Inside Top Online RN Programs & Nursing Schools for 2023

Explore program options, vet the best schools, and see what it takes to earn and pay for your online nursing degree. Take your first steps today.

Written By

Shannon Lee

- Bio

Shannon Lee has been a freelance writer, editor, and novelist for over 25 years. Her work has appeared on Fox Business, Forbes, MSN, Bob Vila, Modernize, Nashville Scene, MoneyGeek, MVP Parent, and many other outlets; her writing on home improvement led to an editorial position with The Spruce in 2021. She's written extensively on higher education, relationships, and the intersection of technology, health, and medicine. When she's not freelancing, Shannon also writes fiction novels.

last updated

10/18/2022

Nurses are some of the most valuable professionals in a healthcare setting. Registered nurses (RNs) lead patient care plans and manage patient activities in both primary and urgent care settings. They work closely with other nurses, support staff, and physicians to maximize patient outcomes and ensure entire healthcare facilities run smoothly.

In May of 2020, registered nurses earned a median of $75,330, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Top RN salaries reached $116,230. Registered nursing continues to show tremendous opportunity for growth as well, with the BLS estimating a 7% increase in job openings from 2019 – 2029.

Aspiring registered nurses have a variety of degree options from which to choose. An associate degree in nursing tends to be the quickest path to the profession, although many RNs decide to begin with a bachelor’s. Many healthcare facilities often require RNs to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in order to gain employment.

Online RN programs have become increasingly popular over the past decade, with schools across the country offering them. This includes online ADN programs (2 years) and online BSN programs (4 years). Accelerated programs for certain types of nurses may exist, as well.

Ready to learn more about online nursing programs for RNs? See EduMed’s list of the top schools for 2023.

