Online Nursing Programs: Finding the Degree You Need
When looking to become a nurse, you have options. Certificates get you working fast, while degrees (ADN or BSN) can set you up for long-term success as a registered nurse (RN). And if you need a more flexible option, online nursing programs blend online coursework and in-person clinicals to train you to compete in the real-world. Let EduMed show you how it all works, and how to find the online RN program for you.
The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:
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How Nurses Recommend Finding the Right RN Program
Every program in our RN rankings has been evaluated for NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, and graduate outcomes. But which one is right for you is a different question entirely. Your current credential level, preferred format, geographic needs, and how soon you want to be working all shape the answer. Our nursing professionals share what they’d consider most carefully.
BSN Opens the Most Doors
I always tell anyone interested in nursing that starting with your BSN is the best option if your situation allows you to pursue a four-year degree. Most healthcare systems, especially Magnet-designated ones, have made a BSN a requirement, so having it upfront will open many doors for your career. If you have to start with an LPN/LVN first, be sure to confirm your program transfers cleanly into an RN-to-BSN pathway.
Take Every Clinical Seriously
The sheer number of online nursing options available today would have been hard to imagine when I started my career. The flexibility is wonderful, and there are some good hybrid programs available. That said, nursing is nursing whether your lectures are online or not. Treat simulation labs, skills checkoffs, and your clinical rotations seriously. Those experiences can help you develop the skills needed to become a safe and effective nurse.
How Online Nursing Programs Work
Aspiring registered nurses have a number of degree options to choose from. An associate degree offers a quick, two-year pathway to registered nursing. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years, but can steer you toward long-term career growth faster.
Online RN programs have become increasingly popular over the past decade. Schools across the country now offer online ADN programs (2 years) and online BSN programs (4 years) for students who need flexibility. Accelerated online programs for certain types of nurses may exist, as well.
Let’s review three actual online nursing programs, and keep a special eye on curriculum, cost, accreditation, and NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Associate’s Degree in Nursing – Northwood Technical College
Northwood Technical College offers an ACEN accredited part-time Associate Degree in Nursing designed to accommodate working students. This flexible program covers professional nursing skills, patient care, and clinical practice through a combination of online and in-person classes.
The part-time option spans over a four-year period compared to traditional full-time option, which typically take two years to complete. Regardless of the pace, this degree program requires 70 credits of online theory coursework and on-site skill labs. Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam for registered nurse licensure.
Duration: 70 Credits (4 years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $12,568
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete the online application form
- Complete Core Nursing Accuplacer entrance assessment
- Review and sign Background Check Disclosure
- Review and sign Functional Abilities Disclosure
- Have high school diploma or GED
- Pass one year of high school chemistry or one credit of college chemistry with a 2.0 or better
- Complete a Nursing Assistant course with a grade of 2.0 or better
- Complete admissions meeting with a Northwood Tech counselor
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 27 credits in anatomy, psychology, biology, interpersonal communication, and writing
Major Requirements: 41 Credits
- Nursing Fundamentals
- Nursing Pharmacology
- Nursing Skills
- Intro to Clinical Practice
- Health Promotion
- Clinical Care Across Lifespan
- Health Alterations
- Intro Clinical Care Management
- Complex Health Alterations I
- Nursing Mental Health and Community Concepts
- Intermediate Clinical Practice
- Advanced Nursing Skills
- Complex Health Alterations II
- Management and Professional Capstone
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Nursing Clinical Transition
Elective Courses: 5 Credits
Best for: Students who desire a fast track to becoming an RN, yet want to keep the option of earning a bachelor’s degree later on.
Programs that might interest you:
RN to Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing – Ohio State University
The Ohio State University College of Nursing offers an online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree to allow professional nurses to expand their career opportunities with an advanced education.
This fully online program is for current registered nurses who have an associate degree in nursing. There is no prerequisites requirement for admission into the program and you can use your experience as an RN towards your clinical practicum requirement.
Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this program focuses on collaboration and asynchronous project-based work to ensure that you are receiving a quality education that fits around your schedule.
Duration: 30 credits
Mode: Fully Online
Cost: $18,629 – $21,833.88
Admissions Requirements:
- Complete Common Application as a “Nursing” applicant
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- High school GPA of 3.00 or higher
- Complete online application
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
- Foundations and Contemporary Issues for RNs
- Cultural Competence in Health Care: US and Global Contexts
- Concepts in Community Health Nursing
- Evolving Concepts in Leadership and Management
- Health Care Informatics
- Interprofessional Concepts
- Evidence Based Practice: Transforming Healthcare
Best for: Students looking to land a stronger first position in nursing and who may want to seek upper-level management through experience and/or a master’s degree in the field
Master’s Degree in Nursing – Maryville University
Maryville University offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program with five concentrations: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
You can expect to complete about 60 to 63 credits depending on the concentration you choose. The program is fully online with in person clinicals you can complete locally. However, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all prior college work to apply.
