Online Nursing Degrees and Careers

Mount Carmel has campuses in Columbus and Lancaster and offers online programs tailored to distance learners and working professionals. Mount Carmel's fully online RN to BSN degree completion program includes coursework in the humanities and sciences.

Most full-time students complete the program in about a year and a half, and part-time students may require up to two and a half years. Of the required 128 credits, students must take 44 through Mount Carmel. Classes cover topics like transcultural concepts, nursing informatics, and applied humanities. Unlike other degree completion programs, Mount Carmel's RN to BSN program requires students to complete general education courses through Mount Carmel. Online coursework is delivered through Canvas. Applicants must have a 2.0 GPA, and those from ACEN-accredited pre-licensure programs receive preference.

Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Jefferson offers quality online instruction for distance learners on a budget. A standout among RN to BSN online programs, Jefferson’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The 122-credit program offers flexibility for working professionals and may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. Courses cover a variety of topics, including research applications of healthcare, writing in professional nursing, and social and behavioral science. Students work closely with advisors to customize their degree. Online coursework is delivered through Blackboard. Students must complete at least 32 credits through Jefferson and must complete the program within five years. Jefferson offers credit for prior learning.

With a historic campus based in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Wilson is a national leader in liberal arts education. Wilson offers one of the best online RN to BSN programs in the country. The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.

Wilson's 120-credit RN to BSN program blends a liberal arts education with nursing requirements. Students take classes in family and community structures, economic policy, and global interdependence. Core requirements in role transitions, research, and evidence-based practice reflect the program’s holistic approach. Online coursework is delivered through Canvas, and full-time students complete the program in about two years. Applicants must have at least a 2.7 GPA.

Founded in Lancaster in 1903, PA College offers an online RN to BSN program that is ideal for working professionals. The 120-credit program is accredited by the Commision on Collegiate Nursing Education and is a flexible, affordable option for busy students.

PA College's RN to BSN program is offered in an accelerated format; full-time students typically complete the program in less than two years. Students explore conceptual foundations of nursing practice, nursing in a global society, and ethical issues in healthcare. Students customize their degree with electives and complete coursework using Blackboard. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA and must work in a healthcare occupation for at least eight hours per week.

Founded in 1821 in the District of Columbia, GWU offers one of the most respected online RN to BSN programs in the country. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is designed for working professionals on a budget.

Distance learners study part time and graduate in 15 months. Students may bring transfer credits, but they must complete at least 21 credits through GWU. The program requires 120 credits, including a 15-credit professional portfolio. Coursework covers topics like population health, nursing leadership, and teaching with technology. Online coursework is delivered asynchronously through Blackboard, and graduates can apply much of the program's curriculum toward a graduate degree.

Founded in 1928 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mount Mercy offers distance education programs designed for working professionals, including one of the best accelerated RN to BSN programs available. Mount Mercy’s program is recognized among accredited RN to BSN online programs as one of the best in the country.

The accelerated program requires 123 credits, which most students complete in two years. Core requirements include classes in population-based nursing, pharmacotherapeutics, and pathophysiology. Online courses are delivered asynchronously through the Brightspace management system. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and must work part time in a healthcare setting. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in all nursing classes.

Founded in Memphis in 1912, Baptist College offers degrees in highly specialized areas, such as nuclear medicine. The college's RN to BSN program is available in fully online and blended formats and is accredited by the Tennessee Board of Nursing.

Baptist College's degree is unique among online RN to BSN programs for its adaptability to various experience levels. Students may receive up to 41 credits for prior learning and general education credit for CLEP exams. Full-time students complete four trimesters in about two years, and part-time students complete seven trimesters in about four years. Coursework covers topics such as pathophysiology, pharmacology, and U.S. healthcare systems. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Founded in 1872 in St. Louis, Missouri, Maryville offers a variety of fully online programs, including one of the most respected online RN to BSN programs in the state. Maryville’s RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and approved by the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

The 128-credit program instructs students in topics such as psychosocial nursing care, nursing care of children, and pathophysiology for nursing practice. The curriculum culminates in a capstone project on public health. Online courses are delivered through Canvas and utilize synchronous and asynchronous learning methods. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and applicants for whom English is a second language must have a TOEFL score of 85.

Founded in 1920 in Joliet, Illinois, USF provides a liberal arts education rooted in the Catholic tradition. The school offers one of the most affordable online RN to BSN programs available.

Full-time students complete the 128 required credits in two and a half years. Students work with faculty advisors to transfer credits and customize their degree. Courses cover a variety of topics, including principles of management in healthcare, ethical and legal issues for healthcare, and pharmacology. Online courses are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in nursing courses.

Located in Omaha, NMC offers online versions of its respected nursing and allied health degrees. Among the college's distance programs is an RN to BSN program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The 126-credit, asynchronous program is ideal for working professionals. Each course lasts five weeks, and full-time students typically complete the program within seven semesters. Required courses include community health nursing, principles of research, and the sociology of culture. The curriculum emphasizes community-centered practice. Students in the Omaha area may declare a minor. NMC offers credit for prior learning, and applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Founded in 1923 in Glassboro, New Jersey, Rowan University offers diverse distance education programs, including an affordable online RN to BSN program. The program requires 121 credits and is ideal for busy students with personal or professional commitments.

Students can complete the program part or full time, and an accelerated format is available. Coursework covers community health nursing, nursing informatics, and nursing care delivery systems. The curriculum prepares students for diverse career paths. Graduates can apply many of their earned credits toward a master's of science in nursing. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and must submit a professional résumé.

Founded in 1842 outside Philadelphia, VU provides on-campus and online programs rooted in the Catholic tradition, including an online RN to BSN program. The 122-credit RN to BSN program is one of only three programs in the nation to be consecutively designated a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.