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH	Public	$$	13	The University of Cincinnati College of Nursing offers online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level to advance the knowledge and careers of nurses at all stages of practice. Additionally, they have accelerated entry and post-graduate certificate programs for students who meet those criteria or are looking to advance their knowledge base within their existing degree. University of Cincinnati prioritizes preparing a diverse, affirming group of responsible, compassionate nurses for the workforce to serve the community and provide patients with the best care possible. With advanced degree specialties in gerontology, family nurse practitioner, neonatal, nurse midwifery, systems leadership, nurse anesthesia, psychiatric, pediatric acute care, and women’s health, there is a course for your area of nursing interest. Program Highlights: RN-BSN Online Credits: 24 Cost: $549/credit hour in-state, $1,188 out-of-state Length: 2 semesters (full-time), 3-5 semesters (part-time) Mode: Online Master of Science in Nursing Credits: 44, plus 504 clinical hours Cost: $746/credit hour in-state, $1,333 out-of-state Length: As little as two years Mode: Online Doctor of Nursing Practice Credits: 78-83 Cost: $746/credit hour in-state, $1,333 out-of-state Length: 3 years (9 semesters) Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationHLC
2	East Carolina UniversityGreenville, NC	Public	$	1	With programs at each tier of nursing education, East Carolina University prides itself on educating nurses who are prepared to integrate the science and art of nursing while advocating for their patients and providing expert care while articulating evidence-based treatment options to patients and families. With extensive online curriculum options and degree paths for prospective students with varying existing nursing experiences, ECU promotes leadership, scholarship, and practice to improve the health of rural and underserved regions. ECU holds a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and hold faculty and students alike to a set of high standards for exceptional affirming practice and scholarship. Program Highlights: RN to BSN Credits: 33 Cost: $204.79/credit hour in-state, $883 out-of-state Length: 16 months Mode: Online Master of Science in Nursing Credits: 40-55, depending on specialty Cost: $289.55/credit hour in-state, $1,020.05 out-of-state Length: 2-3 years, depending on specialty Mode: Online, some specialties are hybrid (primarily online) Doctor of Nursing Practice Credits: 60-90 depending on specialty Cost: $289.55/credit hour in-state, $1,020.05 out-of-state Length: 3-4 years Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
3	Winona State UniversityWinona, MN	Public	$$	13	Winona State University’s nursing philosophy is being caring, ethical, and accountable. With a 98% job placement rate, students who graduate from Winona can count on being a competitive job candidate. Additionally, Winona boast a high first-time NCLEX pass rate, at or above the national average. Their programs utilize online learning, particularly for the RN-BS completion program, to allow flexibility for students, with advanced degrees requiring a few campus days per year. Coursework focuses on evidence-based practice, holistic assessment, managing chronic conditions, and population-based health care to offer training on the most current presenting topics for practicing nurses. Program Highlights: RN-BS Completion Program Credits: 120 credits (up to 80 can be transferred from an Associate Degree in Nursing program) Cost: $277.40/credit hour in-state, $503.60/credit hour out-of-state Length: Full-time and part-time (1.5-, 2-, 3-, or 4-year plans). Mode: Online Nurse Educator Master of Science Credits: 48 credits and 300 clinical hours Cost: $38,000 Length: 4 semesters and 2 summer sessions Mode: Hybrid (courses online, labs/simulations on campus) Doctor of Nursing Practice Credits: 72-74 and 1,020 – 1,260 clinical hours depending on specialty area Cost: $57,000-65,000, depending on specialty area Length: 4 – 6 semesters plus summer sessions, depending on specialty area Mode: Hybrid (courses online, labs/simulations on campus)	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
4	University of IowaIowa City, IA	Public	$$$	2	The University of Iowa School of Nursing boasts its interdisciplinary approach to instruction, including collaboration with students in other disciplines like pharmacy, dentistry, public health, medicine, engineering, psychology, and education, to name a few. Students can be at the forefront of exploration of the role of nursing in gerontology, health systems, pain and symptom management, and genetics. With several online degree tracks, particularly with the intention of expanding the nursing skills for associate degree and diploma-prepared licensed RNs, University of Iowa strives to provide an incomparable foundation of scholarship with excellent clinical experiences to foster the next generation of nurses. Program Highlights: RN to BSN Credits: 32 credits Cost: $473/credit hour in-state, $1,394/credit hour out-of-state Length: 3-5 semesters Mode: Online Undergraduate to Graduate (U2G) RN-DNP Credits: 105 credits and 1,000 practice hours Cost: $473/credit hour in-state, $2,016/credit hour out-of-state Length: 5-6 years Mode: Online or hybrid Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Credits: 39 credits and 490 practice hours Cost: $987/credit hour in-state, $1,394/credit hour out-of-state Length: 1.5-3 years Mode: Online or hybrid	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
