Best Online Associate Degree in Nursing Programs of 2024

Are you wondering if an online associate degree nursing (ADN) program might be a good choice for you? In terms of affordability, flexibility, and convenience, an online ADN can provide an ideal pathway for entering the nursing field. This guide explores why you might choose an online ADN program, how to choose the program that’s right for you, the path to becoming a registered nurse, and how much you’ll be able to earn as an RN. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about online associate degree nursing programs.

Read our methodology to learn more about how we create our rankings.

It is critical to attend an accredited nursing program and school. The risks of attending an unaccredited school include being rejected for jobs, licensure, financial aid, and the graduate or doctoral program of your choice.

Accrediting bodies are independent organizations that give degree programs their stamp of approval. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education award accreditation to nursing schools. These accreditors must receive recognition from the Council on Higher Education Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.

Online, on-campus, and hybrid degree programs can all receive institutional recognition through national and/or regional accreditation. Always research the accreditation status for any prospective schools.

Online ADN programs prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN and earn licensure as a registered nurse. Core coursework typically covers nursing principles and fundamental subjects like pharmacology and microbiology. You’ll also get to practice your nursing skills through hands-on clinical training.

In addition, you’ll learn to examine medical records, track symptoms, and administer medications.

The path to becoming an RN includes the following steps:

To become an RN, you can attend an ADN or BSN program. An ADN provides the fastest pathway to the RN workforce. Students with bachelor’s degrees in majors other than nursing can enroll in accelerated BSNs, which allow them to transfer previously earned credits.

Once you’re an experienced nurse, you can become certified to demonstrate your expertise in particular specialties. It’s important to note that some years of experience are required before you apply for many certifications. Some employers will even pay for your certification.

Some common nursing certifications include:

Requirements for becoming a registered nurse depend on your state. Check out the map below to see what your state requires to become an RN.

ADN programs generally cost $8,000-$35,400 in total for tuition and fees, according to the National Center of Education Statistics for the 2021-2022 school year. You may pay more if you have to pay for housing on or off campus.

If you’re a licensed practical nurse (LPN) who enrolls in an accelerated ADN program, you may be able to graduate in less than two years, saving you time and money. The amount you pay for your ADN depends on factors like your specific program, state of residence, and financial aid package.

Online learners may qualify for cheaper tuition and reduced fees. For instance, some public schools offer in-state tuition rates to all domestic online students, regardless of their state. Don’t forget to budget for common online learning expenses, like textbooks and a high-quality laptop.

Most online nursing programs require some in-person learning in the form of hands-on clinical training and practicums, so be sure to factor in travel costs as well. Finally, ADN graduates must pay $200 to take the NCLEX-RN, in addition to state licensure application fees, which can range from $40 to $300, depending on your state.

Once you have your ADN, you can often earn a good living as a registered nurse. According to Jan. 2024 Payscale data, nurses with an ADN earn an average of $76,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the mean annual salary for RNs is $89,010 but does not differentiate between nurses with BSNs and those with ADNs.

While it’s true that some employers may pay BSNs more or may only hire BSNs, you can generally command a good salary with an ADN. In terms of jobs, the BLS projects a 6% employment growth rate for registered nurses, which is about double the projected rate for all occupations in the 2022-2032 period.

Factors that can influence how much you earn as an RN include your years of nursing experience, certifications, the city or region where you live, and the state of the broader economy.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 22, 2023.