Can I Earn a Nursing Degree Fully Online? Online Nursing Programs

Nursing is a bit different from most other fields when it comes to online education, since patient care is a hands-on skill that state boards of nursing require you to demonstrate in person before you can become licensed. That doesn't mean online nursing education is off the table. For nurses who are already licensed and want to advance their education, a genuinely wide range of online nursing degrees exists, from bachelor's completion programs to advanced graduate degrees.

This article breaks down exactly which nursing degrees can be earned fully online, how those programs work, and what to expect along the way. It also highlights 10 popular schools known for their online nursing programs, so you can start comparing options that fit your career goals.

Can You Earn a Nursing Degree Online?

Yes, but the answer depends on where you are in your nursing career. If you're already a licensed registered nurse (RN), typically through an associate degree, you can complete a bachelor's degree through an RN-to-BSN program entirely online, since you've already fulfilled the hands-on clinical requirements needed for your initial license. Graduate nursing degrees, including the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), are also widely available in fully online formats for licensed RNs, covering everything from nursing leadership and informatics to nurse practitioner and nurse educator tracks.

What you can't do is become a brand-new RN entirely online. Pre-licensure nursing programs, whether an associate degree or a first-time bachelor's degree, require several hundred hours of supervised, in-person clinical training across specialties like medical-surgical, pediatric, and mental health nursing, since state boards of nursing require this hands-on experience before you're eligible to sit for the NCLEX licensing exam. Some graduate tracks, like nurse practitioner programs, also include a clinical practicum component, though these hours are typically arranged at an approved site near you rather than requiring you to relocate or attend campus classes.

How Do Online Nursing Programs Work?

Online nursing programs deliver coursework through a learning management system, where you complete readings, watch lectures, participate in discussion boards, and submit assignments on your own schedule within weekly deadlines. Most RN-to-BSN and MSN coursework is asynchronous, meaning there are no set class times to log into, though some programs include occasional live sessions for group work or specific course content. Because these programs serve nurses who are already working, course loads are often designed around full-time shift schedules, with flexible submission windows that account for irregular hours.

When a program does include a clinical or practicum component, schools generally coordinate with approved healthcare facilities near your location rather than requiring travel to campus. RN-to-BSN bridge programs typically require a relatively small number of upper-division practicum hours, often in community health or nursing leadership settings, since the bulk of clinical training was already completed during your original RN education. Graduate programs with a clinical component, such as nurse practitioner tracks, involve a more substantial number of supervised hours, and many schools provide dedicated placement support to help students secure a qualifying site.

What Do You Need to Earn a Nursing Degree Online?

Admission requirements vary depending on which type of online nursing degree you're pursuing, but there are a few common threads across most programs. RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing programs typically require an active, unencumbered RN license, along with official transcripts from your previous nursing education and sometimes a minimum GPA. Many schools also ask for proof of malpractice insurance or a background check, particularly for programs that include a clinical or practicum component.

On the technology side, you'll need a reliable computer, dependable high-speed internet, and comfort using a learning management system, video conferencing tools, and basic digital document submission. A few other essentials worth having in place before you start:

• An active, unencumbered RN license in your state or through the Nurse Licensure Compact
• A realistic weekly schedule that accounts for both coursework and your existing clinical shifts
• Proof of immunizations or health clearances, if your program includes a practicum component
• Familiarity with basic computer skills, including file uploads and video calls

Benefits of Earning Your Nursing Degree Online

Online nursing programs offer several advantages that make them especially appealing for working nurses balancing school with a demanding job. Here's what tends to stand out most.

• Flexibility around shift work: Asynchronous coursework lets you study around irregular nursing schedules rather than committing to fixed class times.
• No relocation required: You can enroll in a program based anywhere in the country without leaving your current job or community.
• Career advancement: Programs like RN-to-BSN and MSN degrees can open doors to leadership roles, specialized practice areas, and higher pay.
• Local clinical placement: When a program includes clinical hours, schools generally arrange placements near you rather than requiring relocation.
• Faster completion for experienced nurses: Many programs award significant credit for your existing RN license and prior nursing coursework, shortening your path to a new degree.

