For students seeking a flexible and accessible way to earn their nursing degree, researching the best accelerated online nursing degree programs is an excellent place to start. Graduates with a BSN can pursue careers as registered nurses, with a median salary of $86,070. Those completing an MSN have additional career opportunities, such as nurse practitioners with a median salary of $129,480 or nurse administrators with a median salary of $110,680.
By enrolling in an accelerated program, you’ll be on a fast track to these careers, with BSN programs often completed in just 12 to 18 months and MSN programs in 18 months to two years.
How to Choose an Accelerated Online Nursing Program
Choose your area of study
Since nursing is a relatively broad field, choosing an area of study can help you tailor your education more closely to your interests and career goals. For BSN students, options like pediatrics, geriatrics, and oncology cater to those enthusiastic about specific populations. MSN students can specialize in areas such as family nurse practitioner, nurse educator, or nurse administrator. These are ideal for those seeking high-level clinical roles or leadership in healthcare settings.
It’s often helpful to reflect on your strengths, alongside job market demands, to select a specialization that aligns best with your objectives and offers ample growth opportunities.
Research schools and programs
Once you have an intended specialization in mind, you can focus on researching schools and programs that’ll help you meet your career goals. Consider using the following questions to help guide your research:
- Is the program accredited?
- What is the program’s NCLEX pass rate or certification exam success rate?
- Are there any prerequisites or specific admission requirements?
- What is the format and duration of the program?
- Are there opportunities for hands-on clinical experience?
This information can be found on school websites, by speaking with an admissions counselor, or at a virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
With your shortlist of programs in hand, you can begin test and application prep. Although the admissions process may vary depending on the program, most programs follow the standard criteria:
- Transcripts from previously attended institutions
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume or CV
- Relevant test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for grad)
Undergraduates should consider enrolling in SAT or ACT prep programs to improve their scores, while graduates should enroll in a GRE prep course if scores are required. These programs are specifically structured to produce performance-boosting results and can help give your application a competitive edge.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. Take some time to revisit your initial research criteria and prioritize what’s most important to you, such as curriculum relevance, clinical opportunities, and faculty you’re excited to learn from. This is also an ideal time to reassess the total cost of attendance and compare it to financial aid offers – ensuring that your choice ultimately aligns best academically and financially.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
To finance your degree, first file the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal aid. Next, apply for institutional and external scholarships, as this aid doesn’t need to be repaid and can significantly offset costs. If you’re seeking part-time work, consider exploring work-study or assistantship opportunities. When loans are necessary, be sure to opt for federal loans over private loans due to their lower interest rates and flexible repayment options – as this can help you bridge any financial gaps more affordably.
Best 50 Accredited Accelerated Online Nursing Programs
How we rank schools
This list features some of the country’s best online accelerated nursing programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online accelerated nursing programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as US News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From an Accelerated Online Nursing Program?
By enrolling in an accelerated online nursing program, you can expect an intensive and fast-paced curriculum designed to quickly transition students into nursing roles – regardless of degree level. For those seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), curricula cover foundational topics like anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and patient care. These programs require hands-on clinical practice and can typically be completed in two to three years.
For a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), students delve into advanced practice areas like leadership, research, and specialized nursing fields like family nurse practitioner, midwifery, or anesthetics. These curricula often include courses on healthcare policy, high-level clinical skills, and evidence-based practice. Completion times for this degree usually range from 18 months to two years.
Potential courses you’ll take in an accelerated online nursing program
- Anatomy and Physiology: This fundamental course covers the structure and function of the human body, providing essential knowledge of the body’s systems. Students will learn about the interplay between different organs and how they work together to maintain health.
- Pharmacology: In this course, students study the principles of drug action, the therapeutic uses of different medications, and the potential side effects. Understanding pharmacology is crucial for safe medication administration and patient education.
- Health Assessment: This upper-level course focuses on developing advanced clinical assessment skills. Participants learn to conduct comprehensive physical exams, interpret diagnostic tests, and create effective care plans for complex patient cases.
- Nursing Leadership and Management: This course, typically offered in MSN programs, prepares students for leadership roles in healthcare settings by covering topics like organizational behavior, strategic planning, and effective communication. Students learn to manage healthcare teams, improve patient outcomes, and navigate the complexities of healthcare systems.
What Can I Do With a Nursing Degree?
With a nursing degree, you can pursue various in-demand roles that offer lucrative salaries and job security. You can work as an RN at the BSN level in hospitals and clinics. With an MSN, you can advance to roles such as nurse practitioner or nurse administrator, providing opportunities for leadership and specialized practice.
Career outlook
- Registered Nurse — RNs provide direct patient care, administer medications, monitor patient health, and collaborate with healthcare teams to develop and implement care plans. This high-demand field offers entry-level roles for those with a BSN, providing a solid foundation for career growth.
- Median annual salary: $86,070
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 193,100
- Nurse Practitioner — Nurse practitioners offer advanced clinical care, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and managing patient treatment plans. These opportunities become available with an MSN and often allow NPs to specialize in areas like family practice, pediatrics, or acute care.
- Median annual salary: $129,480
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 38%
- New jobs projected: 29,200
- Nurse Administrator — Nurse administrators oversee nursing staff, manage healthcare operations, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations. These roles can be versatile and differ in scope, ranging from managing a single department to overseeing multiple facilities.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New jobs projected: 54,700
Accelerated Online Nursing Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do accelerated degree programs work?
Accelerated degree programs condense the traditional curriculum into a shorter time frame through intensive, fast-paced coursework. Both accelerated BSN and MSN programs maintain rigorous academic standards, requiring students to manage a heavier workload and often study year-round. Check out our page, which delves into this further, to learn more about the pros and cons of accelerated programs and decide if a fast-track option is best for you.
How long does it take to earn an accelerated online nursing degree?
Obtaining an accelerated online nursing degree takes 12 to 18 months for a BSN, with some programs offering options that can be completed in less than a year. Similarly, an accelerated MSN takes 18 months to two years, with some programs that can be completed in less time.
For MSN programs, completion timelines can vary significantly due to differing credit requirements — so it’s imperative to evaluate these requirements before enrolling, as this will impact your program length.
How much does an accelerated online nursing degree cost?
The average annual cost of tuition is $14,688 for undergraduate degrees and $20,513 for graduate degrees. However, it’s important to note that tuition is only one part of the cost. You’ll also want to budget for additional expenses, such as technology fees, textbooks, course materials, and potential travel costs for in-person clinicals.