5	University of ArizonaTucson, AZ	Public	$$$	5	The University of Arizona acknowledges the value of achieving the highest degree level in nursing, and as a result, offers both a Doctor of Philosophy of Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice for those whose interests align more with research and practice, respectively. Additionally, there are numerous avenues to track into an advanced degree in nursing through their BSN-PhD or MS-PhD option. PhD students will focus on areas like precision or health determinants science, while the DNP student can choose from Adult Gerontology, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner as specialty areas. With excellence in scholarship, accessible online curriculum, and tuition parity in- or out-of-state, the University of Arizona offers versatile and flexible paths towards a robust nursing career. Program Highlights: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Credits: 64 credits Cost: $882/credit hour Length: 3 years full-time Mode: Online (some on-campus visits) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Credits: 63 credits Cost: $991/credit hour Length: 2.5 years full-time Mode: Hybrid – online coursework, on-campus intensives, plus clinical placements Master of Science in Nursing (Clinical Systems Leadership) Credits: 11 courses Cost: Total cost $28,828 Length: As little as 15 months Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
6	Montana State UniversityBozeman, MT	Public	$$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationNWCCU
7	Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus, OH	Public	$$$	4		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationHLC
8	Western Carolina UniversityCullowhee, NC	Public	$	4		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
9	University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City, MO	Public	$$	9		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
10	University of Southern MainePortland, ME	Public	$$	6		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio12/1	AccreditationNECHE
11	The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa, AL	Public	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
12	University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte, NC	Public	$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
13	Miami Dade CollegeMiami, FL	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
14	New Mexico State University-Main CampusLas Cruces, NM	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
15	Ohio University-Main CampusAthens, OH	Public	$$$	8		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationHLC
16	Upstate Medical UniversitySyracuse, NY	Public	$$	9		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio6/1	AccreditationMSCHE
17	Texas A & M University-College StationCollege Station, TX	Public	$$	4		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
18	University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia, MO	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
19	Appalachian State UniversityBoone, NC	Public	$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
20	Oklahoma State University-Main CampusStillwater, OK	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
21	University of North GeorgiaDahlonega, GA	Public	$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
22	Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA	Public	$	4		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
23	University of South FloridaTampa, FL	Public	$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
24	University of UtahSalt Lake City, UT	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationNWCCU
25	Florida Agricultural and Mechanical UniversityTallahassee, FL	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
26	The University of West FloridaPensacola, FL	Public	$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
27	Boise State UniversityBoise, ID	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationNWCCU
28	The University of Texas Permian BasinOdessa, TX	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
29	Fitchburg State UniversityFitchburg, MA	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationNECHE
30	Arkansas State UniversityJonesboro, AR	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
31	Indiana University-Purdue University-IndianapolisIndianapolis, IN	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
32	Utah State UniversityLogan, UT	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationNWCCU
33	Florida Atlantic UniversityBoca Raton, FL	Public	$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
34	University of KentuckyLexington, KY	Public	$$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
35	Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, NC	Public	$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
36	The University of Texas at TylerTyler, TX	Public	$$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
37	Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio14/1	AccreditationHLC
38	Columbus State UniversityColumbus, GA	Public	$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
39	Northern Arizona UniversityFlagstaff, AZ	Public	$$$	4		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio22/1	AccreditationHLC
40	University of KansasLawrence, KS	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
41	South Dakota State UniversityBrookings, SD	Public	$$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationHLC
42	Georgia College & State UniversityMilledgeville, GA	Public	$$	7		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
43	University of Louisiana at LafayetteLafayette, LA	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
44	Kent State University at KentKent, OH	Public	$$$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio21/1	AccreditationHLC
45	University of Central ArkansasConway, AR	Public	$$	2		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio15/1	AccreditationHLC
46	Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown, OH	Public	$$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
47	North Carolina Central UniversityDurham, NC	Public	$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio16/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
48	Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk, VA	Public	$$	3		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
49	California University of PennsylvaniaCalifornia, PA	Public	$$	5		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio19/1	AccreditationMSCHE
50	Idaho State UniversityPocatello, ID	Public	$$	1		Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio13/1	AccreditationNWCCU

