[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses provide patient-focused care in diverse healthcare settings. If you want to launch or advance your nursing career in a flexible format, an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/best-online-nursing-programs/”]online nursing program[/hen-ui-link] could be a good fit.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A nursing diploma or associate degree builds core nursing skills to pursue entry-level nursing careers. A nursing bachelor’s or graduate degree takes longer but prepares you for increasingly advanced nursing roles and responsibilities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide can help you identify which online nursing program is right for you based on your experience and professional goals. Explore our ranking of the best online nursing programs and discover different types of programs available.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Nursing Programs and Degrees in 2025[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2025.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Choose an Online Nursing Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First of all, simply ensure that the program is a good fit for your unique professional goals. Does it help you earn the degree you want, which will ultimately unlock the right career options? Take a close look at the program requirements. Do you meet the criteria or is there more work to be done before you can become eligible?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also pay attention to cost, including by examining any financial aid options offered by your target school or program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, not all online nursing programs are created equal. Conduct some basic research to find out more about how they work and what they deliver for students. For example, what are their graduation or NCLEX exam pass rates? What kinds of capabilities and support systems are in place, including for clinical experiences? As you choose, don’t necessarily lock in to the first one you see. Take your time and find the best match for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Entry-Level Online Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses can begin their training with an online nursing program. These entry-level programs prepare nurses for their first nursing license.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]How does [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/how-online-nursing-programs-work/”]online nursing school[/hen-ui-link] work? Course delivery typically consists of pre-recorded, asynchronous lectures or synchronous (live) online classes scheduled around working hours. Students also complete hands-on clinical requirements, often in their local area.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]LPN/LVN Diploma[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/”]Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)[/hen-ui-link], called LVNs in California and Texas, perform entry-level nursing duties in nursing care facilities, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and home healthcare services. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/lpn-lvn/lpn-programs-online/”]Online LPN programs[/hen-ui-link] offer one of the quickest routes into nursing, and bridge programs like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-lpn-to-bsn-programs/”]LPN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-link] can help you advance your career down the road.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typical coursework includes fundamentals of nursing, human anatomy, medications, and disease processes. Students learn skills like checking patients’ vital signs, inserting intravenous lines, administering first aid, and managing patient data.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]ADN Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/adn/”]Online associate degrees in nursing (ADN)[/hen-ui-link] provide the fastest path to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/how-to-become-a-rn/”]becoming a registered nurse (RN)[/hen-ui-link]. Students can earn their ADNs in two years, and graduates can take the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nclex/guide/”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] to earn their licenses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ADN coursework covers health assessment, surgical nursing, and patient care. RNs collaborate with teams of medical professionals to provide patient care, and the ADN curriculum emphasizes safety, ethical and legal practice, and care management. Distance learners complete about 500 hours of on-site clinical rotations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BSN Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Four-year online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs[/hen-ui-link] can lead to increased job opportunities, responsibilities, and wages compared to ADN programs. BSN holders can also more easily pursue advanced nursing specializations and leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online BSN students train to become RNs who manage and implement patient treatment plans, supervise nursing teams, and educate patients and families regarding care. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]Online RN-to-BSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] also are popular for nurses looking to take the next step in their careers. BSN courses cover anatomy, community nursing, informatics, leadership, pharmacology, and research and statistics. Clinical and lab hours take place onsite.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accelerated BSN Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/absn/”]Online accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs[/hen-ui-link] enable students with a non-nursing bachelor’s or graduate degree to earn a nursing degree in two years or less.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Core courses emphasize treating diverse populations across lifespans, building an evidence-based practice, and biomedical ethics. Nursing students also complete in-person clinical hours needed to prepare for the NCLEX exam.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online MSN Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/”]Online master of science in nursing (MSN) degrees[/hen-ui-link] offer an entryway to [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/articles/best-specialty-career-choices-for-nursing/”]specialized nursing careers[/hen-ui-link], including as nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse-midwives, or [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/clinical-nurse-specialist/”]clinical nurse specialists[/hen-ui-link]. These careers typically provide greater autonomy and higher salaries than RN roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN programs also allow nurses to specialize in particular patient populations or as nurse educators and nurse administrators.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master of Science in Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/popular-msn-degree-specializations/”]MSN degree specializations[/hen-ui-link] that advance clinical skills in a particular area of nursing. Students complete coursework and clinical practice requirements.