Accredited Online Schools That Offer Nursing Degrees

The field of nursing offers exceptional job prospects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for registered nurses to grow by 15% through 2026, more than twice as fast as the average growth rate for the rest of the economy. Nursing professions that require a master’s degree are poised to see even stronger growth. The BLS projects employment for nurse practitioners to grow by a staggering 31% during the same period, adding roughly 56,000 new positions across the country.

Online nursing programs prepare graduates to take advantage of these opportunities. This page provides a comprehensive overview of nursing programs, including how to locate accredited nursing schools, they type of licensure relevant for different roles, and the coursework and clinical experience these programs require. This guide also outlines different ways to fund your online nursing degree.

Featured Online Programs

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation is conferred to schools that meet particular standards. These colleges and universities teach well-rounded curricula that prepare nurses for their licensing exams.

Accreditation can be awarded by regional and/or national agencies. Some organizations focus on particular majors or fields of study. For example, specialized organizations that accredit nursing programs include the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

It is important for students to attend an accredited online degree program. Accreditation ensures that students receive proper training and preparation for their licensing examinations. Selecting a non-accredited program could impact your future employment, as employers expect graduates to earn a quality education. Most schools are proud of their accreditation status and display it prominently on their website and promotional materials. However, if you are unsure of a school’s status, you can contact the institution by phone or email to ask them. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) also hosts a website solely for researching accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.

Online Nursing Degrees

There are a variety of online nursing degrees available. The most popular option is the RN-to-BSN online program for nurses who already have a nursing license. Some schools offer four-year programs for students without a prior license. Many students decide to earn their BSN before starting their career so that they can earn a higher salary and more advanced positions right away. However, an associate RN degree qualifies you to begin working in the field in less time. Many nurses continue their education — with an RN-to-BSN online degree, for example — while also working part-time.

Advanced degrees, including the master of science in nursing, result in higher salaries and provide opportunities for students to specialize their degree and experience — thereby creating even more job opportunities in the field.

Why Pursue Accredited Online Nursing Programs?

Despite tremendous growth in the nursing sector, the BLS states that candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree enjoy the best job prospects. Online nursing programs equip you with the skills and knowledge to enter and advance in this field.

Nursing Shortage

AACN predicts that the current shortage of nurses will only intensify in the coming years, owing in large part to an aging population and the growing need for healthcare services more generally. AACN also reports that nursing schools across the country do not currently have the capacity to meet this growing demand. Online nursing programs, however, offer a path to quickly train more qualified healthcare professionals.

In addition to a shortage of nurses, the Institute of Medicine’s Future of Nursing Report points to a critical need for more highly educated nurses. According to the report, the U.S. needs to increase the percentage of nurses with a bachelor’s degree from 55% to 80% and to double the number of nurses with a doctoral degree. Once again, online nursing programs can help fill the need for continuing and graduate-level education in the field.

Why It Matters

A shortage of nurses leads to poorer patient care and more restricted access to healthcare services. For example, a 2011 study conducted by medical researchers from the University of California, San Francisco indicated that hospitals and health centers with more nurses on staff saw fewer patient deaths, lower rates of infection following medical procedures, and shorter hospital stays.

Lower staffing levels also mean individual nurses must care for a greater number of patients, and as a result of this increased workload, they experience more professional stress. In turn, nurses leave the profession prematurely, further exacerbating the current shortage.

Degree Types

The following list outlines some of the most common online degrees in the nursing field:

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Degree

To become an LPN or LVN, you must hold at least a diploma in nursing. Vocational schools and community colleges usually offer diploma programs, though you may also find them at high schools and larger hospitals.

Earning a diploma in nursing usually takes about one year. The programs feature classroom instruction in areas like anatomy, biology, and pharmacology. They also include supervised clinical experiences, during which students develop skills like changing bandages, inserting catheters, and recording a patient’s vital signs.

Prospective LPNs and LVNs must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to receive a nursing license.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An ADN prepares students for a variety of roles, including registered nurse. Students can earn their associate degree in-person at a local community college or through one of the many online colleges for nursing.

As a full-time student, you can typically earn your ADN in just two years. Students take coursework in areas like nutrition, emergency care, and physiology. They also complete general education topics like math, English, and the social sciences. Finally, students must complete a supervised clinical experience. While requirements vary by program, state boards of nursing generally recommend three hours of clinical experience for each hour of classroom instruction.

