If you’re considering a career in nursing, finding the right program involves more than choosing an online college. Online nursing degrees can differ based on the type of nursing career you’re pursuing, the credential you need, clinical requirements, and the licensing rules that apply where you plan to practice.
An online nursing program may offer flexibility for students balancing school with work or other responsibilities, but nursing education often includes hands-on clinical experiences that cannot be completed entirely online.
Use the finder below to explore online nursing programs and find schools that may align with your career goals and educational needs.
Find an Online Nursing Program
Explore online nursing programs and compare schools based on the programs and options available through the finder.
What Type of Nursing Program Are You Looking For?
The right nursing program depends largely on where you are in your education and what type of nursing role you want to pursue.
Preparing for Your First Nursing License
If you’re not yet a licensed nurse, look for programs designed to prepare students for initial nursing licensure.
The appropriate pathway can depend on your current education. Someone entering nursing for the first time may follow a different path than someone who already holds a bachelor’s degree or has completed nursing coursework.
When comparing programs, pay close attention to whether the program is designed for initial licensure and what clinical and examination requirements apply.
Advancing From an RN to a Bachelor’s Degree
Registered nurses who already hold an associate-level nursing credential may be able to pursue an RN-to-BSN program rather than starting a bachelor’s degree from the beginning.
These programs are designed specifically for registered nurses and may provide a way to complete additional bachelor’s-level nursing education while continuing to work.
If you’re an RN considering this pathway, compare programs based on transfer policies, clinical requirements, course format, and how well the schedule fits your current work commitments.
Graduate Nursing Education
Licensed nurses who want to advance their education may consider graduate-level nursing programs.
Depending on your goals, you might be looking for preparation related to advanced nursing practice, nursing leadership, education, administration, or another area of specialization.
When comparing graduate programs, make sure the program’s admission requirements and educational pathway match your current nursing credentials and your intended role.
Nursing Programs for Career Changers
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become a nurse, look for programs specifically designed for students who already hold a non-nursing degree.
Some programs provide an accelerated pathway to initial nursing licensure, while others may require a different sequence of prerequisite and nursing coursework.
Pay close attention to admission requirements and clinical expectations because these programs can differ substantially from traditional undergraduate nursing pathways.
Choosing an Online Nursing Program Based on Your Goals
Before comparing schools, identify where you are starting and where you want your nursing education to take you.
For example:
I’m new to nursing and want to become a nurse.
Look for a program that prepares students for initial nursing licensure and meets the requirements applicable to the state where you plan to practice.
I’m already an RN and want a bachelor’s degree.
An RN-to-BSN program may provide a more direct pathway than beginning a traditional bachelor’s program.
I already have a bachelor’s degree and want to become a nurse.
Look for programs specifically designed for students with a previous bachelor’s degree who are pursuing initial nursing preparation.
I’m already a nurse and want to advance my education.
Compare graduate nursing programs based on the type of advanced role or specialization you want to pursue.
I need to continue working while I study.
Pay particular attention to course scheduling, clinical requirements, program pacing, and whether required in-person experiences can be completed in a location that works for you.
Starting with your current credentials and intended outcome can make it much easier to narrow down the programs that are actually relevant to you.
What to Look for in an Online Nursing Program
Once you’ve identified the type of nursing pathway you’re looking for, compare the details of each program carefully.
Nursing Accreditation
Accreditation can be an important consideration when comparing nursing programs. Check the program’s accreditation status and determine whether it meets the requirements relevant to your intended nursing pathway.
If you’re preparing for initial licensure or advancing toward a specific nursing role, verify the program’s eligibility and requirements with the appropriate nursing and licensing authorities.
Clinical Requirements
An online nursing program does not necessarily mean you can complete the entire program from home.
Nursing education commonly includes hands-on clinical learning, laboratory experiences, simulations, or other in-person requirements. Ask the school exactly what must be completed in person and where those requirements can take place.
