The Ohio State University holds a narrow lead over Western Governors University for online nursing credentials, earning frequent mentions for its MSN specialty tracks. When prospective students ask which specific online nursing program fits their needs, Duquesne University becomes the usual answer.
To figure out which online nursing school is the best fit for you, it helps to narrow down your current education level, career goals, and scheduling needs . Online options vary widely depending on whether you are looking for an RN-to-BSN, an MSN (for education, leadership, or nurse practitioner tracks), or a direct-entry program.[](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing)
Absolutely! I can help you find good online nursing schools that fit your goals, budget, location, and current education level.
Since nursing programs vary a lot, the biggest thing is choosing a school that leads to the nursing license you want—not just one that advertises online classes. Some programs can be completed mostly online, while others require in-person clinical rotations or skills labs.
I need to find reputable nursing programs that I can complete online. Can you recommend some?
I'll focus on schools that are practical options to investigate in North Carolina, including accredited programs and flexible options for working students.
Online nursing schools worth considering
1. East Carolina University (ECU)
(Best to investigate for flexibility)
Offers an online RN-to-BSN pathway for people who are already registered nurses. Some practice experiences still require real-world participation.
Website:
2. Fayetteville State University
A good option to investigate if affordability matters and you already hold an RN license. Its RN-to-BSN program is offered online.
Website:
3. UNC Greensboro
Worth considering if you're already an RN and want a flexible online bachelor's completion program. The program has asynchronous coursework options.
Website:
These are preliminary options, not a final ranking for you. If you're starting from scratch, we'll need to look at entry-level nursing programs instead.
Let me narrow it down for you
1. What is your current nursing or education status?
I'm new to nursing and haven't attended nursing school.
I've taken some college classes or nursing prerequisites.
I'm an LPN/LVN and want to become an RN.
I'm already an RN and want my bachelor's degree (BSN).
I already have a bachelor's degree in another field.
2. What is your goal?
Registered nurse (RN)
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)
Nurse practitioner or advanced nursing degree
3. What tuition range works best?
As affordable as possible; community college or financial aid
Moderate cost if the school is good
Flexible budget for the right program
4. What schedule do you need?
I need to work while attending school.
I can attend school full-time.
I need as much online learning as possible.
[Find my best-fit schools]
One important note: If you need to qualify for your first nursing license, don't assume a school advertised as “100% online” will work. Nursing requires hands-on clinical training, and North Carolina has specific requirements for program approval and clinical placements. Check the North Carolina Board of Nursing's approved programs before enrolling.
When looking for reputable online nursing programs, the ideal choice depends on your current education level and license status (e.g., RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN, or specialized Master's/DNP tracks). Fully online options typically deliver coursework digitally while arranging local clinical placements for hands-on requirements.[](https://nursejournal.org/degrees/best-online-nursing-programs/)
A list of reputable, accredited universities offering online nursing pathways includes:
Absolutely. There are reputable nursing programs with online coursework, but the best choice depends on whether you're starting nursing school from scratch, already an RN, or looking to advance your nursing degree.
One important distinction: nursing programs advertised as “online” often still require in-person clinical rotations, skills labs, or supervised practice. Fully online options are much more common for nurses who already hold a license and want to earn a higher degree.
For a reputable program, I would prioritize institutional accreditation, nursing-specific accreditation, state Board of Nursing approval, NCLEX eligibility where applicable, and transparent tuition costs.
Recommended online nursing programs
These are the schools I would put on your initial shortlist, based on their published accreditation, online format, and program details.
1. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
(Strong public-university option)
Best for: Licensed RNs pursuing a BSN
UIC offers a fully online, 30-credit RN-to-BSN program that can be completed in as little as 12 months. Its published tuition is $9,990, and the program is CCNE-accredited.
If you want to earn a nursing degree online, there are several reputable universities to consider. The best choice depends on whether you're starting nursing school from scratch, already a registered nurse (RN), or looking to advance your career.
One important distinction: nursing degrees can often be completed largely online, but programs that prepare you for initial RN licensure generally require in-person clinical rotations and sometimes on-campus labs. RN-to-BSN programs are much more likely to be fully online.
Reputable online nursing degree programs
Here are some established options worth researching, including universities with online nursing pathways.
1. Western Governors University (WGU)
(Flexible pacing)
Best for: Working nurses who want flexibility.
Program: RN-to-BSN.
Format: Online coursework with a limited practical component.
Why consider it: Competency-based learning, transfer-credit opportunities, and the possibility of finishing in about a year.
Best for: RNs looking for a public-university option.
Program: Online RN-to-BSN.
Format: 100% online.
Why consider it: The university lists a 30-credit program, approximately 12 months to complete, and tuition of $9,990 at the published rate. Confirm current tuition and fees before applying.
Best for: Students who want to investigate additional online nursing pathways.
Programs: Nursing options vary by previous education and licensure.