Duration: 63 credits (2 years)
Mode: Hybrid
Cost: $35,383 – $43,150
Admissions Requirements:
- 3.0 cumulative college GPA
- Have active RN license
- Have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from an ACEN/CCNE/CNEA-accredited institution
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Complete online application
- Submit your current resume or CV
- Provide all college transcripts
- Proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus-diphtheria
- Criminal background check and drug screening
Curriculum:
Core Courses: 29 Credits
- Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
- Evidence Based Practice in Nursing
- Health Care Policy
- Professional Role Development: Advanced Practice Nurse
- Health Promotion/Disease Prevention
- Advanced Pathophysiology
- Advanced Health Assessment
- Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics
- Leadership and Quality
Concentration Credits: 47-50 credits in either Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner (AGPCNP), Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Best for: Established professionals who want to take the next step in their professional development and progress into a leadership role.
Answers to Common RN Student Questions
At any degree level, nursing school is a big commitment. Therefore, like most prospective nursing students, you might have some questions about the legitimacy on online nursing programs, certification requirements, the job outlook, and the demands of nursing school. Below you’ll find the answers to some of the most student pressing questions about online nursing programs.
What is the quickest RN program?
The quickest path to become a registered nurse is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These programs take usually two years to complete and range from $15,000 to $30,000 in price.
However, if you are a registered LPN or LVN, there are bridge programs that allow you to take the experience you have to earn an RN degree and certification. These programs typically take a year to complete, depending on the amount of experience you have, and cost about $20,000.
Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?
No, you cannot take the NCLEX-RN without going to nursing school. You must complete at least an associate-level nursing program to be considered eligible for the NLCEX-RN certification.
Other requirements for the exam include completing clinical hours, having a clear criminal record, and proof of identity.
However, there are some nontraditional routes to taking the NCLEX exam. For example, LPN to RN Bridge programs qualify you for the exam even though it is not the traditional educational route. If you are a foreign-trained nurse, you could be eligible for the NCLEX exam without having a U.S. nursing degree, but this will depend on if the Board of Nursing approves your credentials.
What is the most in demand nursing job?
In 2023, the most in demand nursing job was a nurse practitioner. This job has the closest responsibilities to a doctor, including prescribing medication and diagnosing conditions. However, the education required for an NP is a master’s or doctoral degree. Other popular nursing specialties are certified registered nurse anesthetists, who administer anesthesia in collaboration with anesthesiologists, and neonatal nurses.
What is the difference between a two-year RN and a four-year RN?
The difference between a 2-year RN and a 4-year RN is the education level. Two-year RN’s have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) while four-year RN’s have a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN). A BSN provides a more comprehensive education than an ADN, with the BSN requiring students to compel at least 120 credits while AND students must complete at least 60 credits.
The most significant difference between the two is the salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, holders of bachelor’s degrees earn a weekly average of over $1,330, while holders of associate’s degrees earn a weekly average of approximately $960.
The higher salary also comes with greater job opportunities as nearly 49% of employers require that nurses have a BSN.
Is 63 too old to become a nurse?
No, 63 is not too old to become a nurse. The only age requirement that nursing programs have is that you be at least 18 years of age or older. Plus, the growth of online nursing degrees has made it easier to earn a nursing degree at any life stage because of the flexibility these programs offer.
How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?
One of the major decisions to make when choosing an online registered nursing program is how much it costs to complete. The exact cost depends on a variety of factors, such as residency status, program type, and the availability of financial aid. Each program will also have different student fees and housing costs. Before you apply to a program, make sure you understand the cost of tuition and the amount of fees that the program will charge.
To help you with your research, we’ve chosen seven sample schools to compare in the table below. We have cut out the cost for room and board to give you the most direct comparison. This will give you an idea of the financial commitment you will have to make for your RN education.
| School Name | Program Type | Tuition & Fees |
|---|---|---|
School Name | Program Type ASN | Tuition & Fees $18,900 |
School Name Santa Fe College | Program Type ASN | Tuition & Fees $27,568 |
School Name | Program Type ASN | Tuition & Fees $19,130 |
School Name | Program Type BSN | Tuition & Fees $63,920 |
School Name | Program Type BSN | Tuition & Fees $25,935 |
School Name | Program Type MSN | Tuition & Fees $20,340 |
School Name | Program Type MSN | Tuition & Fees $15,280 |
Nursing Certification Requirements
Accreditation confirms a nursing program meets basic education standards, and it’s a sign that the program readies its students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam is required to work as a registered nurse in all 50 states.
