Best Accelerated Online Nursing Programs

Thomas Broderick
By
Updated on October 3, 2025
Edited by
The best online accelerated nursing programs take 12-16 months. Start or advance your career by researching top programs for 2025.

Becoming a nurse or advancing in the nursing profession requires classroom and on-the-job training. The best online accelerated nursing programs offer learners a condensed educational experience that combines these experiences. They also appeal to prospective students with or without nursing experience.

Discover how the best online nursing programs can help you launch or further your nursing career.

Degree at a Glance

  • Typical Program Length: 12-16 months
  • Typical Admission Requirements: Active RN license or previous medical training, associate degree or transferable college credits, bachelor’s degree in any subject
  • Top Skills Gained: Leadership, ethical practice, evidence-based decision-making

Accelerated Online Nursing Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

University of Louisville

  • Louisville, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

What Sets It Apart: 

University of Louisville (UofL) offers maximum flexibility for working nurses, with fully online courses and a clinical practicum that can be completed locally. UofL allows each RN enrollee to complete a nursing portfolio and document their professional experience, reducing course requirements by up to 30 credits. The school also offers reduced tuition benefits for active-duty service members.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $375
Out-of-State | $375

Credits to Graduate: 31-61

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why Students Choose UofL:

  • Condensed Classes: Eight-week courses make it easier to balance work and school obligations.
  • Accelerated Format: Students can graduate in as few as 20 months.
  • Small Class Sizes: Enrollees can receive individualized attention from faculty.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Practicum Limitations: Some states may not allow clinical hours to be completed locally.
  • Early Start: Students can enroll in the program before earning their RN licenses.
  • Rolling Admissions: UofL offers four start dates throughout the year.

59%

Online Enrollment

$12,336

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$28,680

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
22,139
Institution Type
Public
#2

Marshall University

  • Huntington, WV
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

What Sets It Apart: 

Nursing students at Marshall University benefit from an accelerated program format, allowing them to graduate in as little as two semesters. Degree candidates take just 1-2 classes at a time in a condensed seven-week format, making it easier to concentrate on individual courses.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $391.25
Out-of-State | $391.25

Credits to Graduate: 28

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Why Students Choose Marshall:

  • Online Advising: Students receive academic advising and life coaching. 
  • Academic Resources: Online learners can access online tutoring and library services.
  • Career Services: Additional career counseling and support are available for degree-seekers who plan to work in West Virginia after graduation.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • Disability Services: Students with disabilities can use assistive technology and receive testing assistance.
  • Smaller Cohort Size: The program admits only 30 students per semester.
  • GPA Requirements: Applicants must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA on all college work.

51%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,372

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

79%

Retention Rate

$18,724

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
11,027
Institution Type
Public
#3

The Pennsylvania State University

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

What Sets It Apart: 

Pennsylvania State University offers a fully online nursing bachelor's with accelerated seven-week courses. Along with a traditional nursing curriculum, the program includes optional certifications in nursing informatics and forensics. Students can also complete a nursing portfolio assessment, allowing them to earn up to 33 credits for their prior professional experience. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $638-$685
Out-of-State | $638-$685

Credits to Graduate: 60

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why Students Choose Penn State:

  • Reduced Clinical Hours: Enrollees only need to complete 45 clinical hours to graduate.
  • Hybrid Enrollment Options: Nursing students can take both online and campus courses as their schedule allows.
  • Flat Tuition Rate: Online tuition stays the same regardless of state residency.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • In-Person Requirements: Online learners must complete all clinical hours in person.
  • Variable Tuition: Students pay a higher tuition rate with fewer than 60 transfer credits.
  • Military Benefits: Penn State offers financial aid and tuition benefits for military students.

54%

Online Enrollment

$15,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

87%

Retention Rate

$25,084

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
88,914
Institution Type
Public
#4

Youngstown State University

  • Youngstown, OH
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

What Sets It Apart: 

Nurses at Youngstown State University benefit from a highly accelerated format course, allowing them to graduate in as little as 10 months. The program also offers a low tuition rate compared to many online nursing programs. Out-of-state students pay only a slightly higher rate per credit, making the program accessible regardless of location.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $275
Out-of-State | $280

Credits to Graduate: 28

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Why Students Choose Youngstown State:

  • Rolling Admissions: Enrollees can choose from four start dates in the fall and spring semesters.
  • Flexible Practicum: Students can complete clinical hours at their current jobs or within their own communities.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • GPA Requirement: A minimum 2.0 GPA is required for admission.
  • Military Benefits: Military students pay no application fees.
  • Full Tuition Payment Required: No tuition payment plans are available for accelerated online students.

