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Best Online Nursing Degree Programs of 2024
Best Online Nursing Degree Programs of 2024
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With an aging population and post-COVID turnover in the healthcare industry increasing the demand for trained registered nurses (RNs), now is an ideal time for students to earn an online nursing degree. Whether you’re a current RN wanting to advance your skills and increase your earning potential or a healthcare newcomer seeking a rewarding career helping others, an online nursing degree can help you reach your goals.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of RNs is expected to grow 6% by 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. RNs earn a median annual salary of $81,220. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can also be a stepping stone to other lucrative careers, such as nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Intelligent.com evaluated dozens of programs based on factors like cost, curriculum, and graduation rates to create this list of the best online nursing degree programs. This guide also provides expert insight into how to apply to an online nursing degree program, what students can expect from these programs, and how to choose the online nursing degree that’s right for them.
What Can I Expect from an Online Nursing Degree Program?
A student’s experience in an online nursing degree program will vary based on what type of degree they pursue.
Type of program
Program designed for
Description
Number of credits
Traditional BSN
Undergraduate students who don’t have an educational or professional background in nursing
— Foundational and intermediate-level principles and skills in nursing and related areas
— Clinical practice hours required
— Specialization options may be available
— Includes general education requirements
120
RN-to-BSN / ADN-to-BSN
RNs with a diploma or associate degree who are seeking a bachelor’s degree
— Intermediate and advanced nursing principles and clinical skills
— Clinical practice hours required
— Specialization options may be available
— Minimal general education requirements
30-60
Accelerated BSN
Students who hold a bachelor’s in a different area of study
— Foundational and intermediate-level nursing skills and concepts
— Clinical practice hours required
— Specialization options may be available
— Minimal general education requirements
30-60
RN-to-MSN
RNs who want to earn BSN and MSN degrees
— Intermediate and advanced nursing skills and concepts
— Clinical practice hours required
— Specialization options may be available
— Minimal general education requirements
60
For students enrolling in a traditional or accelerated BSN program in pursuit of the RN license, it’s important to confirm that the program they select meets the requirements for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), as well as their state’s requirements for licensure.
Coursework in an online nursing degree program typically consists of foundations of professional nursing, clinical nursing skills, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, health assessment, research, healthcare policy and advocacy, emergency care, clinical nursing leadership, and more.
Hands-on clinical experiences are also a crucial part of nursing education. Even in online programs, students participate in in-person simulation labs, practicums, and clinical rotations to help them develop their assessment and treatment skills. Requirements for the number of clinical hours students must complete vary based on their current education and experience level and the state’s licensing regulations, but they typically range from 300-800 hours total. Students can complete their clinical hours in hospitals, urgent care clinics, community health centers, outpatient medical facilities, and more.
Online nursing degree programs may also include opportunities for specialization, either with a specific patient population (neonatal, pediatric, adult, or gerontological care) or within a particular area of medicine (oncology, cardiology, intensive care, psychiatric care).
How a program is delivered will also impact what students can expect. Many programs are offered asynchronously, where students don’t have scheduled class meetings. Instead, students access and complete lessons and assignments on their own time. Students who want a more traditional experience may seek out a synchronous program where classes are conducted live at pre-scheduled times, with students attending virtually from wherever they’re located. Depending on the program, students may be able to enroll full-time or part-time.
This list features some of the best online nursing degree programs in the U.S. The schools on this list are non-profit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with high-quality standards for post-secondary education.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, faculty, reputation, student resources, and admission, retention, and graduation rates. We also compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others. Using this data, we calculated an Intelligent Score for each program on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
There are various degree programs available in nursing and related areas. To find the one that best meets your needs and goals, consider these additional options:
An online nursing degree can prepare students for entry- or intermediate-level roles as RNs. These individuals provide and coordinate patient care in settings like hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, community health clinics, private practices, urgent care centers, and more. RNs often work in teams with doctors and other healthcare specialists to develop and administer treatment to patients.
The job outlook for RNs is strong, with the BLS predicting, on average, 193,100 new job openings annually through 2032. A rapidly aging U.S. population is one of the key driving factors in the need for RNs, as is high turnover in the healthcare industry following the COVID-19 pandemic.
To make your search for an online nursing degree program as smooth and efficient as possible, it’s helpful to clarify early on what your educational and career goals are.
First, determine how your current professional and educational background will influence the type of nursing degree program you need. Review licensure requirements for the state where you will practice to ensure you’re considering programs that meet eligibility criteria.
Reflect on whether a specific type of environment or patient population interests you. This can help guide you to programs that offer electives, specializations, and clinical experiences in your area of interest.
Another parameter to set at this stage is what type of program you want, including synchronous or asynchronous content delivery and full- or part-time enrollment.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
Now, you can begin exploring specific schools and programs to determine which one might be the right fit for you.
A key piece of information to confirm when researching schools is whether they have institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation impacts students’ eligibility for financial aid, nursing licensure, and future education opportunities. Students can confirm a school’s accreditation using the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) database. It’s also important for nursing students to confirm that the program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) to ensure it meets industry standards for nurse practitioner education.
There are several avenues through which students can research schools, including visiting websites for schools and programs, attending virtual open houses or information sessions, speaking to admissions counselors or program representatives, and following programs on social media.
