Top Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses | 2025

15 Min Read Published September 19, 2024
Top Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses

A career in nursing is a dream for many, but the rigorous schedule required by traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs can put the profession out of reach for many. If a traditional in-person nursing program won’t fit into your schedule, an online nursing program may be just what you need. These programs are specially tailored for those non-nurses and students with bachelor’s degrees in non-nursing fields. The online format allows students to quickly earn their BSN degrees in just a few semesters.

Are There Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses?

Yes! Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs are available for students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees who want to become nurses.

While many of these accelerated nursing programs have online courses, all of them will require an in-person component. Most programs require students to attend on-campus intensives and clinical rotations.

Popular Online Accredited Accelerated BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

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Top Online Programs for Non-Nurses

For nursing candidates interested in online programs, convenience is generally the factor that ranks highest in importance and priority. But other elements contribute to our ranking methodology, including accreditation, cost, and the program’s reputation. When choosing the top online nursing programs for non-nurses, our selection process included the following elements:

  • Cost of attendance
  • Program length
  • Admission requirements
  • Flexibility of available programs
  • Any additional accolades that the program has received

Program

Accreditation

Program Length

Tuition

Emory University

CCNE

3 semesters

$1,706 per credit hour

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh

CCNE

12 months

$48,224

Villanova University

CCNE

14 or 23 months

$52,500

Holy Family University

CCNE

14 months

$50,563

Herzing University

CCNE

36 months

$755 per credit hour

Wilkes University

CCNE

15 months

$66,233

Marymount University

CCNE

16 months

$39,270 per year

Elmhurst University 

CCNE

16 months

$50,000

Methodist College

CCNE

24 months

$677 per credit hour

Roseman University of Health Science

CCNE

18 months

$60,000

Tuition
$1,706 per credit hour
Program Length
3 semesters
Accreditation
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is one of the nation’s leading educational institutions, and its distance-based Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program provides the opportunity for students who have already earned a previous bachelor’s degree in another discipline to earn their BSN over three semesters, completing the curriculum in just one year. 

The program is full-time but distance-based, with all classes offered online. Despite being entirely online, only 30 students are admitted for each cohort, giving students individualized attention. Clinical rotations are offered in local communities, on the Emory campus, and on optional global sites. The program has two required clinical intensive sessions students must attend on Emory’s Atlanta campus.  

 

Tuition
$48,224
Program Length
12 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

The University of Wisconsin’s Accelerated BSN program was the first for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field. Since its inception in 2003, the program has graduated more than 1,400 students.  

It is an intense program that offers all nursing theory courses online. Clinical rotations are completed in or near a student’s home community. There are also required on-campus residencies, including a two-week lab/clinical combination and an advanced concepts/capstone week. 

  • Application Deadline: June 30th
  • Contact Information: 

 

Tuition
$52,500
Program Length
14 or 23 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Villanova offers two unique accelerated BSN programs. The first is a 14-month express track, and the other is a 23-month flex track. 

Students must indicate which track they are applying for on the application, as there are different deadlines. Villanova holds frequent virtual open houses, allowing students to speak with faculty and the BSN director. Attendees receive an application fee waiver if they attend.

  • Application Deadline: 
    • Express Track
      • First Deadline: September 15th
      • Second Deadline: December 15th
    • Flex Track: March 15th
  • Contact Information: 
    • Email: gotovu@villanova.edu
    • Phone Number: (610) 519-4500

 

Popular Online Accredited Accelerated BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Tuition
$50,563
Program Length
14 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

In just 14 months, students with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree can complete this online nursing program with only one in-person appearance at Holy Family University, located outside of Philadelphia. 

While a bachelor’s degree is part of the admission requirements, students must only have the five prerequisite courses. Additionally, students can access a dedicated clinical placement team to help find preceptors and immersive clinical sites. 

  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information: 
    • Email: admissions@onlinenursing.holyfamily.edu
    • Phone Number: (888) 411-1443

 

Tuition
$755 per credit hour
Program Length
36 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Herzing University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed explicitly for non-nurses seeking an undergraduate baccalaureate education. 

Classes are offered both on-demand and in real time. The program’s eight clinical courses can be completed in your geographic area, and students are required to attend three 2-4 day intensives at a designated Herzing or partner site. Students can earn dual credits towards an MSN or choose an online MSN Direct Entry program to begin working towards a master’s degree. 

  • Application Deadline: Rolling
  • Contact Information:
    • Phone Number: (800) 596-0724

 

Tuition
$66,233
Program Length
15 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Wilkes University is a nationally ranked nursing program that offers an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program that can be completed in just one year. 

The program is full-time, offers complimentary clinical placement services, and provides graduates the ability to quickly transition into a nursing career. There are multiple start dates and all coursework is offered 100% online. 

While the program is entirely online, students must reside within Pennsylvania so that clinicals may be completed at local healthcare systems. 

 

Tuition

$39,270 per year

Program Length
16 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Marymount University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the Best Regional Universities in the South, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Best Value School. Its Second-Degree Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a full-time program specifically designed for students who can take their courses online and complete their clinicals within the state of Virginia. 

The didactic coursework is completed entirely online. Nursing students must complete a two-week hands-on residency and the required in-person clinicals. The program is also offered part-time, where students can take 2-3 courses at a time.

 

Tuition
$50,000
Program Length
16 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Students enrolled in Elmhurst’s ABSN program complete coursework entirely online but gain experience through 1-2 on-campus residencies and clinical placements in their local community.

