Best Online RN Programs
Earning a nursing degree can lead to new and exciting career opportunities. Here, we list the best online RN programs.
February 10, 2022 , Modified on March 21, 2022
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The need for qualified registered nurses (RNs) continues to rise each year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the need for these professionals to grow 9% in 2020-2030. Certain factors, like the aging baby boomer population, may add to this increase.
Many RNs practice with only an associate degree. However, a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) leads to even more opportunities. Thanks to online RN programs, aspiring nurses can pursue their career goals flexibly.
Keep reading to learn about the benefits of earning an online nursing degree, salary potential, and licensure requirements.
Questions About Getting a BSN Degree
What's the difference between an RN and BSN?
BSN refers to an educational degree for nurses, the bachelor of science in nursing. RN refers to a registered nurse with a state-granted license to practice. According to the BLS, most RNs need at least a bachelor's degree to practice.
How many years does it take to get a nursing degree?
An associate degree in nursing requires about two years. A BSN takes around four years to finish.
Can you be an RN without a bachelor's degree?
RNs need at least an associate degree. RNs with a bachelor's degree enjoy a competitive edge and often earn more money.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Nursing Programs
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Why Get a BSN Degree Online?
All RNs need a degree to practice. Some employers, such as hospitals, may require job candidates to hold a bachelor's degree. In addition, RNs earn more money than LPNs according to the BLS.
Earning a BSN degree online comes with extra benefits. Online BSN degree-seekers often save money on commuting costs and tuition. Distance learners also experience more flexibility. Students in asynchronous classes watch lectures and write on discussion boards at their convenience. However, online students must be strong independent learners to succeed in asynchronous classes.
Online learners wanting more accountability can apply for synchronous online RN programs. This option lets students attend live virtual classes and ask questions in real time.
How Much Does an RN Program Cost?
The exact price for an RN program varies. Fortunately, online RN programs often cost less than in-person programs. Some schools even charge rates similar to in-state tuition for virtual learners.
The National Center for Education Statistics collects data on tuition costs. For the 2019-20 school year, undergraduate tuition at two-year schools averaged $11,391. Learners at four-year institutions spent an average of $28,775.
This data does not include living expenses, like room and board. College students pursuing a BSN degree online often live at home and save on these costs.
Additional Online Student Fees
Besides tuition, learners need to budget for other fees. Online RN programs usually feature a fee for an online classroom platform. Distance learners also need to pay for high-speed internet and a reliable computer. Some online programs require additional software.
Books are another expense for online learners. Purchasing used, renting, or opting for virtual copies saves money.
Most schools charge a graduation fee to participate in a ceremony. Learners may need to budget for a cap and gown. Degree-holders need to pay for their registered nursing license. State nursing boards require the Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, which costs $200. Renewal also costs a small fee.
How Much Do RNs Make?
The BLS reports that RNs earn a $75,330 median yearly income. However, an RN's location impacts salary. RNs in California earn a $120,560 median annual income, while Floridian RNs earn just $69,510.
Education level also affects earning potential. According to Dec. 2021 Payscale data, associate degree-holding RNs earn an average income of $72,000. During the same time, the site reported an $88,000 average income for those with a bachelor's.
Lastly, years of experience influences pay. An entry-level nurse typically earns less than one with 20 years of experience.
Courses in an RN Program
During their studies, nursing students learn the importance of providing quality care. They discover how to create a comfortable atmosphere for patients and help them meet their daily needs.
Online RN program curricula cover hard skills and soft skills. Aspiring nurses learn how to communicate with patients and their families effectively. In clinical rotations, students practice administering medicine, transporting patients, and monitoring symptoms at local healthcare facilities.
In this section, we highlight three common classes for BSN degrees. Keep in mind not every program offers these exact courses. Think of this list as a sample curriculum.
Nursing foundations covers the basics of the nursing profession. Students learn common job responsibilities. Participants discuss how care needs vary across the lifespan, and they get introduced to specializations. This class provides a preview for topics covered more in-depth in later courses.Nursing Foundations
Students enrolled in pharmacology learn how to safely administer medications. They build their calculation skills for dosages. The class covers how medicines interact with one another and the result of miscalculations. Learners discover the names of common medications.Pharmacology
An ethics course teaches the importance of patient privacy and rights. Learners read through case studies about ethical nursing dilemmas. The class covers current laws that impact the profession. Students engage in classroom discussions about the ethical implications presented. Upon completion, learners possess a framework for evaluating ethical best practices.Ethics in the Nursing Profession
How to Become a Registered Nurse
Becoming an RN begins with earning a nursing degree. An associate degree can take as few as 16 months to finish. A bachelor's degree takes about four years. Many employers prefer to hire RNs with a bachelor's degree. However, associate degree-holders still qualify for the licensing exam.
In online RN programs, aspiring nurses complete traditional coursework. They listen to lectures, write essays, and take multiple-choice tests. Each core nursing course typically features a clinical component, which allows students to get supervised hands-on training.