Courses explore topics such as imperatives for global and public health, cultural influences on health beliefs and practices, and principles for nutrition. Online courses are delivered through Blackboard and utilize both asynchronous and synchronous learning methods. The program’s curriculum does not include general education courses, which applicants must have completed previously. Applicants must have at least a 2.75 GPA.

Founded in 1869 in Pittsburgh, Chatham offers an online RN to BSN program tailored to working professionals with busy schedules. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is available in an accelerated format, which students can complete within a year.

Coursework covers topics including nursing communication and quality improvement, women’s health nursing, and health policy and finance. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking skills and the liberal arts. Students complete three self-directed practice exercises and may pursue a minor in business or psychology. Applicants must have at least a 2.0 GPA, and students must maintain a 2.0 GPA in order to graduate. Transfer students may bring up to 90 of the 120 required credits.

Founded in 1849 in Liberty, Missouri, Jewell's online offerings include an RN to BSN program that is ideal for students balancing school with work or family commitments. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Students may complete the 124-credit program on a full- or part-time basis. Required courses include community health nursing, critical care nursing, and healthcare and its role in society. The curriculum includes practice experience and in-person direct and indirect care components. Applicants must have a 2.7 GPA and must submit two references and a written profile of relevant experience. Applicants must have completed 62 to 66 credits of previous coursework.

Founded in 1917, EMU's main campus is in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The university also offers courses at its Lancaster, Pennsylvania, campus and online. EMU's online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is regarded as one of the best online RN to BSN programs available.

The 124-credit program takes 20 months to complete and is ideal for working professionals with tight schedules. The curriculum includes coursework in effective communication, global trends in health, and nursing management. The program culminates in an evidence-based practice project. Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, must have completed 60 credits of general education coursework, and must submit a writing sample.

Founded in 1917 in Toledo, Ohio, Mercy is an innovator in online health sciences programs, such as its online RN to BSN program. The 123-credit program is available in fully online and hybrid formats. Applicants with a GPA of at least 3.0 may elect to complete the program in an accelerated format.

The curriculum covers transcultural nursing, health assessment and promotion, and statistics for nursing. The program culminates in hands-on clinical work, and flexible scheduling accommodates working professionals. Students can earn credit for CLEP exams and NLN work. Applicants should have a 2.75 GPA, though applicants with GPAs of at least 2.5 may be considered.

Founded in 1867 in Bristol, Tennessee, faith-based King University offers an online RN to BSN program approved by of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

King's program is one of the best accelerated RN to BSN programs; students complete the 124 required credits in about 16 months. Coursework covers topics such as evidence-based practice, introduction to healthcare information, and writing for health professions. Though the majority of requirements may be completed online, the curriculum culminates in a community service project. Applicants must have a 2.2 GPA and must have completed 30 credits of general education prerequisites.

Founded in 1848, UW–Madison offers an flexible online RN to BSN program. The degree completion program is ideal for working professionals with busy schedules. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Students may complete the program on a full-time and part-time basis and must bring at least 60 credits from previous coursework. Most students complete the program in one to three years. The curriculum covers topics such as chronic care management, evidence-based practice, and information management. Online courses are delivered asynchronously through the Desire2Learn platform. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

Founded in 1889, Clemson University offers innovative online programs, including a respected RN to BSN program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The affordable program is one of only 35 programs in the nation to be recognized as a Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League of Nursing since 2004. Students may apply up to six credits toward a master’s degree in nursing. The curriculum covers topics such as the nursing care of children, mental health nursing, and leadership and management in nursing. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 in all nursing coursework.

Keiser offers programs at a dozen campuses throughout Florida and online. Keiser's online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The 120-credit program is designed for working professionals and is available in fully online and hybrid formats.

Students must earn 60 upper division credits through Keiser, and applicants must have previously completed 60 general education credits. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and leadership and includes courses such as nursing informatics, crisis intervention, and research writing. Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Keiser offers tuition assistance for veterans and their families, and U.S. military families receive unlimited access to online tutoring services.

Founded in 1963 in Fairfield, Connecticut, the Catholic university of SHU offers an online RN to BSN program, which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The 120-credit program may be completed on a part- or full-time basis. Most students complete the degree one and a half to three years. Students must take at least 30 credits through SHU. The holistic curriculum includes coursework in evidence-based practice and global health. Online courses are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and must submit a résumé, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

Founded in 1851, Northwestern's historic campus is located in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern's fully online RN to BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is one of the most highly regarded RN to BSN online programs in the country.

Students complete the program in one and half to three years and must take at least 30 credits through Northwestern. Courses cover topics such as nursing science, lifespan health assessment, and community health nursing. Northwestern's online courses are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard, and students receive credit for prior experience. Students have access to free online tutoring. Applicants must have at least a 2.7 GPA.

Located in North Haven, Connecticut, Quinnipiac offers one of the most respected accredited online RN to BSN programs in the country. The program is designed for students with busy lifestyles and working professionals on tight deadlines.

Students must complete only 32 credits through Quinnipiac. Coursework covers topics such as nursing science and information literacy, contemporary issues and roles in nursing practice, and principles of ethical theory in nursing. The program culminates in three self-directed practice experiences, which students must arrange. Online courses are delivered asynchronously through Blackboard. Discounts are available for active military members and veterans. Applicants must have a 2.7 GPA.

Founded in 1924 in Dallas, Pennsylvania, Misericordia offers an array of online programs, including an online RN to BSN program. The competitive program is available in part-time and accelerated formats and is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

The 126-credit program is ideal for working professionals on a budget. The curriculum includes courses in health assessment; care of aggregates, communities, and populations; and professional nursing concepts. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to the theory and practice of nursing. Students can pursue a concentration in nursing leadership. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.