Find out where a nursing degree can take you

Nursing Degrees Online

When you want to advance your career, online nursing programs can help you reach your goals and improve your ability to provide quality healthcare.

With a nursing degree, you will become more marketable to employers and build on your leadership, clinical, and humanistic skills. Online nursing programs are affordable and can be fit within your schedule, so you can maintain your full-time career while earning your degree.

Use this guide to find out if earning your nursing degree online is worth it, what areas you can go into after earning your degree, what to look for in a school, high-paying nursing careers, and more.

King University, located in Bristol, Tenn., offers numerous online degrees for adult …

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For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the lib…

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Rivier University provides affordable, career-advancing online degree programs with a…

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The University of West Florida prepares students for success by offering collaborativ…

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Is a Nursing Degree Worth It?

No matter which level of degree you pursue, an online nursing program will open the doors to many opportunities.

Nurses are always in demand. In fact, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 15% through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A career in nursing pays well, too — RNs earn a median salary of $71,730 per year, and higher-level nurses, such as nurse practitioners, make even more.

Online Nursing Programs

Online nursing programs can provide you with the skills you need to succeed in a variety of careers within the field. With affordability and flexibility, earning your nursing degree online allows you to maintain your busy professional schedule.

: With an online Associate Degree in Nursing, you will gain real-world experience and theoretical knowledge that will help you enter the field. An ADN is the most common degree among registered nurses. After you have earned your ADN online, you can take the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam that allows you to start working as a registered nurse.
: By earning your RN to BSN online, you can advance your nursing career through a convenient format. A BSN teaches you nursing theory, management and leadership, and effective decision making, humanistic, and clinical skills. You’ll also gain practical knowledge that you can immediately apply to your career. Some bachelor’s in nursing programs are designed specifically for registered nurses and allow you to transfer in your credits from an associate in nursing.
: An online MSN will open the doors to advanced opportunities within the field. Some MSN degree programs allow you to specialize in a certain area, such as nurse education or nurse practitioner. Designed for working nurses, an online MSN will give you the convenience you need to boost your credentials while maintaining a busy schedule.

RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
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MS in Nursing (MSN-FNP) LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$500: Develop the skills needed to care for patients of all ages and meet the needs of tomorrow’s nurses with UWF’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Learn from experienced educators as you learn how to implement research- and evidence-based practices. This program helps you prepare for national exams, an academic career, or doctoral studies. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
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MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Discover how to contribute to excellence in healthcare and provide quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities throughout the lifespan with Campbellsville University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a track in family nursing practice. The program teaches you how to be an effective, independent practitioner and use evidence-based practice to promote health and manage care for patients and families across the lifespan as you gain 660 clinical hours of experience.
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Nursing Specializations

Advance your career as a nurse in any of these areas.

Nurses with advanced degrees can pursue employment in an administrative or advocacy area. In these careers, you will either supervise other nurses at your facility, teach other nurses, or determine ways to improve healthcare in communities. You may choose to provide care to individuals or communities. They may work with children and families, with expecting mothers, or with those who are serving the country in the U.S. military.

Informatics Nurse
Nurse Advocate
Research Nurse
Legal Nurse Consultant
Nurse Educator
Nurse Manager
Family Nurse
Pediatric Nurse
Obstetrical Nurse
School Nurse
Community Nurse
Long-Term Care
Correctional facility
Medical-surgical
Travel Nurse
Flight Nurse
Ambulatory Nurse
Emergency Nurse

You can also work in a more specialized area such as dermatology, cardiac care, or radiology. These nurses focus on patients with specific illnesses.

Critical Care Nurse
Oncology Nurse
Nurse Midwife
Hospice Nurse
Psychiatric Nurse
Orthopaedic Nurse
Radiology Nurse
Rehabilitation Nurse
Occupational Health Nurse
Substance Abuse
Clinical Nurse
Transplant Nurse
Trauma Nurse
Urology Nurse
Cardiac Care Nurse
Pain Management
Case Management
Forensic Nurse

Explore More Nursing Careers

What to Look for in an Online Nursing School?