Top Online Nursing Degree Programs

The schools below are known for their well-established online nursing programs, offering options across RN-to-BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees for licensed nurses looking to advance their education. Each entry covers what makes the program stand out and the kind of nurse it tends to suit best.

1. Western Governors University

Western Governors University, known as WGU, uses a competency-based model for its nursing programs, letting working RNs progress through coursework as soon as they demonstrate mastery rather than waiting out a fixed term. This structure tends to appeal strongly to experienced nurses who already have relevant knowledge and want to move through material efficiently, and tuition is charged by term rather than by credit hour, which can lower total cost for motivated students. WGU's nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

The university offers RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, and several MSN specializations, including nursing leadership and nursing education, all built for licensed nurses balancing school with full-time work. Each student is paired with a dedicated program mentor who helps set pacing goals and provides consistent support throughout the degree. For self-directed nurses who want control over their pace, WGU is one of the most established options in online nursing education.

2. Walden University

Walden University is one of the largest online nursing education providers in the country, with CCNE-accredited BSN, MSN, post-master's certificate, and DNP programs serving licensed nurses nationwide. Coursework spans specialties including nurse practitioner tracks, nursing informatics, public health nursing, and nursing leadership, giving students a wide range of paths to advance their careers. The university has built out dedicated practicum support services to help students secure and manage clinical placements for programs that require them.

Walden's programs run on flexible term schedules designed for working nurses, and academic advisors work with students throughout their degree to help keep coursework and clinical requirements on track. Because of its size, Walden also offers a broad range of specializations that might not be available at smaller nursing schools. Nurses looking for an established, large-scale online nursing provider often find Walden among the more recognizable options.

3. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is one of the largest dedicated nursing schools in the country, with a fully online RN-to-BSN program and multiple graduate nursing degrees, including MSN and DNP tracks. The school offers multiple start dates throughout the year, which can be useful if your schedule doesn't align with a traditional fall or spring semester, and its programs are accredited by the CCNE. Chamberlain also provides extensive NCLEX and exam preparation resources, which can be a helpful bonus for students pursuing further certifications alongside their degree.

Coursework is built specifically around working nurses, with asynchronous formats and flexible deadlines designed to accommodate shift schedules. Chamberlain's size also means a large alumni network and established relationships with healthcare employers, which can be useful when it comes to career advancement after graduation. For nurses seeking a school with a singular focus on nursing education, Chamberlain stands out from more general online universities.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University's (ASU) Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation brings CCNE accreditation and the resources of one of the largest public universities in the country to its online RN-to-BSN and MSN nursing degrees. Students can choose from a range of MSN specializations, including nursing leadership and healthcare innovation, alongside the standard RN-to-BSN completion track. The university's broader online infrastructure, including academic advising and career services, extends to its nursing students as well.

ASU's nursing programs are taught by faculty who also teach in the university's on-campus programs, keeping academic standards consistent across formats. The school offers multiple start dates throughout the year and accepts substantial transfer credit for previous nursing coursework, which can shorten the path to graduation. For nurses who want the resources of a large research university behind their nursing degree, ASU is a strong option.

5. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington, commonly known as UTA, runs one of the largest online graduate nursing programs in the country, with a particularly strong reputation in its RN-to-MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track. UTA's nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE, and the school offers a wide range of specializations beyond family practice, including adult-gerontology and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner tracks. The sheer volume of graduates from UTA's programs speaks to how established its online nursing infrastructure has become.

Students benefit from dedicated clinical placement support, which matters given how many of UTA's programs include a practicum component. The school also offers competitive, relatively affordable tuition compared to some other large nursing programs, particularly for Texas residents. For nurses considering an advanced practice specialization, UTA's scale and track record make it worth close consideration.

