Nurses are an integral part of our health care systems, providing patient care across the spectrum of life. Nurses at every level can choose from a variety of degrees and programs, depending on their ideal role, preferred length of study and desired work setting. While both on-campus and online programs may prepare nurses for licensure, many people find that pursuing a nursing degree online better suits their busy lives and schedules.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

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Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

• Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
• Complete in as few as 24 months
• Full-time and part-time tracks available

Request more info from Simmons University.

Georgetown University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

• Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
• Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
• Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

Request more info from Georgetown University.

St. John Fisher University

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Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

• Part-time and accelerated tracks available
• Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

Request more info from St. John Fisher University.

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With so many options of degrees and online nursing programs available, knowing what factors to consider can help you make a choice best suited to your needs and ambitions.

Types of Nursing Degrees and Education

• Nursing Diplomas
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Post-Master’s Certificate
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A nursing diploma is a nursing credential that prepares students for an entry-level nursing position. Usually involving one to three years of study, diplomas can result in a number of certifications and nursing positions:

Certified nursing assistant (CNA). CNA diploma programs typically last 4 to 12 weeks and are offered at technical schools, community colleges or online programs (with some in-person clinical requirements). Students learn the skills necessary to provide hands-on, basic care like bathing, feeding and washing patients and assisting with medical tasks like monitoring vital signs or catheter care. After passing the CNA exam in your state, you can go on to work as a nursing assistant, nurse aide or home health aide in elder-care facilities, hospitals and rehabilitation clinics.

Licensed practical nurse (LPN). LPNs, also sometimes called licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) in some states, require one to two years of study. Diploma programs for this position are offered at junior colleges, hospitals, community colleges or technical schools, both online and in person. LPN students learn basic medical care skills, such as checking vital signs, tracking medical history, administering medication and bathing or feeding patients. Career advancement to a registered nurse (RN) position is possible through bridge programs, which usually take two to four years.

Registered nurse (RN). RN diploma programs are usually offered by technical or vocational schools. Programs last about two to three years and provide students with direct patient care skills, like assessing conditions and developing plans of care. Some employers may prioritize RN applicants with a bachelor’s degree, so it’s important to check minimum educational requirements for your desired role carefully.

An Associate Degree in Nursing is an undergraduate nursing degree that prepares students for licensure as a registered nurse. ADN programs typically take two years to complete, after which you must take the NCLEX exam to obtain licensure.

In addition to a registered nurse position, you can also pursue the following roles with an ADN: outpatient/personal nurse, nursing care facility nurse, public health nurse, physician’s office nurse and rehabilitation nurse. Another benefit to obtaining an ADN is that it can offer easier access to advanced degrees in the future—either by testing out of prerequisites or through bridge programs that allow you to earn a bachelor’s or doctoral degree.

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is another pathway to become a registered nurse, but a BSN offers a more comprehensive course of study that requires four years instead of two. Because a BSN requires longer schooling, it often affords more opportunities and responsibilities than a diploma or ADN can. Managerial roles and leadership positions supervising nurses with less advanced degrees may be possible with a BSN, but other potential roles include a pediatric nurse, surgical nurse, ICU nurse, nurse manager or nurse educator.

A BSN may even open up access to related careers outside of nursing, like nursing informatics or working for pharmaceutical or insurance companies. A BSN also positions students to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in the future, if they choose to and holds potential for greater career advancement and earnings. 

A Master of Science in Nursing is a graduate degree of nursing that can be obtained after a BSN or through an RN-to-MSN bridge program. An MSN program takes about two to three years to complete, depending on the institution. 

Typically, MSN applicants are RNs seeking access to more specialized clinical nursing roles like a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or nurse-midwife. However, students can learn skills for non-clinical roles as well, such as roles in management, informatics or nursing education. These positions often offer higher pay than positions requiring only an ADN or BSN. An MSN degree also provides a pathway into a post-master’s certificate or Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for those interested in either of those options. 

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

• Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
• Complete in as few as 24 months
• Full-time and part-time tracks available

Request more info from Simmons University.

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

• Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
• Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
• Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

Request more info from Georgetown University.

