Online colleges are excellent options for busy nurses who want to continue their academics without going through the process of attending formal classes.
With online studies, nurses can take their courses at home or wherever they have an internet connection and access course material and lectures from any computer.
Online nursing schools also offer flexible schedules that let scholars study whenever convenient. Furthermore, some courses provide clinical practice or internships through hospitals.
This is for scholars to gain experience and theoretical understanding learned in class.
Top-Rated Online Colleges For Nursing Degrees
Registered nurses (RNs) play an essential role in the healthcare industry. Students in online nursing programs are prepared to enter the field and advance to leadership positions.
Nationally Accredited Online Nursing Programs
Online nursing programs are available from some of the best nursing schools. Nurses can earn their degrees through these flexible programs while maintaining their current employment.
Online programs enable students to enroll in the most affordable school possible without relocating.
ACEN Accredited Nursing Programs Online
- Online CNA Programs
- Fast-Track LPN Programs Online
- Online ADN Programs
- Online ABSN Programs
- Direct Entry MSN Programs Online
- Online NP Programs
- FNP Programs Online
- WHNP Programs Online
- DNP Programs Online
- Online ACNP Programs
- PNP Programs Online
- Online NNP Programs
Our ranking of the best online nursing programs is based on student feedback. Use this ranking to find the company that best fits your requirements and career objectives.
List Of Top Accredited Nursing Schools Online
1. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an online bachelor of science in nursing through its RN-to-BSN program. UCF is located in Orlando.
Students can complete the 30-credit post-licensure program online, with only a minimal requirement for on-campus attendance.
Some subjects covered in this course are public and community nursing programs, health promotion across the lifespan, dimensions of professional practice, and pathophysiology for nursing practice.
Students complete their courses in 3-5 semesters, including any general education core coursework that may be required. During required clinical, students can practice direct patient care in an approved setting close to their residences.
To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.8 and have completed seven of the program’s eight prerequisites.
To be eligible to participate in the online program, all applicants must reside in a state that is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has regionally accredited the University of Central Florida.
2. Florida International University
FIU’s online RN-to-BSN program is located in Miami, and it offers a bachelor of science in nursing. Students can complete online courses with minimal on-campus participation.
Adult physiological nursing, global health care systems, and community health care are just a few subjects students pursue at the university.
Transfer credits from another BSN program are accepted for up to six credits in this program. There are three semesters in the 30-credit curriculum.
Additionally, students are required to meet all of their general education requirements.
Students must complete their clinical rotations at a site designated by the school.
Authorized associate of nursing or nursing diploma programs are required, and a minimum of 60 lower-division transfer credits from an accredited college or university.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) has regionally accredited FIU.
Also, the school is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for its programs.
3. Texas A&M International University
TAMIU, located in Laredo, Texas, offers an online bachelor of science in nursing program for registered nurses. Nurses in Texas can complete the RN-to-BSN program with minimum in-person participation.
The transition to professional nursing, cultural determinants of health behavior, community nursing, and global health nursing are just some topics covered in this course. It’s a well-rounded one.
Mentors in the field guide students through a 126-hour, 35-credit embedded practicum.
To get a bachelor’s degree, students must pass general university prerequisites and a selection of electives. They can complete all of their nursing prerequisites in a year.
Applicants must be Texas registered nurses with a current, unrestricted license to be considered for admission. They must also have a 2.5 GPA. There are no spots for non-Texas residents at this school.
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) has granted regional accreditation to TAMIU.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing has also granted programmatic accreditation to the university.
4. New Mexico State University
NMS U’s online bachelor of science in nursing program is in Las Cruces. Nearby clinics allow students to fulfill their clinical requirements.
The topics covered in the program are the anatomical and physiological foundations of humans for health sciences, the fundamentals of nursing practice, and the care of patients with chronic diseases.
Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology are taught to students. At an approved location, they provide direct care to patients under the supervision of their mentor.
Before applying, students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all prerequisite nursing courses and pass the HESI-A2 admission exam, including biology, chemistry, arithmetic, and English.
Admissions to the program are heavily weighted toward these two criteria.
The Higher Learning Commission has granted regional accreditation to NMSU. Certification from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is also on the school’s resume.
5. The Ohio State University
The RN-to-BSN program at Ohio State University in Columbus offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree online.
For the duration of the program, there are no textbook expenditures due to the utilization of open resources and university-provided materials.
Before commencing the nursing program, students must take five preparatory courses.
In addition to foundations and current topics for registered nurses, cultural competence and healthcare informatics are notable courses in nursing education.
As a further step, students select approved elective nursing courses and complete clinical requirements in an approved site near them or at their workplaces.
An associate degree or a nursing diploma is required, as an active and unencumbered registered nurse license is required. Additionally, students must have a 2.0 GPA to be accepted into the program.
Before beginning the program, students must satisfy all prerequisites.