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular specializations for MSN programs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MSN in Gerontology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online MSN in Diabetes Nursing[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-health-informatics-programs/”]Online MSN in Health Informatics[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing an MSN program typically takes around two years, though some programs may offer an accelerated option that requires less time.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]Nurse practitioner online programs[/hen-ui-link] train [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/advanced-practice-nursing/”]advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)[/hen-ui-link] who provide primary and specialty care as family nurse practitioners, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, and women’s health nurse practitioners.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular NP programs include:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/fnp/best-online-fnp-programs/”]Online Family Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-practitioner/best-online-nurse-practitioner-programs/”]Online Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Programs[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]NP programs require a minimum of 500 supervised direct patient care clinical hours, preparing graduates for board certification in their specialty area.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse-Midwife Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Designed for nurses who want to provide care for pregnant individuals, [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-midwife/best-online-nurse-midwife-programs/”]online nurse-midwife programs[/hen-ui-link] prepare students for advanced practice nursing care. These programs include courses in postpartum care, advanced health assessment, and fetal evaluation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to the required courses, nurse-midwife students must complete clinical hour requirements to prepare them with hands-on experience. Graduates can pursue American Midwifery Board Certification, Neonatal Resuscitation Program Certification, and Electronic Fetal Monitoring Certification.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nurse Educator Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-nurse-educator-programs/”]online MSN in nursing education[/hen-ui-link] prepares degree seekers to pursue roles at hospitals, postsecondary schools, and medical centers. Nurse educators teach and train nurses and help develop nursing program curricula.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students learn about curriculum development, evaluation strategies and methods, and approaches to instruction. Some institutions offer accelerated online options, allowing learners to complete their degree between 16-18 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing Leadership Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can pursue an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-nursing-leadership-administration-programs/”]online nursing leadership degree[/hen-ui-link] to become nurse leaders. Nursing leadership master’s programs prepare degree-seekers for careers as nurse managers, nurse executives, directors of health education programs, and directors of community health centers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The curriculum explores nursing leadership theory and practice, healthcare policy, evidence-based practice, population-based public health nursing interventions, and health disparities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Direct-Entry MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree-holders without a nursing background can pursue a fast-track path to an MSN by enrolling in an online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-direct-entry-masters-in-nursing-programs/”]direct-entry MSN program[/hen-ui-link]. This program’s curriculum emphasizes health policy and advocacy, theory, and clinical practice to prepare graduates in as little as 15-24 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN students study specialty areas of nursing, such as family healthcare, nursing education, or nursing leadership. Typically, the first 12 months or four semesters of this program follow a BSN curriculum, then students sit for the NCLEX-RN at the end of the first year and move on to the MSN portion.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online MSN Dual Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students can consider online dual-degree nursing programs to increase their earning potential and expand their career opportunities. Dual degrees combine nursing with another field, such as business or administration.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Popular dual degree options in nursing include an MSN/master of business administration (MBA), MSN/master of healthcare administration (MHA), MSN/master of public administration, and MSN/master of public health (MPH).[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN/MHA Dual Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-mha-programs/”]online MSN/MHA dual degree[/hen-ui-link] prepares learners for careers as healthcare administrators and managers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While students in both MSN and MHA programs complete courses in leadership, dual degree programs let students maximize credits to satisfy the requirements for each degree and shorten their completion timeline.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN/MBA Dual Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-mba-programs/”]MSN/MBA dual degree[/hen-ui-link] programs allow nurses to earn their nursing and business administration degrees simultaneously. Students focus on advanced nursing and business topics, preparing them for careers as healthcare executives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN/MBA courses focus on topics such as health informatics, advanced health assessment, health economics, and healthcare management.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]MSN/MPH Dual Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-msn-mph-programs/”]online MSN/MPH dual degree[/hen-ui-link] prepares learners for careers in nursing and public health. Students interested in supplementing their clinical education can focus on foundational public health knowledge and advanced patient care techniques.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]MSN/MPH students can pursue specializations in epidemiology, health services leadership and management, and global health.