After completing an ADN program, you must then pass the relevant NCLEX to receive your license.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Earning a BSN at a nationally accredited online nursing school provides nurses with a competitive edge in the job market. Full-time students typically earn their bachelor’s degree in about four years, though students who hold an associate degree can graduate in as few as two years.

Like ADN and diploma programs, BSN programs feature coursework in pathophysiology, health maintenance, and basic nursing care. Students can also customize their learning through specialties in areas like gerontology, mental health, or neonatology. To qualify for licensure, students must also complete clinical hours under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

To become a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, or nurse midwife, you must hold at least an MSN. Most students earn their master’s in about two years, though some online nursing programs offer accelerated tracks for students with significant prior education or experience.

Before applying to a master’s program, you must first hold a bachelor’s degree in nursing. MSN programs feature coursework in areas such as population health, evidence-based practice, and the use of technology in nursing. Students typically pursue a specialization to prepare for a particular career path. For example, nationally accredited online nursing programs may offer specializations in areas like family nursing, psychiatric and mental health care, or nurse education. Since learners usually complete clinical hours during their undergraduate studies, most MSN programs do not explicitly require any sort of field experience.

After receiving an MSN, nearly all states require you to receive certification from a national nursing organization before you can practice in the field. Once licensed, nurses with graduate degrees can receive lucrative salaries. For example, the BLS indicates the median salary for a nurse practitioner was $103,880 in 2017, while the median for registered nurses was $70,000.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

A DNP qualifies nurses for leadership roles in the field, such as the chief nursing officer at a hospital or the director of health policy at a state agency. The degree also allows professionals to teach nursing at a college or university.

The time required to earn a doctorate in nursing depends on the type of program you select. For example, full-time students can graduate from practice-oriented programs in as few as three years. In programs that require a dissertation, students may need up to seven years to earn their degree.

DNP programs offer advanced-level instruction in subjects like systems leadership for quality improvement, healthcare policy and advocacy, and the scientific foundations of nursing. Students also take courses in quantitative and qualitative research methods — either in preparation for writing a dissertation, or to design and evaluate programs. Students pursuing a DNP typically possess many years of nursing experience. Therefore, these programs usually do not require any sort of practicum or internship.

Accelerated Nursing Degrees and Bridge Programs

Accelerated and bridge nursing programs help students with prior experience or a nursing license earn their degree faster. They also allow individuals with an undergraduate degree in another field to more easily transition into the nursing profession. According to an AACN survey, about 18,000 students were enrolled in an accelerated bachelor’s of nursing program in 2016, with another 7,000 enrolled in an accelerated master’s program. Recent increases in scholarship fundings for these programs should increase enrollment even further.

LPN-to-RN

These programs help licensed practical nurses (LPNs) earn either an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. Through coursework in areas like microbiology and patient-centered care, LPN-to-RN programs prepare graduates to sit for the NCLEX and earn licensure as a registered nurse.

LPN-to-RN programs that award an associate degree usually require about one to two years of study. Programs that award a bachelor’s degree may require up to four years. Students can usually complete these programs entirely online, especially if they possess enough professional experience to waive clinical hour requirements.

RN-to-BSN

Through RN-to-BSN programs, registered nurses with a diploma or associate degree can earn their bachelor’s in nursing in as little as two years. These programs cater to nurses who want to take on supervisory roles, become nurse educators, or specialize in a field like gerontology or neonatology.

Accelerated bachelor’s programs cover subjects like information technology in nursing, cultural competence, and community health. They may also provide an introduction to research methods and analysis to prepare students for graduate-level study. Students must hold an RN license to apply, and as a result, these programs may not require clinical experiences. Students can complete the program almost entirely online.

BSN-to-MSN

To become an advanced practice nurse — such as a nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist — you must hold at least a master’s degree. BSN-to-MSN programs allow registered nurses with a bachelor’s in nursing to quickly earn a graduate degree and prepare for national board certification.

The nature of these programs depends on the specialization you choose. Aspiring nurse midwives, for example, may take courses in gynecology, sexual health, and postnatal care. Full-time students usually need between 18 and 24 months to complete an accelerated master’s program, while part-time students may need up to three years to graduate. Online BSN-to-MSN programs also allow nurses to continue working while they finish their advanced degree.

