Best Online Nursing Programs | Accredited Schools Online

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Nursing Programs can Lead to Working in the Healthcare Field

Nurses play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Online nursing programs train students to enter the field and advance into leadership roles.

This Post: Best Online Nursing Programs | Accredited Schools Online

Some of the best nursing schools offer online nursing programs. These flexible programs allow working RNs to earn their degree while continuing their career. Online programs also allow learners to enroll in the most affordable school without relocating.

Our list ranks the top online nursing programs. Use this ranking to find the best fit for your needs and career goals.

View Our Rankings List Here

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Top Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Explore programs of your interests
with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Programs Online

Can I earn a nursing degree completely online?

Yes. Many of the best nursing schools offer fully online degrees. Students complete coursework through a distance learning platform. They fulfill clinical requirements locally.

How long does it take to become an RN?

RNs need a two-year or four-year degree to meet the educational requirements to become an RN.

What type of nurse is most in demand?

Nurse practitioners are the most in demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for these nurses to grow 45% between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than average.

Why Get a Nursing Degree Online?

A nursing degree trains students for many in-demand careers. Nurses can apply for an RN license and enter the field with a two-year degree. Community colleges educate nurses at affordable tuition rates. Nursing students can choose from in-person, hybrid, and online programs.

Current RNs can increase their earning potential and move into leadership roles with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). RN-to-BSN programs allow current RNs to complete a bachelor’s degree in 12 months. With a BSN, nurses can apply to graduate programs to become nurse practitioners or other advanced practice RNs.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost?

Nursing degree costs vary by school and program. Students pursuing a two-year degree at an in-state community college paid around $3,400 in 2019-20, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Learners pursuing a four-year degree at an in-state public university spent around $9,350. Private school enrollees spent an average of $32,750.

Nurses can complete an online RN-to-BSN program in 1-2 years. BSN students with no prior nursing experience can earn the degree in four years.

Additional Online Student Nursing Fees

Online students spend the most money on tuition. However, they should also budget for extra expenses. Students may need to buy books, supplies, and scrubs. Some online programs charge a technology or distance learning fee. Nurses should also save money for the NCLEX-RN exam and state licensure.

Some online nursing schools include in-person requirements such as clinical rotations. Travel and lodging costs add to learners’ expenses. Prospective students can ask schools for an estimate of the total cost of attendance.

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Top Online Nurse Practitioner Programs

Explore programs of your interests
with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

How Much Do Nursing Majors Make?

According to the BLS, nurses earn an annual median salary of $75,330. The BLS projects that the nursing field will add more than 276,000 new jobs from 2020-2030.

Nurses’ salaries vary depending on their location, specialty, and experience. BSN nurses in leadership roles typically earn higher salaries than nurses with an associate degree. Nurses earn higher salaries as they gain experience.

Nurses can increase their earning potential by pursuing specialty certifications and moving into high-demand roles. A graduate degree can also lead to more responsibilities and higher salaries. Advanced practice RNs like nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists earn a median annual salary of over $117,000.

Courses in Nursing

Nursing courses blend theoretical knowledge with experiential learning. Learners study best practices in nursing care. They also build clinical skills through practica, clinical rotations, and nursing labs. Students grow their nursing skills while developing critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership experience.

Online nursing programs include core courses and specialized courses. Students may take classes in medical-surgical nursing, ambulatory care, or neonatal nursing. See below for common nursing courses.

Basic Nursing Care

Students learn basic theories and concepts for providing effective patient care. The course introduces nursing practices based on data. Learners also study measurements of patient care outcomes and care throughout the life cycle. Enrollees complete clinical components, including labs and simulations.
Family Health Assessment

Health assessment courses train nurses to evaluate a patient’s mental health and physical condition. Learners strengthen their assessment strategies for patients of all ages. The course focuses on health promotion and taking client histories.
Nursing Leadership

The course helps nurses strengthen their leadership and management skills. Students learn how to manage nursing care, lead nursing teams, and lead in healthcare settings. Coursework covers case management and strategies for evaluating personnel. The course prepares BSN nurses for leadership roles.

How to Become a Nurse

Aspiring registered nurses must complete an accredited nursing program. Students can enroll in a two-year diploma or associate program to meet the minimum education requirement. A four-year BSN degree also qualifies graduates for licensure.

Online nursing programs give learners the medical knowledge and hands-on training for nursing careers. BSN programs include specialized courses and clinical rotations. Students also complete clinical practicum hours. After earning a nursing degree from an accredited program, graduates can apply for their RN license.

Licensure for Nursing

Each state sets its own nursing licensure requirements. Some states require a criminal background check. Most states expect candidates to have a nursing degree from an approved program.

Accredited nursing schools that incorporate practicum hours meet the education requirement for a nursing license. Candidates must also pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The exam costs $200.

In addition to licensure, many nurses earn voluntary professional certifications. This allows them to show their experience in areas like pediatrics or oncology. Nurses can learn about their state’s licensure requirements by visiting the National Council of State Boards of Nursing.

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Top Online Nursing Doctorate Programs

Explore programs of your interests
with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.