As you search for an online nursing school, there are some things you should consider. Find out what the program’s clinical requirements are before applying for admission. Chances are, you will need to complete a practicum at a nearby healthcare facility. Sometimes, you can complete this component through your workplace.

Program Details

Some of the other things you should look for in an online nursing program include:

Affordability
Quality
Flexible schedule
Experienced instructors
Specialization opportunities

Nursing Accreditation

You should also ensure that the online nursing school is accredited. Check to see what the school’s accreditation is, and find out if the nursing program you are interested in is accredited by a nursing accreditation agency. Accreditation is important as it shows that the online degree programs are held to high quality standards. Some of the nursing accreditation bodies include:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation (ACNM)
Commission on the Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA)
National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA)

Common Misconceptions About Online Nursing Degrees

: When you are earning your nursing degree online, you eliminate the need to commute to campus while maintaining your full-time nursing career. Many online nursing programs provide the flexibility to view lectures and complete coursework on your own time.
: Some employers recognize that a nursing degree program leads to more quality care, so they will offer tuition reimbursement. There are also many scholarships, grants, and loan forgiveness programs available to working nurses to help reduce the cost of an online degree even more.
: There are a lot of online nursing programs available that are from accredited schools, and the nursing programs themselves may be additionally recognized by a nursing accreditation organization. Accredited degrees are, in fact, valid, and there are no differences in value between degrees earned online or on campus.

ICU Nurse

How Did an RN-BSN Help Advance Your Nursing Career?

Tatiana earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing online through an RN to BSN program. The flexible format made it so that she didn’t have to sacrifice work and personal commitments.

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: It works much the same as a traditional school as far as classes and assignments. Each course had either required papers to write or [proctored] exams to take. The difference is that there is no “due date” other than finishing by the end of the semester to avoid an incomplete. Additionally, the program I chose is self-paced.
: The benefits were . . . the convenience factor and also being able to save money by completing the program in [one] semester. The challenges I faced were mostly finding a preceptor to oversee my community health clinical hours and some software issues with the exam proctoring service.
: You have to be really motivated and a good independent learner. Yes, there are resources if you don’t understand the material, but it takes extra time and scheduling. It also helps if you’re computer savvy to know how to access and use materials provided. Having social media, also, is beneficial for reaching out to fellow students for support and clarification.
: I would highly recommend researching several programs to find the one that is right for you. There are many programs, and they all have very different costs and requirements. Find out if it is accredited, first and foremost, and ask around for friends/coworkers that went to those schools to get (their) experience.

Where Can an Online Nursing Degree Take You?

You can pursue many rewarding careers after graduating from an online nursing degree program. Here are some of the highest paying and most in-demand careers in the field.

Highest Paying Careers in Nursing

All career information is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job outlook information is for 2016 through 2026.

Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner can serve as a primary or specialty care provider. They examine patients and implement treatment plans, generally for a specific group of people.

Median annual salary: $107,030
Job outlook: 36%
Typical education: Master’s degree

Nurse Midwife

A nurse midwife provides care for women and can serve as a primary care provider to newborns and pregnant and postpartum women. They may deliver babies and provide assistance to surgeons.

Median annual salary: $103,770
Job outlook: 21%
Typical education: Master’s degree

Registered Nurse

Registered nurses handle patient care, as well as educating and providing emotional support to patients and their families.

Median annual salary: $71,730
Job outlook: 15%
Typical education: Bachelor’s degree