Featured Online Programs

How Do Online Nursing Programs Work?

When reviewing prospective programs for your online nursing degree, it is important to determine if courses follow a synchronous or asynchronous format. Students in synchronous classes must log on at specific times each week and participate in live discussions with their classmates. Conversely, students in asynchronous classes can watch lectures and access other course materials whenever it is most convenient for them.

You should also determine whether your program allows self-paced study. This model allows students to advance through their material as soon as they demonstrate mastery of core concepts. In cohort-based programs, students follow the pace set by their instructor. While working at your own pace may allow you to graduate sooner, you typically do not have access to the same kind of support as when learning alongside a cohort of other students.

In addition to strong time management skills, online programs also require a basic level of technological proficiency and internet access.

Are Online Nursing Programs Worth It?

You receive the same degree for completing an online nursing program as you would in a residential program. You take the same classes, complete the same assignments, and must pass the same exams. After graduation, you qualify for the same positions and can apply for the same licenses.

Online programs offer extraordinary flexibility, which makes them ideal for busy nurses who want to take the next step in their careers. As a registered nurse, you can earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree almost entirely on your own schedule, and from any location with an internet connection. However, students hoping to become a registered nurse may still need to complete their clinical hours in person.

Online programs are also more affordable. Even when schools charge the same tuition to study on campus or online, distance learners can often save on related expenses such as transportation or room and board.

 

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Licensing, Certifications, and Exams

Licensing

A nurse must be licensed to practice. Licensing is administered by state specific boards who grant prospective nurses permission to practice based their competency to perform a unique scope of practice.

Specific licensure requirements vary by state, and are outlined by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. However, typical requirements for include: graduation or eligibility for graduation from an approved pre-licensure RN or LPN/VN nursing education program; successful completion of the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination; and in some states, a criminal background check.

Exams

Regardless of the state, all nurses are required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The test determines whether prospective nurses meet the safety and practical requirements for an entry-level vocational nurse. The exam — sometimes referred to as “the boards” — is administered by individual state boards of nursing. Requirements for eligibility are determined by the board of nursing or regulatory body in each state.

Specialized Certifications

For nurses who wish to specialize in an particular discipline, organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center offer a variety of certifications, including:

  • Nurse practitioner certifications
  • Clinical nurse specialist certifications
  • Specialty certifications (for example, forensic nursing or pediatric nursing)

Careers in Nursing

The field of nursing encompasses a variety of career options. While some nurses may stay in a particular role or field for the duration of their career, many nurses become specialized with additional education and experience over time.

Nurses can work in many different positions, each with a range of earning potentials based on education and experience. Generally, nurses with a bachelor’s degree earn 30%-50% more than nurses in a position that does not require a bachelor’s. Additionally, candidates with a master’s degree earn approximately 30%-60% more than those with a bachelor’s, depending on experience and area of expertise. Many nursing positions may also require further licensure within a specialized area.

While there are numerous nursing positions one can hold, below we offer a snapshot of the most popular roles in the field.

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) provide basic medical care under the direct supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They may monitor a patient’s vital signs, provide for their basic comfort, and relay patient concerns to other medical professionals. In some states, LPNs may need additional training to perform certain tasks, such as distributing medication.

  • Degree Required: Nursing certificate or diploma
  • Median Salary: $45,030
  • Job Growth: 12%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) also provide basic care to patients, though they typically cannot perform any medical-related tasks outside of measuring vital signs, such as blood pressure. Instead, CNAs help patients with daily activities, such as bathing and dressing, moving from one location to another, and serving meals and feeding.

  • Degree Required: Nursing certificate or diploma
  • Median Salary: $27,510
  • Job Growth: 11%
Registered Nurse

Registered nurses (RNs) provide medical care, serve as health educators, and provide counsel to patients and their families. Owing to their higher levels of education and certification, RNs can perform a variety of medical services, such as administering medicine and analyzing the results of diagnostic tests. RNs often specialize in a particular area, such as neonatology or rehabilitation.