RN students need 400 clinical hours to take the NCLEX exam. During their studies, learners should prepare for the NCLEX exam. In the next section, we discuss the licensing exam more in-depth.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online RN Programs
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Licensure for Nursing Students
U.S. state nursing boards require passing the NCLEX exam for licensure. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the test. The exam includes anywhere from 75-265 questions. Test takers get up to six hours to finish the exam. The test ends once the candidate completes 75 questions and demonstrates nursing competence. Or, the exam ends once they complete 75 questions that fail to demonstrate competence.
The exam focuses on four main nursing areas. These areas include providing a safe and effective care environment, health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and physiological integrity.
Thanks to the Nurse Licensure Compact, RNs can practice in multiple states with one license. Currently, 39 states participate in this compact. Certain states may require more clinical hours or education qualifications for nurses switching states. RNs must commit to lifelong learning. State nursing boards set continuing education requirements.
Best Online RN Programs
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North Central Missouri CollegeLocation
Trenton, MO
Tuition$8131
Graduation Rate45%
Located in Trenton, NCMC offers a nine-month online RN program designed to provide a path for certified nurses to earn an associate degree in nursing (ADN). Students must travel to campus two to three times during the program.
Nursing course requirements include adult nursing, pharmacology, mental health nursing, and leadership in nursing. The program also requires general education courses to finish the associate degree. Required on-campus visits include skills checks and a simulation lab.
Applicants must provide evidence of graduation from a state-approved LPN program with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to qualify for admission. The program requires the TEAS entrance exam, and students must hold unencumbered licensure with IV certification.
NCMC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
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Allegany College of MarylandLocation
Cumberland, MD
Tuition$9509
Graduation Rate22%
Based in Cumberland, ACM offers an online associate of science in nursing for students interested in becoming registered nurses.
Students earn a certified nursing assistant or geriatric nursing assistant distinction after the first semester of study. The first year of study plus a five-week summer term awards students LPN licensure upon successfully completing the NCLEX-PN. In the second year, students finish general education requirements and clinicals required to graduate with an associate degree and sit for exams to become a registered nurse. Students spend over 1,400 hours in a clinical setting by the end of the program.
Applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a grade of "C" or better in all science courses to qualify for admission. Students must complete prerequisites before beginning nursing courses. The school strongly prefers applicants to finish general education courses before starting nursing courses as well.
ACM is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
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Minnesota West Community and Technical CollegeLocation
Granite Falls, MN
Tuition$10068
Graduation Rate46%
Located in Worthington, MWCTC offers an online associate of science in nursing. Current LPNs can finish coursework online to complete the program.
Nursing courses include pharmacology, principles of professional nursing, health promotion and role of the professional nurse, and family-centered care. Students must also complete general education courses and electives. Learners must prepare to travel to assigned clinical sites within southwest Minnesota whether part of the on-campus or online cohort. The clinical requirement provides critical hands-on experience in direct patient care.
Students need LPN licensure by August 1 before their desired program start date. The program requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 in prerequisite courses and a minimum decision score of 80 on the NACE 1 foundations exam.
MWCTC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
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Northwest Technical CollegeLocation
Bemidji, MN
Tuition$11348
Graduation Rate42%
Located in Bemidji, Minnesota, NTC offers an online and hybrid delivery associate of nursing. Students complete the majority of coursework online, with a few on-campus requirements for skills assessment and labs.
In addition to any general education requirements, students must take nursing core coursework. Notable courses include maternal-newborn nursing, foundation nursing skills, psychosocial nursing, and bioethical issues in contemporary society. Students complete required clinicals on campus to gain hands-on experience and participate in simulations for practice delivering care. Students who graduate can sit for the state registered nurse licensing exam.
Applicants must take the ACCUPLACER general education placement exam and pass the TEAS exam with a minimum score of 64. The program requires students to possess a "C" or better in all prerequisite courses and an overall GPA of 2.76 to qualify for admission.
NTC is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
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Excelsior CollegeLocation
Albany, NY
Located in Albany, New York, Excelsior offers a competency-based associate in applied science in nursing that allows students to transfer in up to 31 eligible credits.
The program includes general education requirements for completing the associate degree, but students also take nursing-specific core coursework. Notable courses include transition to the professional nurse role, essentials of nursing care and safety, health differences across the lifespan, and reproductive health. Students take clinical practicums to gain real experience delivering direct care to patients and travel to the assigned clinical site to complete the requirements.
Applicants must reside in one of 17 reciprocal states to apply for the program. The program requires students to possess an LPN license, employment in a healthcare setting, and at least 200 hours of direct work experience. Students must also complete the TEAS exam to qualify for admission.
