This is an Associate of Arts program with a concentration emphasis in a learning area of your choice. Completion of this two-year program will facilitate…
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April 13, 2026
Whether you’re starting your educational journey or advancing your credentials, general nursing programs offer flexible, accredited pathways into one of the highest-demand healthcare professions.
Explore and compare over 90 accredited online general nursing degree programs below to find the best fit for your academic and career goals.
What Is a General Nursing Degree? An Overview
A general nursing degree emphasizes core nursing courses and skills rather than specialized nursing practice areas. These nursing degree programs prepare students to deliver safe, effective patient care, collaborate with healthcare teams, and meet state licensing requirements.
Students typically learn to:
- Provide direct patient care and support nursing practice
- Monitor vital signs and assess patient health
- Administer medications and treatments safely
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Follow clinical protocols, ethical standards, and healthcare regulations
This foundational nursing education is often the first step toward earning a nursing license and pursuing advanced nursing degrees or specialties.
Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore
Nursing Education Pathways: Building Your Career Step by Step
One defining feature of general nursing education is its stackable career pathway structure. Nursing students can enter the field at various levels and progress over time through additional degree programs and certifications.
Common nursing education pathways include:
Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN)
- Entry-level nursing role focused on basic patient care
- Usually requires a diploma or certificate from an accredited nursing school
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs)
- Typically a 1.5 to 2-year program, more affordable and faster than a bachelor’s degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Expands clinical nursing knowledge, leadership, and communication skills
- Often preferred or required by healthcare employers
RN to BSN Programs
- Designed for licensed RNs seeking to earn a baccalaureate degree
Graduate Nursing Degrees (MSN/DNP)
- Required for advanced nursing roles such as family nurse practitioner or clinical nurse leader
This flexible nursing curriculum structure allows healthcare professionals to build their academic credentials and nursing practice expertise progressively.
Is General Nursing the Right Path for You?
General nursing is ideal for individuals seeking a stable, rewarding career in healthcare without immediately committing to a nursing specialty. It offers a strong foundation for nursing practice and career advancement.
This path suits you if you:
- Want to enter the healthcare workforce relatively quickly with an online nursing degree program
- Prefer hands-on patient care and direct involvement in health care delivery
- Value job stability, career advancement, and a high-demand profession
- Plan to pursue further nursing education and specialization over time
- Are exploring nursing specialties and want a broad foundation in nursing practice
Students interested in advanced nursing roles can later pursue:
Students exploring related fields may also consider:
- MSN Degrees
- Mental Health Degrees
- Neonatal & Pediatrics Degrees
- Nurse Educator Degrees
- Nurse Practitioner Degrees
- Nursing Administration Degrees
- Nursing Informatics Degrees
- RN to BSN Degrees
- RN to MSN Degrees
- Women's Health Degrees
What You’ll Learn in a General Nursing Degree Program
While curricula vary by degree level, most general nursing programs include comprehensive nursing courses and clinical training essential for nursing practice.
Typical nursing courses include:
- Anatomy and Physiology for healthcare professionals
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Health Assessment and patient evaluation
- Medical-Surgical Nursing fundamentals
- Community Health Nursing and disease prevention
- Nursing Ethics, communication skills, and professional practice
Students also complete supervised clinical rotations or nursing practice programs in healthcare settings to apply classroom knowledge to real-world patient care.
Clinical Training and Practicum Requirements
All accredited nursing degree programs require hands-on clinical training to develop nursing practice skills.
Students in online nursing programs can expect:
- Supervised clinical practice experiences in hospitals, medical centers, or community health settings
- Clinical rotations across diverse patient populations and healthcare specialties
- Opportunities to develop critical thinking and patient care competencies
Even though coursework is completed online, clinical components must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities to meet licensure requirements.
Career Opportunities with a General Nursing Degree
An online general nursing degree opens the door to a variety of healthcare roles in nursing and patient care.
Common career outcomes include:
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN)
- Provides basic nursing care under supervision
- Works in long-term care, clinics, and hospitals
Registered Nurse (RN)
- Delivers and coordinates patient care
- Employed in hospitals, outpatient clinics, medical centers, and public health settings
Specialized Nursing Roles (after further education):
- Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nurse Educator or Administrator
General nursing degrees provide the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for nearly all nursing career paths and healthcare degree programs.
Visit GetEducated's Healthcare and Nursing Career Center. You may also wish to read the following nursing related articles:
- How to Become a Registered Nurse
- Types of Nursing Degrees to Advance Your Career
- Which Nursing Degree is Right for Me?
- The Top Online MSN Programs
Salary Expectations in Nursing
Salaries in nursing vary widely depending on education, experience, role, and geographic location.