Explore Nursing Degrees Online

An online nursing program can help you pursue advanced opportunities within the field, increase your marketability, and increase your salary — all at an affordable price. With the convenience of an online format, you don’t have to put your nursing career on pause to earn your degree.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$465: The online online MSN from Bethel University prepares registered nurses for career advancement as nurse leaders in administration and education roles. It emphasizes evidence-based practice and includes core coursework in information systems, statistical literacy, advanced theory and more. Through a rigorous curriculum focused on effective communication and decision-making, this program promotes excellence in holistic, patient-centered care.
MS – Nursing Management and Quality Leadership LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$700: D’Youville College’s online Master of Science – Nursing programs can prepare you for management roles and train you to become a change agent in your field. Combining a solid theoretical base with extensive practical training, you’ll gain the comprehensive learning experience you need to successfully advance to the next phase of your career. Choose between two concentrations: clinical focus and management and leadership.
MS in Nursing (MSN-FNP) LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$500: Develop the skills needed to care for patients of all ages and meet the needs of tomorrow’s nurses with UWF’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Learn from experienced educators as you learn how to implement research- and evidence-based practices. This program helps you prepare for national exams, an academic career, or doctoral studies. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and nurse executive.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$825: The online Master of Science in Nursing program from Fairleigh Dickinson University offers two concentrations to suit your professional goals: family nurse practitioner and nursing education. Depending on your concentration, the program prepares you to diagnose and treat diverse patients or become an instructor in collegiate nursing programs. Through a state-of-the-art curriculum, you’ll acquire the training you need to effectively work with students, parents, and patients.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$605.00: Advance your career through continued education with King University’s online Master of Science in Nursing program. Choose between two concentrations: nurse educator and administrator. Featuring a cohort model, the program allows you to earn your degree with the same group of peers. The program lets you collaborate on courses and projects and relay real-life work experiences into class discussions for a more interactive academic experience.
MS in Nursing (MSN) LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$630: Move into a leadership or education role with the ACEN-accredited online Master of Science in Nursing program from Rivier University. Choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, nursing education, and health systems management. Prepare to enhance patient care, improve the health outcomes and quality of life for others, and influence the next generation of nurses. The flexible, online format of the programs can be designed around professional and personal schedules.
MS in Nursing (MSN) Education LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$590: Take your nursing career to the next level with Notre Dame College’s online Master of Science in Nursing Education. Designed for working nurses who wish to become instructors in the field, the program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and advocacy. You will gain hands-on experience that can be immediately applied to the real world through a required 120-hour practicum.
MS in Nursing (MSN) with FNP Track LocationCampbellsville, KY Accreditation(s)SACSCOC Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$559: Discover how to contribute to excellence in healthcare and provide quality, evidence-based and holistic primary care to diverse communities throughout the lifespan with Campbellsville University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program with a track in family nursing practice. The program teaches you how to be an effective, independent practitioner and use evidence-based practice to promote health and manage care for patients and families across the lifespan as you gain 660 clinical hours of experience.
RN to BSN LocationBuffalo, NY Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$500: Designed for working nurses who seek to earn their bachelor’s degree, the online RN to BSN program at D’Youville College offers you a convenient and quality pathway toward elevating your career. The comprehensive curriculum teaches leadership skills within a service-oriented environment, and you will study topics such as vulnerable populations, evidence-based practice, and professional issues in nursing.
RN to BSN LocationJacksonville, IL Accreditation(s)HLC Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$375: Illinois College’s fully online RN to BSN program is designed to educate nurses for the needs of the future and covers a host of essential topics for advancing your education, such as bioethics, health policy, nursing research, and disease management. The accelerated program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
RN to BSN LocationBristol, TN Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPresbyterian Cost Per Credit$330: The online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program from King University provides an educational opportunity for current registered nurses who want to further their education and advance their career by earning a bachelor’s degree. The program is designed as a transformational learning experience leading to personal and professional skill development to meet the needs of registered nurses previously prepared at the ADN or diploma level.
RN to BSN LocationSouth Euclid, OH Accreditation(s)HLC Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$240: Build your competency as a medical professional and earn the credential you need to advance in your career with the online RN to BSN program at Notre Dame College. Designed for working nurses, the program increases your capacity to improve patient outcomes, improves your leadership skills, and readies you to become an effective change maker in your organization as you gain practical training in the field.
