Nayreth Garcia
Content Writer At Gradehacker
You have always wanted to continue your dream of becoming a nurse, but times, education methods, and styles have changed. Since we all need to adapt to these realities, you decided to begin your research for the best online nursing schools, and that is why you are here.
There is no need to postpone your education by not deciding what college is best for you, so in this article, we’ll offer you a list of the best online nursing schools. This way, you can find the nursing program that best suits your needs.
Here at Gradehacker, we have years of experience assisting all types of non-traditional nursing students with courses, exams, essays, you name it. We know first hand all the information about programs, how they work, and what makes them la crème de la crème.’
Remember that many college programs will allow you to earn your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online, but this does not mean that it’s entirely through a computer since nursing is a hands-on profession. You will probably need to do some hours in a clinic or hospital to gain experience directly with patients.
Since you feel incredibly confident with your decision to become a nurse, your only doubt is: What is the best online nursing school for me?
We did extensive research, and according to their graduation rates, we selected the best nine online nursing schools with no specific order, so you can decide which one will suit you better.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Florida ranks among the top public schools nationwide. They offer an online registered nurse (RN) to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program where you don’t have to assist in person to any of the modules. However, you may care to know that you have to complete 90 clinical hours as a nurse practitioner with your University’s supervision since the intro courses involve the healthcare system, legal and ethical issues in nursing, and professional nursing transformation.

Admission requirements:
Associate degree in nursing (ADN) from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation
- You will need a Florida RN license
- A minimum of 2.8 GPA is required
- A grade of C or higher for all prerequisite courses
According to AffordableColleges.com, the University of Florida is ranked as the most affordable online college, making it a great option. You can check the cost of tuition and how to get financial aid on the school site.
Ohio State University ranks in the top 20 of the nation’s top public schools. This school offers a registered nurse (RN) to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program through the CarmenCanvas learning management system.
With this program, your courses will include coursework in leadership and management and cultural competence in healthcare, plus R.N.s can earn their degree in an estimated time of 12 to 15 months

Admission requirements:
- ADN accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- A minimum 2.0 GPA
- You must have an active R.N. license
- Upload your resume
- A personal statement is required for this program
The Ohio State University offers financial aid and gives you complete information about tuition and fees. That way, you will know everything you need to know.
Appalachian is a public institution located in North Carolina. It offers licensed registered nurses (RNs) who want to pursue a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree online in only one year, without the need to visit the campus since most of the modules use non-traditional clinical approaches with class projects and research.

Admission requirements:
- An associate degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited school
- Official transcripts and a valid R.N. license
- It is necessary to have a 2.5 GPA at minimum
- Criminal background check
They give all the information you need to know about tuition, and if you need any help with financial aid, they have a complete segment on their website for you.
This University ranks in number 4 for the nation’s top five public universities. They offer a registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) program for an associate degree in nursing (ADN) holders.
The time it will take you to earn your online nursing degree is two years. If you are a transfer student or a candidate with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees, you may apply and enjoy the courses.
Admission requirements:
- Unencumbered R.N. license
- ADN and official transcripts
- A minimum 2.0 GPA
- One recommendation letter
You can learn about tuition, and also, if you get accepted, you will receive an email about the School of Nursing and UVA-specific financial aid before you even start.
This is a public school that takes care of academic excellence to create and cultivate conscious leaders. They offer one of the best online nursing programs for registered nurses (RNs) considering getting a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree to improve their careers.
In your coursework, you will learn about life span human development, healthcare, medical ethics, and nursing informatics for R.N.s.

Admission requirements:
- You must have an ADN
- Official transcripts are required
- A valid R.N. license
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
The University of Alabama gives you different options if you need help with financial aid and lets you know everything about their tuition rates.
If you are a registered nurse (RNs) that feels just ready to take another step in your career with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), this school offers you your online degree through the University’s College of Nursing.
Learners can choose from three online course schedule options: Morning, afternoon, and night to graduate in an estimated time of 1 to 2 years.
Admission requirements:
- You need an ADN
- An active R.N. license
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- A personal statement
- Background check
For this online program, you can get all the information you need about tuition and fees if you need a hand with financial aid resources.
Registered nurses (RNs) with a valid Florida license can access one of the best online nursing programs the university system offers. If you have an associate degree (ADN) from an accredited school, then you have the chance to enroll in UCF’s R.N. to bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) bridge program.

Admission requirements:
- You need a minimum 2.8 - 3.0 GPA
- An ADN or ASN from an accredited Florida program
- A valid R.N. license for the RN-to-BSN program
For this online program, you can access more information about tuition and fees, and financial aid.
