[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Online BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor of science in nursing programs prepare you for licensure and help you stand out from nursing candidates who only have associate degrees. Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients, conduct health screenings, and promote wellness in their communities. Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degrees meet the requirements for RN licensure and careers such as pediatric nurse, acute care nurse, oncology nurse, and public health nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) data projects that from 2023-2033, employment for RNs will continue to grow by 6%, faster than the average for all jobs. RNs earn above-average salaries, with the median RN salary exceeding $86,000 per year. Many employers prefer to hire nurses with bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), making education a valuable investment for prospective nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Our list ranks the best online BSN programs to help aspiring nurses find the right one for their career goals. You’ll find everything you need to know about online BSN degrees, popular nursing careers, and the RN licensure process.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Bachelor’s in Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading] ​ [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias while accounting for key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2022. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is an Online BSN Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online BSN program offers a flexible route to an RN license and nursing careers. Online nursing enrollees complete coursework requirements through a virtual learning platform. Depending on the program, degree-seekers may also need to join live meetings or watch recorded lectures. Many online nursing programs offer flexible schedules to help healthcare workers balance their studies with work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to online coursework, distance learners complete clinical requirements in their local areas. For example, enrollees often have clinical rotations at local hospitals, working under the supervision of approved preceptors. The blend of classroom and practical learning builds the skills required for RN jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a BS in nursing online is a great option for busy professionals, RNs seeking bachelor’s degrees, and students who don’t have access to nursing programs locally.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Is the Difference Between a Diploma of Nursing, a Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A diploma of nursing — also called an RN diploma — is typically awarded after an apprentice-like program at a hospital. However, these programs are relatively rare and getting rarer. It is more common for nurses to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Technically, a bachelor of nursing is a degree only available in Canada. In the United States, what some people call a “bachelor of nursing” is usually shorthand for a bachelor of science in nursing degree – one of the most common pathways for prospective registered nurses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both an RN diploma and a bachelor of science in nursing degree prepare graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for licensure as a registered nurse.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With many available online BSN nursing programs, prospective nurses may struggle to narrow down their options. Evaluating programs based on accreditation status, specialization options, and placement records can help applicants identify the program that best aligns with their personal and professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How to Choose Your Major” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”expect”]What to Expect When Getting Your Nursing Degree Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In a BSN degree program, majors study topics including community health nursing, health assessment, and evidence-based practice. These courses strengthen patient care and nursing practice skills. In addition to core nursing classes, undergraduates complete general education requirements and clinical practicums to prepare for nursing licensure. Curricula vary, but a few common courses are explained below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]BS in Nursing Online Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading]

• Children and Their Families: Nurses learn about caring for children and interacting with their families. The course emphasizes partnering with families to provide care and explore topics related to children and managing their health.
• Community Health Nursing: Students examine the role of community health services, including nursing practice in home and agency settings. Coursework covers health promotion, community health practice, and community wellness.
• Evidence-Based Practice: Learners learn how to interpret nursing research and apply their findings when caring for patients. The course builds critical evaluation skills and trains nurses to integrate research into their practice.
• Health Assessment: RNs conduct health assessments on patients of all ages. In this course, enrollees strengthen their critical thinking and clinical skills while exploring the ethical obligations of nurses when conducting health assessments.
• Pathophysiology: Students learn about disruptions that affect bodily functions in patients. The course covers common health issues and the process for intervention with each.
• Pharmacology: Nursing students study drug classifications, the principles of pharmacology, and the clinical use of drug therapies. Coursework prepares enrollees for related material on the NCLEX-RN exam.

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Online BSN Clinicals[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses enrolled in online BSN programs complete clinical requirements as part of their training. Practicums, labs, and simulations help build the practical experience nurses need to enter the workforce.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some requirements, such as simulations, can operate in an online format. Other clinicals must take place in person. For these clinical hours, nursing students usually work at local sites, such as hospitals or community health clinics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing programs work with students to arrange and approve clinical practicums and preceptors. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) can often complete their clinical requirements in their current workplaces. Learners with no prior nursing training must arrange practicum locations with their programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”certificates-licenses”]Certificates and Licenses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each RN needs a license to practice, and each state sets its own licensure processes and requirements. While the exact process varies, every state requires nurses to pass the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsbn.org/exams.page”]NCLEX-RN exam[/hen-ui-link] and complete an accredited nurse training program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many BSN programs incorporate the NCLEX-RN in their curricula, often including the exam as part of graduation requirements. The test evaluates nurses on care management, risk reduction, infection control, and basic care skills. After passing the exam, nurses can apply for RN licenses. Some states also require a background check or additional certifications, such as CPR, basic life support, or advanced cardiac life support training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to an RN license, nurses can earn certificates to demonstrate specialized skills. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/”]American Nurses Credentialing Center[/hen-ui-link] offers board certifications in areas such as ambulatory care nursing, cardiac vascular nursing, informatics nursing, and pain management nursing. Other organizations, such as the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, also offer [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.aacn.org/certification/get-certified”]specialty certifications[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certification candidates need an active RN license and a minimum number of hours of clinical practice in the relevant specialty area. Maintaining certification requires continuing education coursework. Typically, the certification remains valid for five years.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Nursing Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree meets the requirements for RN licensure and employment in a variety of specialties, including pediatrics, critical care, and oncology. Across specialties, RNs benefit from strong job growth projections with a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm”]median salary of $86,070[/hen-ui-link] per year, according to the BLS — a significant increase over the earning potential of LPNs and LVNs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree also qualifies nurses for master’s programs in nursing. Graduates can pursue employment as advanced practice registered nurses, nurse educators, and nurse administrators.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Nursing Fields[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Education Requirements and Median Salaries for Nursing Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Licensed Practical Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm”]$59,730[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Licensed Vocational Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$59,730[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Registered Nurse[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm/”]$86,070[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Associate or Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Nurse Midwife[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nurse-anesthetists-nurse-midwives-and-nurse-practitioners.htm/”]$129,480[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Nurse Practitioner[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$129,480[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Career”]Postsecondary Teacher[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm/”]$84,380[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Required”]Doctorate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] Source: [hen-ui-link href=”http://bls.gov/”]BLS[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Questions Surrounding Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can You Get a BSN Online?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. Many nursing schools offer [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-rn-bsn/”]online BSN programs or RN-to-BSN[/hen-ui-link] programs for learners seeking flexible course schedules. In online programs, nursing students complete coursework online while meeting clinical requirements through local hospitals or clinics.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can I Get a BSN Without Having an RN?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. A prospective nurse can earn a BSN without holding an RN license. Many four-year colleges and universities offer standalone BSN programs for majors with no prior nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Does a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]During a BSN program, majors study evidence-based care, patient-centered nursing, and clinical practice. The degree prepares graduates for licensure and careers in nursing.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take To Become an RN With a Bachelor’s Degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing degree online generally takes four years for full-time students. Students with [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transferring-credits-and-school-accreditation/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link] or an associate degree can often finish more quickly.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Related Articles[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”172,1535,1473″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]