RN to BSN LocationBaltimore, MD Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$375: Transform your nursing career and earn an in-demand degree with the online RN to BSN degree program from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Gain the skills and knowledge needed to enhance your career opportunities in nursing while fulfilling the educational requirements of many healthcare employers. The program can be completed in as little as 15 months.
RN to BSN LocationPortsmouth, OH Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$278: Led by experienced nurse educators, Shawnee State University’s RN to BSN online program features small class sizes, personalized attention, and dedication to your future success. Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), the accelerated curriculum equips you with the quality education needed to advance your career or pursue graduate studies.
RN to BSN LocationNashua, NH Accreditation(s)NECHE, ACEN Religious AffiliationCatholic Cost Per Credit$360: Advance your nursing career and impact the lives of others with an ACEN-accredited RN to BSN online from Rivier University. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership positions and master’s-level educational opportunities. The program’s flexible, convenient format can be designed around professional and personal schedules. Students with an active RN license will be awarded transfer credit for their experience and can finish the program faster.
RN to BSN LocationLakeland, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious AffiliationPentecostal – Assemblies of God Cost Per Credit$200: Southeastern University’s online RN to BSN program offers working registered nurses the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree without interfering with their busy professional schedules. When you earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing, you expand your knowledge and gain skills that are directly applicable to your nursing career. Become a top nursing professionals who provide the best possible healthcare services and patient care.
RN to BSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$282.13: Gain more skills for career advancement in nursing and increased earning potential with the online RN to BSN from the University of West Florida. Through the program, you will demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession as you advance your knowledge in evidence-based nursing practice, high-quality care, communication, and leadership. The CCNE-accredited program is taught by educators who are highly experienced in a variety of areas in the field, and you will gain their insight into nursing practices and the healthcare system.
RN to BSN LocationAda, OK Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$264.25 In-State, $541.19 Out-of-State: Designed specifically for those who currently hold their RN license, the RN to BSN online program enables nurses to provide safe, quality, patient-centered care in an environment of teamwork and collaboration. You’ll learn evidence-based practice, informatics, successful communication and other skills that will improve your effectiveness as a healthcare professional.
RN to BSN LocationSt. Paul, MN Accreditation(s)HLC, CCNE Religious AffiliationLutheran Cost Per Credit$420: Concordia University, St. Paul’s online RN to BSN program advances the knowledge and skills of nursing professionals through an integration of learning and experience. Using a combination of theoretical inquiry and practical application, you will gain insight into ethics in healthcare, professional and evidence-based practice, interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, leadership, management, care coordination, and community health.
RN to BSN LocationReading, PA Accreditation(s)MSCHE CCNE, CCNE* The RN to BSN Completion Program at Alvernia University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org). Religious AffiliationFranciscan Roman Catholic Cost Per Credit$480: With Alvernia University’s online RN to BSN program, you can earn the credentials you need to pursue broader responsibilities and career opportunities within nursing. The program teaches you advanced nursing skills as you also explore historical and contemporary issues and future trends. Because of the program’s online format, you can earn your degree while maintaining your busy schedule and learn from faculty who are experienced in a variety of clinical practice and professional leadership roles.
RN to BSN LocationMishawaka, IN Accreditation(s)HLC, ACEN Religious AffiliationChristian Cost Per Credit$405: Bethel University’s RN to BSN online program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical training you need to take on more challenging roles in your workplace and advance in your profession. Designed for working professionals, the program’s curriculum trains you in a host of areas required for the modern nurse, such as pharmacology, patient and family centered care, community-based nursing, global health, nursing informatics, and more.
RN to MSN LocationTeaneck, NJ Accreditation(s)MSCHE, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit$725: Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online RN-MSN saves you time and money in earning the credentials you need to be recognized as a nurse leader and qualify for management roles. This program is designed to give registered nurses the opportunity to complete requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree on their way to earning their Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Because we accept 90 associate degree credits, you can fast-track your online RN to MSN and make the most of your previous nursing education. Choose the track that matches your career goals — become a nurse educator, or a family nurse practitioner.
RN to MSN LocationPensacola, FL Accreditation(s)SACSCOC, CCNE Religious Affiliation– Cost Per Credit282.13 and 425: The University of West Florida’s accelerated RN to MSN online program is designed for registered nurses who are ready to continue their education with advanced credentials. It allows you to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on your way to completing your master’s, saving time and money. By completing the BSN program, you will earn 12 credit hours at the undergraduate rate which will be applied toward your Master of Science in Nursing