6. University of Florida

The University of Florida's (UF) RN-to-BSN program is delivered 100% online and accredited by the CCNE, with the school accepting up to 60 transfer credits from an associate degree plus additional credit for RN licensure and experience. Coursework is scheduled around evenings, nights, and weekends, reflecting the university's focus on serving working nurses rather than traditional full-time students. The program's relatively small number of required clinical hours are split between virtual simulation and an independent clinical experience arranged near the student's home.

UF Online extends in-state tuition rates to all students regardless of residency, and online students also receive a tuition discount, making the program notably affordable compared to many other options on this list. Academic advising and career services are available specifically for online nursing students, adding a layer of support throughout the program. For RNs focused on value alongside program quality, the University of Florida is a strong contender.

7. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama's RN-to-BSN program is CCNE-accredited and built with working nurses in mind, awarding 40 credit hours upon admission so students can focus on upper-level coursework in areas like informatics, evidence-based practice, and leadership. The program offers rolling admissions and multiple start terms, along with no standardized test requirement, which simplifies the application process considerably. Courses are taught by faculty from the university's Capstone College of Nursing, maintaining consistency with the school's on-campus programs.

Because the program awards substantial credit upfront, many students find they can complete their bachelor's degree in a relatively short timeframe. The university also offers online MSN pathways for RNs looking to continue their education after finishing the BSN. For nurses who want a streamlined, credit-friendly path to a bachelor's degree, the University of Alabama stands out.

8. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN and MSN nursing programs through its College of Nursing, one of the older and more established nursing schools in the country. The RN-to-BSN track is designed to build directly on a student's existing RN license and coursework, while MSN specializations include options in nursing leadership and other advanced practice areas. The university's long history in nursing education translates into a well-developed curriculum and strong ties to regional healthcare employers.

Online students have access to academic advising and career services tailored to nursing students specifically, along with flexible course scheduling designed around clinical shift work. The program's public university tuition rates also tend to be more affordable than many private nursing schools, particularly for Ohio residents. For nurses who want an established, research-backed nursing program, the University of Cincinnati is worth close consideration.

9. Ohio State University

Ohio State University's College of Nursing has built a strong reputation in Ohio's healthcare landscape, and its CCNE-accredited online programs extend that same standard to RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing students studying remotely. The RN-to-BSN program is designed to be completed alongside full-time nursing work, with asynchronous coursework and flexible deadlines built around shift schedules. Graduate offerings include MSN specializations for nurses looking to move into leadership, education, or advanced practice roles.

The university's size brings extensive academic and career support resources to its online nursing students, along with a large alumni network across the healthcare field. Ohio State also maintains strong relationships with hospital systems throughout the region, which can be valuable for clinical placements and post-graduation opportunities. For nurses who want a large, well-resourced public university behind their nursing credential, Ohio State is a solid choice.

10. University of Phoenix

For nurses who want speed and flexibility, University of Phoenix delivers its CCNE-accredited RN-to-BSN program in five-week course blocks with around-the-clock access to coursework and materials. The shorter course format lets students focus on fewer subjects at a time, which many working nurses find more manageable than juggling several courses across a traditional semester. The program's flexible structure and rolling admissions make it a practical option for nurses who want to start relatively quickly.

The university also offers a range of academic support services for online students, including tutoring and academic advising, along with generous transfer credit policies for previous coursework and RN licensure. Tuition tends to run on the more affordable end compared to some other private nursing schools. For nurses who prioritize flexibility and a fast-start timeline, University of Phoenix is a practical option to consider.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Because nursing is a heavily regulated field, we also place particular weight on programmatic accreditation and clinical placement support when evaluating each school.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds CCNE or ACEN accreditation, the two nursing-specific accreditors recognized by state boards of nursing and employers.
• Program variety: Schools offering multiple nursing degree levels and specializations are prioritized, since more options mean more nurses can find a fit within a single program.
• Affordability: Tuition rates, transfer credit policies for RN licensure, and flat-rate pricing structures are weighed alongside overall program quality.
• Clinical and practicum support: Programs that offer dedicated placement assistance for practicum requirements are favored over those that leave students to arrange placements entirely on their own.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

How Much Does an Online Nursing Degree Cost

Online RN-to-BSN programs generally range from about $10,000 to $30,000 in total tuition, with public universities and competency-based schools like WGU often landing on the more affordable end, particularly for students who transfer in significant credit from their associate degree. Private nursing schools and programs with fewer transfer credit allowances tend to run higher, so it's worth comparing total program cost rather than just the per-credit rate.