#	School Name	Type	Cost	Online Programs	School Information	Online Students	Academic Counseling	Career Placement	Students w/Institutional Aid
1	Bristol Community CollegeFall River, MA	Public	$	1	Geared towards students already pursuing studies at partner colleges, Bristol has cleared the way to offer nursing students an opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree. Bristol partners with Emmanuel College for an online learning format to complete an associate’s degree in nursing. With six start terms per year, students can enroll when they are most prepared, while taking two courses at a time during seven-week terms. This program does not have an application fee, and essay and recommendation requirements are waived for Bristol applicants. Acceptance into Bristol’s associate degree in nursing offers conditional admission to Fitchburg State’s 100% online RN-to-BSN program, making the most of your associate’s degree right away. Another continuation option is a partnership with Salve Regina University, with cost-effective and flexible nursing degree programs, whether you want to purse an RN-BSN track or advance your studies further with an MSN or DNP program. Bristol students are offered preferred tuition rates to continue their studies at Salve Regina’s online nursing programs. Program Highlights: Emmanuel College Bachelor of Science in Nursing/Dual Admissions Credits: 40 for associate degree in Nursing, can transfer up to 96 credits Cost: As little as $11,200 Length: As few as 16 months Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationNECHE
2	National Park CollegeHot Springs, AR	Public	$	1	The RN-to-BSN program at National Park College with linkage to Arkansas Tech University prepares students for robust careers in the nursing field. Faculty and staff work to provide a supportive academic environment, and allow nurses to earn their associate degrees and RN licensures while continuing their coursework for their BSN online or in-person, if preferred. The NPC-ATU program also streamlines the process by offering the additional general education courses required for a BSN. NPC also offers linkage programs at Henderson State University, University of Arkansas, and University of Central Arkansas. Program Highlights: RN-to-BSN Completion Program Credits: 30 for associate’s, 120 for BSN Cost: $242.50/credit hour (in state) Length: As little as 12 months Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio18/1	AccreditationHLC
3	Cleveland State Community CollegeCleveland, TN	Public	$	1	The A.A.S. program at Cleveland State Community College prepares students to establish eligibility for the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) to become a Registered Nurse. While the associate’s degree at Cleveland State is not designed for transfer, many BSN programs may accept all or part of a student’s coursework towards a bachelor’s degree. Students may choose to enroll for a sequence that primarily offers courses during the daytime hours or select a pathway that is offered primarily during evening hours to allow for students to maintain their other responsibilities. Additionally, Cleveland State offers an LPN to A.A.S. Bridge Pathway, for students who are already practicing as LPN providers and want to advance their studies in a three-semester curriculum. Program Highlights: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Credits: 69 Cost: $168/credit hour in-state, $692/credit hour out-of-state Length: 5 semesters (6 for evening sequence) Mode: Hybrid	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio17/1	AccreditationSACSCOC
4	John A. Logan CollegeCarterville, IL	Public	$$	1	After successful completion of a practical nursing program and holding an LPN license with a year of practice, the associate degree nursing program at John A. Logan College focuses on supporting career mobility for nurses. After completing the program, students will be eligible for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. The ADN program requires basic prerequisites in general sciences and basic life support and relies on students’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, nursing, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and I.V. therapy. The curriculum also includes respiratory, metabolic, and neuro/sensory interventions to further advance your understanding of the various presentations you may encounter as a nurse. Program Highlights: Associate in Applied Science Degree Nursing (ADN) Credits: 65 (including prerequisites from Practical Nursing program) Cost: $154/credit hour in-state, $234/credit hour out-of-state Length: 4 semesters for ADN curriculum Mode: Hybrid online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationHLC
5	Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeGranite Falls, MN	Public	$$	1	For students who have completed a practical nursing program and are already Licensed Practical Nurses, the Nursing A.S. at Minnesota West Community and Technical College prepares students for the NCLEX-RN and upon successful completion of the program, awards the Associate of Science Nursing Degree. Minnesota West prioritizes its philosophy and values, including the importance of therapeutic relationships in nursing, critical thinking, and observing the social and cultural dimensions of patients while providing care. In addition to earning the Nursing A.S. at Minnesota West, students can take advantage of linkage programs with other institutions to earn further degrees in nursing. Program Highlights: Nursing, A.S. (Registered Nurse) Credits: 64 (including prerequisites from Practical Nursing Program) Cost: $228.64/credit Length: 4 semesters for Nursing, A.S. curriculum Mode: Online	Academic CounselingYes	Career PlacementYes	Student/ Faculty Ratio20/1	AccreditationHLC