  • Degree Required: Diploma, associate, or bachelor’s degree
  • Median Salary: $70,000
  • Job Growth: 15%
Home Health Aide

Home health aides assist individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive issues. They may help them bathe or dress, clean their homes, organize their appointments and daily schedules, and prepare meals. Despite tremendous projected growth in the profession, home health aides continue to make well below the national median salary.

  • Degree Required: High school diploma
  • Median Salary: $23,130
  • Job Growth: 47%
Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists (NAs) administer anesthesia and provide care to their patients. They confirm that patients do not have any illnesses or take any medications that might interfere with the anesthesia, put the patient to deep sleep in advance of surgery, remain with the patient and monitor their vital signs during the procedure, and respond to emergencies as necessary.

  • Degree Required: Master’s
  • Median Salary: $165,120
  • Job Growth: 16%
Nurse Midwife

Nurse midwives provide care to pregnant women, as well as women planning to start families and those who recently gave birth. They may conduct gynecological exams, deliver babies, educate parents on how to care for the newborns, and assist physicians with cesarean births. Many nurse midwives also offer care for sexual health and reproductive issues.

  • Degree Required: Master’s
  • Median Salary: $100,590
  • Job Growth: 21%
Pediatric Nurse

Pediatric nurses work specifically with children. Like all registered nurses, pediatric nurses assess their patients’ needs, provide and coordinate appropriate care, and consult with physicians regarding ongoing treatment. Pediatric nurses also evaluate children for signs of abuse, serve as a child’s advocate, and educate children and parents on topics like nutrition and avoiding unhealthy behaviors.

  • Degree Required: Diploma, associate, or bachelor’s
  • Median Salary: $58,140
  • Job Growth: N/A
Nursing Home Nurse

Nursing home nurses are typically registered nurses specializing in geriatric care. They provide care and promote the wellness of their residents, which can include administering medication, responding to patient issues, and coordinating medical services at hospitals and health centers as needed. They also oversee the work of nursing assistants and orderlies.

  • Degree Required: Diploma, associate, or bachelor’s
  • Median Salary: $62,376
  • Job Growth: N/A
Nurse Educator

Nursing educators plan and implement professional development and training activities for nurses. They may also consult with hospital administrators to create nursing policies and procedures. Given the deep content knowledge required for these positions, nurse educators often must hold at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

  • Degree Required: Bachelor’s or master’s
  • Median Salary: $73,394
  • Job Growth: N/A
School Nurse

School nurses provide basic care to students, including treating minor injuries and administering medication. School nurses also coordinate mental health resources and educate students on topics like eating disorders, drug addiction, and sexual health. In addition, school nurses may work with education administrators to design programs meant to improve student health and wellness.

  • Degree Required: Diploma, associate, or bachelor’s
  • Median Salary: $45,145
  • Job Growth: N/A
Travel Nurse

Travel nurses perform many of the same functions as other nurses, though they often work on a temporary basis to fill nursing shortages. For example, a travel nurse may relocate to a rural area to provide services at a local health center while the organization attempts to recruit a permanent nurse.

  • Degree Required: Diploma, associate, or bachelor’s
  • Median Salary: $65,601
  • Job Growth: N/A

Where Can You Work With an Online Nursing Degree?

According to the BLS, about 60% of registered nurses work in hospitals. Still, this means more than one million nurses serve in other settings, including physicians’ offices, schools, and government agencies. Many nurses provide care directly in their patients’ homes, while others serve in the military or act as health educators in their communities.

The BLS projects some of the strongest growth in the field at outpatient care centers, where patients do not need to stay overnight. These centers may provide health services like chemotherapy, physical rehabilitation, or minor surgical procedures. The BLS projects similarly strong growth at long-term elder care facilities.

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide continuous care to elderly individuals who can no longer — or choose to no longer — live independently. Nurses in these settings may administer medication, coordinate other medical services at hospitals and doctors’ offices, and respond to their residents’ health concerns. Nurses may also need to coordinate the efforts of nursing assistants and orderlies, such as feeding, bathing, or dressing residents.

Schools

School nurses promote the health and wellness of students in numerous ways. For example, they may treat minor injuries, help young children take prescription medicine, administer vaccines, or provide guidance to students struggling with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. School nurses often serve as health educators, and teach students about proper nutrition, good exercise habits, and how to avoid unhealthy behaviors. Some nurses may also collaborate with teachers and school administrators to shape curricula and policies.

