How To Attend Free Nursing School Online? Your Best Options!

With a growing population, the demand for healthcare positions rises. For nurses in particular, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow much faster than average at 7% between 2019-2029. It’s possible to become a nurse without having to go into debt while earning your education if you choose to attend free nursing school.

Here, we will share what you can expect from nursing school education, as well as provide a look at some free nursing programs.

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How to Become a Nurse

Before we get to the different programs, let’s review the typical steps that are required to become a nurse.

Choose nursing path

There are various different types of nurses with different titles. For example, you can become a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN), registered nurse (RN), certified nursing assistant (CNA) or nursing administrator. Depending on where you want to work and what you want to do, you can choose your path. To expand, registered nurses typically work in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and medical settings whereas CNAs can be found in nursing homes.

Earn a degree

Depending on the type of nurse you want to become, you will obtain the required education to do so. There is also the option to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing online. Registered nurses can work with an associate’s degree as opposed to a bachelor’s degree, but it is possible for employers to prefer to hire nurses with bachelor’s degrees.

Obtain licensure

In order to practice as a nurse, you’ll have to pass an exam for licensure. Again, the type of exam required will depend on what type of nursing position you wish to obtain. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): state competency exam, earn a state license
• Registered Nurse (RN): earn a nursing diploma, bachelor’s or associate’s degree, take the NCLEX-RN exam, earn a state license
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): pass a state-approved certificate program, take the NCLEX-PN exam, earn a state license
• Nurse Practitioner (NP): earn a master’s degree, pass the NCLEX-RN and a national certification exam, earn a state license
• Nurse midwife (CNM): earn a master’s degree, pass the NCLEX-RN and national certification exam (if required), earn a state license
• Nurse Anesthetist (CNA): earn a master’s degree (DNP required if graduating after 1/1/2022), pass the NCLEX-RN and certification exam, earn a state license

The Average Cost of Nursing Education

There is a wide range of costs to attend nursing school. It depends on where you go to school, the type of program you enroll in, the length of your degree, etc. However, the costs of nursing school can quickly add up, especially when there is a tuition fee.

In America, the estimated cost for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) typically ranges between $40,000 and upwards of $100,000 per year (for private or large universities).

Compare that number to the cost of attending a nursing program in Norway, which is free at most public universities. Or, let’s consider the average cost of studying nursing in Australia, which tends to be between $20,000-$30,000 in tuition fees.

As you can see from just three examples, where you earn your degree can greatly affect the costs you will have to pay.

Free Nursing School Options

Despite the wide range of costly nursing school options, there are also affordable choices and even free nursing school options. Here are some examples of free nursing schools:

University of Agder

Located in Norway, the University of Agder offers a first-class nursing school program without costs. The only fees associated with attending are semester fees. Additionally, the country subsidizes public transportation. However, most courses within this program are taught in Norwegian.

Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences 

Germany’s Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences (HSB) also is free, but requires a semester fee. Most courses are taught in German, although some may be in English. The nursing program is an International Degree Program in Nursing which requires students to spend a semester abroad with one of its over 300 partner institutions globally.

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Also located in Germany, the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences charges students less than 350 euros per semester which is paid towards the student government and student services. Otherwise, there is no tuition fee associated with the nursing programs, of which there are five to choose from (3 bachelor’s and 2 master’s degree programs).

The Arctic University of Norway 

Neither domestic nor international students pay tuition to attend The Arctic University of Norway. There is only a semester fee of NOK 625 to cover administrative costs, such as: ID cards, counseling services, exams, and registration.

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Free Online Nursing Programs

Along with the various free nursing programs in countries around the world, there are many free online nursing programs from various institutions. For example, you can study the following course topics:

• Care Relationships  – Open University
• Nursing Home Infection Preventionist Training Course – Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• Nursing Studies – Diet Therapy – Allison
• Understanding Clinical Research – Coursera
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support – Open Learning

Related Degrees: Health Science

For students looking to work in healthcare but don’t necessarily want to follow a nursing path, you can also obtain a tuition-free degree from the University of the People in Health Science. Read this to find out what types of positions you can obtain with this degree.

Final Thoughts

Nurses undoubtedly play a crucial role in the field of healthcare. By enrolling in a free nursing school, you can become a nurse without having to sacrifice your bank account or stress about the cost of attending a pricey program.