Choosing the best distance learning nursing program often involves finding a reputable school, exploring payment options and plans, and seeing if former students are happy with the quality of education they received. Finding a reputable school is important in avoiding diploma mills and for-profit schools that may not provide a healthy learning environment. Distance learning schools in general can be expensive, but some are more expensive than others, and choosing the right one for your budget involves exploring payment plans. Next, if the school still looks appealing, look for reviews and opinions of former nursing students to help judge the quality of education the school provides.
Finding a reputable distance learning nursing program can involve some investigating. First, however, you can rule out distance learning nursing programs that promise a degree within a time frame that is usually not possible, in less than two months, for example. This is most likely a scam, and the con artist posing as an educational institution will take the money, issue a fake diploma, and essentially vanish or become unreachable by e-mail and phone. If you find a school that looks legitimate, such as Curtin University in Australia, Duke University School of Nursing in the United States, and the Open University in the United Kingdom, call, email, or check the school's website for accreditations.
Many distance learning nursing schools require you to call for course prices. These prices will vary drastically depending on the school. Keep in mind that an expensive school does not necessarily mean the school is better than a school with average or below average prices. If you need financial aid, the school should be able to put you in contact with someone who can help or at least give out forms to fill out to determine your eligibility.
Once you have narrowed down the list to reputable and affordable distance learning nursing programs, see what other people have to say about the quality of education at the schools. You may want to find out the class size, whether former students felt they were given enough one-on-one time with a teacher, and if they ran into significant problems. Most distance learning nursing programs will have at least a couple former students talking about their experience online, so performing a search on the Internet is generally a good place to start. If possible, speak to someone directly after letting him or her know you are about to enroll in a school he or she once attended.