Typical salary ranges include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN): $45,000 to $60,000 annually
- Registered Nurse (RN): $70,000 to $95,000 annually
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs), such as Family Nurse Practitioners: $100,000 to $150,000+
Higher nursing degrees and certifications typically lead to greater earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
Job Outlook and Labor Statistics for Nurses
Nursing remains one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook and labor statistics.
Key factors driving demand include:
- Aging population increasing healthcare needs
- Expanded access to health care services
- Ongoing nursing shortages nationwide
- Growth in public health and disease prevention roles
This strong demand results in excellent job stability, career advancement, and diverse occupational outlooks for nursing professionals.
Licensing and Certification: Steps to Become a Registered Nurse
To become a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), graduates must:
- Successfully complete an accredited nursing degree program (accredited by CCNE or ACEN)
- Pass the NCLEX-RN exam (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses)
- Apply for state nursing licensure and meet state-specific requirements
Additional certifications may be required for advanced nursing practice roles or specialties.
Choosing the Right Online Nursing Degree Program
Selecting the best online nursing program depends on your current academic level, nursing license status, and career goals.
Important factors to consider include:
- Accreditation status (CCNE or ACEN accreditation is essential)
- Degree level options (ADN, BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP)
- Availability of clinical placement and practicum support
- Program flexibility, including online courses and clinical components
- Tuition costs, financial aid availability, and total time to program completion
- Compliance with state board of nursing licensure requirements
Careful research ensures you select an online nursing degree program that supports your educational journey and career advancement.
GetEducated has the following Nursing Ranking Reports:
- Bachelor completion RN to BSN ranking report
- MSN ranking report
- RN to MSN ranking report
- MSN Nursing Education ranking report
- MSN Family Nurse Practitioner ranking report
- MSN Neonatal & Pediatric ranking report
- MSN Women's Health Nurse Practitioner ranking report
- MSN Nursing Informatics ranking report
- MSN Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) ranking report
- MSN Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) ranking report
- DNP ranking report
- BSN to DNP ranking report
Compare Accredited Online General Nursing Degree Programs
GetEducated’s comprehensive database features accredited online nursing degree programs at multiple levels, including ADN, BSN, and bridge programs.
You can:
- Compare program costs, curriculum, and clinical requirements
- Evaluate program length and flexibility for working nurses
- Explore nursing school options that align with your academic and career goals
Browse online general nursing programs below to find the right path to your nursing profession success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to become a nurse?
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is typically the quickest route to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), often completed in 1.5 to 2 years.
Is a BSN better than an ADN?
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) offers broader clinical knowledge, leadership preparation, and is increasingly preferred by employers, although both degrees qualify you to take the NCLEX-RN exam.
Can you become a nurse entirely online?
While many nursing courses can be completed online, clinical training and nursing practice components must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities.
Can you specialize later in nursing?
Yes. Many nurses begin with a general nursing degree and later specialize through graduate nursing programs, certifications, or advanced nursing degrees such as MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
Found 100 Accredited Online
Nursing Degree Programs
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Grand Canyon University
Master of Science in Nursing / Health Care Quality & Patient Safety (Bridge)
Grand Canyon University’s (GCU’s) MSN bridge pathway with a health care quality and patient safety emphasis was created by the College of Nursing and Health…
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With the PhD in Nursing Interdisciplinary Health specialization, you have the flexibility to customize your program of study with course options from public health, nursing…
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Offered by the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, the Bridge (Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Public Health) pathway allows…
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In the PhD in Nursing Population Health specialization, you’ll develop a broader, interdisciplinary approach to the promotion of health for communities and populations. Threaded throughout…
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Walden offers students who hold a Doctor in Nursing Practice degree (DNP) a shorter path to the PhD in Nursing. Recognizing your previous academic progress,…
Students in eligible states can pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online, including RN licensure. Western Governors University partners with healthcare facilities in…
Sacred Heart University
Post-Master's Certificate in Telehealth Technology for the Advanced Practice Nurse
Become involved in one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare with the Post-Master's Certificate in Telehealth Technology for the Advanced Practice Nurse. Through this…
Nurses with a master’s degree can enhance their career opportunities with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Patient Safety and Quality. This online program from Southern New…
The online PhD in Nursing from the University of Colorado Denver is designed to prepare students to advance the art, science, and practice of the…
Online M.S. in Nursing Degree Overview: The online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program prepares registered nurses to become effective and ethical leaders, professionals,…