This University, located in New York City, has more than 100 master’s programs, including in-person and online options. There is an option for registered nurses (RNs) to get their MSN through an online school. The different modules will include coursework in clinical nursing and business skills for nurse leaders. For distance learners, you must submit transcripts and prove one year of nursing experience.
Admission requirements:
- A bachelor of science in nursing is required for application
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
- RN license
- One year of experience
- Official transcripts
Here you can find details on tuition and fees and help if you need financial aid
This school is a great option if you are considering a nursing degree online. You can enroll in U.W. ‘s registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing (RN-to-BSN) online program and earn your degree in 1 to 3 years.
With this program, you will be learning chronic care management, information and health technology, and community health nursing through their courses. As learners, you will have to complete a total of 60 hours of clinical experience.
You must know that you will be able to access coursework through the Canvas online learning management platform, which gives you the possibility to enjoy online tutoring, career services, and technical support.
Admission requirements:
- Associate degree in nursing
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
You will certainly need to check their information about tuition and financial aid to decide if it is a good fit for you!
The online Master’s in Nursing Programs of Rush University ranks number one in the U.S. News and World Report list. This will be a great choice for you whether you are starting nursing or you want to advance in your career. Rush University offers nursing programs at the graduate level giving MSN, DNP, and Ph.D. degrees.

Admission requirements:
- A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited institution
- GPAs of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
- Substantive answers to personal essay questions (included in the Program Materials section of NursingCAS)
- Three professional letters of recommendation. One letter must come from the current supervisor/manager (the person who is responsible for your performance evaluation). The other two letters should come from individuals in leadership positions who can speak to your clinical abilities
- Registered nurse (RN) licensure in the United States
In case you need information about tuition for this college, you can send a form to request more information.
There is an online nursing school perfect for you!
Whether you are a single parent or need to work while you finish your education, do not stop pursuing your dream! Since everything has been changing globally, more and more schools offer online options that will allow learners interested in nursing like you to complete their coursework when and where it works for them.
You can make the change you want to make in your nursing education.
We hope this list helps you find the best school with the program that best suits your needs. You can read more about nursing-related subjects in our following articles:
ADN vs. a BSN Degree: What is The Difference
Nursing School Accreditation – Why it Matters
Accelerated vs. Traditional BSN Programs: Which Is Right for You?
8 Best Scholarships for Nursing Students of All Types
FAQs
What is the fastest program to become an RN? ›
An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
What is the number one best nursing school? ›- Johns Hopkins University.
- Duke University.
- Emory University.
- University of Pennsylvania.
- University of Washington.
- Columbia University.
- Ohio State University.
- University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.
The short answer: yes, you can earn an associate, bachelor's, and even your master's degree in nursing online. The long answer: while you can earn your degree and complete your coursework online, you'll still have to complete in-person clinical hours at a physical location.
What college has the easiest nursing program? ›- Online CCNE-Accredited RN-to-BSN University of Maryland Global Campus. ...
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN Purdue University Global. ...
- B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN) Western Governors University. ...
- BS in Nursing (RN to BSN) Louisiana State University Alexandria.
- Nurse Educator. Average Annual Salary: $62,000. ...
- Nurse Blogger. ...
- Clinic Nurse. ...
- Traveling Nurse. ...
- School Nurse. ...
- Summer Camp Nurse. ...
- Nurse Administrator. ...
- Public Health Nurse.
The easiest role you can have as a nurse is that of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LPNs and LVNs work under registered nurses (RNs), providing basic nursing care.
What is the hardest subject in nursing school? ›- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.
There are countless nursing specialties that one can choose from, especially given the ongoing nursing shortage. But Nurse.org found that nurse educators, home health nurses, nurse managers, OR-perioperative nurses, and pediatric nurses reported the highest levels of job satisfaction.
What is the shortest nursing program? ›Certified Nursing Assistant
A CNA program is a fast-paced program that only takes a couple of months to fully complete. After graduation, students can enter the field right away, assisting nurses with patient work in a wide variety of settings.
Which course is best for nursing? ›
Undoubtedly, if a person wants to make a magnificent career in the sphere of the healthcare industry, then B.sc Nursing course is better than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM). In the matter of career growth, higher studies, and salary the value of B.sc Nursing is more than General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) course.
Can I study nursing for 6 months? ›Six month In-service Certificate programmes/short courses
As an enrolled nurse (EN) or registered nurse (RN), you can develop your career by specialising in one or more fields of health care.
Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search. So, what if you already have a bachelor's degree or non-nursing college credits, but your GPA isn't high enough?
How can I increase my chances of getting into nursing school? ›- Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
- Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
- Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
- Create a Professional Resume. ...
- Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
- Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
- Spend Time with Patients.