As nursing student needs diversify, schools are expanding how they deliver their higher education programs. While face-to-face remains the norm, more and more schools have incorporated online learning into their nursing curricula. It’s convenient, more affordable, and many students can use online RN programs to help balance school, work, and family responsibilities. This holds true for all nursing programs, including the ADN, RN bridge programs, and other higher education opportunities for current and future RNs. Want to learn more? Explore nursing programs online and find the educational path that’s right for you.

Find Online Nursing Programs in Your State

Q&A with an Online Nursing School Director

As you’re exploring online nursing programs, getting information directly from schools is extremely helpful. We reached out to universities with online nursing schools from across the nation to give them a chance to share what makes their programs stand out. Here’s a recent conversation we had with Rebecca H. Le, director for the School of Nursing at Regent University.

University name		location	School type	online programs	Get more info	Program Description
Regent University		location: Virginia Beach, VA	School type: Private not-for-profit	online programs: 2	Get more info	Interview with Rebecca H. Le, Ph.D., MSN, RN, IBCLC Director for the School of Nursing RN-to-BSN and MSN Nursing Programs What’s your involvement at Regent University with online learning? I am currently serving as Director for the School of Nursing at Regent University. I have had the privilege of working collaboratively with other nurses to create the online nursing curriculum for the Master of Science in Nursing degree program at Regent University. This endeavor required utilizing the knowledge, skills and values that I obtained during my experience serving as nurse, educator, administrator, and mission worker. All of this experience has brought me to the place of desiring to mentor nurses in their advanced careers as professional nurses, educators, administrators, and mission workers. Students can gain the same knowledge, skills, and values through Regent’s nursing program! What makes your online nursing programs stand out from others? The Regent University School of Nursing degree programs are Christ-centered. We offer professional excellence with holistic care. This includes the commitment to be a light to those hurting and to expand the Kingdom through the nurse’s healing touch. Our programs are fully online in 8-week course sessions. Students have the ability to choose specialties and personal practicum locations for both the RN to BS in Nursing and the MSN program. Students may choose the Nurse Educator or Nurse Administrator track in the MSN program, which positions them to become a leader on the frontlines of nursing. How do your online nursing programs prepare students for successful careers in the field? Regent University nursing programs prepare students for successful careers by incorporating important topics within the curriculum to prepare graduates for the workforce. These topics are chosen by representatives from the nursing workforce, including professional organizations and employers who know what knowledge, skills, and values are needed to be successful. A few examples of these topics are aggregate research outcomes, resolve practice outcomes, healthcare informatics and emergent technologies, advocacy of policies, leadership, communication, collaboration, consultation skills, quality and safe care, culturally competent and ethical care, and advanced level of understanding of nursing. Furthermore, students learn to effectively assess health systems and the forces that impact patient care, recommend evidence-based healthcare improvements, apply ethical and responsible leadership behaviors to social, psychological, and health-related situations, and expand nursing knowledge and career opportunities with the potential to advance as a nursing scholar. What support services do you offer students enrolled in your online nursing programs? The university’s student support services provide support for the nursing degree programs through advising, faculty support, library, and other academic services for tutoring and success coaching. Because the programs are fully online, students may access these services electronically or by phone. Local students may come to campus or may access resources remotely. The university also maintains all services and web-enabled services, which allow students to register for classes online, check financial accounts, access electronic information from the University Library, and engage in distance education. Blackboard provides technical support to students, faculty members, and staff. Any other information you’d like prospective students to know about your nursing programs? We are currently offering discounted cohort opportunities to maximize staff development and reduce costs. We are competitive in cost with other nursing programs and offer corporate partner discounts. Students may transfer up to 90 credit hours towards the RN to BS in Nursing program. There are no nursing prerequisite courses required, and students will receive prior learning assessment credit for Anatomy & Physiology. Learn more at regent.edu/nursing.

How Does an Online RN Program Work?

Online RN programs combine the flexibility of distance learning with classroom work and hands-on clinicals. Many of the more academically-oriented courses take place online, while group and/or patient-centered activities occur at medical facilities. This combination makes online RN programs “hybrid” or “blended” in nature. While some post-licensure programs can be taken fully online, nearly all pre-licensure nursing programs with an online component are partially online. Let’s see how these hybrid programs work, and if online learning could make sense for your registered nursing education.

Taking Nursing Classes Online

The online portion of nursing programs consists of classroom style instruction. Each program has its own way of delivering the course material, but most use a type of course management software or learning management system, such as Blackboard. Whatever a particular school uses will be compatible with most computer operating systems, such as Mac OS and Windows. Students also need to have specific computer applications to help view the course material, such as a PDF reader or a program to watch videos and play audio files.

The course management software also helps facilitate group learning by allowing students to interact with each other in real time or in a time delayed format. Depending on the class and program, communication might be through online chats, message board discussions, or video conferencing using software like Skype or Facetime.

Classes with hands-on learning elements will not be able to provide the necessary learning through online exclusive means. Therefore, nursing students have to gain their in-person instruction through the use of clinicals.

The In-Person Clinicals

Online nursing programs that prepare students to become registered nurses almost always require completion of various in-person clinicals or practicums. This is because much of what a registered nurse needs to know involves hands-on skills. How students decide to complete their clinical requirements depends on where they plan on taking them. Nursing schools have arrangements with medical facilities near the school’s physical location, but things are more complicated with online students who may be thousands of miles away.

