The best online nursing degrees help you qualify for healthcare careers while keeping your educational costs in check. Schools offer these programs across all levels, spanning associate degrees to doctorates. These options include specialized programs like RN-to-BSN bridge programs, which are ideal for registered nurses (RNs) looking to upgrade their education with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
Explore options and connect with accredited programs that can help you get licensed and establish a career in the high-demand nursing field.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: Two years (associate degrees), 1-2 years (RN-to-BSN programs), four years (bachelor's degrees), 2-3 years (master's degrees)
Typical Admission Requirements: High school diploma (all undergraduate programs), RN license (RN-to-BSN programs), bachelor's degree plus nursing experience (master's programs)
Top Skills Gained: Clinical nursing, patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, community and individual health management, medical documentation, interpersonal communication
Popular Concentrations: Advanced practice registered nursing, clinical nursing specialities, nursing education and leadership, occupational health, primary care nursing
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Nursing Programs
Price Check
A 2022 survey from the Health Resources & Survey Administration found that fewer than half of working nurses used federal loans to fund their initial degree.
Why Choose Nursing?
The best online nursing programs help you train for careers with solid growth prospects. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, adults over age 65 will outnumber youth under age 18 for the first time in U.S. history by 2034. These age demographic trends suggest ongoing demand and career opportunities for licensed nurses, since older adults tend to require and access healthcare at higher rates.
Career Outlook for Nursing Graduates
Forecasting from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that many career paths in nursing have above-average near-term growth projections. The following table highlights five professional pathways you can pursue in the nursing field. All the jobs below require at least a BSN, while some careers may require additional licensing, certification, or graduate-level education.
| Job | Projected Job Growth, 2024-34 | Average Annual Salary, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | +2% | $61,890 |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | +6% | $73,850 |
| Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners | +35% | $132,050 |
| Registered Nurses | +5% | $93,600 |
| Physician Assistants | +20% | $133,260 |
Nursing Licensing and Certification Requirements
Licensing requirements vary by career level. To become an RN, you must graduate from a state-approved nursing program and pass the NCLEX-RN examination.
To become an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), you need an RN license, professional nursing experience, and at least a master's degree. Additional exam, licensing, and certification requirements may apply, depending on your area of practice and state requirements. APRN roles include nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner.
Research location-specific information by connecting with your state's nursing board through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.
Ways to Save on a Nursing Degree
Licensed nursing careers generally pay well, but earning the credentials you need to qualify for them can be expensive. To reduce your financial burdens, consider these strategies:
Study Online: The best online nursing programs blend educational quality and convenience. Use their flexibility to study online while you launch your career, which can help you reduce debt.
Take Advantage of Employer Assistance: If you already work in healthcare, your employer may offer a tuition assistance or reimbursement program to fund your educational upgrade.
Use Scholarships and Grants: Many organizations offer scholarships and grants to nursing students. You can start your search through the scholarship database at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs
LPN programs, which culminate in certificates or diplomas rather than a degree, typically take one year of full-time study. In terms of college degrees, associate degrees in nursing and RN-to-BSN programs usually have the shortest completion timelines. You can earn an associate degree in about two years of full-time study, while RN-to-BSN programs typically take 12-24 months. Note that you need an active RN license for RN-to-BSN tracks.
