Best Online Associate Degree in Nursing Programs of 2024

Online associate degree in nursing (ADN) programs offer a pathway to registered nurse (RN) careers. You can pursue an associate degree if you are a new nursing student or a licensed practical nurse (LPN) seeking an educational upgrade.

This associate in nursing program guide offers practical information on accreditation, curricula, costs, and professional paths. Explore details on associate degrees in nursing, including available career pathways and a ranked list of top programs.

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

Accrediting bodies are independent organizations that evaluate schools and their programs. 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 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.

According to 2020 data from the NCES’ National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the average annual cost of an associate degree in health professions is $13,335. Part-time students can expect to pay less on average than full-time students, due to lower credit loads. However, part-time students will likely take longer to finish their programs. Other factors that can affect the cost of an ADN include:

Scholarships, grants, and other non-repayable financial aid for nursing students can also reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

If you already hold an LPN license, consider the advantages of LPN-to-ADN programs. LPN-to-ADN programs use an accelerated structure and award academic credit for your existing nursing knowledge. They offer a path to faster, more efficient degree completion, allowing you to save money on your education costs and boost your earning potential more quickly.

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

You can follow these steps to become an RN:

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. 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:

Be sure to research how to become an RN in your state, as the requirements may vary.

Once you have an ADN, you can pursue work as a registered nurse to begin seeing a return on your investment. According to September 2024 Payscale data, working professionals with ADNs earn an average of $77,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for RNs is $86,070 but does not differentiate between nurses with BSNs and those with ADNs.

While 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 from 2023-2033, which is faster than the average rate for all occupations in this period.

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

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is an educational program, while “RN” refers to a license and job title. An ADN prepares you to become an RN. Completing an ADN doesn’t automatically make you an RN, however. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and apply for state licensure to work as an RN.

Employers value both online and on-campus ADNs. As long as the program is accredited, both delivery methods will have the same basic curricula and educational quality. An online program may be more affordable and can offer a more flexible schedule for working professionals. On-campus programs can provide benefits like direct peer-to-peer interaction and easier access to clinical placements.

These requirements typically fall in the range of about 400-800 hours. Schools usually develop their clinical hour requirements to match the standards used by their state’s nurse licensing boards. Research the state-level requirements attached to the type of nursing license you plan to seek before enrolling in your educational program.

An ADN typically takes two years of full-time enrollment to complete. If you have a bachelor’s degree in another field or an LPN license and choose an accelerated program, you can graduate in about a year. You may also opt to attend school part-time, which extends your graduation timeline.

An ADN can be worthwhile for quickly entering the nursing profession and earning a nursing salary. Online RN-to-BSN programs are often tailored to working nurses’ busy schedules, allowing them to increase their marketability and earn BSNs after accumulating some experience as RNs. However, with the push towards BSN-prepared nurses as a sign of nursing excellence, New York and 25% of employers require nurses to hold BSNs.