Now more than ever, the world needs nurses of all levels. If you're ready to answer the call and become a nurse in the United States, you need to focus on getting the required higher education that will help you thrive while working in healthcare.
So look below for 10 of the best programs for online nursing in the United States, all the steps you need to know to become a nurse, and methods to pay for nursing school in 2024.
United States Online Nursing Degree Programs
From accelerated RN to BSN programs to online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degrees, here are 10 of the best online nursing programs available in the United States.
1. Western Governors University
Western Governors University (WGU) is a private online university that is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
WGU's pre-licensure BSN program has clinical opportunities for online students in Florida, Indiana, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah. Through this program, students can become RNs and get their BSNs in four years.
Unlike many other programs on this list, students don't need to have prior nursing education or licensure to be admitted.
2. North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is a historically black public university in Durham, North Carolina, that's accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
NCCU's online RN to BSN program teaches registered nurses how to lead in their field with compassion and empathy.
Potential careers for graduates from this program include:
- nursing manager
- hospice nurse
- oncology nurse
- nurse case manager
- occupational health nurse
3. University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama (USA) is a public research university in Mobile, AL, that's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
USA's online RN to BSN program is 24 credit hours and is designed for working registered nurses who need flexibility and skills-based learning opportunities in their BSN program. The Professional Component of the program can be completed in two semesters.
Graduates will be prepared to succeed in the dynamic healthcare settings of today's industry.
4. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university in New Hampshire accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and primarily offering online degrees to students across the United States.
SNHU's transfer-friendly online RN to BSN program is designed to grow and evolve with nursing careers so that nursing students are prepared for the challenges of changing technology, regulations, and care implementation strategies.
This university also gives current BSN students the option to take advanced placement courses as part of an RN to MSN pathway.
5. Ohio State University
Ohio State University (OSU) is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio, that's part of the University System of Ohio and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
At OSU, registered nurses can complete their BSN online with the university's 25 credit RN to BSN program. Full-time students can complete the program in 12 months, while part-time students will graduate in 15 months.
While students must have an active RN license and an associate nursing degree or diploma, there are no prerequisite course requirements.
6. Excelsior University
Excelsior University is a private online university in Albany, New York comprised of three schools and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
As a licensed practical nurse (UCF) is a public research university that's part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting your BSN online at UCF means learning about clinical practice, health promotion and maintenance, and leadership roles within the nursing field.
This 120 credit hour program prepares nurses to become leaders and make an impact in the lives of their patients while also giving them the option to pursue graduate education.
8. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rather than working on a BSN first, ASU gives nursing students the option to go straight from an associate program to a master's with its RN to MSN program. This bridge program combines nursing skills with the advanced knowledge a nurse needs to improve a healthcare setting.
In only 13 classes, RNs with an associate degree can get their MSN online.
9. Purdue Global
Purdue Global (PUG) is a public online university that's part of the Purdue Global system. It was created in 2018 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
If you're already a skilled nurse with a bachelor's degree and want to specialize, PUG's MSN program is for you. This two-year online program prepares you for certification exams and advanced nursing roles.
MSN pathways include:
- executive leader concentration
- family nurse practitioner primary care population focus area
- psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner population focus area
- adult-gerontology acute OR primary care nurse practitioner population focus areas
10. Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) is a public research university with campuses and facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania. It's accredited by the Commission on Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Penn State offers the highest nursing education program available online: a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for nurse practitioners. It's designed for BSNs who want to pursue graduate education and advance in their nursing career.
Nurse practitioner specialization options include:
- family/individual across the lifespan nurse practitioner
- adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner
- adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner
- psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner
Steps To Becoming a Nurse in the United States
Assuming you want to become at least a registered nurse, here are the steps to becoming a nurse in the United States:
- Complete an accredited nursing program. You will need either a diploma program, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a BSN degree.
- Study for, take, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for RNs (NCLEX-RN).
- Apply for and get a nursing license in the state you want to practice nursing in. The requirements for licensure can vary by state but usually include completing a program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and submitting a criminal background check. Check with your state's Board of Nursing for more information about nursing licensure requirements by state.
Once you've completed these steps, you're ready to work as a registered nurse in the United States.
How To Pay for Online Nursing School
If you need help paying for online nursing school, you can get a student loan, apply for grants and scholarships or become part of one of the programs that some universities offer to help aspiring nurses afford classes.
To start, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - this will give you access to federal loans, grants, and scholarships.
With the information in the FAFSA, your college can also point you in the direction of local loan and scholarship options. There are also specific scholarships for undergraduate or graduate nurses that you can take advantage of.
Examples of these scholarships include:
- The Healthline and Prevention Institute Stronger Scholarship
- The FNSNA Undergraduate Scholarship
- The Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship from the American Red Cross
- The NURSE Corps Scholarship Program (NCSP)
Types of Nursing Programs in the United States
If you want to pursue online nursing in the United States, there are plenty of options to choose from.
You can choose from accelerated RN to BSN programs, standard and accelerated BSNs, MSN programs, and DNPs, nearly every level of nursing education can be achieved online in the United States. There are even a few hybrid programs for students pursuing ADNs.
What program you go into will depend on what type of nurse you want to become, your prior education, and personal matters like finances. The programs are there, you just have to decide which one to take.
Start Your Nursing Degree Online Today
Now that you know about some of the greatest programs for online nursing in the United States, what types of programs are open to you, and how to pay for your education as part of the steps to becoming a nurse, it's time to pursue your nursing degree of choice.
Begin your nursing education journey today so you can start making a difference tomorrow.
Find the Best Online Nursing Programs in 2024 Near You
- Alabama
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- Delaware
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- Virginia
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- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
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- Washington, D.C.