Excelsior is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The school also boasts programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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School Reviews from Nursing & Healthcare Students
We believe the best people to share about online learning experiences are students who have really done it, which is why we surveyed 600 unique students. Filter to find a student like you or sort to read the good, the bad, and everything in between. By leaving a review, students were entered to win a sweepstakes.
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Topic
* means this student may have had to visit the campus a few times a year for their program.
- Age 37
- Medical Coding
- UCF
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"I want to grow in my company."
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 29
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- University of Wyoming
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What did you like most about your online college experience?
"Flexibility of doing school at whatever time of day worked best for me"
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Age 30
- Bachelor of Science - Health Administration
- University of Phoenix
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"My daughter was able to see her mother get a degree."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 36
- Medical Lab Science
- CNM
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"More flexible and costs less"
- Financial assitance
- Has support system
- Age 59
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Chamberlain University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"In case my employer requires nurses to hold a BSN in the future"
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Age 21
- Healthcare
- McHenry County College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"Made me realize that I should take time for personal happiness."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 28
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration
- Grand Canyon University Online
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Because I couldn't keep traveling to school, and I needed to work in order to finish school"
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Age 51
- Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN
- Spring Arbor University
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Convenience, flexible schedule"
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 27
- Bachelor's in Nursing
- University of Phoenix
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"To further my career"
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 37
- Associate in Medical Coding
- Mid State Technical college
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"To have a degree for my line of work, as I didn't use my BS"
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 52
- Associate in Medical Coding and Auditing
- Three Rivers Community College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"The ability to complete work on my schedule"
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 67
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Owens College and Bowling Green State University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"It's allowing me the chance to be in the career I've always wanted to be in."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Age 21
- BS in Medical Assisting
- Monroe Community College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What advice would you give to a student looking to enroll in an online program?
"Go for it! But at a community college"
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 52
- Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration
- Upper Iowa University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"I got a promotion at work. I achieved a personal dream and goal."
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 63
- Master of Science in Nursing
- WGU
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"I have job security. A master's was required in my job."
- First generation student
- Has support system
- Age 46
- Associate in Medical Billing and Coding
- Bryant and Stratton College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"My income is higher and my education is bigger."
- Financial assitance
- Age 26
- Nursing Administration
- Chamberlain
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"I am able to advance my career and make more money."
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 29
- Medical Billing and Office Administration
- Martinsburg College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What advice would you give to a student looking to enroll in an online program?
"Don't do medical billing online; it isn't worth it."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Age 59
- Master of Science in Nursing Education
- Benedictine University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"Time management was an issue at times and feeling like I was as alone in my class work. Also, having instructors who were not really involved in the class and gave only minimal feedback to students work and participation."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Has support system
- Age 32
- RN-to-BSN
- Houston Baptist University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Worked better with my work schedule, and I had to work to maintain my license"
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 28
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Phoenix
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
How has completing an online degree changed your life?
"It has given me more opportunities for jobs in my rural area."
- First generation student
- Age 36
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Tarrant County College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"Not being able to get immediate responses to questions"
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 44
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Brigham Young University-Idaho
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"More conducive to working full time while doing school."
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 26
- Nursing
- Daytona State College
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
What advice would you give to a student looking to enroll in an online program?
"Stay focused; be consistent and you'll be there!"
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Has support system
- Age 28
- Nursing
- Online School
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
What did you like most about your online college experience?
"Flexibility"
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 35
- Medical Billing and coding Sociology
- Calhoun Community College
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"I have seizures and am unable to go to a classroom. The program keeps me busy."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 30
- Associate Medical Billing
- Liberty
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"Having time to do work in school"
- First generation student
- Has support system
- Age 36
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
- Widener University in Chester pa
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Ability to work full time and complete coursework when schedule allowed"
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 30
- Nursing
- University of Mary
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
What did you like most about your online college experience?
"Freedom"
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 39
- Master of Nursing
- Capella University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"Mainly financial challenges, but also practicum requirements. I was on my own to find placement."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 35
- Master of Science in Nursing - Family Practice Nurse Practitioner
- Ohio University
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Managing work and family - I would not have had the time to attend in person classes"
- Financial assitance
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 34
- Technical Certificate in Medical Assisting with a Concentration in Phlebotomy
- Ivy Tech Community college
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"Being able to maintain a GPA of 3.6 while not missing any school"
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 31
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Capella University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"Scheduling time to do schoolwork with other things going on."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 36
- Bachelorof Science - Healthcare Administration
- University of Phoenix
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"There was no hands-on experience."
- Financial assitance
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Age 38
- Medical Billing
- Study USA
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
What were the challenges of getting your degree online?
"complete the hours on internet"
- First generation student
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 35
- Master's in Healthcare
- Golden Gate University
- Online
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"I love learning online"
- Works in field of study
- Has support system
- Age 29
- Bachelor of Science - Healthcare Administration
- University of Cincinnati
- Online *
Experience
Value
Affordability
Why did you decide to enroll in an online degree or certification program?
"Easier to do while working full time"
- Has support system
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