Other essential information students should collect includes:
What the curriculum consists of, including core courses, electives, and specialization options
How courses are delivered (synchronously or asynchronously)
Clinical rotation requirements
Faculty credentials
Available support services for online students, including tutoring, counseling, tech support, library resources, and networking opportunities
Program cost, including fees
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Each school establishes its own processes and deadlines for applications. Students should visit the school’s admissions website or speak to an admissions counselor for the most accurate information about what they should prepare for their application. Using a spreadsheet or checklist can be helpful to students applying to multiple programs.
A standard application for an undergraduate degree consists of:
Eligibility requirements vary based on the program level. Applicants to RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN programs must have an active nursing license and an associate degree or diploma in nursing. They may also have to demonstrate a minimum GPA in their prior program. Students entering a BSN program with no prior nursing experience typically must have a minimum GPA. They may also have to complete prerequisite coursework before enrolling.
Step 4: Select your program
The number of online nursing programs a student applies to varies based on individual needs and preferences. Some students focus on a single program due to format, faculty, specialization options, or cost. Others may apply to several schools to increase the odds of admission. Remember that schools often charge application fees and budget accordingly if you apply to several programs.
After receiving your acceptance offers, compare your options based on your priorities and choose the one that meets all or most of your needs.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
While researching schools, get as much information as possible about the program’s full cost (including fees) and the financial aid options available to you.
There are two forms of financial aid — need-based and merit-based. For need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Need-based aid includes federal student loans, grants, scholarships, work-study, and assistantships.
Schools and external organizations will also consider students for merit-based aid like scholarships, grants, and fellowships based on their achievements and aptitudes.
If students plan to work while earning an online nursing degree, they should inquire about employer tuition assistance benefits to help subsidize their education. Active-duty military members and veterans may be able to get discounted tuition or use GI Bill benefits to pay for their degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Degree Programs
Should I get a nursing degree in person or online?
Whether you earn a nursing degree online or in person often depends on personal needs and preferences. There are advantages and disadvantages to both learning formats.
Students who learn best by engaging with classmates and faculty and participating in hands-on learning experiences may want to pursue an in-person program, which will provide more opportunities than an online one. In-person learning may also work better for students who need more structure and support to keep them accountable.
Meanwhile, online classes are ideal for students who need flexibility and convenience to complete their degree program. Online nursing degree programs typically use the same curriculum as in-person programs, so students are able to gain all the skills and knowledge they need, but on their own schedule. Students enrolling in an online nursing program should ensure they have the organizational, time management, and self-motivation to keep themselves on track, as these programs require more independent learning.
How do I apply to an online nursing degree program?
Talk to an admissions counselor or visit the school’s admissions page to confirm the application processes, deadlines, and requirements. Find out if the school uses the NursingCAS common application, which can streamline the process of applying to nursing programs.
Most schools accept applications and supporting documents electronically through their website’s application portal. However, some programs may require certain official documents, like transcripts and test scores, to be submitted directly from the school or testing agency.
It’s also important to verify that you meet the minimum eligibility requirements for a program before applying. For example, students applying to an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program must show they have an active nursing license. Students applying to a traditional BSN program may require a minimum high school GPA or prerequisite coursework.
What is the average cost of an online nursing degree?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that for the 2021-22 academic year, the average annual tuition for undergraduate programs was $9,596 at public institutions and $37,222 at private colleges.
Many factors influence how much students will pay for an online nursing degree. For example, students attending a public institution should note whether the school has different tuition rates for in-state and out-of-state students or if distance learners all pay the same tuition rate. Many schools charge additional fees for virtual classroom technology, labs, background checks, or other resources, which students must factor into their budgets.
Nursing students should also consider the financial impact of clinical rotations. This may mean taking time off from your current job or budgeting for transportation expenses to your clinical site, like gas, parking, or public transportation.
Students should always speak to a financial aid counselor for the most accurate information about program costs and payment options.
How long does it take to complete an online nursing degree program?
The length of time it takes to complete an online nursing degree depends on how many credits a student must earn for the degree they’re seeking and the pace at which they complete the credits.
Full-time students can typically complete a 120-credit BSN program in four years of full-time study or five years of part-time study. Meanwhile, RN-to-BSN programs take less time to complete since they require fewer credits than a traditional BSN. Full-time students can expect to finish an RN-to-BSN in 1-2 years of full-time study or 2-3 years of part-time study.
Is an online nursing degree worth it?
All degrees have value if students are willing to put the time and effort into learning and mastering the skills the program covers. Before enrolling in an online nursing degree program, students should be sure they have the energy and time to prioritize their studies to get the most out of their program.
From a career perspective, the demand for nurses is expected to continue steadily through the next decade. This is driven by an increase in the elderly population, as well as a need to replace RNs who retire, switch careers, or move to advanced positions. There will be an average of 193,100 new openings for RNs every year through 2032, the BLS reports.
The pay for RNS can vary widely based on setting and location. The median annual salary for RNS in 2022 was $81,220, with the lowest 10% of earners making less than $61,250 per year. In recent years, nurses and healthcare workers throughout the U.S. have taken action, including striking, to demand better pay and working conditions amid changes in the healthcare industry.
