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Best Online Colleges for Nursing 2024
Expand your career with an online master's degree
Continue your professional studies in nursing with an online master's degree from a top-rated college.
Best Online Colleges for Nursing 2024
Continue your professional studies in nursing with an online master's degree from a top-rated college.
Best Online Colleges for Nursing 2024
Expand your professional studies in nursing with an online master's degree today.
1
Our Most Popular
Online
Campus
Our Most Popular
Classes start on 05/13/2024
  • Choose from 200+ accredited degree programs that can lead to high-demand career opportunities
  • Receive individual support from an academic advisor, from the moment you arrive until graduation
  • Low tuition, financial aid packages (for those who qualify), no application fees for undergraduates
  • Unique services such as 24 hour tech support, tutoring, and online library
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SNHU's popular programs
  • Computer Science
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
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2
Online
Flexible Start Dates
  • Earn your degree through a convenient online format with flexible class & degree program
  • No application fees or standardized testing requirements
  • Study at your own pace with accelerated 5-to-6 week courses with 24/7 student support
  • Attend for 3 weeks risk-free with the UAGC Promise
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UAGC's popular programs
  • Criminal Justice
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
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3
Online
Classes start on 04/29/2024
  • Earn a degree backed by the power of Purdue, one of the nation’s most respected and innovative public universities
  • Get personalized support for career planning, coursework, networking, and more
  • Designed for working adults with full lives, who need flexible online learning to advance their careers
  • Get started sooner—new terms start monthly, with open enrollment
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PG's Popular Programs
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
  • Cybersecurity
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4
Online
Classes start on 05/16/2024
  • Choose from 300+ online degrees and certificates from a nationally rankled university to pursue your passions
  • Gain hands-on experience using interactive education technologies built into online courses
  • Learn from ASU's award-winning faculty who also teach on-campus and are at the forefront of research initiatives
  • Ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation emphasizing adaptive learning and global solutions
ASU's popular programs
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
  • Computer Science
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Our Top Choice
1
Our Most Popular
Online
Campus
Our Most Popular
Classes start on 05/13/2024
  • Choose from 200+ accredited degree programs that can lead to high-demand career opportunities
  • Receive individual support from an academic advisor, from the moment you arrive until graduation
  • Low tuition, financial aid packages (for those who qualify), no application fees for undergraduates
  • Unique services such as 24 hour tech support, tutoring, and online library
Read School Profile
SNHU's popular programs
  • Computer Science
  • Business Administration
  • Psychology
Search Programs
Online vs. On-Campus

Pursuing an online degree offers a flexible and convenient way for students to advance their education and career prospects while empowering students to study from a diverse range of courses at their own pace from any device. Explore the different benefits that an online degree offers and how it adapts to your studying style.

Online Campus
Flexibility
Studying online allows students to choose their own schedules, perfect for working professionals.
Lower costs
Save on transportation, books and living expenses.
Study at your own pace
Choose your own study schedule and pace to fit your needs.
Study anywhere on any device
Access lessons, assignments and study materials from anywhere on any device.
Networking opportunities
Network with students all over the world from different backgrounds.
Student support
Receive dedicated student and academic support to help guide you through your studying experience.
Social activities
While you won't be able to meet your peers in person, you can still participate in virtual social activities that fit your schedule.

Online nursing programs are a highly-profitable investment, given that the more you study, the more you'll earn in your medical career. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, there were more than 4 million nurses in the workforce in 2018, and the field is expected to grow by 11% between 2020 and 2030.

If you’re currently working, short on time, or interested in pursuing or advancing your nursing career, then remote learning might be the best option for you. Here’s everything you need to know about getting an online nursing degree and selecting the best school for this.

What You Need To Know About Online Schools for Nursing Degrees

While you might be interested in either progressing your nursing career or switching professions to the medical field, the thought of going back to school may be daunting, or even impossible.

Attending an online nursing school can be the ideal solution for many reasons—but it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things you should know before signing up.

Online nursing degrees require clinical placement

Online learning is generally more flexible than a traditional university, but online nursing courses can be complicated due to the need for clinical experience. You'll have to organize this experience yourself, which can be difficult without practical assistance from your school.

Different schools also provide different levels of support here. It’s a good idea to look for one that offers students help with searching for clinical placements.

Online nursing degrees are also convenient

In many other senses, online learning is a more convenient alternative to a traditional university. To begin with, you don’t have to stop working or dedicate a chunk of your life towards schooling.

This is helpful not just for those who can’t afford to take a break from employment, but also if you're planning on advancing your career. When you work and learn at the same time, you can get both the qualification and the hands-on experience that will help accelerate your career.

What’s more, online nursing courses give you the flexibility to work according to your own timeline. Depending on the program and school, you may be able to take classes that fit around your work commitments, hand in papers and assignments at your leisure, and take final exams when you’re ready for them.

Additionally, most online colleges with nursing degrees offer rolling admissions. That means you can sign up for a course whenever you want, rather than having to wait for a new semester to begin.

Finally, online BSN programs and other accredited online nursing degrees provide the convenience of non-location-based learning. There’s no commuting, dorming, or relocating to worry about, and you have a wider range of institutions to choose from if you choose to earn your BSN online.

There’s a difference between an RN and a BSN

There are different types of nursing degrees available online and in person. To become a registered nurse (RN), you’ll need to earn your associate’s nursing degree and then pass the national licensing exam called the NCLEX-RN.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed to help you advance your medical knowledge and career prospects. However, you will still need to pass your RN exam before you can practice nursing. With a BSN, you will be able to access higher-paying jobs and specialist roles such as nurse educators and forensic nurses.

