Top Online RN Colleges
Welcome to RN College. We are committed to helping people find the best nursing colleges to attend to become a registered nurse. There are several great programs available at online colleges as well as some really interesting campus-based programs in just about every area in the U.S. We have done our best to collect the best programs to present to you to make it a little bit easier for you to get started with your nursing career. The best way to start is to look through the schools in our list below and request more information today. It’s completely free and there is no obligation, you just get the answers you need. For instance, find out how long it will take for you to get your nursing degree and any accelerated nursing programs that might help you get your degree faster.
Top 3 Online RN Colleges
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Kaplan University - Kaplan is easily one of the most recognized and successful online colleges. Kaplan is the largest school we recommend with the highest number of graduating nursing students. They offer multiple degree programs in nursing and health sciences that are perfect for any nursing student. They offer associate's degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees online all that will help further your career. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
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South University - South University is leading the rest of the online education space in providing multiple programs for nursing students. They offer both an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences as well as a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. They offer one of the best graduation and retention rates making it one of the best choices for getting your nursing degree. South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees.
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Indiana State University - This university has quietly become one of the best places to get a degree online. It is well respected by hospitals and other healthcare employers. They offer a bachelor's degree in Nursing as well as several in Healthcare related fields which works well for anyone entering into the nursing profession. Indiana State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
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RN Education and Licensing
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate’s or two-year degree is a great way to get started with your nursing education. Common program names include Associate Degree in Nursing, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, and an Associate of Science in Nursing. There are definitely other program names but in general they are a great way to get started with your nursing career and lay a good education foundation for your bachelor’s degree if you choose to continue on with your nursing education.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
One of the best ways to get up-and-running as an RN is to jump straight into a four-year nursing degree program. There are many accelerated online nursing degrees that can even help you complete the program in well under four years depending on the amount of classes you can take at a time. The BSN is definitely an academic degree and it stresses more research and nursing theory than the associate’s degree in nursing requires (which is generally recognized as a more hands-on type of degree). Most states do require clinical experience that is the same for both BSN and ADN students and the accrediting bodies are the same for both degrees.
Licensing – Becoming an RN
After you have completed your education, you qualify to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the test to become a licensed registered nurse. This test is accepted by every state and is a great indicator of your level of competency in all facets of nursing.
Nursing Board Certification
Once you have completed your degree and passed the exam then you are ready to go before the Nursing Board for certification. If you completed the prerequisite work experience, you can move through the process much faster. Once you are approved by the Board then you can add the RN designation after your name. You can definitely find out more by checking with the American Nurses Association.
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