Accredited Online Nursing Degrees

Online nursing degrees equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare leadership. Given the high demand for qualified nurses and clear advancement opportunities, nursing remains one of the most stable and rewarding professions within health care.

GetEducated’s online degree database allows prospective nursing students to compare over 2,300 accredited online nursing degree programs offered by colleges and universities across the United States. Whether you’re beginning your nursing education or advancing your credentials, online nursing school programs provide flexible options across multiple degree levels and nursing specialties.

What Is an Online Nursing Degree Program?

An online nursing degree program prepares students for roles in patient care, clinical practice, and healthcare leadership. These programs combine comprehensive coursework in nursing theory, clinical knowledge, healthcare systems, and nursing practice with hands-on clinical rotations.

Students typically study:

• Patient care and clinical procedures
• Nursing theory and nursing practice
• Healthcare systems, policies, and public health
• Pharmacology and medical terminology
• Leadership, communication skills, and care coordination

Most online nursing programs require in-person clinical hours completed locally at medical centers or healthcare facilities.

Why Pursue a Nursing Degree?

Nursing is a high-demand profession due to ongoing healthcare needs and workforce shortages, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting faster-than-average job growth for healthcare professionals.

Students pursue nursing for:

• Strong job stability and continuous high demand
• Clear pathways for career advancement and specialization
• Opportunities to specialize in diverse patient populations
• The ability to make a direct, positive impact on patient care and health outcomes

Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, community health centers, and other medical centers.

Nursing Education Pathways: How to Advance Your Nursing Career

Nursing offers well-defined education pathways that enable professionals to advance and specialize over time.

Common pathways include:

• Entry-level nursing education → RN license eligibility
• RN to BSN programs for career advancement
• BSN to MSN programs for specialization or leadership roles
• MSN to Nurse Practitioner
• DNP and advanced practice nursing roles

Understanding these pathways helps students select the right online nursing school program aligned with their academic and career goals.

Types of Online Nursing Degrees

Online nursing degree programs are available at multiple levels depending on your current credentials and professional goals.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN or ASN)

An associate degree program prepares students for entry-level nursing roles and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX exam to obtain an RN license.

Browse associate degree nursing programs.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

The BSN is increasingly the standard for nursing careers, offering expanded clinical knowledge, leadership training, and preparation for advanced roles.

Browse bachelor's degree nursing programs.

RN to BSN Programs

Designed for licensed registered nurses, RN to BSN programs enable working nurses to complete their bachelor’s degree online, often with flexible scheduling.

Browse RN to BSN degree nursing programs.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

MSN programs prepare nurses for advanced practice, leadership, education, or specialized clinical roles. Many online MSN programs include concentrations such as family nurse practitioner or nurse educator.

Browse MSN programs.

RN to MSN Programs

These bridge programs allow registered nurses to advance directly into graduate nursing programs, accelerating their educational journey.

Browse RN to MSN programs.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

These advanced practice programs prepare nurses for the highest level of clinical leadership, equipping them with the skills to translate research into practice, improve patient outcomes, and lead healthcare system change.

Browse DNP programs.

Nursing Degree Concentrations and Specializations

Nursing offers diverse specializations tailored to different career goals and patient populations.

Advanced Practice & Nurse Practitioner Specialties

• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Clinical & Patient Care Specialties

• Neonatal and Pediatric Nursing
• General Clinical Nursing

Leadership, Education & Administration

• Nursing Administration
• Nurse Educator

Technology and Informatics

• Nurse Informatics

Degree Pathway Programs

• RN to BSN
• RN to MSN
• MSN with various concentrations

Each concentration corresponds to a stage or specialization within the nursing profession, supporting nursing students’ academic and career goals.

What to Expect in an Online Nursing Curriculum

While coursework varies by degree level, most online nursing programs include:

• Patient assessment and clinical procedures
• Pharmacology and medication administration
• Healthcare ethics and communication skills
• Leadership and healthcare policy

Advanced nursing programs often include specialized courses in nurse practitioner practice, nursing education, or administration. Some schools offer accelerated programs like 12 month FNP or 12 month DNP options.

Career Opportunities with an Online Nursing Degree

Nursing offers a broad range of career paths depending on education level and specialization, even for career changers.

Common roles include:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Administrator
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, schools, public health agencies, and specialized care facilities. Advanced nursing degrees open doors to leadership roles and specialized clinical practice.

Salary Expectations for Nursing Professionals

Nursing salaries vary by education, specialization, and experience.

Typical salary ranges include:

• Entry-level RN roles: $60,000 to $75,000 annually
• Mid-level nursing roles: $75,000 to $100,000 annually
• Advanced practice roles, such as nurse practitioners: $100,000 and above annually

Specialized nursing roles and leadership positions often command higher salaries.

Compare tuition costs with your expected salary range. Check out our rankings of the cheapest nursing degrees at the bachelor, RN to MSN, master's, BSN to DNP, and doctorate levels.

Nursing Licensure and Certification Requirements

Most nursing careers require licensure and certification, with requirements that can vary by state and participation in licensure compacts.

Common requirements include:

• Completion of an accredited nursing program
• Passing the NCLEX-RN licensure exam
• Obtaining a nursing license from the state board of nursing (or practicing across participating states through the Nursing Licensure Compact)

Advanced roles, such as nurse practitioners, require graduate-level nursing education and additional certification.

Benefits of Earning a Nursing Degree Online

Online nursing programs offer flexibility that suits working nurses and adult learners.

Benefits include:

• Flexible online classes that can be completed on your schedule
• Ability to continue working while pursuing your degree
• Access to accredited online nursing school programs nationwide
• Opportunities for career advancement without relocating

Most programs incorporate clinical placements at local healthcare facilities to ensure practical experience.

How to Choose the Right Online Nursing Degree Program

When selecting an online nursing degree program, consider:

• Accreditation by recognized bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
• Clinical requirements and availability of local clinical placement support
• Alignment with your educational journey and career goals
• Tuition costs and availability of financial aid options
• Program curriculum and nursing courses offered

Compare Accredited Online Nursing Degree Programs

GetEducated’s database features thousands of accredited online nursing degrees from U.S. institutions.

Use it to:

• Compare degree levels and program types
• Explore nursing specializations and concentrations
• Evaluate tuition costs and financial aid availability
• Review program details and clinical practice opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Degrees

Can you become a nurse entirely online?

While most nursing coursework can be completed online, clinical training and rotations must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities.

What is the fastest path to becoming a nurse?

An associate degree in nursing (ADN or ASN) is typically the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse. You can also consider LPN to RN bridge programs.

Are online nursing degrees respected by employers?

Yes, graduates from accredited online nursing programs are recognized as having the same quality academic and clinical education as traditional programs.

Do all nursing programs require clinical hours?

Yes, clinical hours are essential for gaining practical skills and meeting licensure requirements.