Online nursing degrees aren’t necessarily easier

Ultimately, the best online nursing degree programs offer the same level of quality education as in-person schools. Online and in-person degrees should cover the same content and skills, and they are viewed equally by employers. At the end of the day, it’s a matter of which learning style works best for you.

However, if you're tight on time, currently employed, or looking to advance your nursing career on a budget, then the best online nursing programs will provide you with the flexibility, convenience, and affordability you're looking for.

Our Top 3 Online Colleges for Nursing Degrees

#1
Our Top Choice For Online Degrees
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  • Helpful advisors and student resources
  • Affordable tuition & financial aid packages/scholarships
  • Easy to transfer credits
SNHU has more than 200 programs ranging from accounting and finance to technology and social sciences, and you can earn an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree from SNHU. The school is known for being affordable and flexible.
#2
Search Programs
  • $0 application fee
  • 50+ degree programs to choose from
  • Flexible online programs that work around your schedule
  • 24/7 support
The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) is an accredited online university with flexible programs. It makes higher education more accessible for many working adults and provides dozens of degree options in numerous areas of interest.
#3
Affordable and Flexible Online Programs
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  • Qualifications from Associate’s to doctoral degrees
  • Range of options for financial aid and assistance
  • Free three-week trial period
Purdue Global provides an accessible online route to gain qualifications that can further your career. Ideal for busy people who want to study remotely, Purdue Global still offers a high level of student support, both academically and in helping you make progress at work. With a free three-week trial, you can test it out with no commitment. And there are plenty of options for financial aid, including experiential credits.

Things To Look for From Online Colleges With Nursing Degree Programs

There are numerous options out there for completing nursing classes online. Zeroing in on the most important features can help you select the perfect program for your needs. Must-haves will differ slightly from one student to the next, but the priorities you’ll definitely want to put at the top of your list include the following:

Accreditation

It’s essential to get your online nursing degree from an institution that is accredited. This is basically the stamp of approval that a college is legitimate, covers all the requirements, conforms with the proper regulations, and holds to the proper standard of educational level for a respected degree.

Check that the school you're looking at is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). It’s also worth looking into regional and national accreditation to ensure you’re choosing a top-quality option.

Open communication channels

Another important feature is the ability to easily communicate and connect with professors and tutors. Since you won’t have regular face-to-face meetings, you want to know that there is someone you can reach out to for questions, clarifications, or guidance.

The best online nursing degrees come with career and degree advisors, online communities, and open lines of communication with teachers and staff to help you out when the need arises.

Clinical placement assistance

You’ll want to look for a school that helps you find an appropriate healthcare establishment to complete your clinical experience. If you’re already working in a medical facility, you may be able to fulfill your requirements there. Otherwise, you'll need to find somewhere willing to take you on.

Even if you secure your placement yourself, you’ll need guidance from your college on whether or not the facility is suitable.

Degree options

Finally, look for an online school for nursing degrees with the type of degree you're interested in (more on that below).

What Types of Nursing Degree Online Programs Are Available?

The right program for you will depend on your career goals. You’ll find all levels of nursing degrees online, including everything from entry-level associate’s degrees and online bachelor's degrees in nursing to doctoral degrees and master’s:

  • ADN: Associate’s Degree in Nursing
  • BSN: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  • MSN: Master of Science in Nursing
  • DNSc, PhD, DNP, EdD: Doctor of Nursing Practice

What’s Covered in Nursing Online Degree Programs?

Different nursing degree programs will vary the curriculum slightly, but all colleges with nursing degrees will include homework assignments, projects, required reading, and clinical hours to earn your degree. Courses may include the following classes:

  • Health care ethics
  • Nursing fundamentals
  • Nursing theory
  • Management
  • Gerontology
  • Health promotion
  • Disease prevention
  • Critical care

You can also expect different content with different degree levels or specialties.

Get a Nursing Degree Online: How To Succeed

Ready to earn your online registered nurse degree? Before you surge forward ready to take on the world, let’s make sure you're all set to make the most out of your learning process.

Set yourself up for success

Before starting your nursing classes online, there are a few things that you can do to maximize your productivity:

  • Have a dedicated workspace
  • Remove distractions like TVs and other people
  • Get yourself a good pair of headphones
  • Work in natural light
  • Have a clean, clear surface to work on and a comfortable chair
  • Have the right supplies handy (notebook, pencils, laptop, etc.)

Be set up technically

Remote learning is not the same as in-person learning. The technology involved can be difficult to use if you’re new to it. The following will help you ensure you’re set up for success from the beginning.

  • Make sure you can download any software you need
  • Have a stable WiFi or internet connection
  • Have good-quality speakers or headphones that work and are properly connected
  • Ensure your computer, notepad, and webcam are in working order
  • Take time before the course/class starts to familiarize yourself with the technology, the platform, and any software you’re required to use

Familiarize yourself with the course syllabus

As with technology, you don’t want to come to the first day without knowing what to expect. Look over the course syllabus before the start of the class. This way, you won’t find yourself trying to figure out key terms instead of engaging with the lesson content.

Bottom Line

Getting a nursing degree online is a convenient option that’s perfect for people with limited time or other commitments that prevent them from attending a physical institution. Studying remotely can be a flexible and affordable way of achieving your career goals, but keep in mind that nursing degrees require a clinical placement that you’ll need to complete at an approved healthcare facility.

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