Nursing Careers and Programs
Listed below are colleges and universities that offer online degrees or certificates in Nursing and a detailed list of offered programs. Tuition, financial aid, course offerings, online classes are available by request. For information about campus-based schools, click on the 'On Campus Degrees' link above.
Looking for a Good Paying, Rewarding Job? Nursing Just Might be for You
If you're seeking a job that's personally and financially rewarding nursing is it! There's a skyrocketing demand for nurses. Nursing offers great job security and more jobs than any other healthcare occupation. What does a nurse do? There are plenty of long definitions, but most people have an idea what nurses do so let's make it short and sweet: Physicians cure and nurses care. Nurses truly impact the lives of patients and their families. Nurses play a big role in patient care.
One of the most remarkable things about the nursing field is how varied it is; you have a wide variety of interesting specialties to choose from, including home healthcare, long-term care, genetics, oncology, cardiovascular, medical-surgical and much more.
Big Demand for Nurses
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a big demand for nurses; the current large shortage is expected to increase over the years. One of the great things about a nursing career is a good paying job awaits you after completing just a two-year associate degree program. The median hourly pay for registered nurses is $31.10 per hour. Later on, consider going back to school and getting a bachelor's degree because you'll get more responsibilities and also higher pay. How about a management position? Increasingly, management positions require a graduate or an advanced degree in nursing or health administrative services.
The Type of People Who Enjoy being a Nurse
If you love helping people and making a difference in peoples lives, nursing just might be for you. Nurses need to be caring, responsible and sympathetic. They also need emotional stability to deal with emergencies, human suffering and other stresses.
Here are some other important characteristics for the occupation:
- • Detailed oriented
- • The ability to analyze data
- • Good team player
- • Good people skills
- • A passion for nursing
Listed below are online Nursing colleges and online Nursing universities complete with the programs offered. Information about tuition, financial aid, course offerings, online classes, and other options are available by submitting a request to the school. For information about campus-based schools with degrees in Nursing, click on the 'On Campus Degrees' link above.
Use the following if you are interested in help with locating a college or university with an online degree in Nursing.
Career Outlook for Nursing
The nursing sector has over 2.6 million jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects excellent job opportunities; however job opportunities may vary by employment and geographic setting. 60 percent of registered nurse jobs are in hospitals, 8 percent in doctor's offices, 5 percent in home healthcare services and 3 percent in employment services.
Enjoy a Flourishing Job Market
The BLS forecasts a 22 percent employment growth for registered nurses from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job growth is powered by technological advances in patient care, a greater emphasis on preventive care and a rapidly growing older population.
When compared to other healthcare sectors the BLS expects nursing employment to grow more slowly in hospitals. Rapid job growth is forecasted for hospital outpatient facilities including facilities offering rehabilitation, same-day surgery and chemotherapy. Also, nurses are expected to be in big demand in doctor's offices because complex procedures traditionally done in hospitals are increasingly being done in doctor's offices.
Nurses with a bachelor's degree or higher have better job and advancement opportunities than nurses with only an associate degree or a diploma. The advanced practice specialties: Anesthetists, nurse practitioners, clinical nurses, and nurse-midwives are expected to be in high demand, especially in underserved areas such as rural areas and inner cities.
Salary Forecast for Careers in Nursing
Make a Good Salary While Helping People
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2010 the average salary for registered nurses was $67,720 with a median hourly pay of $31.10. The lowest paid earned $44,000 and the highest paid earned over $93,000. In 2010 licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses made $41,360 and the median hourly pay was $19.42.
Moving up to one of these jobs, anesthetist, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse or nurse-midwife significantly increases your salary. Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is one of the higher paying nurse occupations, they make $100, 000 or more per year.
One way to possibly increase your salary without spending the time and money to get a higher degree is obtaining a credential in one or more specialty areas. They're provided by numerous organizations. Although a credential is typically not required, it shows an employer you have a certain level of knowledge.
Education Requirements for Nursing
Go Back to School
Registered nurses have three educational paths to choose from: Bachelor's degree (four years), associate degree (two to three years) and a diploma (about three years), from an approved nursing program. Hospitals offer diploma programs but they're uncommon. Most nurses enter the field with an associate or bachelor's degree. With a bachelor's degree program you get clinical experience in nonhospital environments and you get more training in leadership and communication. You'll also have to pass a national licensing examination to get a nursing license. If you complete an accelerated master's degree programs you get a bachelor's and a master's degree (which takes three to four years to complete).