- Maine: 1-2 weeks.
- Maryland: 2-3 days.
- Missouri: 2 weeks.
- Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
- North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
- North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
- Texas: 2 weeks.
- Vermont: 3-5 business days.
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000.
- Nursing Administrator – $120,000.
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse – $120,000.
- General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000.
- Critical Care Nurse – $118,000.
- Certified Nurse Midwife – $114,000.
- Informatics Nurse – $102,000.
Licensed Vocational or Practical Nurse
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
- Nurse Educators. ...
- Institutional Nurses. ...
- Research Nurses. ...
- Public Health Nurses. ...
- Occupational Health Nurses. ...
- Case Management Nurses. ...
- Home Health Nurses. ...
- Clinic Nurses.
- Nurse educator. Nurse educators are medical professionals who train nurses and aspiring nurses. ...
- Long-term care nurse. ...
- Nurse administrator. ...
- Clinical research nurse. ...
- School or summer camp nurse. ...
- Clinic nurse. ...
- Nurse informatics. ...
- Lactation consultant nurse.
- Intensive Care Unit nurses (ICU) ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
- Emergency Department nurses. ...
- Neonatal ICU. ...
- OR nursing. ...
- Oncology Nursing. ...
- Psychiatric Nursing.
What type of nursing is the most stressful? ›
The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
How many hours a week should I study in nursing school? ›Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better! What should I know before starting nursing school?
Why do nursing students drop out? ›The most recurrent themes regarding the reasons behind BSN drop-out were: understanding that they were not suited to be nurses, perception of missing/lack of psychological, physical and practical resources needed to successfully cope with both nursing school and the nursing profession, inconsistencies between the image ...
Why is becoming an RN so hard? ›The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
Which year is hard in nursing? ›The hardest year of nursing school is the one you are taking. Every year you are in nursing is “hard”. You will be expected to maintain a B average in every single class you take. You will be expected to never miss a day of class even if class is clinical training and you have to be there at 5 am.
How hard is it to pass nursing? ›Nursing programs have a demanding credit load, and many nursing students stack challenging courses during the same term in order to fast-track their degrees. That could mean multiple critical exams falling on the same day or week. However, as long as you take the time to study and prepare, you should be okay.
What are the chances of passing nursing school? ›Over 83 percent of first-time takers who were educated in the U.S. passed the NCLEX-RN, which is the exam for becoming a registered nurse. 80 percent of first-time takers who were educated in the U.S. passed the NCLEX-PN, which is the test for becoming a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN or LVN).
What can I do instead of nursing? ›- Medical Biller.
- Health Writer.
- Nutritionist.
- Health Service Administrator.
- Health Researcher.
- Medical Sales Executive.
- Nurse Consultant.
- Clinical Nurse Educator.
Nurses are the ones who care for patients directly, often giving them more attention and treatment than doctors. If you want to make a difference in your community, and you have the patience required to work with people, then this might be the tell-tale sign that you are meant to become a nurse.
Can I study nursing for one year? ›The One Year Higher Certificate in Nursing (R169) is a one year programme. The objective of this programme is to prepare a nurse practitioner who will be able to demonstrate basic nursing care in all Health Care settings.
What nurse requires the least amount of school? ›
An LPN/LVN certificate is for students who want to enter the nursing field without the time and cost of earning a college degree. In contrast to a CNA diploma, the LPN certificate represents mastery of a more comprehensive body of knowledge. In many states, LPNs and LVNs qualify to supervise CNAs.
How do I start studying nursing? ›- Find the Right Nursing Program. ...
- Decide on Your Degree. ...
- Research the Field. ...
- Complete the Prerequisites. ...
- Take the TEAS Test. ...
- Update Your Immunizations and Certifications. ...
- Network! ...
- Become a CNA.
Nursing is also a key mention among the toughest courses in the world which mainly requires patience, knowledge of medical care, a strong stomach and willing altruistic nature.
Can nursing be done in 2 years? ›The duration of these courses usually varies from 2 years to 4 years. Diploma Nursing Courses: Like degree courses, Diploma courses in Nursing are also offered at UG, as well as, PG level. Their duration usually varies from 1 year to 3.5 years.
How much do nurses earn monthly? ›Generally, nursing salaries can range between R15 000 and R350 000. As mentioned above, your salary as a nurse depends on the position or level you work. A Staff Nurse earns about R18 000 per month, while a Head Nurse earns around R318 750 per month.
What short courses can a nurse do? ›- Short Course in Ophthalmic Nursing.
- Short Course on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness.
- Short Course on Primary Clinical Care (PC) 101.
- Short Course on Neurodevelopmental Supportive Care of the Preterm Infant.