62%

Online Enrollment

$9,611

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

77%

Retention Rate

$9,971

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
11,040
Institution Type
Public
#5

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

  • Edwardsville, IL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

What Sets It Apart: 

The accelerated RN-to-BSN at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (SIUE) enrolls more than 500 students total, offering a 100% online format and condensed courses. Learners can complete the program in just one year of full-time study. SIUE also offers an RN-to-MSN pathway for nurses interested in pursuing master's degrees.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $328.50
Out-of-State | $328.50

Credits to Graduate: 22

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Why Students Choose SIUE:

  • Academic Support: Online students can receive dedicated academic advising.
  • Financial Support: Scholarships are available for online learners.
  • Corporate Partnerships: Tuition discounts are available for employees at regional healthcare agencies, including Anderson Hospital and BJC Health.

Know Before You Enroll:

  • GPA Minimum: An applicant must hold at least a 2.0 GPA on all college coursework for admission.
  • Transfer Credit Accepted: Students can transfer up to six credits toward core nursing requirements.

45%

Online Enrollment

$8,846

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$8,846

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
12,045
Institution Type
Public

Price Checkcheck

According to Payscale, RNs with an associate degree earn an average salary of $80,000 per year, while RNs with a bachelor’s make $98,000 per year.

Why Choose an Accelerated Nursing Program?

The best online accelerated nursing programs feature academic tracks for RNs researching RN-to-BSN programs and college-educated professionals interested in working in healthcare.

The educational experience varies slightly between tracks, with the latter emphasizing the knowledge and skills you need to pass the NCLEX-RN upon graduation.

Benefits of an accelerated online curriculum can include:

  • Completing practicum and clinical requirements at your workplace (i.e., if you already hold a nursing license)
  • Graduating as soon as possible
  • Paying a per-term rather than a per-credit tuition rate

How Long Does It Take to Become a Nurse?

A typical nursing degree can take 2-4 years to complete. Each level of nursing has its own timeline, and that timeline can vary depending upon factors like part-time vs. full-time enrollment, certification, and the type of program.

Below is an overview of the typical amount of time it takes to complete a nursing degree. Keep in mind that the length provided is for the amount of time it takes to complete that segment of the degree, not the entire academic path overall:

Nursing Timeline
Nursing Degree LevelLength of Study
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)2-3 years
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)1-2 years
Registered Nurse (RN)4 years
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)4-5 years
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)1.5-3 years
Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)1-3 years

Nursing Licensing and Certification Requirements

Every state requires registered nurses to hold at least an ADN and pass the NCLEX-RN. Other requirements may include:

  • Recommendation letters from your nursing program.
  • Fingerprints for a criminal background check.
  • Evidence of an active nursing license in another state, if applicable.

Visit the National Council for State Boards of Nursing website to review your state’s licensure requirements. States can take up to 12 weeks to process your application.

Ways to Save on an Accelerated Nursing Degree

Applying to the best online accelerated nursing programs doesn’t have to mean going into debt. Explore these and other strategies to lower your cost of attendance.

  • checkFocus on Colleges/Universities with Institutional Aid: Many leading online universities consider all incoming bachelor’s in nursing students for institutional scholarships and grants.
  • checkApply for Private Scholarships: The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to ADN, BSN, and MSN degree-seekers. AACN also sponsors a loan forgiveness program for nursing graduates.
  • checkAsk Your Employer About Tuition Reimbursement: If you’re an RN with an ADN, your employer may offer a tuition-reimbursement program. Requirements may include remaining with your employer for a specific number of years after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accelerated Nursing Programs

Accelerated degrees require students to cover the same curriculum in less time. Learners graduate sooner than their peers by:

  • Taking courses in the summer and winter terms.
  • Taking fast-paced courses lasting eight weeks instead of the traditional 16 weeks.

Accelerated degrees leave little room for other responsibilities. Reflect on your learning style and goals before committing to an accelerated degree.

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