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

• Part-time and accelerated tracks available
• Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

Request more info from St. John Fisher University.

info SPONSORED

For nurses who already hold a master’s degree but want to specialize in another area or expand responsibilities in their current role, a post-master’s certificate can help them do that. For example, a family nurse practitioner who wants to work in emergency settings could obtain a post-master’s certificate as an emergency nurse practitioner. Post-master’s programs usually take two years to complete and are typically offered for nurse practitioner specializations, midwifery or health care leadership. Some programs also offer an option to add a DNP degree with additional coursework and years of study.

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a doctoral degree in nursing and the highest possible practice-based degree in the nursing field. DNP degree programs tend to require a longer commitment and may take anywhere from two to four years to complete. There are multiple entry points to a DNP degree, including ADN, BSN or MSN degrees. 

DNP graduates are prepared to care for a range of patients and perform advanced roles as clinical or health care leaders. Those with a DNP degree have many career opportunities in advanced practice specialties like clinical trials, higher education or health care policy.

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Online Nursing Programs

• Online CNA Programs
• Online LVN/LPN Programs
• Online ADN Programs
• Online BSN Programs
• Online RN Programs
• Online MSN Programs
• Online APRN Programs
• Online NP Programs
• Online DNP Programs
• Accelerated Online Nursing Programs
• Dual Nursing Programs Online
• Online Bridge Programs

Enrolling in an online program can be a convenient way to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to become a certified nursing assistant. CNA programs only require a high school diploma or GED for admission, which makes them one of the simplest pathways into the health care industry. Programs typically range from four to six weeks but can occasionally take longer. While coursework is completed online, in-person clinical training is also required. 

Under the supervision of a licensed nurse, students work directly with patients and experience the day-to-day responsibilities of nursing assistants. Students learn the necessary skills to provide hands-on, basic care like bathing, feeding or washing patients and recording vital signs. A CNA certification prepares you for a job as a nursing assistant orderly or health aide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for nursing assistants was $30,850 in May 2020. 

There are a number of online programs available to those who are interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse. LPN programs require a high school diploma and typically involve a year of study. Most junior colleges, community colleges and technical schools offer online LPN programs with an in-person clinical requirement. 

Prospective LPNs learn basic medical care skills, such as measuring and recording vital signs, tracking medical history, administering medication and bathing or feeding patients. On the job, they work under the supervision of RNs in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, nursing homes or private homes. The BLS reports that LPNs and LVNs earned a median annual salary of $48,820 in 2020.   

Lasting about two years, online ADN programs are a viable degree option for those looking to enter the field of health care as a registered nurse. These programs incorporate online coursework with in-person training at your local hospital or health care facility. Current LPNs can graduate in even less time than traditional ADN candidates, through an LPN-to-RN bridge program—however, certification as an LPN or CNA is not required for admission to an ADN program. Registered nurses earn a median annual salary of $75,330, according to the BLS. Those who hold a bachelor’s degree may make more. 

There has been a recent push in the medical community to require all registered nurses to hold a BSN, so keep that in mind if you’re deciding between an associate or bachelor’s degree. Registered nurses can work in a wide range of settings that includes hospitals, home health care services, nursing care facilities, doctors’ offices, outpatient care centers, colleges or universities and assisted living facilities.  

There are many online BSN programs offered for registered nurses with an ADN. However, for high school graduates or those fresh to the nursing field, four-year BSN programs are rarely offered online. To pursue an online course of study, you’ll at least need an LPN certification to enroll in a bridge program. Online LPN-to-BSN and RN-to-BSN programs may allow working nurses to further their education without interrupting their current jobs. These programs are typically shorter and can be completed in anywhere from eight to 18 months but often let you go at your own pace. 

As more and more nursing roles require a BSN over an ADN, studies show that obtaining a BSN is generally encouraged and preferred by many medical institutions. Additionally, a BSN may also open doors to job opportunities in management or leadership positions and is often a prerequisite to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. 

Online RN programs can be a convenient way to kickstart a career as a registered nurse, while juggling the limitations of work schedules and family life. LPNs can enroll in online LPN-to-RN bridge programs, while non-nursing majors or those new to the nursing field can enroll in RN programs with just a high school diploma. 