Grades Do Matter, but They Aren't Everything
The most important thing is that you are able to graduate through the program and pass NCLEX. However, I would encourage nursing students to work hard to keep their grades as high as possible, as there are also many benefits to maintaining a high GPA.
Nursing Career | 2019 Mean Salary |
---|---|
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) | $48,500 |
Registered Nurse (RN) | $77,460 |
Nurse Practitioners (NP) | $111,840 |
Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $108,810 |
Which nursing school has the highest acceptance rate? There are several nursing programs in the US with 100% acceptance rates, including the Lubbock Christian University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
What do I do if I get rejected from nursing school? ›- Apply to other programs. I'd recommend applying to at least 2-4 programs in your area. ...
- Build Experience. You can use this time to volunteer (which looks great on a nursing school or job application). ...
- Take Prerequisite Courses. ...
- Make Sure You're Ready.
How do nurses get straight A's? ›
- Follow the nursing exam study guide. ...
- Study a little every day. ...
- Focus on the material covered in class. ...
- Think in terms of action, not facts. ...
- Form a study group. ...
- Skim-read first. ...
- Use outside sources. ...
- Know your learning style.
- Minnesota (Quality of life ranking #2, Hospital rating by nurses 86%)
- Wisconsin (Quality of life ranking #3, Hospital rating by nurses 88%)
- Oregon (Quality of life ranking #18, Hospital rating by nurses inconclusive)
...
5 States that Take Longest to Get an RN License In
- Ohio (4-6 months) ...
- 2. California (3-6 months) ...
- Maryland (10 weeks) ...
- Maine (8-10 weeks) ...
- Alaska (8 weeks)
What is the #1 nursing school in the US? Duke University is currently rated as the #1 nursing school in the U.S.
How fast can you get RN? ›Becoming a nurse does not have to be a long drawn process. There are many ways to become a nurse, some in as little as 11 months. Knowing the process of how to become a registered nurse quickly can be daunting but there are four key ways to start the journey.
How fast can you become a nurse? ›Depending on the specific nursing program that you enroll in, it could take anywhere from 16 months to four years to become a registered nurse. “I chose to earn my BSN, which takes four years,” says ChiChi Akanegbu, who completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Regis College as a part of the Class of 2020.
How long are most RN programs? ›Takes 4 years. Also referred to as Baccalaureate degree. Offered at many California State Universities and some private colleges. Prepares you to provide registered nursing care in numerous settings and to move to administrative and leadership positions.
How do I become an RN in CT? ›Nursing Education Requirements in Connecticut. In Connecticut, RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and then submit their transcripts and diploma, along with an application fee, to the state. Before they can apply for their license, however, they must complete a degree from a state-approved nursing program.
Can I nurse in one year? ›It is possible to become an RN in one year with the help of Mercer University's Second Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track. Students can complete an accelerated, comprehensive nursing curriculum in as few as 12 months, emerging as practice-ready nurses.
Is RN school Hard? ›Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
What is the best way to become a nurse? ›
If you are aiming towards becoming a registered nurse, an associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one of the fastest paths to get there. This undergraduate degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming a registered nurse and usually takes two to three years depending on the credits.
Is becoming a nurse worth it? ›Becoming a Registered Nurse is a solid career choice when it comes to job security, salary potential, and fulfillment. For nurses who plan to work in California, the rewards and opportunities are even more promising. The average registered nurse salary in California is often higher than any other state!
How do I start my career in nursing? ›- Earn your Degree. In order to become a registered nurse, you will need to earn a degree from an accredited institution. ...
- Pass the NCLEX Exam. ...
- Obtain State Licensure. ...
- Seek Advanced Training (optional)
Once completing this 1 year course, you will work alongside a registered nurse that has completed their degree or diploma qualification. Diploma in nursing - This qualification takes 3 years to be completed and students will be equipped to work as an enrolled nurse or staffing nurse.
Can you study nursing part time? ›Yes, there are many institutions that offer Nursing courses part-time.
What is a RN salary in CT? ›Registered nurses in Connecticut earn an average of $88,530 per year (or $42.56 per hour). Connecticut registered nurses earn 6% higher than the national average salary for RNs, at $82,750 (or $39.78 per hour).
Is it hard to pass the NCLEX? ›Whether or not the NCLEX is hard for you can vary based on factors such as how prepared you are for the exam. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCBSN), just over 82 percent of candidates passed the NCLEX-RN exam on the first try in 2022.
How many times can you take the NCLEX in Connecticut? ›The state allows candidates to take the exam as many as 8 times per year. The test must be passed within three years of graduation from a nursing program. The NCLEX consists of 75-145 questions, which will cover topics including: Safe and Effective Care Environment.