Nursing is a well-liked career choice and is more in demand than ever. An online bachelor’s degree offers a flexible and convenient path to becoming a registered nurse (RN) if you’d want to enter the field right away. Online nursing programs are offered by some of the top nursing schools. You can enroll in the least expensive school without moving by using the best online colleges for nursing.
Many students search for the best online colleges for nursing. Discover our top selections for the most reliable online nursing programs and learn how to launch your nursing profession right away. One of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation is among nurses. They are equipped with recession-proof skills. Their efforts enhance other people’s quality of life and wellbeing.
You can find employment as a registered nurse in clinics, hospitals, schools, and governmental organizations with an online BSN. You can choose to focus on a branch of medicine that appeals to you, such as paediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, critical care, or medicine. In non-bedside positions like hospital administration or consulting, you can use your BSN. Alternatively, you might utilize it as a stepping stone into an MSN program. Here we are exploring some of the best online colleges for nursing.
Table of Contents
Career Benefits of Nursing Degree Online
- BSN-educated nurses have higher career possibilities and pay available to them.
- You may be able to juggle career, family, and education with an online BSN program.
- You can save money on commuting expenses and on-campus fees by enrolling in an online BSN program.
- Over the following ten years, there is expected to be a growth in need for qualified, licensed nurses.
What are the Reasons to Get Nursing Degree Online?
- For a position in healthcare that is in demand, you will receive specialized training.
- After graduating, you can apply for an RN license and begin working.
- A bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) can help RNs advance in their careers and earn more money.
- Current nurses can complete RN-to-BSN programs in a year or less, on average.
- Your application to graduate programs to become a nurse practitioner or other advanced practice RN is better prepared with a BSN.
- Online programs offer more flexibility and are typically less expensive than on-campus ones.
Find a list of some of the best online colleges for nursing in the United States.
1. Ohio State University-Main Campus
Website: www.osu.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $10,615
Out-of-state: $32,599
Retention Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 68%
Students Enrolled: 61,369
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 94%
Accreditation: Yes
A 12- to 15-month course of study is available in the online RN-to-BSN program at The Ohio State University for RNs who want to advance the abilities they acquired in their diploma or associate degree in nursing (ADN) program. Coursework emphasizes primary care, school health services, and nursing development. It is one of the best online colleges for nursing in the United States.
Before or during the program, students must satisfy general education prerequisites. You need to have an ADN or a nursing diploma to apply.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $491
Out-of-State: $511
Credits to Graduate: 30
Visit Program: RN-to-BSN Program
2. University of Central Florida
Website: ucf.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
Retention Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 45%
Students Enrolled: 71,881
Institution Type: Public
Percent Online Enrollment: 96%
Accreditation: Yes
The online BS in nursing program at the University of Central Florida has a strong emphasis on clinical nursing practice and health promotion. The program also gives students a strong basis for graduate-level nursing education and qualifies them for leadership positions like chief nursing officer and nursing manager.
For its online nursing programs, UCF provides a number of courses, including RN-to-BSN and ASN-to-BSN. Before applying, candidates must be licensed as RNs.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $179.19
Out-of-State: $715.80
Credits to Graduate: 120 (30 for RN-to-BSN)
Visit Program: Online BS in Nursing Program
3. Florida International University
Website: www.fiu.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
Retention Rate: 91%
Admission Rate: 58%
Students Enrolled: 58,836
The online RN-to-BSN program at Florida International University assists registered nurses in proving their worth and marketability to employers. Community health, nursing leadership, and cross-cultural care are among the subjects covered in the coursework. In as short as one year or three semesters (including a summer semester), you can finish the program. It is one of the best online colleges for nursing in the United States.
RNs who have credits from previous programs that can be transferred may apply. At least 30 upper-level credits must be completed by students at FIU.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $239.51
Out-of-State: $356.57
Credits to Graduate: 30
Visit Program: Online RN-to-BSN Program
4. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Website: www.wisc.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $9,273
Out-of-state: $37,161
Retention Rate: 95%
Admission Rate: 57%
Students Enrolled: 44,640
The RN-to-BSN online program at UW-Madison expands on the technical skills learned in an ADN program and adds the work experience that nurses often need to hold managerial roles in the healthcare industry. You can seek leadership positions in nursing, education, management, or another professional specialty after receiving a BSN.