RN programs are available in a variety of specializations and can last anywhere between one and four years, depending on whether you pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree and whether you opt for full-time or part-time study. RN salaries vary by location, work setting and a host of other factors. In 2020, the lowest 10% of registered nurses earned less than $53,410, and the highest 10% took home more than $116,230, according to the BLS.

Registered nurses with an ADN or BSN can apply their previous education toward a master’s degree. Many online nursing programs offer an RN-to-MSN or BSN-to-MSN track, allowing you to advance your career while working. Online MSN programs are usually two to three years long, but some online nursing schools offer accelerated tracks that can take as little as a year. Students learn skills for either clinical or non-clinical roles, depending on their focus, and are prepared for potential careers in patient education, management, informatics, nursing education or as nurse practitioners. Salary averages vary by role, but a master’s degree may result in above-average salaries. 

There are also online dual degrees, where RNs can earn a master’s in two specialized areas. Common dual degrees are nurse practitioner tracks that combine an FNP degree with another nurse practitioner specialty. Public health and business administration programs can also be combined with a master’s degree in nursing.

Sponsored online nursing programs

Simmons University

info

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Earn an MSN online from Simmons University. Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP — and prepare to raise the standard of patient care.

• Choose from two program options — FNP or PMHNP
• Complete in as few as 24 months
• Full-time and part-time tracks available

Request more info from Simmons University.

Georgetown University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Nursing@Georgetown delivers Georgetown University’s MS in Nursing program online, preparing RNs with a BSN to pursue certification in an APRN specialty. Students can earn their degree in as few as 23 months. 

• Earn your MS in Nursing in as few as 23 months
• Choose from one of four APRN specialty areas: AG-ACNP, FNP, NM/WHNP, or WHNP
• Gain hands-on clinical experience in evidence-based practice

Request more info from Georgetown University.

St. John Fisher University

info

Master of Science in Nursing

Earn an M.S. in Nursing online at the Wegmans School of Nursing. Bachelor’s in nursing and RN license-required. 

• Part-time and accelerated tracks available
• Four program options: PCFNP, PMHNP, AGACNP, AGPCNP

Request more info from St. John Fisher University.

info SPONSORED

APRNs are nurses educated at the master’s or post-master’s level. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission into almost all APRN programs. An APRN can work in four possible career tracks: nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and certified nurse-midwives. There are a growing number of online programs available for each APRN specialty, but keep in mind that on-site clinical hours are usually required as well. Below is an overview of each type of APRN program you can pursue online.

Nurse practitioner (NP). Online NP programs take about two to three years to complete and prepare students to provide direct care to a range of patients. Nurse practitioners can go on to specialize in areas like family care, gerontology, pediatrics or acute care. According to the BLS, nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $111,680 in 2020.

Clinical nurse specialist (CNS). Online CNS programs last between two to three years. You can pursue either a master’s or doctorate. Students learn skills to work with a specific patient population, such as adults or children or in a specific setting, like critical or emergency care. Rather than direct care though, clinical nurse specialists often serve as educators or consultants to nursing staff on delivering quality patient outcomes. The BLS doesn’t provide salary averages for clinical nurse specialists. So if you’re interested in this role, be sure to examine job descriptions carefully when you’re ready to apply or speak to current clinical nurse specialists in your area to get an idea of what they make.

Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). CRNA online programs can result in either a Master of Science or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. A bachelor’s degree is one of the minimum requirements for admission and programs range in length from two to five years. Graduates go on to become nurse anesthetists, who provide the full spectrum of anesthesia care for patients in surgery, childbirth or conscious sedation. Like nurse practitioners, CRNAs earn above-average salaries. As of 2020, the median annual wages for nurse anesthetists was $183,580, according to the BLS.

Certified nurse-midwife (CNM). Online CNM programs prepare students to provide comprehensive women’s care, with a focus in gynecologic and family planning services, from preconception to newborn care. Certified-nurse midwife programs are usually two to three years in length, depending on whether you pursue full-time or part-time study. Work setting, employer and number of years of experience may affect your earning potential as a CNM. But like the other three APRN roles we’ve discussed, CNMs can earn six-figure salaries. According to the BLS, the median 2019 salary for these professionals was $105,030.

