Even though nursing is frequently listed as one of the most in-demand, expanding healthcare professions, it might take some time to obtain a nursing degree.
Not everyone has the financial means to put their lives on hold while pursuing the necessary education to advance their nursing careers. As with many other majors, a good way to solve this problem is to find a school that offers an online Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN).
Students can arrange needed classes around their schedules thanks to the flexibility of online learning. In addition, the structure of an online ADN program allows you to obtain the necessary nursing expertise in a shorter time.
What is an Online Associate’s Degree Program in Nursing?
An online Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a type of educational program that provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to become registered nurses.
The program is typically completed in two years and is offered by community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. Coursework can be completed entirely online, allowing students to study at their own pace and around their own schedules.
The curriculum covers topics such as anatomy, pharmacology, patient care, nursing theories, and practical experience through clinical rotations.
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed as registered nurses.
8 Top Online Associate’s Degrees in Nursing
Explore our pick of the 8 best online Associate’s degrees in nursing to gain a strong foundation in healthcare and take your nursing career to the next level.
Arkansas State University
An online associate’s degree in nursing can be obtained at Arkansas State University in under 2 years. The 7-week durations for all of the courses in the online degree program are practical, making it easier for nurses to enhance their clinical expertise.
To obtain an Associate of Applied Science in nursing, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) employed in acute or long-term care can pursue this nursing degree.
| Pass Rate | 91.2% |
| Credit Hours | 60 hours |
| Admission Requirements | – 2.0 GPA – Required course completion (Biology, English, Math) |
| Tuition | $12,883 |
| Accreditation | ACEN |
North Central Missouri College
An online associate’s degree in nursing can be obtained at Arkansas State University in under 2 years. As each course can be completed in 7-weeks, it is easy for LPNs to schedule the clinical requirements along with regular online classes.
North Carolina College associate degree programs for long-term and acute care nurses so they can enhance their skill set and provide quality care to patients.
| Pass Rate | 88.63% |
| Credit Hours | 60 hours |
| Admission Requirements | 8 credit hours of physiology and anatomy |
| Tuition | $9,500 |
| Accreditation | – Missouri State Board of Nursing – Higher Learning Commission |
Northwestern Michigan College
Northwestern Michigan College offers one of the most popular ADN programs, focusing on covering all nursing concepts in an accelerated time span. As the degree is online, your campus visits are limited to twice or thrice each semester for clinical courses.
One of the most prominent features is completing all the testing from the comfort of your home, making this ADN program one of the best choices for LPNs.
| Pass Rate | 90.10% |
| Credit Hours | 60 hours |
| Admission Requirements | HESI A2 Admission Exam |
| Tuition | $246.00 per contact hour |
| Accreditation | ACEN |
John A. Logan College
The associate degree nursing program at John A. Logan College is open to practicing nurses who currently hold a practical nursing credential and want to improve their education and advance their profession.
Both broad nursing concepts and information on how to provide care for particular groups, such as elderly and young patients, are included in this hybrid curriculum.
Additionally, individuals learn to perform particular nursing procedures, such as metabolic, cardiovascular, endocrine, and surgical tasks.
| Pass Rate | 95% |
| Credit Hours | 70 hours |
| Admission Requirements | Open admission |
| Tuition | $8,685 |
| Accreditation | ACEN |
Idaho State University
As part of the Associate Degree Registered Nurse (ADRN) program, students get a classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicum, teaching that qualifies them to take the NCLEX-RN as graduates. In addition, graduates become qualified to apply for a license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in Idaho and other states–as permitted by law–upon passing this test.
The ADN program can facilitate your transition to multiple healthcare sectors, including emergency centers, Medical and occupational clinics, military health centers, hospice care facilities, and hospitals.
| Pass Rate | 92% |
| Credit Hours | 60 hours |
| Admission Requirements | – Be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – 2.5 GPA – CPR certification |
| Tuition | $24,914.16 |
| Accreditation | The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education |
Midway University
Midway University is situated on a real horse farm outside Lexington, Kentucky. A ‘16 to 1’ student-to-teacher ratio and face-to-face assistance, whether through office hours or online networking technologies, are provided to students by their instructors. Generous financial aid is available to students.