You must hold a valid RN license to apply. Transcripts from high school and college as well as a letter of recommendation are required from applicants.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $452
Out-of-State: $452
Credits to Graduate: 24-30
Visit Program: RN-to-BSN Online Program
5. Liberty University
Website: www.liberty.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 50%
Students Enrolled: 93,349
The BSN program at Liberty University is a completely online route designed with working RNs in mind. You are able to study at your own pace thanks to the asynchronous program. In as little as a year, it can be finished. Graduate nurses will be equipped with the abilities and information required to enhance patient outcomes. It is one of the best online colleges for nursing in the United States.
Liberty University is a Christian institution that bases its curriculum on biblical ideas. Candidates must already hold valid RN licenses.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $330
Out-of-State: $330
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: BSN Program
6. University of Rochester
Website: rochester.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $57,188
Out-of-state: $57,188
Retention Rate: 92%
Admission Rate: 35%
Students Enrolled: 11,741
In as short as 16 months, the online RN-to-BSN program at the University of Rochester can completely change your nursing career. The institution supports students in developing new skills, changing occupations, and staying ahead of industry expectations.
The core of the BSN program’s education is critical thinking. Rochester even provides each nursing student with an iPad so they have the required technology to complete their online coursework. The program can be started in the spring, summer, or fall. Based on the number of credits you have when you begin the program, you will collaborate with an advisor to create a degree plan.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $600 (Finger Lakes region only)
Out-of-State: $1,200
Credits to Graduate: 32
Visit Program: Online RN-to-BSN Program
7. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Website: www.utrgv.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $7,233
Out-of-state: $17,049
Retention Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 82%
Students Enrolled: 32,441
RNs can advance in their professions while still working full-time thanks to the online RN-to-BSN program at UT Rio Grande Valley. In order for students to pursue leadership positions, the online program teaches them about nursing leadership theories and healthcare management. Additionally, caregiving skills are stressed throughout the coursework for people, families, groups, and communities.
You must be a registered nurse (RN) with a minimum GPA of 2.5, provide college transcripts, and complete an online application in order to be considered.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $277.77
Out-of-State: $277.77
Credits to Graduate: 30
Visit Program: RN-to-BSN Online Program
8. Southern New Hampshire University
Website: snhu.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $9,600
Out-of-state: $9,600
Retention Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 94%
Students Enrolled: 134,345
The online RN-to-BSN program at Southern New Hampshire University gives registered nurses an advantage in the cutthroat and rapidly changing healthcare sector. You’ll discover ways to advance your clinical training, deliver evidence-based treatment, and advance community health. You can study when it’s convenient for you with asynchronous classes. It is one of the best online colleges for nursing in the United States.
Even an accelerated RN-to-MSN (master of science in nursing) pathway is provided by the university. Neither an application fee nor SAT or ACT results are necessary to apply to SNHU.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $320
Out-of-State: $320
Credits to Graduate: 30
Visit Program: RN-to-BSN Online Program
9. University of Florida-Online
Website: ufonline.ufl.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $3,358
Out-of-state: $15,000
Retention Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 62%
Students Enrolled: 4,407
The online BSN program at the University of Florida is intended to support working RNs in advancing their education and careers. The information and abilities needed for nursing leadership roles are acquired by students. Graduates might be able to find work as hospice nurses, ICU nurses, surgical nurses, paediatric nurses, or school nurses.
Nurses having a Florida RN license or enhanced licensing under the Nurse licensing Compact (eNLC) are accepted into the UF program. Additionally, candidates must have fulfilled a number of general education criteria.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $129.18
Out-of-State: $552.62
Credits to Graduate: 120
Visit Program: Online BSN Program
10. Mississippi College
Website: mc.edu
Average Tuition
In-state: $18,200
Out-of-state: $18,200
Retention Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 29%
Students Enrolled: 4,667
Working RNs can complete the RN-to-BSN online program at Mississippi College in as little as one year. Nursing students are taught the knowledge and critical thinking skills essential to offer great patient care to a variety of demographics through the program’s evidence-based practice courses. In order to help you grow in your nursing career, you will also master management and leadership ideas.
