Online Nursing Schools: Inside Top RN Programs and More

How They Work: Online RN Degree Profiles

Online Registered Nursing (RN) programs combine the flexibility of distance learning with classroom work and hands-on clinicals. Many of the more academically-oriented courses take place online, while group and/or patient-centered activities occur at medical facilities. This combination makes online RN programs “hybrid” or “blended” in nature. While some post-licensure programs can be taken fully online, nearly all pre-licensure nursing programs with an online component are partially online.

Aspiring registered nurses will have a variety of degree options from which to choose. An associate degree in nursing tends to be the quickest path to the profession, although many RNs decide to begin with a bachelor’s degree. Many healthcare facilities often require RNs to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in order to gain employment. Online RN programs have become increasingly popular over the past decade, with schools across the country offering them. This includes online ADN programs (2 years) and online BSN programs (4 years). Accelerated programs for certain types of nurses may exist, as well.

Explore More Types of Online Nursing Degrees

• Online MSN Programs
• Online BSN Programs
• Accelerated Online BSN Programs
• Online PhD Nursing Programs
• Online LPN-to-RN Programs
• Online RN-to-BSN Programs
• Online CRNA Programs
• Online CNS Programs
• Nurse’s Guide to Online Bridge Programs
• Most Affordable Online Nursing Programs

Find Online Nursing Programs in Your State

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Answers to Common RN Student Questions

At any degree level, nursing school is a big complex commitment. Therefore, like most prospective nursing students you might have some questions about the legitimacy on online nursing programs, certification requirements, the job outlook, and the demands of nursing school. Below you’ll find the answers to the most pressing questions students have in regards to their online RN education.

What is the quickest RN program?

The quickest RN program is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). These programs take usually two years to complete and range from $15,000 to $30,000 in price. However, if you are a registered LPN or LVN there are bridge programs that allow you to take the experience you have to earn an RN degree and certification. These programs typically take a year to complete, depending on the amount of experience you have, and cost about $20,000.

Can you take the NCLEX without going to nursing school?

No, you cannot take the NCLEX-RN without going to nursing school. You must complete at least an associate-level nursing program to be considered eligible for the NLCEX-RN certification. Other requirements for the exam include completing clinical hours, having a clear criminal record, and proof of identity. However, there are some nontraditional routes to taking the NCLEX exam. For example, LPN to RN Bridge programs qualify you for the exam even though it is not the traditional educational route. If you are a foreign-trained nurse, you could be eligible for the NCLEX exam without having a U.S. nursing degree, but this will depend on if the Board of Nursing approves your credentials.

What is the most in demand nursing job?

In 2023, the most in demand nursing job was a nurse practitioner. This job has the closest responsibilities to a doctor, including prescribing medication and diagnosing conditions. However, the education required for an NP is a master’s or doctoral degree. Other popular nursing specialties are certified registered nurse anesthetists, who administer anesthesia in collaboration with anesthesiologists, and neonatal nurses.

What is the difference between a two-year RN and a four-year RN?

The difference between a 2-year RN and a 4-year RN is the education level. Two-year RN’s have an associate degree in nursing (ADN) while four-year RN’s have a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN). A BSN provides a more comprehensive education than an ADN, with the BSN requiring students to compel at least 120 credits while AND students must complete at least 60 credits. The most significant difference between the two is the salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, holders of bachelor’s degrees earn a weekly average of over $1,330, while holders of associate’s degrees earn a weekly average of approximately $960. The higher salary also comes with greater job opportunities as nearly 49% of employers require that nurses have a BSN.

Is 63 too old to become a nurse?

No, 63 is not too old to become a nurse. The only age requirement that nursing programs have is that you be at least 18 years of age or older. Plus, the growth of online nursing degrees has made it easier to earn a nursing degree at any life stage because of the flexibility these programs offer.

Nursing Program Cost Comparison: Tuition & Fees

One of the major decisions to make when choosing an online registered nursing program is how much it costs to complete it. The exact cost depends on a variety of factors, such as residency status, program type, and the availability of financial aid. Each program will also have different student fees and housing costs. Before you apply to a program make sure you understand the cost of tuition and the amount of fees that the program will charge.

To help you with your research, we’ve chosen seven sample schools to compare in the table below. We have cut out the cost for room and board to give you the most direct comparison. This will give you an idea of the financial commitment you will have to make for your RN education.

Ranking Today’s Best Online RN Programs

The increasing popularity of online RN programs can make selecting a program overwhelming. How do you know which one is right for you? Which one provides quality and flexibility for a reasonable price? At EduMed, our data scientists evaluate data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U.S. Department of Education, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and universities themselves to rank post-secondary programs of all levels and subjects. Our rankings are here to make your hunt for the right RN program a little less daunting. See if one of these schools could be right for you.

Nursing Certification Requirements

Accreditation confirms a nursing program meets basic education standards, and it’s a sign that the program readies its students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Passing this exam is required to work as a registered nurse in all 50 states.

The NCLEX-RN exam is managed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and administered by Pearson VUE. It uses computerized adaptive testing, which means the test taker completes the exam on a computer, with the computer deciding which questions to provide the test taker based on how they answered the prior question. This means the exam may be different for every person, including the number of questions they must answer. Most test questions are in multiple choice format.

Because there’s so much weight on passing the exam, NCLEX-RN pass rates should be a key component in your nursing program search. Higher pass rates mean that a program’s curriculum is complete and its educators are well-versed in the nursing profession and education standards.

To learn how to pass the NCLEX on your first try, check out our guide on acing the exam.

Salary & Career Outlook for Registered Nurses