Health Insurance Companies

Nurses can take on many different roles at health insurance companies. For instance, they may contract with an insurance company to provide home health services to one of the company’s clients. They may also act as program development consultant, helping an insurance company create wellness promotion initiatives to reduce costs. Some nurses may transfer to administrative positions, using their experience in hospitals and other health settings to help clients more easily access medical services.

Corrections System

Prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities need nurses to care for both inmates and the staff. In addition to providing services like medical checkups, these nurses must also possess trauma response skills and a comprehensive understanding of mental health issues. Some nurses may work in a single facility’s infirmary to care for sick or injured inmates, while other nurses travel to multiple detention centers. Corrections officials may prefer to hire nurse practitioners, as they can perform many of the same functions as licensed physicians for a lower cost.

Median Annual Salary for RNs by Setting

Government $75,900
Hospitals; State, Local, and Private $72,070
Ambulatory Healthcare Services $66,300
Nursing and Residential Care Facilities $62,320
Educational Services; State, Local, and Private $60,300

Source: BLS

Median Annual Salary for Nurse Practitioners by Setting

Hospitals; State, Local, and Private $117,850
Outpatient Care Centers $112,940
Offices of Physicians $108,300
Offices of Other Health Practitioners $107,700
Educational Services; State, Local, and Private $101,600

Source: BLS

Clinical Experience

The majority of nursing programs require clinical experience. However, the number of hours depends on the program, degree, state, and type of specialization. In general, programs use a ratio of 3:1 clinical hours to learning hours, with hours ranging from 500 to 1,000 or more.

RN-to-BSN programs and MSN degrees typically allow students to complete clinical hours at a healthcare setting near their residence or their current place of employment.

Professional Associations

Nurses have numerous professional associations available to them. Typically, joining a professional association facilitates networking opportunities with other nurses, along with access to important trends in the field. While there are several regional and specialty associations, some of the premier national associations include:

Paying for Your Online Nursing Degree

There are many ways students can pay for their online nursing degree. First, be sure to understand the full cost of your education, then apply for federal and state financial aid. Finally, research tuition discounts, private scholarship opportunities, and any necessary student loans.

Filling out the FAFSA

The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest student loans. Many states also use the information you enter on the FAFSA to make decisions regarding their own need-based aid programs.

You can complete the FAFSA beginning in October of each year. States and individual colleges often have different deadlines for aid than the federal government, so completing the FAFSA early ensures you do not miss out on possible funding opportunities.

Types of Financial Aid

Scholarships

Scholarships are essentially free money for your education, since they do not need to be paid back. Scholarships are usually distributed by private organizations, which use different criteria to make their funding decisions. For example, many award their scholarships based on academic merit or community service, while other organizations may prefer to support students with strong financial need. You can often find scholarships for students entering particular careers or from particular social or demographic backgrounds. If you receive a renewable scholarship, you may qualify to receive additional funding for each year of your program, provided you meet certain academic standards.

Loans

Unlike scholarships, you must pay back any student loan money, along with any interest that has accrued. If you receive a subsidized federal loan, the government pays the interest on your loans while you study. Conversely, unsubsidized federal loans defer interest payments while you are enrolled, but they must be paid back after you graduate. If you work in public service for at least 10 years, you may also qualify for federal loan forgiveness.

Generally, the government charges lower interest rates than private student loan organizations. Consider private loans your final option when researching ways to finance your education.

Grants

Some organizations may refer to grants and scholarship interchangeably. Like scholarships, you do not need to pay back any grant money you receive. Grants, however, tend to be need-based rather than merit-based. For example, the federal Pell Grant program provides aid to economically disadvantaged undergraduate students, as well as students in certain graduate programs that demonstrate financial need.

You may also qualify for grant funding based on past service or a commitment to future service. For instance, the federal government provides education grants to both veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, as well as students who commit to working as teachers after graduation.

