Can you do nursing school online? It’s possible to enroll in a hybrid nursing program, which offers online coursework paired with in-person nursing labs and clinical rotations. When choosing between online vs. traditional education for nursing school, consider whether you benefit more from flexibility or structure.
Can you do nursing school online without attending campus? No, you must attend labs and clinical rotations in person. A hybrid nursing program combines online coursework with in-person, hands-on experiences and may suit you if you’re interested in flexibility. Comparing an online vs. traditional nursing degree can help you choose the format that fits your learning needs.
Felician University in New Jersey offers both course delivery options through its Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. The on-ground program is offered at our main campus in Rutherford, New Jersey, and the hybrid program is offered at our learning site in Parsippany, New Jersey. Whichever format you choose, you’ll complete the same accredited curriculum with support from faculty.
How does online nursing school work? First, understand the online and in-person learning components. Then compare online vs. traditional education to decide which format aligns with your schedule and learning preferences.
Can You Get a Nursing Degree Online?
Nursing is a hands-on career and requires students to immerse themselves in learning patient care to prepare them for clinical practice. While you can complete part of a nursing degree online, such as the coursework, skills labs and clinical rotations require hands-on participation.
How Does Online Nursing School Work?
Online nursing education combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical rotations, offering flexibility without sacrificing experiential learning.
Online Nursing Coursework
Students in a hybrid nursing program take classes online through an e-learning platform rather than attending in-person lectures. They work through lessons using textbooks, practice questions, audio, video, and other formats.
Nursing Skills and Simulation Labs
Students also complete nursing skills and simulation labs in person at the ABSN learning site. Nursing skills labs teach essential clinical techniques, such as patient assessments, while simulations allow students to practice clinical decision-making in a simulated clinical setting without putting patients at risk.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical rotations also take place in person at real healthcare facilities. Students apply clinical skills and practice patient interactions under the supervision of clinical instructors and preceptors. Clinicals also offer opportunities for students to observe healthcare professionals at work and make professional connections.
How hard is nursing school? Learn why ABSN programs take focus and hard work to succeed.
Benefits of Online Nursing Classes
It’s common for nursing students to have a busy schedule. Online coursework offers greater flexibility, allowing you to complete assignments when it’s convenient for you, provided you meet all deadlines. Online nursing education can also save time by reducing how often you must commute to the learning site.
Beyond convenience, online classes can also improve study sessions and memory retention. You’ll be able to access the coursework at any time and revisit lectures and course material as often as needed.
Online vs. Traditional Education
When comparing an online vs. traditional nursing degree, consider the following differences.
| Online Nursing Education | Traditional Nursing Education |
| Can easily connect with faculty as needed | More face-to-face interaction with faculty |
| Can study at your own pace, provided you meet deadlines | Have a more structured learning process |
| Can learn at any time of the day or night, although some classes might meet at set times | Need to be present for class at specific times |
| Requires more self-directed time management | Provides more built-in structure |
| Can learn through various digital formats | Learn primarily through in-person lectures |
| Complete exams, labs, and clinicals in person | Complete exams, labs, and clinicals in person |
Differences Between Online and Traditional Nursing Education
Before deciding, examine the differences between online vs. traditional education, including scheduling, the learning environment, hands-on requirements, and student support.
Flexibility and Scheduling
Compared to online-based ABSN programs, traditional programs follow a fixed schedule because classes meet in person. This format may suit you if scheduled classes help you stay accountable or if you prefer lectures over self-directed learning.
Learning Environment
Traditional nursing programs take place entirely in person, with lectures conducted in classrooms. They combine classroom lectures with skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations.
Hybrid nursing programs combine two learning environments: digital and physical. Students complete courses online and attend labs and clinical rotations in person.
Hands-On Learning
Both formats emphasize hands-on learning through skills and simulation labs and clinical rotations. You cannot learn procedures such as placing an IV line through coursework alone. Whether you choose an on-ground or hybrid program, you’ll practice core nursing skills in person.
Student Interaction and Support
Traditional programs provide more frequent face-to-face interaction because students attend classes in person. Hybrid programs offer in-person interaction during labs and clinicals; however, students can still interact via discussion forums on the e-learning platform.
Academic support may be similar across hybrid and traditional formats, but it varies by school. Felician University prioritizes a supportive learning environment in both options. In either format, Felician students benefit from low student-to-instructor ratios, mentorship, personalized guidance from faculty and staff, and comprehensive NCLEX-RN licensure exam preparation.
Choosing Between Felician University’s Hybrid and On-Ground ABSN
Many nursing schools offer only one ABSN format, but Felician University offers both online-based and traditional options, allowing students to choose the path that best fits their needs.
Felician University’s Hybrid ABSN
The Hybrid ABSN has three annual start dates: January, May, and September. Students learn nursing fundamentals and theory through an online learning platform.
The platform presents course content through several media formats, which you can revisit as often as needed. Online modules include:
- Discussion boards
- Informational videos
- Interactive activities
- Patient case studies
- Textbook material
Felician University’s On-Ground ABSN
In the On-Ground ABSN, students learn nursing fundamentals and theory in a traditional classroom on the main campus in Rutherford. The program has one annual start date in September, and students complete nursing labs in the Barbara J. Toscano Nursing Resource and Simulation Center.
Use these tips for success in the ABSN program.
Hybrid vs. On-Ground ABSN Comparison
Both formats use the same comprehensive nursing curriculum, whether students complete foundational coursework online or on campus. The curriculum prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN and begin professional nursing practice.
Program Details
| Hybrid ABSN Program | On-Ground ABSN Program | |
| Timeframe | 16 months | 16 months |
| Location | Parsippany, New Jersey | Rutherford, New Jersey |
| Courses | Online | On campus |
| Nursing Labs | ABSN learning site | On campus |
| Clinical Rotations | Atlantic Health System and other leading healthcare providers | Atlantic Health System and other leading healthcare providers |
| Start Dates | January, May, September | September |
Is an Online vs. Traditional Nursing Degree Right for You?
When choosing between online and traditional accelerated nursing education, consider the structure you need to succeed. Decide whether you are more likely to thrive in a scheduled, in-person environment or a self-directed online format.
Traditional nursing education may be a better fit if you rely on face-to-face accountability. Students who succeed with online learning typically have strong self-discipline and personal accountability.
Start Your Nursing Education at Felician University
Felician University offers both On-Ground and Hybrid ABSN options, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your learning needs. In either format, you can graduate in as few as 16 months. The values-based curriculum emphasizes patient advocacy and nursing leadership to prepare students for a changing healthcare environment.
Request info today and connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about Felician University’s ABSN program.