Online nurse practitioner programs may allow you to advance your degree and career without having to relocate or disrupt your current job. A bachelor’s degree and licensure as an RN is required for admission and can take anywhere from two to five years to complete, depending on your chosen specialty and whether you wish to pursue an MSN or a post-grad degree. NP programs prepare nurses to provide comprehensive care for patients in a specialized area and can potentially open the door to jobs with competitive salaries. Below are the types of NP programs available and an overview of each.

Nurses who want to pursue a doctoral degree without putting their life on hold can do so with an online DNP program. DNP programs prepare nurses to affect patient outcomes at the highest level, through administrative and managerial roles or academics and public policy. In order to qualify for admission into a DNP program, most schools require a valid RN license and bachelor’s degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. 

BSN-to-DNP and MSN-to-DNP are two common program types, and they can range in length from two to six years, depending on whether you opt for full-time or part-time enrollment online.  

Potential careers with a DNP include a chief nursing officer, nurse administrator, manager of informatics, director of health policy or clinical research director. DNP graduates are typically high earners in the nursing field, but salaries vary depending on the job. 

Accelerated online nursing programs offer students the opportunity to complete the on-campus equivalent of a degree program in a shorter amount of time. Accelerated programs are a viable option for those who already have an undergraduate degree but want to shift their career into the nursing field. Because of the faster pace and fewer breaks, accelerated programs are often more demanding than a traditional program. Below are the types of accelerated nursing programs offered online.

Accelerated ADN: ADN programs usually take two years to complete. While accelerated ADN programs are harder to find, there are some that offer completion within a year. Admissions is usually limited to high school–graduated LPNs or non-nursing candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Graduates of an ADN program are eligible for RN licensure and can go on to work as a registered nurse or in other entry-level nursing positions.

Accelerated BSN: An accelerated BSN allows you to obtain RN licensure on a faster timeline than a traditional program. It is a viable option for those who hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and want to begin a nursing career. While traditional BSN programs take four years, some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 11 to 18 months. A previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree is typically required for admission to an accelerated BSN program. BSN-prepared RNs may be given more responsibilities than an ADN-prepared nurse and can manage other nursing staff.

Accelerated MSN: Both non-nurses and those with previous nursing education (and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree) can pursue an accelerated MSN. Accelerated MSN programs offer nurses a pathway to become an APRN or to advance into a management role. Accelerated master’s programs are usually about three years in length, but some schools offer a pathway to completion in just 19 to 21 months.

Nurses with an MSN can work as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, director of nursing or nurse-midwife or in a non-clinical capacity as well, such as roles in management, informatics or as nurse educators. APRN salaries vary by role. 

Dual degree nursing programs allow those who want to become a nurse to pursue two degrees simultaneously. Dual degrees may save students both time and money by eliminating the need to take duplicate courses that might overlap between degrees and streamline coursework for two subjects into one course of study. Below is an overview of some common dual nursing programs offered online.

MSN/MPH. An MSN/MPH program is designed for those who want to further their studies in clinical nursing and broaden their knowledge of public health. Generally, applicants should have an undergraduate degree in nursing and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Programs are usually completed in about two years and prepare nurses to work as a nurse practitioner or certified nurse midwife or to work in the public health sector at government agencies, academic institutions or nonprofit organizations.

MSN/MBA. Another dual degree nurses can pursue is an MSN/MBA, in which both an MSN and an MBA are earned simultaneously online or in-person. These programs usually take two to three years. A dual MSN/MBA program teaches business management skills and leadership competencies within the nursing field and prepares nurses for executive-level positions in health care. 

FNP dual degree programs are a viable option for nurses who want to gain knowledge in the area of family nursing—and combine that knowledge with competencies and skills in additional nursing specialties.

FNP/ACNP. A dual FNP/ACNP prepares graduates for certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner and as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Typically, students entering a dual role track for acute care must have at least one year of emergency or ICU nursing experience.