The online PhD in Nursing program is designed to educate nurses to ask and answer critical questions about human health. Graduates with this degree are…
The online LPN/LVN to BSN degree completion program from Indiana State University enables licensed practical/vocational nurses to complete a bachelor of science in nursing degree.…
The online PhD in Nursing from Idaho State University prepares students to conduct independent research, collaborate as scholars and leaders, and educate for improving health…
The online Graduate Certificate in Emergency Preparedness Nursing Coordinator is available for non-degree students who wish to specialize in the area of emergency preparedness. Upon…
Millersville University’s online Post-Baccalaureate School Nurse Certificate prepares registered nurses to support student health, well-being, and learning in PK–12 school settings. The program meets Pennsylvania…
By 2022, all nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S. must exclusively offer a doctoral degree for entry into the profession. The online Doctor of Nurse…
The online BSN to PhD degree program from the University at Buffalo prepares students to become global and national leaders, scientists, and scholars who make…
The online Undergraduate Certificate in Nursing Forensics from Pennsylvania State University provides students with specialized knowledge of the legal system and skills in injury identification,…
The master’s degree in Holistic Nursing from Tennessee State University provides students with perspectives on holistic philosophy, ancient healing traditions, complementary and alternative interventions, self-care,…
The Nursing PhD degree program at The University of Texas at Tyler allows nurses to study online and undertake independent research while staying in the…
The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Population-Based Care Coordination program from Stevenson University prepares students to be expert care coordinators who are well acquainted with the…
The online Ph.D. in Nursing degree program from the University of Missouri-St Louis is designed to prepare graduates for the rigors of a research-oriented academic…
The online Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Legal Nurse Consultant program from Wilmington University prepares students to use critical thinking and expert knowledge of health care systems and…
Cedarville University offers a Graduate Certificate in Global Public Health Nursing. This accelerated program equips you with the skills needed to provide population-based care domestically…
The Forensic Nursing Graduate Certificate at Fitchburg State University is a 100% online, 21-credit program designed for registered nurses with a master’s degree who want…
The online Certificate in Advanced Nursing Assistant program is designed to enhance knowledge and skill sets for nurse aides. Coursework extends from nursing assistant skills and human…
The online PhD in Nursing degree program curriculum reflects not only the national trends in nursing research, but also the faculty research agenda including vulnerable…
The Master of Education in School Health Services provides nurses with an opportunity to work with children in a school or related setting. Coursework includes…
The online PhD in Nursing Science from Indiana University Online prepares students to become nurse scientists who conduct cutting-edge research in nursing education, health systems, and…
The online PhD in Nursing degree program from Hampton University focuses on family and family-related research. Core requirements are the same for all students regardless…
The online AS in Nursing degree program is exam-based, specifically designed to provide a pathway to a nursing degree for LPNs, LVNs, paramedics, and military…
The PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Alabama is a fully online program designed for nurses who aspire to become researchers, scholars, and…
The Graduate Certificate in Forensic Nurse is an online nursing degree from East Tennessee State University that enhances your expertise in the key specialty of…
Nursing needs researchers to advance the boundaries of healthcare in today's complex, collaborative, and technology-rich environment. Catholic University of America's online Doctor of Philosophy in…
The Master of Science in Nursing degree focusing on Forensic Nursing examines situations where health care and legal systems intersect. Aspen University’s program helps nurses…
The online PhD in Nursing degree program from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee integrates science, theory, and research to educate the next generation of nurse scientists…
The Post-Master's Certificate in Public and Population Health Nursing is designed for MS-level nurses to enhance their skills in community and global health care. This…
We have students and alumni all over the U.S. and in at least three foreign countries. This program will help you develop the advanced practice…
One of the only institutions that offer the combined Public Health and Policy DNP specialization, Rasmussen University will help nurses advance their careers while taking…
Robert Morris University offers an online Graduate Certificate in Global Healthcare to the working adult student. One of several different certificates in nursing, this program…
Nurses seeking careers in research can pursue an online Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Memphis. The Nursing PhD is the highest…
You can earn your Surgical First Assistant Certificate completely online from San Juan College. The flexibility of this online health science program allows students to…
The Nurse Anesthesia Concentration (NAC) at the college is a rigorous 38-month program that will permit the graduate an opportunity to take his or her…
Virginia Commonwealth University
Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing / Biobehavioral Health (BSN to PhD)
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BSN online programs are popular but consider this online BSN to DNP degree to stand out as a leader. This hybrid program includes in-person clinical…
If you are a nurse that would like to work in a school setting, the Graduate Certificate in School Nurse program may be for you. …
Take your place in the ever-growing healthcare field with the Master of Science in Care Management. This online nursing degree features an interdisciplinary approach to…
The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is designed specifically for existing Registered Nurses (RN) who want to advance into leadership roles by…