The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) has granted Ohio State regional accreditation. Accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education is also on the school’s resume.
6. The University of Texas at Austin
U.S. News & World Report rates the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Nursing 13th out of all public nursing schools and 22nd overall in academic excellence.
The MSN program at the university is open to RNs who have completed their training and obtained their license.
Admission to the program’s alternative entry option is open to students with a baccalaureate or master’s degree in a non-nursing discipline.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) students can choose from five concentrations: adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist, primary care pediatric nurse practitioner, psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner, and leadership in diverse settings.
7. Brigham Young University-Provo
Brigham Young University (BYU) has approximately 33,000 undergraduates and graduates as a Mormon institution. Family nurse practitioner concentrations are available at the university’s College of Nursing, founded more than 60 years ago.
Nursing theory and concepts are integrated with clinical experience in the FNP program, which aims to promote evidence-based practice.
A minimum of 54-57 credits is required for the curriculum, plus six credits for a clinical project or a thesis based on original research. Students must travel across the state to complete clinical and internship requirements.
The program boasts a 100% job placement rate for its graduates.
8. Ohio State University-Main Campus
More than 65,000 students attend Ohio State’s main campus in Columbus and regional campuses online.
An online RN-to-BSN program for RNs who have completed an associate degree or diploma in nursing is available through the university’s School of Nursing.
The total tuition costs and completion times can vary depending on the number of transferable general education credits and the student’s enrollment status.
Open access and university-provided resources like free online textbooks are two ways Ohio State University makes higher education more accessible.
Ohio residents pay the same tuition rate as out-of-state students as well.
9. University of California-Davis
An integrated healthcare system includes UC Davis Health’s medical school, a 619-bed hospital, and a medical group, including the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.
Rural and underserved communities are the focus of the MS in nursing science and healthcare leadership – family nurse practitioner program.
For the program’s first year, students must attend day classes four days a week for 24 months.
Second-year students attend on-campus classes one week a month and participate in assigned clinical settings each term in their second year.
Non-nursing degree holders can apply to the nursing school’s master’s entry program.
10. University of Florida
This Gainesville-based public research university is one of the nation’s top public research institutions.
The nursing college at the University of Florida (UF) was established in 1956 and offered bachelor’s and doctoral degree programs.
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program attracts more than 700 students from various backgrounds.
Clinical rotations occur in various clinical settings, from hospitals to community health agencies to clinics to private homes.
Nurses who complete a traditional BSN program are prepared to work in various settings and assist patients of all ages. Non-nursing degree holders who want to pursue a career in nursing can take advantage of the accelerated BSN track.
11. University of Washington-Seattle Campus
The University of Washington (UW) is the state’s most prestigious public research university, with six other schools under its umbrella.
As the first university-affiliated nursing school on the West Coast, it also offers a bachelor’s degree in nursing, the second in the nation.
The two-year nursing program has 91 total credit hours, designed to teach students the fundamentals of nursing.
Students are officially admitted to the BSN program after completing 90 quarter credits of general education, humanities, and science courses or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
Students can practice their nursing skills before clinical in the school’s learning lab.
More than 700 community partner sites, including the University of Washington Medical Center and the Seattle Children’s Hospital, are part of the BSN curriculum.
Each student must complete at least 1,000 hours of clinical experience.
12. San Diego State University
Nearly 34,000 students are enrolled at SDSU, one of 23 California State University campuses. A master’s degree in nursing has been offered since 1982 at the School of Nursing, founded in 1903.
It is possible to complete the 36-unit program on a full- or part-time basis.
Graduates can choose between two distinct areas of advanced practice nursing with this degree.
Gerontology primary care nurse practitioner (GPCNP) and acute/critical care clinical nurse specialist (CNS) certifications are taught in the advanced practice nursing of the elderly track.
Candidates seeking administrative positions in healthcare organizations will benefit significantly from the option of nursing leadership in healthcare systems.
13. Auburn University
More than 30,737 students are enrolled at Auburn University in Alabama, with 15 schools and colleges.
The institution’s School of Nursing offers an on-campus track for pre-nursing or transfer students and an online path for those with an ADN.
In the fall of their sophomore year, most pre-nursing and transfer students apply for admission to the upper-division Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
The professional nursing curriculum requires five terms: academic study, laboratory training, and clinical experience. Graduates of this program will be well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
AFTER THREE SEMESTERS, online BSN to RN conversion is available to ADN holders with valid RN licenses.
This program, which you can complete in as little as 12 months, includes 31 credits and a minimum of 76 clinical hours.
14. University of Florida-Online
Over 4,000 students from 12 colleges and universities can choose from over 200 degree and certificate programs via UF Online.
An RN-to-BSN degree program offered online by the College of Nursing, one of the nation’s top nursing schools, is aimed at working RNs who find it difficult to attend classes on campus.
Students can take up to two online courses each semester as part of this 60-credit, part-time BSN program.
