Top 10 Part-Time Nursing Degree Programs 2025

Aspiring and active registered nurses (RNs) often want to pursue a nursing degree to start or advance their careers; however, many can't fit a full-time program into their personal or work schedule. Fortunately, schools nationwide offer part-time nursing programs for busy students. Keep reading to learn where to find these and other flexible degrees.

Can You Earn a Nursing Degree Part-Time?

Yes, it's possible to enroll in nursing programs part-time. Some institutions offer standalone part-time nursing degrees, and others provide part-time and full-time enrollment options. If you're looking for programs with even greater flexibility, consider schools with self-paced options that enable learners to study at a speed that best aligns with their schedule.

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time Nursing Degree?

The timeframe to complete a part-time nursing degree varies by program. Your course load also matters. If students need two years to complete a program with a full course load, learners taking half the courses each semester might need four years to finish.

Do you want to earn your degree faster? Consider part-time accelerated nursing programs with shorter course terms. Also, look for degrees with generous transfer credit policies.

How Do Part-Time Nursing School Programs Work?

Students enrolled in nursing part-time programs generally take on a smaller course load each semester, granting them more time to progress through their studies. Some nursing schools accommodate working students by delivering classes in the evening or on the weekends. You might also find programs that offer coursework online in an asynchronous or self-paced format with no set schedules or deadlines for greater flexibility.

Best Part-Time Nursing School Degree Programs

Are you ready to begin or advance your nursing career? Explore the list below to find accredited part-time nursing programs near you.

1. Bellevue College

Students interested in part-time ADN nursing programs can pursue Bellevue College's Associate Degree in Nursing. In this program, coursework explores nursing fundamentals, population health, ethics in healthcare, and more.

Learners can enroll in a three-year, part-time option that requires six credits per quarter to start and 12 credits per quarter late in the program. Clinical hours vary.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,295 to $3,700 per year (in-state); $5,721 to $9,516 per year (out-of-state)
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

2. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can choose from several part-time online nursing programs, including the RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which provides part-time and full-time options. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), this degree consists of short, eight-week courses that explore nursing management, post-licensure population health, and more. To accelerate learning, students can transfer up to 75% of their degree total.

• Estimated tuition cost: $330 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies based on transfer credits
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Colorado Christian University

Colorado Christian University's RN to BSN is a 120-credit program enabling part-time and full-time learners to transfer up to 90 credits. Coursework is offered 100% online, and clinical hours are completed in each student's geographic area.

Learners in this RN to BSN program interested in earning a master's degree can take advantage of the opportunity to apply some of their credits toward CCU's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program before enrolling.

• Estimated tuition cost: $331 per credit hour
• Program length: Varies based on transfer credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Nursing is home to a competency-based RN to BSN program offered through the UW Flexible Option. This learning format enables enrollees to choose their schedule, budget, and learning pace.

Students complete coursework exploring chronic care management, evidence-based practice, and health assessment 100% online with no live class times. To earn this degree, learners must also complete a capstone practicum.

• Estimated tuition cost: About $1,125 per course
• Program length: Self-paced
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Excelsior University

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in nursing at Excelsior University is an RN degree designed for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), paramedics, and certain military personnel. The program consists of eight-week fully online courses focused on nursing care, ethics, reproductive health, and more. Competency-driven learning allows students to complete coursework at their own pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $550 per credit
• Program length: Two years
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Maryville University

At Maryville University, working adults interested in part-time BSN nursing programs can pursue the school's seven-semester, on-campus evening and weekend degree. Courses learners might explore include health assessment, pathophysiology in nursing practice, and health promotion.

This program is open to students with at least 63 credits of general education requirements and a minimum 3.0 cumulative and nursing core GPA.

• Estimated tuition cost: $781 per credit hour
• Program length: Seven semesters
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Rush University

Rush University offers the Generalist Entry Master's (GEM) Clinical Nurse Leader hybrid program for non-nursing majors. Students can choose from full-time and part-time enrollment options; part-time learners complete their studies in three years.

In addition to traditional coursework, enrollees gain hands-on experience in the school's Nursing Learning Lab and Simulation Center. Upon completion, students secure RN licensure and clinical nurse leader certification.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,131 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Saint Louis University

The MSN clinical nurse leader program at Saint Louis University is a part-time online degree designed for completion in as few as five semesters. Accredited by the CCNE, this program focuses on health promotion, informatics, and ethics in nursing and includes a clinical leadership practicum.

To enroll, students need an unencumbered RN license and official transcripts from previous institutions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,400 per credit hour
• Program length: As few as five semesters
• Accreditation: HLC

9. University of Rochester

The University of Rochester's accelerated BSN (ABSN) is designed for students with non-nursing bachelor's degrees interested in becoming RNs. This part-time program offers a combination of online coursework and on-site clinical experience.

Alongside 49 nursing credits, enrollees complete 90 lab/skills hours and more than 650 clinical hours over six consecutive semesters, or 24 months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,740 per credit hour
• Program length: 24 months
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Vanderbilt University

In the MSN at Vanderbilt University, enrollees can choose from part-time and full-time enrollment options as they pursue one of 13 specialties for nurse practitioners, nurse-midwives, and nurse informaticists. Depending on the selected program, learners can complete their program in a hybrid or 100% online format.

Advanced practice and nursing informatics specialties require seven to nine semesters to finish if enrolled part-time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,057 per credit hour
• Program length: Seven to nine semesters part-time (select specialties)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this ranking to verify each meets the following criteria:

• Accreditation: The schools above are accredited by nationally recognized organizations, such as the SACSCOC.
• Program flexibility: We picked institutions with part-time enrollment, self-paced learning, and other flexible options.
• Program reputation: These schools are recognized for delivering quality programs from reputable faculty members.

FAQs About Part-Time Nursing Degrees

Are you ready to enroll in a part-time nursing school near you? Review the frequently asked questions below before getting started.

How Much Does a Part-Time Nursing Degree Cost?

Part-time nursing degrees range in cost depending on the school and program; however, you can find affordable programs with tuition rates lower than $400 per credit hour.

What Careers Can I Pursue With a Part-Time Nursing Degree?

Depending on the degree level, part-time nursing degrees lead to job opportunities that include:

• registered nurse
• school nurse
• nurse practitioner
• nurse educator
• nursing director

What Is the Shortest Program To Become a Nurse?

The ABSN, which can be completed in less than one year full-time, is generally the shortest program for students interested in becoming RNs.

Is Part-Time Nursing Worth It?

Yes, earning a nursing degree part-time is worth it. These programs offer flexible scheduling while providing the same quality academic experiences as full-time programs.

How Long Does a Part-Time Nursing Degree Take?

The timeframe to complete nursing school part-time varies based on factors like course load, transfer credits, and accelerated course options; however, many programs last two to four years.

Discover Flexible Degree Programs

Begin your journey toward a rewarding nursing career by exploring the accredited degree programs on Learn.org. Contact schools directly to learn how they can help you achieve your goals.