The course includes a hybrid curriculum that combines online learning with classroom teaching and clinicals held at various healthcare institutions throughout Kentucky.
| Pass Rate | 95% |
| Credit Hours | 64 hours |
| Admission Requirements | – 2.8 GPA in Physiology, anatomy, English, and, Math – 21 ACT score or equivalent SAT score |
| Tuition | $395/credit hour |
| Accreditation | ACEN |
Denver College of Nursing
The Denver College of Nursing’s 66-week ADN program has a blended curriculum.
It is crucial to remember that the ADN program only permits a limited number of general education courses to be taken online.
These online courses are delivered through the use of the Blackboard LMS. They include subjects like language, writing, arithmetic, social sciences, humanities, psychology, and other general education subjects like communication and writing.
| Pass Rate | 94.53% |
| Credit Hours | 60 hours |
| Admission Requirements | – 2.5 CGPA – Drug screen and a criminal background check |
| Tuition | $37,754 |
| Accreditation | ACEN |
Nightingale College
Located in Utah, Nightingale College provides advanced placement for students who currently hold an LPN license. The program blends online instruction with local clinical assignments.
The coursework is focused on anatomy, physiology, hospice care, and dosage calculation, making it one of the most useful associate degrees in nursing programs.
| Pass Rate | 25% |
| Credit Hours | 68 hours |
| Admission Requirements | – Pass the Pre-Licensure Nursing Entrance Exam – Pass the Medical Dosage Calculation (MDC) course |
| Tuition | $79,325 |
| Accreditation | CCNE |
Types of Associate Degrees in Nursing
There are 3 main types of associate degrees in nursing. These degrees provide the education and clinical training necessary to become a registered nurse (RN). In addition, graduates of each program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become licensed as an RN. The following are the types of degrees offered for nurses at the associate level:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
- Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)
Financial Aid for Students Pursuing an Associates Degree in Nursing
Financial aid can significantly help students pay for their associate degree in nursing. Various options are available, such as scholarships, grants, and student loans. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid and can be awarded based on merit, financial need, or other criteria.
On the other hand, loans must be repaid with interest and are available through both government and private sources.
Students can also look into financial aid opportunities specifically for nursing students, such as grants and loans from nursing organizations, the government, and private organizations.
It is essential to carefully research and compare the terms and conditions of each financial aid option to determine the best fit for your individual needs and circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nursing is one of the most popular college majors, and obtaining an online Associate’s degree in Nursing is a step towards a successful career in the healthcare industry.
With the convenience and flexibility of online learning, students can balance their education and personal life while obtaining necessary knowledge and skills to become registered nurses. By researching and comparing programs, individuals can find the best online Associate’s degree in nursing that fits their needs and goals. Whether looking to start a new career or advance in the field, an associate’s degree in nursing is a valuable investment in one’s future. All you need is to find the best nursing schools and apply for an associate program!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, online associate degrees in nursing can be trustworthy if earned from a reputable and accredited institution. It is always a good idea to check that the program is accredited by a recognized nursing accrediting body, such as the ACEN or CCNE, to ensure the quality and credibility of the degree.
The time to earn an online associate degree in nursing can vary, but programs typically take 2-3 years to complete.
The cost of an Associate degree in nursing can vary greatly depending on the institution and program. On average, an online associate degree in nursing can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000, but some programs may be more expensive.
The fastest way to get an associate degree online in nursing is to enroll in an accelerated program that combines online coursework with hands-on clinical experience. In addition, some programs offer self-paced courses or the ability to earn credits for prior learning, which can help you finish the degree in a shorter time.
The average annual salary for a Registered Nurse (RN) with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is around $70,820.