Online MSN and DNP programs typically cost more, generally ranging from about $20,000 to $60,000 total, depending on the specialization, school, and program length. Nurse practitioner tracks and other clinically intensive specializations tend to sit at the higher end of that range, partly due to the added cost of clinical placement coordination. Comparing total program cost across schools, factoring in how many credits you can transfer in, gives the clearest picture of what you'll actually pay from start to finish.

Financial Aid for Online Nursing Degrees

Online nursing students qualify for many of the same financial aid options available to other students, along with a few resources specifically designed to support the nursing workforce. The options below are worth exploring before you commit to a specific program.

• Federal financial aid: Completing the FAFSA opens the door to federal grants, work-study, and low-interest federal student loans for eligible students.
• Nursing-specific scholarships: Professional nursing associations and individual schools often offer scholarships specifically for RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing students.
• Employer tuition reimbursement: Many healthcare employers offer partial or full tuition reimbursement for nurses pursuing further education, particularly a BSN or MSN.
• Loan forgiveness programs: Federal and state programs, including the NURSE Corps Loan Repayment Program, can help repay nursing student loans in exchange for service in underserved areas.
• Military and veteran benefits: GI Bill benefits and other military education programs can cover some or all tuition costs for eligible service members and veterans.

FAQs About Online Nursing Degrees

These are some of the questions prospective students ask most often when researching online nursing degree options. Use them as a starting point for your own research as you compare schools.

How Long Does It Take to Complete an Online RN to BSN Program?

Most RN-to-BSN programs take between one and two years to complete, though the exact timeline depends heavily on how many credits you're able to transfer in from your associate degree and how many courses you take per term. Competency-based and accelerated programs can sometimes shorten that timeline further for nurses who move quickly through the coursework.

What Is the Difference Between an RN to BSN and RN to MSN Program?

An RN-to-BSN program awards a bachelor's degree and is generally the more common path for nurses looking to qualify for leadership roles or meet a hospital's BSN requirement. An RN-to-MSN program, sometimes called a bridge program, lets qualifying RNs skip a standalone bachelor's degree and move directly into a master's-level curriculum, which can save time and money for nurses who already know they want to pursue an advanced practice or leadership role.

Can You Become a Nurse Practitioner Through a Fully Online Program?

Much of the coursework for a nurse practitioner program can be completed online, but the degree also requires several hundred hours of supervised clinical practice that must happen in person at an approved healthcare site. Most schools help arrange these clinical placements near the student's location, so while the coursework is online, the credential itself still requires meaningful hands-on training.

How Are Clinical Hours Arranged for Online Graduate Nursing Programs?

Schools typically work with students to identify approved clinical sites near their home or workplace, rather than requiring travel to a specific campus location. Some programs offer dedicated placement coordinators who help match students with sites and preceptors, while others expect students to take a more active role in securing their own placement, so it's worth asking about the specific process before enrolling.

Do Employers View Online Nursing Degrees Differently Than On-Campus Degrees?

Most healthcare employers focus on your license, clinical competency, and accredited degree rather than whether your coursework was completed online or on campus. Because RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing programs already assume you're a practicing nurse, employers are generally more interested in your professional experience and credentials than the format of your degree.

Explore Online Nursing Degree Programs

Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about admissions requirements, program formats, and costs. Whether you're ready to complete your BSN or take the next step toward an advanced practice role, online nursing education has made that path more accessible than ever.