It is possible to earn a two-year RN degree, a four-year nursing degree, and a master's in nursing all from online schools. There are several sites that offer information about the different nursing degree programs and online colleges. Elearners.com is a site that lists many different nursing programs offered online. Allonlineschools.com is another great resource for finding nursing-degree programs online. The important thing to remember when investigating those programs is that not all online colleges are accredited. Make sure to choose an accredited online nursing school.
There are two degree structures that provide students with the training to become RNs. The first degree is an associate of applied nursing degree (AAN). That is a two-year program and many nurses choose that option because it is faster. The other degree that trains students to become RNs is a bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN), which usually gives nurses more responsibilities and a higher income potential than the two-year degree. Many online colleges offer both AAN and BSN nursing degrees.
There are few colleges that offer two-year nursing programs online. Indiana State University trains students to become fully RN qualified and certified through a two-year program designed to help students become licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or RNs. Northwestern Michigan College also offers a two-year online nursing degree.
There are many online colleges that provide four-year nursing degrees. Examples include Chamberlain College of Nursing, Florida Hospital of Health Sciences, and University of Phoenix (which also offers master's degrees in health-care and nursing fields).
There are fewer associate's programs than there are bachelor's programs offered online. Although both degrees prepare students to take the national RN certification exam, not all nursing programs are the same. If you decide an online nursing degree is right for you, ask a school advisor if that degree program will help you qualify for the nursing license in your home state.