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online MSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online DNP Degree Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-dnp-programs/”]doctor of nursing practice (DNP)[/hen-ui-link] degrees represent the highest level of nursing education. Like the MSN, DNP holders can be APRNs or other nursing specialties. [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/nurse-anesthetist/”]Certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)[/hen-ui-link] are required to hold a doctorate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average DNP program spans 3-6 years and teaches advanced nursing practice, evidence-based practice, informatics, interprofessional collaboration, and organizational leadership. Hands-on experiences may include clinical rotations, internships, lab simulations, and residencies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular DNP Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online Nursing Bridge Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing students with transfer credits from a variety of educational backgrounds may qualify for admission to online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]nursing bridge programs[/hen-ui-link]. Bridge programs leverage applicants’ previous experiences and knowledge to reduce completion time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online bridge programs offer flexibility and can save students money and time. Distance learners can complete clinical hours at their workplaces.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online Paramedic-to-RN Bridge Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paramedics interested in becoming nurses can enroll in online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-paramedic-to-rn-bridge-programs-online/”]paramedic-to-RN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link]. Each bridge program has unique admission requirements, curriculum components, accreditation, course topics, and program length.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The curriculum explores pharmacology, anatomy and physiology, and lifespan and human development.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Full-time students typically complete their bridge program within 1.5-2 years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online LPN-to-BSN Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPN-to-BSN bridge programs and [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs/”]LPN-to-RN programs[/hen-ui-link] prepare licensed practical nurses to practice as registered nurses after graduation. Students target different patient populations and develop diagnostic skills and competencies.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates can complete their NCLEX-RN exam to begin practicing professionally across a variety of healthcare settings, including long-term care facilities, government agencies, and health clinics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online RN-to-BSN Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the most popular bridge programs for nursing students, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/best-online-rn-to-bsn-programs/”]online RN-to-BSN option[/hen-ui-link] allows RN applicants with ADNs to earn their bachelor’s degree in nursing at an accelerated pace. Enrollees can build on the education from their associate program and job experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Upon earning their BSN, graduates work in hospitals, schools, and long-term care facilities. Full-time students can complete their requirements in as little as 12 months.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online RN-to-MSN Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-online-rn-to-msn-programs/”]RN-to-MSN bridge programs[/hen-ui-link], much like [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/msn/best-adn-to-msn-bridge-programs/”]ADN-to-MSN degrees[/hen-ui-link], fast track nurses in 30-36 months to an advanced degree by combining curricula geared for bachelor’s and master’s students. The pathway to earn a BSN and an MSN separately typically takes 72-84 months.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing undergraduate courses in health assessments, research, pharmacology, and ethics, students gain a specialty in clinical nurse leadership, adult-gerontology, or family health nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates can sit for NP certification exams in their nursing focus.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online RN-to-DNP Bridge Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]RNs pursuing academic, leadership, and research positions can enroll in an online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-rn-to-dnp-programs/”]RN-to-DNP bridge program[/hen-ui-link] to take courses in evidence-based practice, informatics for leadership in health and healthcare, and nursing policy. In addition to their advanced coursework, learners complete clinical practice hours.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These programs can take students between 3-6 years to complete, depending on their educational background and program requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online BSN-to-DNP Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students who hold a BSN and plan to pursue a DNP can consider enrolling in an online [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/degrees/dnp/best-online-bsn-to-dnp-programs/”]BSN-to-DNP program[/hen-ui-link] to quicken program completion. Doctoral programs typically require between 65-90 credits of coursework, taking learners between 3-6 years to finish.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]BSN-to-DNP students can often choose an emphasis area, including women’s health, psychiatric mental health, and neonatal nurse practitioner. In addition to required coursework, doctoral students may need to complete clinical or lab components, and a research project, dissertation, or thesis. Curriculum requirements are designed to meet state licensing criteria.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Best Online Nursing Programs and Degrees in 2025: FAQ[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree do most nurses have?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most nurses hold a bachelor’s degree. According to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey, 47% of newly licensed RNs hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, compared to 36% who hold an associate degree in nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do most nurses have a bachelor’s or master’s degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 70% of nurses hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the 2022 National Nursing Workforce Survey. As of 2022, 51.1% of nurses held a bachelor’s degree, while 17.9% held a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the "order" of nursing degrees?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The order of nursing degrees starts with a two-year associate degree, followed by a four-year bachelor’s degree. Both qualify graduates for an RN license. Nurses can also earn a master’s or doctoral degree to become advanced practice nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the quickest nursing degree to get?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The quickest nursing degree to get is a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN). An ADN prepares graduates for an RN license and entry-level RN jobs. An RN-to-BSN program allows RNs to earn a BSN in as little as one year.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]