To accommodate these students, many online nursing programs allow students to work with program administrators to choose a clinical facility close to the student’s location. But distance students can’t just choose any hospital or clinic; they’ll need to find one that can provide the educational and training opportunities that warrant a nursing program’s approval. Fortunately, program administrators are usually well-versed in helping students choose the medical setting that suits their clinical requirements.

Nursing Programs & Accreditation

Accreditation refers to the independent review of a school or program to ensure it meets certain educational standards. This is particularly important with online nursing programs, where it can be very tempting for schools to cut corners to make it easier for students to graduate. When researching campus or online nursing programs, make sure the schools on your shortlist have (1) regional accreditation and (2) programmatic accreditation specific to nursing. The following accrediting bodies are key:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN): The ACEN is a US Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognized accrediting body for nursing programs in the United States and its territories. The ACEN accredits the full spectrum of nursing programs at the certificate, undergraduate, and graduate level.

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE): As the second major US Department of Education recognized accrediting body, the CCNE focuses on accrediting nurse residency programs as well as traditional academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Why NCLEX-RN Pass Rates Matter

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.

Can You Get into an Online RN Program?

Exact requirements to gain acceptance into an online nursing program depends largely on the type of program. For instance, for a post-licensure program, incoming students need to already have a registered nursing license. This requirement does not exist for students entering a pre-licensure program. In contrast, students entering a pre-licensure program do have certain academic prerequisites that registered nurses enrolled in a BSN completion program won’t need to complete. In addition to academic prerequisites, incoming students also need to meet other admission requirements.

Academic Prerequisites
Before beginning their nursing education, pre-licensure students must first complete prerequisites, which help provide an educational foundation for more advanced nursing courses. These prerequisite courses may differ slightly between programs, but usually consist of the following:
- Introduction to psychology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- Introduction to sociology
- Chemistry
- English composition
- Human development and growth
- Communication and speech
- One or more general education courses, such as humanities or US government
Depending on how the nursing program is set up, students may be able to gain acceptance to a school before completing any of these prerequisites. But, these students must then complete them during their first year or two while they apply for admission into the actual nursing program.
Physical Prerequisites
Nursing is a very physical field, so incoming students must demonstrate the ability to meet the physical requirements of the profession. These requirements usually consist of:
- The ability to lift up to 50 pounds
- Fine and gross motor abilities
- Good balance and coordination
- Visual ability that allows nurses to provide medical care to patients, such as distinguishing colors
- Stand for extended periods of time
- Perform lifesaving activities, such as CPR
- Sufficient hearing to have full awareness of patient sounds and medical instruments
- Reach above shoulders
Additionally, students must provide evidence that they are healthy enough to work with patients. This includes proof that they are up-to-date on their immunizations and currently enrolled in a health insurance plan.

For a detailed review of what it takes to get in, check out our expert guide on getting into nursing school.

The Admissions Process

Prospective nursing students need to pay close attention to each program’s admissions requirements, as there are a wide number of variations between programs. In addition to admission to the school, there are also degree-specific admissions requirements. At the very least, students will submit an application and evidence that they meet the physical requirements for the program. Below is a list of other common admissions criteria.

1. Academic history

Most applicants will need to provide academic transcripts and meet minimum GPA requirements. This is one of the key elements of an admissions application, as it provides a relatively objective measure of a student’s academic ability.

How to stand out

Have the highest GPA possible. An average or sub-par GPA usually won’t keep a student out (except at the most prestigious programs), but a GPA that’s high can be one of the single best ways a student can stand out. It also helps to mention extracurricular activities, such as volunteering, to show that an applicant is well-rounded.

2. Work experience

This is important for entrance into post-licensure programs. However, it can be useful for pre-licensure students as it can demonstrate other skills that the applicant may possess.

How to stand out

For pre-licensure students, experience that’s relevant to nursing can serve as evidence of a student’s desire to work in the nursing field. For admission into a post-licensure program, diverse or long-term experience in nursing can help in that it adds to the diversity of the incoming nursing class.

3. Test scores

This includes admissions and entrance test scores. Like the GPA, test scores serve as an objective measure of a student’s academic ability. Schools want their students to do well academically, and excelling on tests provides some evidence that an applicant will be able to succeed.

