Developing protocols or tools for specific populations
  • Meeting with leaders in the community
  • Assessing different populations
  • Working with nursing staff to implement new protocols or procedures

Curriculum: See the RN-to-BSN entry in our course catalog.

>>Read: Purdue Global Nursing Students: Tips to Find a Clinical Placement

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The Master of Science in Nursing at Purdue Global is for BSN-prepared nurses seeking to earn an advanced degree. Purdue Global's MSN program allows students to choose from six tracks, four of which prepare them for a career as a nurse practitioner (NP).

The four population focus specialties that prepare students to become NPs include:

  • Adult-gerontology acute care (AGACNP)
  • Adult-gerontology primary care (AGNP)
  • Family nurse practitioner (FNP), primary care
  • Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP)

Two concentrations are available for students not pursuing a career as an NP:

  • Executive leadership
  • Nurse education

Time commitment: 18 to 24 months of full-time study, depending on the pathway

For students who want to complete their MSN more quickly, Purdue Global offers a competency-based ExcelTrack® MSN program.

How do clinicals work? Purdue Global graduate nursing programs and postgraduate certificates do not require in-person skills intensives. “Students develop hands-on skills through a combination of immersive learning technologies, including virtual simulation experiences and supervised clinical practice in real-world health care settings,” Gordon says.

Curriculum: See the MSN entry in our course catalog.

Graduate and Postgraduate Certificates

Purdue Global offers six nursing certificate programs:

These certificate programs are designed for registered nurses who either hold a bachelor's or master’s degree (depending on the program) and are looking to expand their professional knowledge and skills.

Time commitment: Completion times vary by program, ranging from about 5 months to 1.5 years of full-time study.

How do clinicals work? Similar to the MSN programs, certificate programs do not require in-person skills intensives. Students may develop these skills through both virtual experiences and supervised clinical practice.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

The Doctor of Nursing Practice at Purdue Global prepares advanced practice registered nurses to perform at the highest level of nursing practice. It is a terminal, practice-focused nursing degree.

Time commitment: The time required to earn a DNP varies by student. Doctoral students must complete a minimum of 1,000 post-baccalaureate practice hours; every student enters the program with a varying number of hours, depending on their previous career trajectory.

How do practice experiences work? Practice experiences are required in Purdue Global’s DNP program. These practice experiences synthesize the learning that takes place and strengthen the nurse leader’s ability to design and implement nursing care models that deliver patient care safely and efficiently.

Curriculum: See the DNP entry in our course catalog.

Earn a Nursing Degree Online With Purdue Global

Purdue Global offers a variety of online nursing degree programs and certificates that can help you pursue your career goals. We combine academic rigor with a strong focus on student success, wellness, and professional growth. Our faculty brings extensive real-world nursing experience into the classroom, and our programs are designed to prepare students not only to earn a degree but also to thrive in the current health care environment.

“What sets Purdue Global apart is our commitment to supporting the whole student,” Gordon says. “Whether students are pursuing their first nursing degree or moving into an advanced practice or leadership role, they become part of a community that is invested in their success from enrollment through graduation and beyond.”

If you’re ready to earn your next nursing degree, request more information today.

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About the Author

Purdue Global

Earn a degree you're proud of and employers respect at Purdue Global, Purdue's online university for working adults. Accredited and online, Purdue Global gives you the flexibility and support you need to come back and move your career forward. Choose from 175+ programs, all backed by the power of Purdue.

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