Associate Degree in Nursing Online

Earn an associate degree in nursing online if you want to become a nurse to help others! If becoming a nurse is your calling, but you don’t want to commit to five years of nursing, you can enroll in an associate’s degree program and earn your degree within 24 months. Getting an associates degree in nursing online is one of the quickest ways to become a registered nurse. Once you earn your associate degree in nursing you can work for entry-level nursing positions in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory care.

Reasons to Enroll for Associates Degree in Nursing Online

If nursing is your passion, but you can’t commit to full-time study for whatever reason, enrolling in an online associate degree program is a flexible and pragmatic way to study while you’re working and/or taking care of your family. Other hosts of benefits include:

Online degree programs are more cost-effective than programs taught on campus.
Earning an associate degree in nursing opens up opportunities for a variety of positions in healthcare, many of which are highly in demand.
You can have a fulfilling career by making a difference in patients’ lives.
You can pace your learning by opting for an accelerated program instead of the standard 18-month duration.
You can complete your clinical practice on campus or at approved local sites.

If you’re interested in certificate programs, read 2022 Top Certification Nursing Programs.

Cost of Associate Degree Nursing

Associate degree in nursing generally costs $8,000-$36,000 in tuition and fees. That is the total amount you can expect to pay for a two-year program. A more accurate estimate depends on your program and the state in which you reside.

As an online student, you may expect to pay reduced tuition and fees. For instance, some public schools offer in-state tuition rates to all online students regardless of the state in which state they reside. Other universities may simply offer reduced tuition. In your fee payments, you might be expected to pay a technology fee, i.e. internet cost or any other cost of technology for the online learning experience. Depending on the college you choose, you might also need to factor in travel costs, as most online nursing programs require some in-person hands-on clinical training at local sites.

And finally, after graduating with associates degree nursing online, you must pay $200 to get the NCLEX-RN license in the US, and state licensure application fees.

Earning Potential With an Associate Degree in Nursing

$77,600 is the median annual salary of registered nurses as of May 2021. Depending on the industry you work in, you can earn more or less than the mentioned salary. Registered nurses who work for the state, local, or private hospitals tend to earn more than those who work in education.

As an entry-level nurse, you might be making less than the median salary, but remember that your salary is still going to be above average compared to other industries. With an associate degree in nursing, you can eventually specialize in different types of nursing to boost your salary further.

associates degree in nursing online — Associates Degree in Nursing Online

Selecting an Accredited Online Associate Degree Nursing

When choosing a program, it is important to know that the nursing program is accredited at any level. When your program is accredited, you will be eligible to earn a nursing license after completing the associate degree in nursing and passing all the required exams. However, if your program is not accredited, you cannot be eligible for a nursing license. When it comes to associates degree nursing online, accreditation helps to ensure the quality of the education you are receiving is the same level as that offered in an on-campus program.

When it comes to accreditation, these are the two top accrediting bodies for nursing programs:

Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

While there are other amazing accrediting bodies, the two listed above are considered to be the top accrediting bodies. Therefore, when you research an online associate degree in nursing, make sure to double-check that the program is accredited. Your time and resources are important, and doing your due diligence is crucial to choose the right nursing program.

Top Five Associates Degree in Nursing Online

Joining a rewarding career in nursing takes a special calling. Nurses are the backbone of day-to-day operations in healthcare, which is why you should aspire to learn any one of the excellent available programs in 2023. We have compiled a list of the top four programs for Associate Degrees in Nursing, which require two years of studying and are offered partially online. Meaning, your coursework will be online, but you will also be required to attend the practicum at a local site.

Below is a list of the top four Associates Degree in Nursing online:

Florida Southwest State College—Associate in Science in Nursing

Located in Fort Myers, FL, this college offers an associate degree in nursing that is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. The program is a combination of online classes and on-site practicum. The online aspect includes a combination of online coursework, laboratory experience, and simulation experience. The practicum includes clinical hands-on training. Once completing the program, students are positioned to pass the National Counsel Licensure Examination to obtain employment in healthcare organizations such as hospitals, ambulatory care facilities, and more. Students can complete this program within two years.

Credits: 72

Price:
In-state: $113.36/credit
Out-of-state: $432.63/credit

Columbia College—Associate in Science in Nursing

Located in Columbia, MO, this college offers an associate degree in nursing for students who are already working as licensed practical nurses or are new to nursing. This nursing program is designed to prepare students to succeed as registered nurses. To be admitted, students must have a minimum of 2.75 GPA in general education classes, and at least a C grade for each prerequisite nursing course. The program requires students to take nursing courses related to mental health, neonatal, women’s nursing practice, and medical-surgical nursing. Students who graduate from this program go on to pursue jobs in areas like pharmaceuticals, public health, research, and psychiatric care.

Credits: 77

Price: $405/credit

Bristol Community College—Associate of Science in Nursing

Located in Fall River, MA, Bristol Community College offers an associate degree in nursing to help students hone and enhance the abilities needed to be successful in nursing. The program equips students with critical thinking skills and effective communication to sensory ability. Regarding the coursework, the program requires students to take courses in nursing fundamentals, trends in nursing and delivering care to children and adults. In addition to the required coursework, students take general courses in psychology, anatomy, physiology, college writing, and child development.

Credits: 70

Price:
In-state: $257/credit
Out-of-state: $463/credit

John A. Logan College—Associate in Applied Science in Nursing

Located in Carterville, IL, John A. Logan College offers an associate degree in nursing for current nurses who want to further their education and advance their careers. Nurses who have already earned a practical nursing credential can enroll in the program. The program includes coursework related to general nursing principles and delivering care to special populations—including gerontology, pediatric patients, and more. Students will also learn to provide specific types of care, like metabolic, endocrine, and surgical interventions. Students are required to have a C average or higher in all of their classes to be eligible to graduate.

Credits: 63.5

Price: $154/credit

Aspire to Become a Nurse

Your dreams don’t have to stop because you can’t physically go to class. Take advantage of the existing online associate degree programs in nursing to pursue your dreams.

References

[1] The Best Online Associate Degrees in Nursing. “The Best Online Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs of 2023.” Accredited Schools Online, December 2022.

[2] AD Program in Nursing. “Associate in Nursing Program.” Herzing University, 2022.

[3 ] ADN Online. “Can You Get Your Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Online?” Nurse.org, January, 2022.

[4] Top AD in Nursing. “Top 7 Online Associates Degree in Nursing in 2019.” RNtoBSNOnlineProgram, 2023.

[5] Online AD Programs in Nursing. “The Best Online ADN Programs in 2023.” EduMed, 2022.