How to stand out

Applicants shouldn’t just aim to pass the exam or get the minimum score, but to achieve the highest scores possible. Not only does this catch the attention of admissions officers, but high test scores, especially on standardized entrance exams like the ACT or SAT, can help earn merit-based scholarships.

4. Personal interview

An interview helps students provide a personal touch to their application and get more attention in competitive programs.

How to stand out

Acceptance offers aren’t usually given based on the personal interview, but many rejection letters are. The best thing the applicant can do is be themselves and come fully prepared. Applicants should be able to explain why they want to attend that particular school and have good questions ready to provide evidence that their interest in the program is authentic.

5. Personal statement

Personal statements are essays students write to show another side of themselves beyond what a transcript, test score, or resume might provide.

How to stand out

Personal statements are the most common opportunity for applicants to stand out, especially if they don’t have a stellar GPA or test score. If the applicant has a very unique story to explain why they want to become a nurse, the personal statement may be the only opportunity to show this. It’s important to start writing this essay as early in the admissions process as possible to have plenty of time for revisions.

6. Letters of recommendation

Not all applications ask for this and when they do, they’re not the most critical part of the application. This is because they’re always going to be positive. But, they can also reflect subtle reservations from the recommender.

How to stand out

Applicants should find someone who can write a strong letter. To do this, cultivate relationships with certain teachers or mentors well before asking for a letter of recommendation. Nothing tempers a positive letter or recommendation like feeling as though you are an afterthought. Provide plenty of time for the recommender to write the letter.

7. Current registered nursing license

This is usually only necessary for post-licensure nursing applicants, such as those interested in an RN to BSN or MSN program.

How to stand out

Have a current license in good standing. Being a registered nurse won’t help applicants stand out, but not having the necessary licensure will virtually guarantee rejection.

Inside Online RN Programs

One of the strengths of nurses as healthcare professionals is their broad level of knowledge. So it comes as no surprise that the nursing curriculum for training registered nurses covers a wide arrange of subjects and topics. While each program has the freedom to create its own curriculum, all registered nursing students will take courses in several key areas, including:

Evidence Based Practice: All pre-licensure nursing programs require students to complete several courses focused on understanding medical research and how it applies to improving medical outcomes. In these courses, students will learn basic concepts concerning statistical analysis, the research process, and how this information contributes to the creation of policies and procedures in the healthcare setting.

Ethics: The general principles of ethics in the medical field are fairly straightforward. But when those ideas intersect with the real world, moral conundrums that can stump even the most seasoned medical professional can arise. Therefore, registered nurses must learn to put the overarching ethical principles within the context of society, legal statutes, regulations, and medical science.

Leadership and Management: Providing healthcare services is a team effort, with registered nurses being key players. It’s important for future registered nurses to understand how the managing of nurses takes place in a medical facility, such as a hospital. Nursing students will also learn about the financial aspect of providing healthcare services to patients and how economic considerations play a part in healthcare.

Critical Care and Assessment: In these courses, nursing students learn how to assess patients and provide necessary medical care, especially for serious or traumatic injuries. One of the key skills of any medical professional is being able to identify a medical issue as quickly as possible. Another equally important skill is being able to take that initial assessment and convert that into actionable behavior, such as a specific intervention or treatment.

Nursing students may develop additional hard and soft skills during their program, as well. This may happen during academic coursework, but likely will be put into practice via in-person clinicals.

Specialization & Career Growth

When it comes to career growth, nurses have a plethora of specializations available to them. Moving into a specific area of practice can increase career prospects due to a higher degree of skill required. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular specializations for registered nurses. For more ideas and to find the right specialization for you, take our Nursing Specialties Quiz.

