9 Best Online Nursing Degree Programs - The Best Health Degrees

The best online nursing degree programs offer a flexible path for students to earn a degree and advance their careers in nursing. Registered nurses (RNs) make up the majority of workers in the healthcare field.

Although over half of nurses work in hospitals, they can also work in doctors’ offices, nursing homes and for companies providing home health care services.

Featured Programs

Projected job growth is excellent, and the schools on this list of our top online undergraduate nursing programs can give students the knowledge they need to qualify for challenging and rewarding positions in the field.

1. Kent State University

Executive Summary

Kent State was named as the Best College in the Midwest by the Princeton Review. This school has a reputation for academic excellence in its on-campus and online programs.

Tuition

The tuition for the online Nursing program is $425 per credit hour.

Unique Features

As a top undergraduate nursing program, Kent State’s RN-to-BSN (Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree program is designed to prepare nurses for leadership roles. Students benefit from a support network which includes an admissions counselor, student services manager, and technical services personnel. Faculty members who teach courses were also responsible for developing the curriculum.

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2. Brenau University

Executive Summary

Brenau University was listed on U.S. News & World Report’s Honor Roll for top online programs for 2012. This school has also been recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the Best Southwestern Colleges.

Tuition

The tuition rate for Brenau’s online Nursing program is $526 per credit.

Unique Features

The RN-to-BSN program from Brenau can be completed in three semesters. Students must also complete a six-hour practicum to graduate.

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3. Saint Peter’s University

Executive Summary

Saint Peter’s University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

The cost of attending this school is $29,800 per academic year.

Unique Features

Students enrolled in the RN-to-BSN program at St. Peter’s are exposed to a curriculum which is focused on caring for the whole person. They have the flexibility to do their coursework on their own schedule; assignments must be submitted by the due date chosen by the instructor.

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4. Western Governors University

Executive Summary

Western Governors is a nationally and regionally-accredited school. It is a non-profit institution which is a good fit for learners who are independent and highly disciplined.

Tuition

Students attending WGU online pay a flat rate of $3,250 per six-month term.

Unique Features

WGU offers a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (Prelicensure) to students in Florida, Indiana, Texas, Southern California and Utah. This program is limited to local students, since there is a required clinical component which must be completed to graduate. The RN-to-BSN program is open to learners from any location, and can be completed in 18 months.

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5. Colorado Technical University

Executive Summary

Colorado Technical University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. This school is known for its supportive learning community and the personalized attention instructors and staff give to students. Colorado Technical University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To contact the Higher Learning Commission please visit www.hlcommission.org.

Tuition

Tuition for CTU online undergraduate programs is $260/credit hour per credit hour. (Source: http://www.coloradotech.edu/admissions/documents-resources)

Unique Features

CTU College of Nursing offers an RN-to-BSN-degree completion program, which can help to prepare students for graduate as well as advance practice programs. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical thinking, analytical and clinical reasoning skills, which may prepare them for real-life situations they may face on the job.

6. Grand Canyon University

Executive Summary

Grand Canyon University has been offering quality nursing programs for over 25 years. This Christian school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and has held this status since 1968.

Tuition

This online Nursing degree program costs $687.50 per credit.

Unique Features

This school offers an RN-to-BSN program, as well as a number of Bridge-to-MSN degree programs for students who need to complete some prerequisite courses before starting graduate school. Students work on one course at a time so that they can develop an in-depth understanding of the material without juggling several classes at once.

7. Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences

Executive Summary

Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences is a private Christian school which is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Tuition

This program costs $315 per credit hour.

Unique Features

Students can complete their RN-to-BSN degree in 18 months and take courses one at a time. Class sizes are small to give students the attention and support they need.

8. American Public University

Executive Summary

APU has developed a reputation for providing students with cutting-edge educational programs at affordable prices. All undergraduate students are provided with textbooks, journals and ebooks at no extra charge.

Tuition

Students enrolled in the Nursing program at APU pay $250 per credit hour.

Unique Features

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program is geared toward students who hold an Associate degree and are licensed Registered Nurses. It focuses on courses which help to develop the nurse’s role as a practitioner, a leader and as a scientist.

9. Anna Maria College

Executive Summary

Anna Maria College is a private, non-profit Catholic school. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Tuition

This program costs $394 per credit hour.

Unique Features

This school’s RN to BSN program is taught by nurse educators who have real-world experience. Applicants receive recognition for their professional expertise and there is no clinical component required for this degree.

For more resources like this list of Top 10 Online Undergraduate Nursing Programs, see Top 10 Online Colleges for Health Care.