Another option is spending less time and money on schooling and becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPNs) or licensed vocational nurse (LVNs). You'll work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. You need a certificate or diploma in practical nursing from a vocational or community college - these programs take about a year to complete.
Here's some encouraging news, if you hold a bachelor' degree in another field you're allowed to enroll in an accelerated BSN program which take only 1 year to 18 months to complete. Your non-nurse bachelor's degree also opens the door to master's degree nurse programs.
Accredited Colleges and Universities
Online Schools with related Nursing programs
Walden University

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
This online degree completion program provides current registered nurses who have a hospital diploma or associate degree in nursing with the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Changing job placements in health care organizations, evolving demands by diverse populations for superior health care delivery, and pending legislation in several states (NY, IA), are propelling the nursing industry to establish a bachelor's degree as minimum preparation to practice.
Walden's BSN curriculum has been designed by nursing experts and provides an in-depth understanding of evidence-based practices that can be applied on the job immediately. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months.* With a Walden BSN degree, you can gain the skills and credentials you need to stay current in an evolving health care profession.
* Time to completion depends on individual progress and credits transferred.
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Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) BSN Track - General
This online degree program focuses on developing leaders in the nursing field. This graduate degree course is based on nursing guidelines from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The graduate degree curriculum uses nationally renowned faculty to help you acquire the tools to teach others and prepare for current and future career opportunities. The program is available to RNs with a BSN, ADN, or Diploma.
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Post-Master's Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Education
The demand for nurse leaders in education, technology, clinical settings, and at the upper levels of management is increasing. As a professional nurse seeking to meet this growing demand, you must have access to the most current thinking and best practices. Earning a Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing can help you bolster your skills so you can help meet rapidly growing demands for better patient care, achieve greater professional recognition, create new career opportunities or improve long-term career prospects, and improve your position with regard to compensation.
Certificates:
- Nursing Education
- Nursing Leadership & Management
- Nursing Informatics
Walden University's M.S. in Nursing (MSN) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate and graduate education programs in preparing effective nurses. For students, accreditation signifies program innovation and continuous self-assessment. Graduates recognize that, as they seek new positions or entry into doctoral programs, accreditation is valued and may be required.
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Doctor of Nursing Practice (D.N.P.)
Reach the highest level of nursing practice and discover how to promote a more effective and efficient healthcare system. This program gives you the credentials you need to assume a greater leadership role within a healthcare organization, and it can help you contribute to improved patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. You can build on your expertise to further patient care, gain the knowledge and skills needed to train the next generation of nurses, and translate theory into an advanced nursing practice that enhances the health of populations and communities.
Kaplan University
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RN to BS in Nursing
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Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner
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RN to MS in Nursing
If you are an RN and your career goals require earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing AND a Master of Science in Nursing, consider the new RN-to-MS in Nursing option. The RN-to-MS in Nursing option offers associate's or diploma-level nurses and nurses with a bachelor's degree in another field the opportunity to satisfy specific core requirements for Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing program while completing their bachelor's degree in nursing. Students then have the opportunity to enter Kaplan University's Master of Science in Nursing program in a condensed format. Students completing this accelerated program will earn their Kaplan University BS in Nursing and MS in Nursing degrees at a faster pace and lower cost than completing each degree separately.
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Master of Science in Nursing - Adult Gerontology Practitioner
Grand Canyon University

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B.S. in Nursing (Registered Nurse - R.N. to B.S.N.)
The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is designed for currently registered nurses with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The format and courses of the regionally accredited program are tailored to meet the needs of the adult learner RN, and to maximize strengths that the working RN possesses. A bridge course facilitates the transition of the working RN into the baccalaureate program. Courses are taught by experts in their respective fields who share knowledge and experience in areas of clinical patient care, health care management, and professional nursing practice and leadership. Opportunities are provided to apply concepts, theories, and research in the RN's clinical practice. Both the science and art of nursing are integral components of the program and are woven throughout.
The curriculum covers nurse competencies, management and leadership, health assessment, statistics, research, trends and issues, ethical decision-making, family-centered health, public health, and spirituality in health care. In addition, the student's learning will culminate in project proposal to resolve and issue or problem in the nursing practice.
Graduates of the program are prepared to become effective leaders in the nursing profession.
Applicants must already be a Registered Nurse for admittance into this program.