Mississippi College is a Christian institution that integrates moral values into its curriculum. Candidates need to have a least 2.0 GPA, an active RN license, and complete an online application.
Avg. Cost per Credit
In-State: $307
Out-of-State: $307
Credits to Graduate: 30
Visit Program: RN-to-BSN Online Program
Online Nursing (BSN) Program: Admission Requirements
A high school diploma or GED certificate is the only qualification for BSN programs; however, you might need to finish general education courses before enrolling. To find out more about the prerequisites for BSN programs, continue reading.
Minimum GPA
Since colleges want to make sure you can achieve, BSN programs typically require a minimum GPA for admission. In the event that you receive a higher result on standardized tests, certain universities might accept a lesser GPA.
SAT/ACT
SAT or ACT scores are typically required for BSN programs. If you have a good GPA, schools might accept lower grades. You should submit your highest result if the schools accept both standardized tests.
Prior Coursework/Fieldwork
Before beginning upper-level nursing courses for an online bachelor’s in nursing, you must first satisfy the general education requirements. You can also be required to accrue labour or volunteer hours in places of medicine.
Letters of Recommendation
In order to assess your character, colleges and institutions often need letters of recommendation. You can request recommendation letters from teachers or counselors if you’re applying directly after high school. If you have professional or academic expertise, you might want to think about approaching instructors or employers who can comment on your character.
Screening
Multiple field experiences must be completed in the final stages of online bachelor’s in nursing programs. Schools must make sure you can take part in these activities safely as a result. Universities frequently demand that you undergo a criminal background check, drug test, and immunizations before being admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which nursing program is the simplest to enter in USA?
Since several nursing schools have high admission rates, the easiest nursing school to get into varies as well. The University of Kentucky is the most straightforward nursing school to get into, according to data and admissions requirements.
2. What is the typical nursing pay in the US?
The median (50th percentile) registered nurse salary in the United States is $77,600, while the average is $82,750. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, California is the state with the highest pay for nurses, with RN wages there average $124,000 as of May 2021.
3. Where can I study cheapest nursing program?
Norway. Since the majority of Norwegian public universities do charge tuition, Norway ranks as the least expensive country in the world to obtain a nursing degree. What’s best? All foreign students are eligible for this advantage.
4. How long will it take to complete nursing in the USA?
The length of time it takes to become a registered nurse might range from 16 months to four years, depending on the nursing program you choose to enroll in.
5. Are nursing degrees obtained online respected?
When obtained from a reputable, authorized program, online nursing degrees are respected. The same standards are used to examine both on-campus and online programs for accreditation. The majority of online nursing programs demand that students complete clinical hours and attend additional in-person classes to obtain practical experience. However, compared to on-campus programs, online nursing programs are more adaptable, employ unconventional teaching methods, and may be more cost-effective.
6. Is online nursing school challenging?
Students who study nursing online are prepared for a demanding career. In addition to math, psychology, and sociology, nursing programs provide courses in biology and chemistry. Only students who are extremely driven and disciplined should enroll in online nursing programs. Students should be able to manage their time well, be organized, and be prepared to ask for assistance when they need it.
7. What nursing program is the quickest?
Traditional BSN programs take four years to complete, however ADN programs can be finished in two to three. Due to their additional training and education, nurses with a BSN frequently have more work options and a higher earning potential after graduation.
8. Which nursing school is the best in the US?
As a result, the Nursing Schools Almanack has currently ranked Duke University School of Medicine, which is situated in the center of Duke’s Medical Campus, as the top nursing school in the country. Master’s, doctoral, and doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degrees are available to nursing students at Duke University.
9. What GPA is required to enter nursing school?
The minimum GPA needed to apply to most nursing programs is 3.0, while specific GPA requirements vary by nursing program type. However, because nursing programs are so competitive, most schools prefer students with GPAs between 3.7 and 4.0.
10. Is there a free nursing program in the USA?
The University of Rochester Medical Centre and School of Nursing today launched an innovative program to provide a tuition-free nursing education for 33 students every year, with the first cohort set to start in Fall 2023. The program is designed to address the region’s nurse shortage.
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