Can you really become a nurse online? Is online nursing school a possibility? Do online nursing schools even exist? The short answer to these questions is yes, you can get a nursing degree online—but not 100% of it.
Nursing is a hands-on, in-person profession that requires a set amount of clinical lab work to prepare you for the field. But once you get those requirements checked off, there are lots of RN, BSN and other advanced courses you can take online.
Here's a look at the different nursing levels, their typical learning requirements and how much of each degree you can choose to complete online.
What are the different levels of nursing?
The nursing profession is a whole jumble of different acronyms, and it can be hard to remember what's what. Here's a quick guide to the different nursing titles, and a breakdown of what each acronym stands for before we go into more detail on each related degree program.
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)
LPNs may also be referred to as licensed vocational nurses (LVNs). LPNs typically complete a diploma program and then become licensed by passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN®).
Registered nurses (RNs)
This is the role people usually think of when they think of nursing. RNs typically earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) to begin working.
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs)
APRNs are specialized nurses who've pursued either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Science in Nursing Nurse Practitioner (MSN-NP) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). In addition to passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) to become RNs, APRNs often need to pass national certification exams in their area of expertise.
APRNs can include nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and other advanced nursing roles.
How much of each degree program can be completed online?
Now that you have a peek into the typical tracks of each nursing level, let's take a closer look at the related nursing degree programs—and see what online programs may be available to you.
LPN programs
While many practical nursing diploma programs are all in-person, Rasmussen University's program combines online and on-campus courses, plus hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Together, these experiences will help prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-PN® licensing exam and become a practicing licensed practical nurse (LPN).
The ultimate goal of the program? To prepare you to provide safe, ethical, holistic and compassionate patient-centered care for a diverse population. Our practical nursing program consists of 15 courses, 56 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 12 months.1
Learn more
If you're interested in taking the first step, learn more about Rasmussen University's Practical Nursing Program.
ADN programs
ADN programs are a popular path for those looking to become full RNs, and most can be hybrid. Rasmussen's ADN program includes a mix of online courses, on-campus lab simulations and clinical settings. This well-rounded approach prepares you to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam, and equips you to confidently enter a nursing career.
Our ADN program consists of 25 courses, 102 credit hours and can be completed in as few as 21 months.1
Learn more
If becoming a registered nurse is your goal and you're looking for a hybrid program, discover more about Rasmussen University's Professional Nursing Program.
RN to BSN programs
For registered nurses who want or need to secure a bachelor's degree in nursing, an RN to BSN program can bridge the gap. (For more on that, check out Will a BSN Be Mandatory For Nurses Everywhere?).
Excluding clinicals, these programs can be completed entirely online. The reason? You're already a nurse who's completed plenty of hands-on work in the field.
Rasmussen's CCNE-accredited2 RN to BSN program is created with online Empowered Learning® courses. The structure allows you to:
- Access online courses anytime, from almost anywhere
- Learn at your own pace
- Stay connected with advisors, faculty and peers
- Access 24/7 tech support
This RN to BSN program consists of 17 courses, 70 credit hours and can be completed in anywhere from 12 to 18 months with full-time study.1
Learn more
If you're an RN exploring accredited online nursing programs, dive deeper into our RN to BSN online program.
MSN programs
Similarly, those looking to secure their MSN already hold a BSN and are typically practicing RNs. This means you can also complete a master's degree in nursing entirely online, excluding clinicals.
Rasmussen's online, CCNE-accredited2 MSN program is designed to support working nurses. It offers flexible schedules and plenty of support, helping BSN RNs advance even further in their nursing careers without requiring time off.
Our online Empowered Learning® courses provide the same structure as for the RN to BSN program, allowing you to learn at your own pace and either join live online lectures or listen to recorded lectures when it's convenient, with no weekly deadlines.
The program is focused on real-world projects that practicing nurses can relate to, and can be as individual or interactive as students want—allowing you to stay connected with faculty and peers throughout the online learning process.
This degree program is 12 courses and 48 credit hours. While many RNs choose to pursue their MSN while continuing to work, it can be completed in as few as 18 months with full-time study.1
Learn more
If you're an RN BSN researching online nursing degrees that can help you move up the ladder, take a closer look at Rasmussen's Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program.
DNP programs
As someone pursuing your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you're already highly experienced and highly educated in the nursing space. Aside from the time you'll need to spend building upon your clinical hours, your DNP program can be entirely online.
Rasmussen's DNP program is designed for working nurses, offers a flexible and supportive Empowered Learning® structure and keeps you connected with expert faculty and a vibrant community of nursing leaders.
This online nursing program supports you in meeting the DNP clinical hour requirement, offers 24/7 tech support for online coursework and is focused on what's most important to any aspiring DNP: positively impacting healthcare outcomes.
Depending on your interests in pursuing a path in direct or indirect patient care, our program offers two specializations— Executive Leadership or Public Health and Policy. Rasmussen is one of the few institutions to offer a DNP in Public Health and Policy as a combined specialization, and either one will prepare you to make a positive impact in the field.
While course and credit hour requirements will vary on an individual basis, our DNP program is roughly 11 to 14 courses, 48 to 63 credit hours3 and can be completed in as few as 21 months.1
Learn more
Become a leader in an incredibly important industry and learn more about Rasmussen's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program.
How do clinicals work in online nursing programs?
You're probably wondering how nursing students can pursue RN to BSN, MSN and DNP programs online while still needing to complete clinical hours. While these clinical hours do need to be completed in-person, they don't need to be completed near campus.
Rasmussen University's nursing clinical coordinators work to assist each student in finding clinical placements in their community, doing their best to help you complete the entirety of your program in the area you live.
Get more information
If you know you want to pursue an online program and finding a local clinical placement is a concern of yours, request more information about your desired degree program and speak with an admissions advisor today.
Pursue your online nursing degree
Now that you know a little more about our different online nursing degree programs, take the next step and explore the program that aligns with your nursing experience level.
Need more clarity on the levels of nursing? Check out our article "A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Levels of Nursing Credentials".
1Completion time is dependent on transfer credits accepted and the number of courses completed each term.
2The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Rasmussen University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 655 K Street NW, Suite 750 l Washington, DC 20001 l 202-887-6791
3Credits needed to graduate depend on practicum clinical hours needed to reach required minimum.
