An online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a flexible way to build broad undergraduate knowledge across core nursing subject areas. Most programs cover foundational clinical topics and then let you tailor electives or a concentration based on your goals. Registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $93,600 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024).
Many online BSN programs are designed as RN-to-BSN completion programs for students who already hold an associate degree and an active RN license. Traditional pre-licensure BSN programs typically require in-person clinical hours.
An online bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) is an undergraduate degree that covers core nursing subject areas through online coursework, often combined with in-person clinical requirements.
A BSN typically requires about 120 credits and includes broader coursework in leadership, research, and community health. An ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) is shorter at about 60-70 credits and focuses on foundational clinical skills.
Most programs include general education, a nursing major core, electives or a concentration, and a capstone or integrative course. Clinical hours are completed in person at approved sites.
Common coursework includes medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, health assessment, community health, evidence-based practice, and clinical rotations.
Requirements vary by school and student type, but commonly include a high school diploma or equivalent and official transcripts. RN-to-BSN programs require an active RN license.
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but policies vary by institution.
For a full map of this program area, start here: Nursing Program Guide
How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Most online bachelor’s programs follow a similar structure:
Online formats may be asynchronous, but many still include weekly deadlines and participation. To compare how online formats differ, see: Online Course Formats
If you are trying to move faster, compare this degree level to accelerated pacing: Accelerated Nursing Programs
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Medical-Surgical Nursing | Care of adult patients with acute and chronic conditions |
| Pharmacology | Drug classifications, dosing, interactions, and patient safety |
| Health Assessment | Physical examination skills, patient history, clinical reasoning |
| Maternal and Pediatric Nursing | Care across the lifespan from newborns to adolescents |
| Mental Health Nursing | Psychiatric conditions, therapeutic communication, crisis intervention |
| Community and Public Health | Population health, epidemiology, health promotion |
| Evidence-Based Practice | Research methods, clinical application, quality improvement |
Program outcomes vary, but many curricula emphasize:
For a deeper breakdown of coursework and how it maps across degree levels, see: Nursing Curriculum
Concentrations can help you specialize within nursing without changing the degree level. Availability varies by school, and some programs use elective tracks instead of formal concentrations.
Browse concentration pages here: Nursing Concentrations
If you already know your direction, jump into a concentration:
Admissions requirements vary by school and student type. Some programs admit first-time college students. Others focus on transfer students or RN-to-BSN candidates.
Common requirements include:
For a full checklist and degree level differences, see: Nursing Admissions Requirements
Transfer credits can reduce how many courses you need, but rules vary by institution.
Before you enroll, confirm:
These pages can help you evaluate policies and plan realistically:
Accreditation is a baseline quality indicator. Verify that the institution holds recognized accreditation, then compare how the program is structured, supported, and delivered online.
Learn what to verify and how to compare schools: Nursing Accreditation
| Level | Typical Credits | Median Earnings (1yr) | Median Earnings (5yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate (ADN) | 60-70 | $67,894 | $74,418 | $15,439 |
| Master’s (MSN) | 36-48 | $107,358 | $119,619 | $44,576 |
| Doctoral (DNP) | 60-90 | $125,952 | $134,953 | $67,862 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, latest academic year.
If you are comparing degree levels, these pages can help:
For a value and fit discussion, see: Is a Nursing Degree Worth It