FNP/ENP. Another dual degree offered for prospective nurse practitioners is the family nurse practitioner and emergency nurse practitioner track. Graduates are trained to provide patient care in urgent, emergent and trauma care settings, as well as in primary care settings. Programs can be completed in two to five years, and graduates are eligible to sit for both the ENP and FNP certification exams upon completion.

Online bridge programs allow students to further their education and advance into higher-level nursing positions without having to quit work and go back to school full-time. Bridge programs are often used as a stepping stone to attain advanced degrees in a shorter amount of time than required in a traditional program. There are a few common bridge programs. Learn about some of them below: 

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With so many options out there, finding the right online nursing program for you might feel tedious and overwhelming. But putting in the dedicated time and thorough research is crucial to find the program that meets your interests, goals and timeline. The information in the following sections can help to guide you through the process so that you make the most informed choices for your education.

Factors to Compare When Choosing an Online Nursing School

Whether it’s accreditation, admission requirements or the number of clinical hours required, there are several factors that may make certain schools and programs more or less of a fit for you. To find the program that best aligns with your needs, consider what is practical for your current lifestyle and which programs are most in line with your career goals.

Accreditation

Accreditation refers to the review process nursing training programs undergo to maintain a common standard of quality across institutions. In a profession where lives are at stake, accreditation is crucial to ensure that all nurses are prepared to provide the best patient care. Many employers require a degree from an accredited school, so be sure to look for schools that are accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

Education Requirements

Admission requirements vary greatly depending on the school, degree you choose to pursue and the rigor of the program. A high school diploma is the minimum requirement for most entry-level nursing programs. Typically, a 2.5 GPA or higher is preferred, but there are more stringent requirements as you advance in degrees. Generally speaking, having experience in a medical setting, whether on a volunteer or professional basis, and taking prerequisite nursing courses may be required or may help to make you a more competitive candidate.

Clinical Hours Experience Requirement

Even though courses can be taken online, the hands-on nature of the nursing profession requires that students receive some clinical experience, as well. Specific requirements vary depending on the school, but you should expect to spend a certain number of hours fulfilling clinical requirements in a hospital setting. 

Nursing Specialties

The nursing field is vast and offers a wide range of nursing specialties from the RN level to the doctorate level. Consider your areas of interest—such as whether you prefer to work with a specific patient population or in a particular health care setting. Be sure to research programs that offer the specializations in line with your career goals. 

On-Campus vs. Online Nursing Programs

On-campus programs require students to attend in-person classes for their core nursing coursework and often the entire duration of the program, while online nursing programs allow students to take those same courses online (often through recorded lectures or even live streaming).

However, some skills can’t be learned through a screen—in both online and on-campus programs, you will need to complete in-person clinical hours to learn how to safely deliver patient care and hands-on skills used on the job. 

With an online nursing program, there is the advantage of setting your own pace with coursework and the freedom to take classes from a location most convenient for you. 

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Online Learning

Asynchronous learning refers to online learning that functions without real-time interaction. Instead, communication happens through pre-recorded lectures, email or discussion boards. Asynchronous learning can allow for more flexibility, as learning can happen even when all participants are not online at the same time and can make it easier to balance schoolwork with work and family commitments.

Synchronous e-learning, on the other hand, utilizes tools like livestreaming, video conferences and online chats to allow students to engage with content in real time. Some people prefer this form of learning as it gives them the opportunity to speak directly with professors and classmates. Essentially, it closely resembles the interactions that would happen in a face-to-face class. Many online programs use elements of asynchronous and synchronous learning to deliver content, but be sure to consider your personal preference when choosing an online program.

Full Time vs. Part Time

Full-time learning usually requires students to take a certain number of classes or hours per week, while part-time students can take fewer. Part-time learning offers you the flexibility to balance home and work life but takes longer. Going full time affords you the ability to complete your degree faster but may be difficult, if not impossible, to do while also working. So, consider your work restraints when deciding between the two. 

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There’s a lot to think about when considering which online nursing degree program to apply to. Remember the factors listed above and refer to these common FAQs about online nursing education for more information:

Last updated January 2022.