Best Accelerated Online Nursing Programs
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
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
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%
$12,336
81%
$28,680
- Acceptance Rate
- 81%
- Students Enrolled
- 22,139
- Institution Type
- Public
Marshall University
- Huntington, WV
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
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.Â
- 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%
$ 7,372
79%
$18,724
- Acceptance Rate
- 96%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,027
- Institution Type
- Public
The Pennsylvania State University
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
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.Â
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%
$15,400
87%
$25,084
- Acceptance Rate
- 92%
- Students Enrolled
- 88,914
- Institution Type
- Public
Youngstown State University
- Youngstown, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
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%
$9,611
77%
$9,971
- Acceptance Rate
- 80%
- Students Enrolled
- 11,040
- Institution Type
- Public
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- Edwardsville, IL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:Â
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%
$8,846
72%
$8,846
- Acceptance Rate
- 97%
- Students Enrolled
- 12,045
- Institution Type
- Public
Price Check
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 Degree Level | Length 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.
Focus on Colleges/Universities with Institutional Aid: Many leading online universities consider all incoming bachelor’s in nursing students for institutional scholarships and grants.- Apply 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.
- Ask 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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