The program is 60 credit hours and can be completed in as little as 16 months. Students must complete a minimum of 450 clinical hours. 

  • Application Deadline: June 24th
  • Contact Information:
    • Email: brennanl@elmhurst.edu
    • Phone Number: (630) 617-3513

 

Tuition
$677 per credit hour
Program Length
24 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Yes

Methodist College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing Second Degree is an online and weekend program for those who already have a degree in another area of study. Full-time students can complete the program in two academic years or five semesters, with learning taking place in an online classroom that provides lectures, instructional materials, media, and discussions. 

Students must attend weekend face-to-face classes and clinical experiences at the school’s campus and at Peoria, Illinois healthcare facilities.

 

Tuition
$60,000
Program Length
18 months
Accreditation
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Online Options Available? 
Hybrid

Roseman University of Health Sciences is a non-profit, private institution with locations in Nevada and Utah. The College of Nursing offers a hybrid-online accelerated BSN program that is available to both graduates with bachelor’s degrees in other areas of study and applicants with 54 specific college credits. 

Courses are offered in a block curriculum that allows students to take one course at a time continuously. In addition to completing all didactic classes online, lab assignments, and assessments are conducted in person, as is the clinical rotation component of the curriculum. 

  • Application Deadline: 
    • Spring: November 1st
    • Summer: May 1st
    • Fall: August 1st
  • Contact Information:

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

What to Expect in an Online Nursing Program for Non-Nurses

Second-degree programs can be completed in a little less than a year, while the accelerated programs for students who do not have bachelor’s degrees are offered in a year-round, compressed schedule that prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam in just three years.

Admission Requirements 

Though each program is different, all of the second-degree programs require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited U.S. college or university.

Different schools have different minimum GPA requirements, and most require the completion of prerequisite science-based classes. Others ask students to submit academic and/or professional letters of recommendation and personal statements explaining their reasons for wanting to become a nurse.

Program Length 

The length of the online BSN programs varies depending upon whether the student takes them on a full-time or part-time basis. The quickest path to nursing offered by these programs is one year, and the longest is three years.

Program Cost 

The cost to attend an accelerated online BSN program depends upon the individual program. Private schools tend to cost more than state- or community-based programs.

Classes 

Every nursing program is a reflection of the priorities and philosophies of its faculty and administration, but there are certain classes that every nurse can expect to be part of the curriculum that they will be required to take. Some of these foundational courses include:

  • Introduction to Professional Nursing
  • Health Assessments
  • Mental Health
  • Pharmacology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Nursing Medication Mathematics
  • Nursing Care of Adults
  • Nursing Care of Women, Children, and Families
  • Nursing of Geriatric Populations
  • Health Policy
  • Health Ethics
  • Leadership and Management in Nursing

What’s the Difference Between Online ADN Programs for Non-Nurses vs. Online BSN Programs for Non-Nurses

Online ADN programs for non-nurses are essentially traditional ADN programs. These are ideal for high school graduates interested in becoming a nurse. 

On the other hand, online BSN programs for non-nurses are specifically designed for students who possess a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are interested in becoming an RN.

Popular Online Accredited Accelerated BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Walden University

Walden’s online programs for nursing meet rigorous standards for academic quality and integrity, and 100% of our College of Nursing didactic faculty are doctorally trained. With multiple degree completion options, you can choose a bachelor’s in nursing path that makes sense for your busy, unpredictable schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

FAQs 

  • Are online nursing degrees legitimate and respected by employers?

    • Over the last several years, online degrees have become commonplace, even in a hands-on field like nursing. Employers view graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) with the same degree of respect as they do graduates of traditional on-campus programs.
  • Is it better to get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing?

    • Though an associate’s degree in nursing is an excellent stepping stone to the profession, nurses who possess a BSN degree generally receive higher levels of compensation and are provided with greater responsibilities and autonomy.
  • What is the easiest RN program to get into?

    • Every registered nurse program has certain minimum requirements, including graduation from a high school or equivalent, and usually with a minimum GPA. 
  • What is the shortest RN program?

    • The fastest path to becoming a Registered Nurse is generally through an associate’s degree in nursing program. These can generally be completed in 12 months to two years.
  • Can you become a nurse in 6 months?

    • Although you cannot become a Registered Nurse in six months, those who are interested in exploring whether healthcare is the right field for them can train to become home health aides or certified nurse’s aides (CNA) in six months or less.
  • Are online BSN programs good?

    • Every nursing program is different, but every online BSN program that is accredited has met rigorous criteria that ensure that its graduates have received the education and training that they need to provide high-level patient care.
  • How do online BSN programs work?

    • Online BSN programs generally offer students the ability to take their didactic courses online. Most require students to attend on-campus programming involving labs and assessments. Clinical training requirements are met through placements arranged by either the school or by the student with the school’s approval.
BSN Degree  >> Top Accelerated BSN Programs >> Online RN to BSN Programs >>
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Terri Heimann Oppenheimer
Nurse.org Contributor

Terri Heimann Oppenheimer is a freelance writer and editor who is driven by details. She loves to dive into research, ensuring that the information she provides educates, engages and illuminates. Before starting her own business she spent years working in advertising and raising three kids. Today she lives in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where her she and her husband enjoy travel, the Jersey Shore, and spoiling their grandchildren.

Education:
Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in English, William & Mary

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