Best Online Nursing Education Degree Programs

As the population ages, demand for nurses at all professional levels continues to rise, and nursing is becoming increasingly popular as a second career option for many adults. With a variety of nursing study options offered by online colleges and universities around the world, accredited nursing degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels are available to almost anyone. The top online nursing education programs provide complete training leading to licensing and certification, and the best online degrees in nursing education for those interested in becoming a nurse educator are offered both by fully online colleges and by traditional schools in an online format.

About the Best Online Degrees in Nursing

A degree in nursing requires both academic coursework and clinical practice. Online nursing education programs typically provide non-clinical coursework with the clinical portion conducted at a medical facility in the student’s community. Nursing courses generally include classes in theory and research, health and disease management, community nursing and health policy. Degrees and licensing are available the Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s levels and prepare students for careers as Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurses, Registered Nurses or advanced practice certifications such as Certified Nurse Midwife, Nurse Practitioner, or Clinical Nursing Specialist.

Online Undergraduate Degrees in Nursing

The best online undergraduate degrees in nursing education offer a thorough introduction to the theory and practice of nursing as well as coursework in specialized areas such as pediatric or surgical nursing. A two-year Associate’s Degree in Nursing can provide a quick entry to the field, but the more academic emphasis in Bachelor of Science courses can open doors to more specialized and lucrative careers. Online bachelor’s in nursing programs offer options for nurses at the LPN and RN levels to get a BS in nursing in less than four years as well as a full four year major in the field. The best online undergraduate degrees in nursing include both general undergraduate coursework and a nursing curriculum that prepares students for work in a variety of settings including schools, clinics, community wellness programs, and hospitals.

Resources

Best Online Nurse Educator Degree Programs
Nursing School Rankings
Best Online Nursing Leadership Degree Programs

Online Master’s in Nursing Programs

An online master’s in nursing generally allows students to focus on a particular subspecialty in the nursing field, such as Nurse Educator or Nurse Practitioner, or to assume supervisory and management roles. Unlike the BSN, an MS in nursing typically requires little clinical practice and can be completed almost exclusively online. The best online master’s degrees in nursing include a variety of subfields for specialization, and offer tracks leading to the doctoral level as well. Candidates for the master’s in nursing are typically expected to have completed a BSN degree, although some online programs are designed for students from other fields.

Choosing the Best Online Nursing Education Degree Program

The best online degrees in nursing are offered by reputable, accredited schools that prepare students for licensure, certification and clinical work in nursing. Online education portals which supply nursing degree rankings emphasize the importance of a comprehensive curriculum that covers nursing theory and practices as well as offering ways to complete the clinical portion of a nursing program. Online nursing degrees in the USA and abroad are conferred by both online schools and traditional institutions offering an online version of their classroom program, putting a career in nursing within the reach of nearly everyone.