Why consider it: An established online-focused university with nursing programs. Check the exact degree's admission requirements, delivery format, and current accreditation status before enrolling.
If your goal is to become an RN and you don't have a nursing license yet, the options above may not fit. You should look for an entry-level BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program that qualifies you for initial RN licensure.
These programs generally require hands-on clinical training, even when some academic classes are online. Check your state board of nursing's approval requirements before enrolling.
How to verify that a program is reputable
Before paying an application fee, check these three things:
When looking for a reputable online nursing degree program, the single most important factor is accreditation (ensuring the program is accredited by either the CCNE —Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education—or the ACEN —Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing).
Keep in mind that while didactic (classroom) coursework can be completed online, programs that lead to licensure or advanced practice require localized, in-person clinical hours.
Reputable institutions offering online nursing pathways span several well-regarded options:
Absolutely — I can research online nursing programs and help you narrow them down to ones that fit your goals, budget, schedule, and current education.
Since you're in the Phoenix, Arizona area, I'll focus on programs available to Arizona residents, including online options from accredited universities and schools that offer clinical placements in Arizona.
One important thing: Nursing programs differ a lot. Some let you complete coursework online but require in-person clinical rotations, while others are designed for people who are already licensed nurses. The best options for you depend on where you're starting.
My initial shortlist
1. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
(Best starting point)
Best if you want a recognized public university and a flexible online degree. ASU's RN-to-BSN can take around 14–24 months, but it's intended for people who already have an RN license and an associate degree in nursing.
Worth comparing if you are already an RN and want an online bachelor's degree with transfer-credit options. Confirm current tuition, admission requirements, and any local clinical or project requirements.
Worth investigating if you are starting from scratch and want to become a registered nurse. These programs include in-person clinical and lab experiences, so they are not fully online.
Before enrolling in any program intended to qualify you for nursing licensure, check its approval status with the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
Let's find the right program for you
I just need one key detail to make the recommendations personal: What is your current education or nursing status?
1. Where are you in your nursing journey?
I'm new to nursing and want to become an RN.
I'm a CNA, medical assistant, or LPN/LVN.
I'm already an RN and want my BSN.
I have a BSN and want an MSN or nurse practitioner degree.
2. What education have you completed?
High school diploma or GED
Some college credits
Associate degree
Bachelor's degree or higher
3. What's your approximate total tuition budget?
Under $10,000
$10,000–$25,000
$25,000+
I need financial aid or payment plans.
4. What kind of schedule works for you?
As fast as possible
Flexible, while working or raising a family
Part-time, with a lighter workload
5. How much in-person attendance can you manage?
Online classes only, if possible
Online classes plus local labs and clinicals
Either online or in person
[Find my best-fit programs]
Once you answer, I'll narrow this to a practical shortlist with estimated costs, program length, admissions requirements, and links to the official school websites.
Best for: Academic reputation and career advancement
Its online RN-to-BSN program offers 30 credits of asynchronous coursework for licensed RNs with an associate degree in nursing. The program is CCNE-accredited.
The university's online RN-to-BSN program is CCNE-accredited. Its published program information lists tuition of $257 per credit hour for 35 nursing credits, before any additional fees or prerequisites.
WGU offers a CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN program, with tuition charged by six-month term. Its published rate is $5,325 per term. It also offers a prelicensure BSN pathway, but that option requires in-person labs and clinical rotations.
Best for: Exploring nursing from the beginning in NYC
If you are in New York and do not yet have a nursing license, Pacific College offers a prelicensure BSN with online didactic coursework and in-person skills labs and clinical experiences in New York City. The school reports ACEN accreditation and New York State registration. This is a hybrid program, not a fully online degree.
Tuition and completion times are published figures and may change. Your actual cost depends on transfer credits, prerequisites, fees, and residency eligibility.
How to choose a reputable program
Before applying, I recommend checking these four things:
University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB - Galveston) : Nationally recognized for online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) tracks like Clinical Nurse Leader and Executive Nurse Leader, requiring minimal on-campus visits.
Herzing University : A non-profit private institution offering flexible 100% online RN-to-MSN and post-grad tracks with structured help for clinical placement.
Duke University & The Ohio State University : Consistently lead rankings for advanced online and hybrid graduate tracks (such as DNP and various Nurse Practitioner specialties).[](https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/nursing)
To help narrow down the best choice for you, please let me know:
What current nursing degree or license do you hold (e.g., LPN, RN with ADN, or brand new to nursing)?
What specific degree level are you targeting (RN-to-BSN, MSN, or DNP)?
Are you looking for 100% online coursework (with local clinicals) or a hybrid model?
To narrow down the best fit, it helps to look at the primary program types:
RN to BSN: Designed for registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma looking to earn a bachelor's degree. These are often fully online, highly flexible, and asynchronous (e.g., Ohio University).