Acute care
When it comes to serious illness and trauma, acute care nursing is the place to be. Acute care nurses can be found in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or treating patients recovering from surgery. These nurses are usually involved when immediate or urgent medical care is required.
Midwifery
Some registered nurses choose to enter midwifery, where they help expecting mothers stay healthy during pregnancy, labor, and birth. More and more nurses are seeking midwife certification via nurse midwife programs online.
Geriatric
One of the most common types of long-term care nursing involves treating elderly patients. Many of these patients deal with health problems that take a long time to treat or are incurable and must be managed. Geriatric nurses aren’t exclusive to treating chronic conditions and may commonly practice acute care for their patients as well.
Neonatal
For nurses who enjoy working with newborn babies, a neonatal specialization should be considered. Neonatal nurses can work with both fully healthy and extremely ill or premature newborns, or may choose to further specialize and work in just one area. For example, some neonatal nurses find themselves working primarily in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Oncology
Cancer is one of the most common and serious diseases humanity faces. Whole teams of medical professionals focus on this healthcare issue, including registered nurses who specialize in treating it. Oncology nurses work with a wide range of patients, a variety of ages, and deal with many types of cancer.
Pediatric
Pediatric registered nurses work in a variety of settings, but almost exclusively with young children and adolescents. Some pediatric nurses can be found in an acute care setting, such as an intensive care units at a hospital. Others may be found in doctor’s offices providing routine and preventative care.
Women’s health
As its name implies, women’s health nursing focuses on health issues specific to women. Most of the time, these issues involve reproductive and gynecological issues. However, women’s health nursing can also involve diseases that primarily affect women, such as ovarian or breast cancer.

The Cost of an Online RN Program

One of the major decisions to make when choosing an online registered nursing program is how much it costs to complete it. The exact cost depends on a variety of factors, such as residency status, program type, and the availability of financial aid. However, to provide a general idea of tuition costs, we’ve chosen three sample schools.

1	1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Nursing, RN to BSN Program	$4,900/year (in-state); $12,975 (out-of-state) or $448/credit (in-state); $1,122 (out-of-state).
2	2. Aspen University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (pre-licensure)	$37,069/year or $309/credit
3	3. Arkansas State University, RN to BSN Online	$8,937/year or $248/credit

Paying for an RN Program

A nursing education isn’t cheap. Even though most nurses can expect to make a decent income after graduation, they must still figure out how to pay for the cost of education to get to that point. Like any other student, nurses are eligible for several forms of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. But there are also some options tailored specifically to nursing students.

Financial aid
Outside of the student’s own finances, financial aid is the primary method of help to pay for school. Some of the most popular sources of financial aid come from the federal government in the form of need-based grants and loans. To learn more about these options, check out the “Pay Less for Education: How to Take Charge of Your Financial Aid” page.
Military discount
Many programs and schools provide special tuition rates (as much as a 30% discount) to current or former members of the armed forces. This can amount to thousands of dollars in savings over the course of a nursing program. Some schools offer these discounts to a service member’s spouse as well.
Scholarships & grants
Scholarships and grants are the most desired form of financial aid because the money does not need to be paid back. Scholarships and grants can be awarded based on any number of characteristics or traits, including academic excellence, financial need, and membership in a particular group, such being a minority or pursing a specific academic field. Visit our dedicated scholarships and resources page for RN students to find awards you may be eligible for.
Transfer credits
To help facilitate the goal of earning a degree as efficiently as possible, most schools allow students to gain transfer credit for academic work completed at another postsecondary institution. Exactly how the credits will transfer depends on each program’s specific policies. However, most programs allow students to transfer the equivalent of several courses, which can easily shave off a few months and a several thousand dollars from the time and financial cost of pursuing a nursing degree.
Prior work experience in healthcare
In recognition of extensive work experience, some schools provide academic credit based on that work. Many online programs offer this potential, although programs differ on what experience counts toward what type of academic credit. For instance, earning general education credit for work experience is more common than earning academic credit for nursing courses.
Discounts for Nursing Students
Paying for college may require scholarships, financial aid, and working while in school, but you have other ways to drive down the cost, too. Many of today’s nurses and nursing students can take advantage of discounts and freebies to save money, time, and energy. Check out this list of 50 dynamite discounts for nursing students and professionals.

Salaries for Registered Nurses

Great pay is a significant reason many decide to become registered nurses, but as you can imagine, how much a specific nurse makes depends on a variety of factors, including area of specialization, geographic location, and employer. The following is a list of what registered nurses can expect to make as a median salary based on where they work.

Ambulatory healthcare services $66,300
Government entities $75,900
Residential and nursing care facilities $62,320
State, local, and private hospitals $72,070
State, local, and private education institutions $60,300