The NCLEX-RN exam is managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by Pearson VUE. It uses computerized adaptive testing, which means the test taker completes the exam on a computer, with the computer deciding which questions to provide the test taker based on how they answered the prior question. This means the exam may be different for every person, including the number of questions they must answer. Most test questions are in multiple choice format.
Because there’s so much weight on passing the exam, NCLEX-RN pass rates should be a key component in your nursing program search. Higher pass rates mean that a program’s curriculum is complete and its educators are well-versed in the nursing profession and education standards.
To learn how to pass the NCLEX on your first try, check out our guide on acing the exam.
Find Online Nursing Programs Near You
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Salary & Career Outlook for Registered Nurses
Registered Nurses
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $68,940 | $97,550 | $137,470 |
| Alabama | $58,150 | $77,080 | $98,910 |
| Alaska | $85,030 | $109,480 | $149,070 |
| Arizona | $70,540 | $99,500 | $130,930 |
| Arkansas | $60,780 | $78,940 | $103,660 |
| California | $101,260 | $140,270 | $213,320 |
| Colorado | $79,500 | $100,260 | $124,940 |
| Connecticut | $80,350 | $102,740 | $134,870 |
| Delaware | $78,340 | $99,520 | $123,860 |
| District of Columbia | $79,390 | $102,540 | $151,170 |
| Florida | $67,970 | $84,190 | $120,330 |
| Georgia | $68,920 | $93,550 | $128,640 |
| Hawaii | $82,500 | $136,320 | $147,830 |
| Idaho | $71,210 | $92,460 | $121,230 |
| Illinois | $69,170 | $95,990 | $118,190 |
| Indiana | $66,750 | $83,500 | $105,750 |
| Iowa | $63,840 | $78,630 | $100,500 |
| Kansas | $63,180 | $79,320 | $100,840 |
| Kentucky | $64,170 | $81,040 | $111,750 |
| Louisiana | $63,800 | $80,230 | $104,740 |
| Maine | $74,160 | $86,990 | $106,950 |
| Maryland | $76,780 | $99,790 | $124,790 |
| Massachusetts | $80,310 | $104,550 | $174,510 |
| Michigan | $77,260 | $94,300 | $116,710 |
| Minnesota | $79,960 | $101,510 | $132,430 |
| Mississippi | $60,610 | $77,090 | $100,350 |
| Missouri | $63,230 | $81,780 | $104,390 |
| Montana | $70,120 | $85,280 | $113,920 |
| Nebraska | $66,020 | $84,730 | $106,190 |
| Nevada | $79,500 | $103,670 | $133,270 |
| New Hampshire | $75,610 | $99,700 | $123,190 |
| New Jersey | $83,060 | $106,500 | $135,170 |
| New Mexico | $74,300 | $94,340 | $123,540 |
| New York | $79,760 | $109,440 | $157,090 |
| North Carolina | $67,660 | $84,350 | $110,220 |
| North Dakota | $65,520 | $80,730 | $103,480 |
| Ohio | $66,980 | $82,510 | $105,290 |
| Oklahoma | $60,530 | $82,920 | $106,390 |
| Oregon | $95,280 | $129,010 | $155,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $70,800 | $96,430 | $117,900 |
| Rhode Island | $77,410 | $100,640 | $129,840 |
| South Carolina | $66,860 | $82,360 | $106,520 |
| South Dakota | $54,040 | $78,060 | $98,220 |
| Tennessee | $63,970 | $81,500 | $104,920 |
| Texas | $67,120 | $95,970 | $127,950 |
| Utah | $68,920 | $84,600 | $109,050 |
| Vermont | $77,670 | $97,460 | $126,100 |
| Virginia | $67,830 | $93,600 | $125,580 |
| Washington | $89,630 | $124,200 | $161,910 |
| West Virginia | $57,210 | $80,130 | $131,760 |
| Wisconsin | $77,470 | $95,530 | $119,860 |
| Wyoming | $65,770 | $83,760 | $107,350 |
Source: Registered Nurses, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025
Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Registered Nurses
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 3,391,000 | 3,557,100 | 166,100 | 4.9% | 189,100 |
| Alabama | 56,140 | 59,990 | 3,850 | 6.9% | 3,270 |
| Alaska | 6,580 | 7,250 | 670 | 10.2% | 410 |
| Arizona | 68,470 | 81,220 | 12,760 | 18.6% | 4,990 |
| Arkansas | 29,060 | 32,610 | 3,550 | 12.2% | 1,890 |
| California | 344,100 | 390,600 | 46,500 | 13.5% | 22,890 |
| Colorado | 55,520 | 66,420 | 10,900 | 19.6% | 4,140 |
| Connecticut | 41,160 | 43,880 | 2,720 | 6.6% | 2,380 |
| Delaware | 13,640 | 15,660 | 2,020 | 14.8% | 930 |
| District of Columbia | 10,030 | 10,750 | 720 | 7.2% | 590 |
| Florida | 220,290 | 248,000 | 27,710 | 12.6% | 14,390 |
| Georgia | 94,940 | 106,340 | 11,400 | 12% | 6,140 |
| Hawaii | 13,440 | 14,760 | 1,310 | 9.8% | 830 |
| Idaho | 15,860 | 19,330 | 3,470 | 21.9% | 1,220 |
| Illinois | 149,040 | 165,790 | 16,750 | 11.2% | 9,490 |
| Indiana | 69,940 | 73,300 | 3,360 | 4.8% | 3,890 |
| Iowa | 37,010 | 40,410 | 3,400 | 9.2% | 2,260 |
| Kansas | 34,190 | 35,660 | 1,470 | 4.3% | 1,880 |
| Kentucky | 50,350 | 54,420 | 4,070 | 8.1% | 3,010 |
| Louisiana | 49,290 | 50,360 | 1,070 | 2.2% | 2,580 |
| Maine | 16,880 | 18,010 | 1,140 | 6.7% | 980 |
| Maryland | 52,460 | 55,110 | 2,650 | 5.1% | 2,940 |
| Massachusetts | 91,850 | 94,850 | 3,000 | 3.3% | 4,930 |
| Michigan | 108,330 | 117,360 | 9,040 | 8.3% | 6,510 |
| Minnesota | 64,200 | 69,470 | 5,270 | 8.2% | 3,840 |
| Mississippi | 29,870 | 33,190 | 3,320 | 11.1% | 1,900 |
| Missouri | 81,480 | 86,720 | 5,240 | 6.4% | 4,700 |
| Montana | 11,040 | 12,190 | 1,150 | 10.4% | 690 |
| Nebraska | 27,860 | 29,790 | 1,920 | 6.9% | 1,620 |
| Nevada | 28,150 | 34,350 | 6,200 | 22% | 2,170 |
| New Hampshire | 16,630 | 18,280 | 1,650 | 9.9% | 1,030 |
| New Jersey | 100,240 | 110,120 | 9,880 | 9.9% | 6,210 |
| New Mexico | 18,920 | 20,710 | 1,790 | 9.5% | 1,160 |
| New York | 206,530 | 221,180 | 14,650 | 7.1% | 12,080 |
| North Carolina | 111,380 | 122,580 | 11,210 | 10.1% | 6,930 |
| North Dakota | 11,230 | 12,450 | 1,220 | 10.9% | 710 |
| Ohio | 139,710 | 141,760 | 2,050 | 1.5% | 7,190 |
| Oklahoma | 39,590 | 41,230 | 1,640 | 4.1% | 2,170 |
| Oregon | 46,380 | 50,590 | 4,210 | 9.1% | 2,830 |
| Pennsylvania | 156,300 | 162,860 | 6,550 | 4.2% | 8,580 |
| Rhode Island | 11,600 | 11,960 | 350 | 3% | 620 |
| South Carolina | 51,180 | 55,320 | 4,140 | 8.1% | 3,060 |
| South Dakota | 14,210 | 16,130 | 1,920 | 13.5% | 950 |
| Tennessee | 64,270 | 67,490 | 3,220 | 5% | 3,590 |
| Texas | 261,430 | 299,340 | 37,910 | 14.5% | 17,710 |
| Utah | 27,980 | 34,840 | 6,860 | 24.5% | 2,240 |
| Vermont | 7,360 | 7,670 | 320 | 4.3% | 400 |
| Virginia | 78,810 | 81,630 | 2,820 | 3.6% | 4,600 |
| Washington | 65,030 | 76,400 | 11,370 | 17.5% | 5,800 |
| West Virginia | 24,500 | 28,530 | 4,030 | 16.4% | 1,720 |
| Wisconsin | 66,940 | 71,050 | 4,110 | 6.1% | 3,840 |
| Wyoming | 5,270 | 5,940 | 670 | 12.7% | 340 |
Source: Projections Central, 2024-2034
Related Online Nursing Degrees
- Online MSN Programs
- Online BSN Programs
- Accelerated Online BSN Programs
- Online PhD Nursing Programs
- Online LPN-to-RN Programs
- Online RN-to-BSN Programs
- Online CRNA Programs
- Online CNS Programs
- Nurse’s Guide to Online Bridge Programs
- Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs
Video Snapshot: Top Online Nursing Schools
A fast overview of reputable online nursing programs and what they offer.