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M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Dual Degree)
Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Dual-Degree).
In today's complex health care environments, more and more management-level nursing positions require a graduate or advanced degree. This current and comprehensive degree program equips students for management and leadership in today's challenging health care settings. The program provides students with an opportunity to develop cross-functional business management skills, preparing business practitioners for advanced management and executive positions combined with specialized study in leadership theory and application. The curriculum combines core business courses in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management and leadership with a special focus on nursing roles and practice, health care research, ethics, policy, and finance in the health care system. In addition, a capstone course provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based project proposal addressing a problem or issue in professional practice.
Graduates of this program are equipped to excel as effective managers and leaders in a health care setting, including roles such as assistant director, director, vice president, or chief of nursing.
Prospective students must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree prior to enrollment.
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M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Education
This specialized degree program prepares advanced-professional nurses to address the ever changing and expanding educational needs of the nursing profession.
The program is designed for those students in the Master of Science in Nursing program who are interested in pursuing or advancing in a position in nursing education. The program prepares students for a variety of roles in nursing education, either as clinical educators or academic educators in both traditional and nontraditional settings in nursing education.
Graduates are prepared to assess educational needs, plan programs to meet those needs, and evaluate the outcomes of their programs. The curriculum includes an in-depth examination of nursing theory, roles and practice; research, ethics, policy and finance in the health care system; and pathophysiology, pharmacology and health assessment for nurse educators. In addition, curriculum design and technology for nursing education is explored. A capstone course provides an opportunity for students to develop an evidence-based project proposal that addresses a problem or issue in professional practice. Graduates of this program will possess the knowledge and skills needed to successfully teach nursing in a wide variety of settings.
A post-master's certificate program is available to those nurses who already have a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S. or M.S.N.) degree.
Prospective students must have completed a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree program prior to enrolling.
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M.B.A. and M.S. in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
The Bridge to Master of Science in Nursing program is designed for registered nurses with a bachelor's degree in health sciences or other related fields.
The program is intended to meet the needs of adult learners who already possess a bachelor's degree and an RN license who desire to pursue a graduate degree in nursing. Courses in the bridge program are a blending of RN to BSN core courses that are considered essential requisites to graduate study. Upon completion of bridge courses from the BSN core, students enter one of five emphases offered for the Master of Science in Nursing or the Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Nursing: Nursing Leadership in Health Care Systems (Dual-Degree).
South University Online

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Accelerated RN to MSN
Registered Nurses who are driven to expedite their professional mobility and who do not yet possess a BSN degree should consider our Accelerated RN to MSN online program. This program delivers an intensive, streamlined course of study that awards both a BSN and an MSN upon completion.
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Accelerated RN to MSN Nurse Educator Specialization
Registered Nurses who are driven to expedite their professional mobility and who do not yet possess a BSN degree should consider our Accelerated RN to MSN online program. This program delivers an intensive, streamlined course of study that awards both a BSN and an MSN upon completion.
The Nurse Educator specialization is designed for RNs who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment.
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion for Registered Nurses
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree completion program at South University is designed for registered nurses. The emphasis of this program is not only on the areas of skill that students need to develop, but also on the geographic areas whose populations students will serve - particularly rural communities.The RN to BSN is structured in a way that allows students to pursue their studies without having to put their career or life on hold. We deliver the campus experience in the convenience of an online format, helping RNs achieve their goal of a BSN in the most efficient way possible.
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Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Educator Specialization
The Nurse Educator specialization is designed for those who want to develop and train nurses to meet the challenges of a rapidly developing and continually changing healthcare environment.
Colorado Technical University

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Completion)
Colorado Tech Online is pleased to announce the availability of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) degree completion program. Admission to this program requires students to have an unencumbered license to practice as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States. It also requires applicants to have graduated from a two year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a three year Diploma Registered Nurse (RN) program. This degree completion program features courses that include: Professional Nursing Practice, Management of Critical Health Issues, Legal Nurse Consulting, Finance in Healthcare, Forensic Nursing and many others. Also included is a nursing capstone project designed to integrate and apply the various concepts, theories and dynamics of the nursing coursework.
Courses are taught by instructors with applicable experience in today's nursing industry. Students can absorb relevant perspectives and professional insights from people who can help them acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a broad range of career opportunities such as Nurse Administrator, Chief Nursing Officer, Public Health Nurse, Nurse Manager and many others.
Campus-based Schools with related Nursing programs