Becoming a nurse or advancing in the nursing profession requires classroom and on-the-job training. The best online accelerated nursing programs offer learners a condensed educational experience that combines these experiences. They also appeal to prospective students with or without nursing experience.
Discover how the best online nursing programs can help you launch or further your nursing career.
Degree at a Glance
Typical Program Length: 12-16 months
Typical Admission Requirements: Active RN license or previous medical training, associate degree or transferable college credits, bachelor's degree in any subject
Top Skills Gained: Leadership, ethical practice, evidence-based decision-making
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Accelerated Online Nursing Programs
Price Check
According to Payscale, RNs with an associate degree earn an average salary of $80,000 per year, while RNs with a bachelor's make $98,000 per year.
Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program?
The best online accelerated nursing programs feature academic tracks for RNs researching RN-to-BSN programs and college-educated professionals interested in working in healthcare.
The educational experience varies slightly between tracks, with the latter emphasizing the knowledge and skills you need to pass the NCLEX-RN upon graduation.
Benefits of an accelerated online curriculum can include:
Completing practicum and clinical requirements at your workplace (i.e., if you already hold a nursing license)
Graduating as soon as possible
Paying a per-term rather than a per-credit tuition rate
How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?
A typical nursing degree can take 2-4 years to complete. Each level of nursing has its own timeline, and that timeline can vary depending upon factors like part-time vs. full-time enrollment, certification, and the type of program.
Below is an overview of the typical amount of time it takes to complete a nursing degree. Keep in mind that the length provided is for the amount of time it takes to complete that segment of the degree, not the entire academic path overall:
| Nursing Degree Level | Length of Study |
|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) | 2-3 years |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 1-2 years |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4-5 years |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 1.5-3 years |
| Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 1-3 years |
Nursing Licensing and Certification Requirements
Every state requires registered nurses to hold at least an ADN and pass the NCLEX-RN. Other requirements may include:
Recommendation letters from your nursing program.
Fingerprints for a criminal background check.
Evidence of an active nursing license in another state, if applicable.
Visit the National Council for State Boards of Nursing website to review your state's licensure requirements. States can take up to 12 weeks to process your application.
Ways to Save on an Accelerated Nursing Degree
Applying to the best online accelerated nursing programs doesn't have to mean going into debt. Explore these and other strategies to lower your cost of attendance.
Focus on Colleges/Universities with Institutional Aid: Many leading online universities consider all incoming bachelor's in nursing students for institutional scholarships and grants.
Apply for Private Scholarships: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to ADN, BSN, and MSN degree-seekers. AACN also sponsors a loan forgiveness program for nursing graduates.
Ask Your Employer About Tuition Reimbursement: If you're an RN with an ADN, your employer may offer a tuition-reimbursement program. Requirements may include remaining with your employer for a specific number of years after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Nursing Programs
Accelerated degrees require students to cover the same curriculum in less time. Learners graduate sooner than their peers by:
Taking courses in the summer and winter terms.
Taking fast-paced courses lasting eight weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks.
Accelerated degrees leave little room for other responsibilities. Reflect on your learning style and goals before committing to an accelerated degree.