Scholarships for Online Nursing Programs

Geraldine “Polly” Bednash Scholarship
  • Who Can Apply: Administered by AACN, this scholarship supports students pursuing either a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate in nursing. To qualify for funding, students must maintain at least a 3.2 GPA. You can apply for this award in January, April, July, or October.
  • Amount: $5,000

View Scholarship

Hurst Review Services Scholarship
  • Who Can Apply: Hurst Review Services, a company that prepares nursing students for the NCLEX, offers this scholarship to students attending schools affiliated with AACN. Hurst provides awards on the basis of academic achievement, community service, and financial need. You can apply in either January or July.
  • Amount: $2,500

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Daughters of the American Revolution Nursing Scholarships
  • Who Can Apply: The Daughters of the American Revolution offers several scholarships to aspiring nurses. For example, the Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship provides funding to students with demonstrated financial need. The Mildred Nutting Nursing Scholarship also supports students with financial need, though this program gives preference to applicants from Lowell, Massachusetts.
  • Amount: $2,000-$2,500

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Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. Scholarships
  • Who Can Apply: This scholarship provides funding to both master’s and doctoral students in residential and accredited online nursing programs. Master’s applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree, complete at least 12 credits of their program by the time they apply, and maintain a 3.6 GPA. Doctoral applicants must similarly complete at least 12 credits of their program and maintain a 3.6 GPA, but must also hold a master’s degree in nursing.
  • Amount: Varies

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Promise of Nursing Faculty Fellowships
  • Who Can Apply: The National Student Nurses’ Association (NSNA) offers this scholarship to registered nurses pursuing a graduate degree and planning to work as nurse educators upon graduation. Applicants must already hold a bachelor’s degree and demonstrate both academic excellence and financial need. The NSNA specifically notes that students in accredited online nursing programs can apply.
  • Amount: $1,000-$7,500

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NURSE Corps Scholarship Program
  • Who Can Apply: A program of the Health Resources and Services Administration, NURSE Corps Scholarships help students pay for diploma, associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree nursing programs. To receive funding, you must commit to working in a “critical shortage” area, such as rural communities or underserved urban neighborhoods. Applicants must demonstrate financial need.
  • Amount: Varies

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AfterCollege/AACN Scholarship
  • Who Can Apply: AfterCollege, a private job search site, partners with AACN to provide this scholarship to future nurse educators. Applicants can pursue either a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in nursing. AfterCollege and AACN prefer to fund students in bridge and accelerated programs, which you can often find at online colleges for nursing.
  • Amount: $2,500

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Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
  • Who Can Apply: Tylenol’s Future Care Scholarship supports students seeking a degree in healthcare, including nursing. Tylenol provides funding on the basis of exemplary leadership, academic excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to serving others. Along with transcripts and a resume, applicants must submit an essay outlining their professional goals.
  • Amount: $5,000-$10,000

View Scholarship

Additional Resources

Beyond professional associations, there several additional resources available to nurses, including job boards, educational resources, community networks, and research boards. Check out a few of our favorite resources below.

  • National Library of Medicine: The National Library of Medicine shares free and research-informed resources for nursing students and nursing professionals. The website includes a dictionary of medical terms, a clinical trial database, and full-text scholarly articles.
  • Learning Nurse Resources Network: The Learning Nurse Resources Network provides informal professional development and continuing education resources. It offers self-assessments to help nurses choose a career path, as well as online training modules on topics like basic life support and the symptoms of lung cancer.
  • Nurse.com: Nurse.com hosts both free and paid continuing education courses for nurses. It also maintains a job board and a directory of residential and accredited online nursing schools.
  • NursingCenter: NursingCenter provides comprehensive resources for nurses and nursing students. It provides access to journal articles, administers in-person and online training programs, publishes a blog on best practices, and shares guidance on career advancement.
  • American Journal of Nursing – Off the Charts: The American Journal of Nursing publishes the Off the Charts blog to give nurses quick and easy access to the latest research findings. Topic covered include nursing home care, management movement disorders, and helping patients cope with pain.
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers the NCLEX, a requirement for most levels of nursing licensure. Its website offers helpful tips on taking the exam, along with information on individual state licensing requirements.
  • MedScape Nurses: MedScape collects videos, articles, and policy briefs on a variety of topics in nursing, including celiac disease, neonatal medicine, and insulin therapy. It can serve as an invaluable resource for students and professionals alike.
  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing: AACN represents 814 member schools of nursing and oversees accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. It also organizes conferences and provides online learning resources for nursing researchers and academics.