Online Nursing Programs

You can become a registered nurse by earning a nursing degree that leads to licensure, such as a BSN. Then, you’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and obtain state licensure as an RN. You will also need to meet any additional requirements established by the state in which you wish to obtain licensure, which may include a criminal background check.^{(See disclaimer 6)} Once you’re a licensed RN, you can apply to nursing jobs in a variety of specialties.

All online^{(See disclaimer 1)} nursing degree programs require some form of direct clinical experience, practicum or immersion experience that allows you to demonstrate achievement of clinical competency at the baccalaureate or graduate levels. These experiential components require an onsite presence, either near the university or at facilities near you. BSN programs, for example, include in-person labs and clinical rotations, while graduate programs may require practicum or field experiences. Because of this, online^{(See disclaimer 1)} nursing programs offer a hybrid education, rather than being 100% online.

The length of time it takes to complete nursing school will depend on your previous education, selected degree program and individual schedule. Accelerated options may be available, such as the BSN to MSN fast track option for students. For undergraduate students, the RN to BSN core courses can be completed in as few as 14 months. Students who transfer in the maximum of 90 credits, including six upper division, may be able to complete the core courses in as few as 12 months.^{(See disclaimer 7 )}The accelerated BSN programs can be completed in as few as 16 months.^{(See disclaimer 8)}

Nursing programs online^{(See disclaimer 1)} and on campus both deliver the same caliber of education and the same curriculum. If you’re in the RN to BSN online,^{(See disclaimer 1 )}for instance, you’ll complete the same curriculum as on-campus RN to BSN students would. The main differences between the two lie in their flexibility, time of completion and location of clinical sites, with online^{(See disclaimer 1)} nursing programs offering convenience. 

The cost of these programs is typically comparable, but there may be slight differences in specific fees or tuition that are important to consider. It’s also important to assess your self-discipline and time management skills, as they can be more critical when completing online programs than on-campus programs.

The specific skills you can gain depend on the specific nursing program you choose. Many nursing programs are designed to help you build competencies in patient care, communication, critical thinking, clinical judgment and collaboration while applying nursing concepts through coursework, simulations and clinical experiences. As you progress through your program, you will also work to build leadership, problem-solving and professional decision-making skills. You can develop a set of technical nursing skills as well, including patient assessment, medication administration, wound care, vital sign monitoring and the use of healthcare technologies and electronic health records.

An online^{(See disclaimer 1)} nursing degree is “right” if it matches your starting point, licensure status and intended role. If you are not yet a nurse, choose a pre-licensure ADN or BSN program that includes in-person clinical hours and qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN. If you are already a licensed RN with an associate degree or diploma, an RN-to-BSN program is usually the next step. If you already hold a BSN, an MSN can prepare you for advanced practice, teaching, administration or informatics, while a DNP supports top-level clinical leadership. Always verify accreditation, state approval, clinical placement support and graduation requirements.