For students who live far from the school, find out whether clinical experiences can be completed near your home or whether you would need to travel.
State Licensure
Nursing licensure is regulated at the state level. If your goal is to become licensed or practice nursing in a particular state, make sure the program you’re considering aligns with the requirements for that state.
This is particularly important when comparing online programs offered by schools located outside your state.
Before enrolling, verify the program’s eligibility for the state where you intend to seek licensure rather than assuming that an online program will automatically meet every state’s requirements.
Admission Requirements
Nursing programs can have specific admission requirements, and these may differ significantly between schools and pathways.
Depending on the program, you may need prerequisite coursework, a previous nursing credential, a bachelor’s degree, minimum grades, entrance exams, or other qualifications.
Review the requirements before applying so you can determine whether you are eligible and identify any prerequisites you still need to complete.
Transfer Credits
If you’ve completed college coursework or nursing education elsewhere, ask how the school evaluates your previous credits.
Transfer policies can affect how many courses you need to complete and how long your program may take.
For RN-to-BSN and other degree-completion pathways, also determine which previous nursing coursework and general education credits can be applied toward the degree.
Online Nursing Programs for Working Nurses
Online nursing programs can be particularly useful for nurses who want to continue working while pursuing additional education.
However, flexibility varies from one program to another.
When comparing programs, look at:
- Asynchronous versus scheduled coursework
- Part-time enrollment options
- Course length and scheduling
- Multiple start dates
- Clinical and laboratory requirements
- Whether clinical experiences can be completed locally
- Transfer credit policies
- Academic advising and student support
- Requirements for in-person attendance
A program that looks flexible based on its online format may still have significant scheduling requirements because of clinical or other hands-on components.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Online Nursing Program
Before applying, consider asking each school:
- Is the program designed for initial nursing licensure or for nurses who are already licensed?
- What nursing credential or degree will I earn?
- Is the program accredited?
- Does the program meet the requirements for the state where I plan to practice?
- What clinical experiences are required?
- Can I complete clinical requirements near my home?
- Are there laboratory, simulation, or other in-person requirements?
- What prerequisite courses are required?
- How does the school evaluate transfer credits?
- Are classes asynchronous or scheduled?
- Can I attend part time?
- How frequently do new terms begin?
- What support is available to online nursing students?
- What is the total estimated cost of the program?
- What financial aid options are available?
- What examinations or additional requirements will I need to complete for licensure?
Getting clear answers to these questions can help you eliminate programs that don’t fit your circumstances before spending time on an application.
How to Compare Online Nursing Programs
Once you’ve identified programs that meet your basic requirements, compare them based on your current credentials, career goals, and practical needs.
| Factor | What to Compare |
| Nursing pathway | Initial licensure, RN-to-BSN, graduate, or other pathway |
| Accreditation | Institutional and nursing program accreditation |
| State eligibility | Alignment with requirements where you plan to practice |
| Clinical requirements | Location, scheduling, and hands-on requirements |
| Admission | Prerequisites, previous credentials, and other requirements |
| Transfer credits | How previous coursework is evaluated |
| Format | Asynchronous, synchronous, or combination |
| Flexibility | Part-time options, pacing, and start dates |
| Cost | Tuition, fees, and financial aid |
| Student support | Advising, clinical support, tutoring, and technical assistance |
The most convenient program isn’t necessarily the best fit. For nursing students, licensure eligibility and clinical requirements should be among the first things you verify, before comparing factors such as convenience or cost.
Start Exploring Online Nursing Programs
Once you know which nursing pathway you’re looking for, you can begin comparing schools and programs that may fit your goals.
Use the program finder above to explore online nursing programs and identify schools that may align with your current education, career plans, location, and scheduling needs.
Before applying, confirm the program’s admission requirements, accreditation, clinical expectations, costs, and eligibility for the state where you intend to pursue nursing licensure.