Distance learners benefit from a wide range of resources, such as library services, career planning and placement, and individual advising, while taking the same courses as traditional BSN students.
15. Appalachian State University
There are over 150 courses offered by Appalachian State University, a free public institution. Over 20,000 students have signed up, and the alum network has over 134,000 members.
The university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree can be completed online by RNs in one year, with no campus visits required.
Nontraditional clinical courses include class projects and research as part of the 30-credit program.
An accredited associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), official transcripts, and a current RN license are required for entry. In addition, applicants must have a 2.5 GPA and a criminal background check.
16. University of Virginia
The School of Nursing at UVA, one of the nation’s top five public universities, is one of the university’s 12 schools.
For those with an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN), the university offers a 30-credit RN-to-BSN program. Students can complete their degrees in two years.
While most of the coursework for distance learners is completed online, there are also monthly in-person classes.
The pathophysiology and introduction to healthcare statistics courses cover preparation for the baccalaureate degree in nursing.
A minimum 2.0 GPA, a current RN license, official transcripts, and one letter of recommendation are all required for admission into the program.
There are satellite campuses in Richmond and Fairfax in addition to Charlottesville. Transfer students and non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders are welcome to apply.
17. Stony Brook University
Over 100 master’s programs are available at Stony Brook University, both in-person and via the Internet.
Stony Brook, University offers an online master’s degree program in nursing leadership for registered nurses (RNs) who want to continue working full-time.
On-site immersions are part of this 36-credit program’s blended model. For nurse leaders, courses cover both clinical and business aspects.
At the end of the program, students must submit a clinical practice portfolio. A bachelor’s degree in nursing, an RN license, and a 3.0 GPA are all required for prospective distance learners.
Students are also required to carry malpractice coverage.
18. The University of West Florida
Student-centered learning, inclusivity, and innovation are at the heart of UWF’s mission. More than 70-degree programs are available to students at the Pensacola-based university, both on-campus and online.
For example, registered nurses (RNs) may enroll in the school’s online RN to BSN degree program.
Without attending any classes on campus, students can earn their nursing degree in just one year through an online program.
To graduate, candidates must complete 124 credits, including 21 prerequisite credits, 32 major credits, and 16 elective credits.
UFW will credit you for prior learning that meets the university’s requirements. Online tutoring, a writing lab, and digital databases are just some resources for distance learners.
19. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana-based Indiana State University, is a public university. Distance learning programs have been available since 1969 when it was founded.
DegreeLink is the platform that the university uses to deliver its online courses. Students can transfer credits from other regionally accredited institutions and finish their bachelor’s degree in a distance-learning format.
ISU offers two online nursing degrees: the licensed practical nurse to bachelor’s (LPN to BS) degree and the registered nurse degree to bachelor’s degree (RN to BS).
The university and Ivy Tech Community College have teamed up to offer the LPN to BS degree.
Licensed practical nurses who have valid licenses are eligible for the program. Students can use both institutions’ online offerings and transfer their previous college credits.
General education courses, nursing prerequisites, and bachelor’s degree-level nursing courses are all required for the program.
This curriculum includes classes in mental illness, adult care, and transitioning from LPN to BSN.
Registered nurses can use the RN to BS program to further their education. Students can earn up to 10 credit hours through a professional portfolio assessment as part of the program.
Transfer coursework can also be counted toward a student’s overall grade.
The required nursing courses include transition to professional nursing practice, reflective nursing practice, research for nursing, and nursing care of families under stress.
20. Drexel University
Pennsylvania’s Drexel University is a non-profit private research university based in Philadelphia.
The school was founded in 1891 by Anthony J. Drexel. Online courses were first offered at Drexel University in 1996, and the university’s wireless campus was completed in 2000.
More than a hundred bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs are available online. Additionally, it provides online certificate programs.
Since 1997, the university has been providing online nursing degrees.
The College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University offers online nursing degree programs. This prestigious online nursing school serves more than 1,500 students.
US News and World Report ranked it as one of America’s top 10 most extensive online master’s degree programs in nursing. Programs include BSN to MSN, Master’s in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
In the post-baccalaureate certificate programs, students learn about nursing education, faculty, and advanced nursing practice innovation and entrepreneurship.
Nursing education and faculty, adult psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult family nurse practitioner, pediatric nurse practitioner, nursing innovation, and intra/entrepreneurship in advanced practice are all available as post-certificate master’s programs for advanced practice nurses.
Students can start nursing programs at any time of the year, and you can complete the courses in as little as ten weeks.
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools regionally accredits Drexel University. The Commission also accredits the online nursing programs on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Conclusion On The Best Online Nursing Schools
Choosing the right nursing school and degree program when you want to become a registered nurse (RN) is essential. Finding the best nursing school can be challenging when you have many choices.
Above, you’ll learn about the best nursing schools in the United States, how to research, identify the qualities that matter most to you, and pick the right programs.
