As a nurse, you have the opportunity to advance your education and career prospects through online degree programs for nurses.
Online degrees allow you to study while working and caring for your family. They also provide flexibility to complete coursework on your own schedule.
So, read on as we explain in detail the top 10 online nursing degrees to help you take the next step in your nursing journey.
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Top 10 Online Degree Programs For Nurses
Here are 10 of the top online nursing degrees to help you take the next step in your nursing journey.
1. RN to BSN
One of the most popular online options is the RN to BSN completion program. This program is designed for RNs who have an associate degree or nursing diploma and wish to advance to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
RN to BSN programs build on previous nursing education to expand knowledge and leadership skills.
These courses dig deeper into topics like research, community health, management, and healthcare policy. With an online RN to BSN, you can increase your clinical competency and readiness for graduate study.
2. MSN – Master of Science in Nursing
Take your nursing career to the next level with an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
This graduate nursing program develops advanced clinical knowledge and leadership abilities. MSN coursework covers advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, assessment, research, and more.
Programs feature concentrations in high-demand specialties like nursing administration, education, or informatics.
An online MSN degree equips you for roles as a nurse practitioner, clinical specialist, nurse educator, or healthcare executive.
3. DNP – Doctor of Nursing Practice
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the terminal practice-focused nursing degree. Offered online, DNP programs build on MSN-level skills to prepare nurse leaders in specialized, evidence-based practice.
You’ll complete clinical hours and an applied practice-oriented capstone project. DNP graduates may work as nurse practitioners, administrators, policy experts, or pioneering clinicians transforming care delivery. This doctorate can also lead to teaching positions.
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4. Nursing Education MSN/Certificate
Nursing schools need qualified instructors to educate the next generation of nurses. A Nursing Education MSN or certificate program delivers the skills to teach in RN, LPN or BSN programs.
Courses provide instruction in curriculum development, teaching methodologies, assessment strategies, and more.
You’ll also complete teaching experiences under seasoned faculty mentorship. With a nursing education graduate degree or certificate, you can share your clinical expertise as a nurse educator.
5. Nursing Informatics MSN/Certificate
Nursing informatics integrates nursing science with information management and technology to improve care.
An online Nursing Informatics MSN or certificate program equips you with expertise in clinical systems, data analysis, and applications to enhance decision-making, outcomes, and patient safety.
This growing field needs nurses to lead projects and integrate new technology into healthcare settings.
6. Nursing Administration MSN/Certificate
Nurse administrators manage nursing units or departments and coordinate care delivery.
An online Nursing Administration MSN or certificate can prepare you for leadership roles like nurse manager, department supervisor, or executive.
You’ll gain business, leadership, budgeting and other skills to successfully oversee nursing operations and strategy. Nurses with this specialization are integral to quality patient care and services.
7. Public Health Nursing MSN/Certificate
Public health nursing focuses on population health, prevention, and community-based care.
Online Public Health Nursing MSN or certificate programs cover epidemiology, global health, disaster response, health education, and public health policy.
You’ll learn to analyze community needs and plan programs to serve vulnerable groups. Public health nurse leaders address community health issues through advocacy, research, and evidence-based intervention.
8. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner MSN
Mental healthcare needs are increasing nationwide. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), you can provide much-needed services.
PMHNP programs prepare nurses to assess, diagnose, and treat mental illness in individuals and groups.
Coursework covers topics like psychopharmacology, counseling, and psychiatric disorders.
Through clinical hours, you gain supervised experience providing therapy and prescription management. PMHNPs work in behavioral health facilities, private practice, and other settings.
9. Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner MSN
Adult-Gerontology NPs provide primary and acute care to adult and older adult patients. This MSN specialization equips you with advanced assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and disease management skills across the lifespan.
You’ll complete specialized clinical training for competencies like diagnosing complex illnesses, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating care for older populations.
Adult-Gerontology NPs have fulfilling careers improving care for adults in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and homes.
10. Family Nurse Practitioner MSN
The Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) role offers the opportunity to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages.
FNP programs deliver a broad foundation in addressing health needs for individuals and families across the lifespan. Through clinical placement, you gain experience caring for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.
Family NPs hold rewarding careers in family practice clinics, urgent care, community health centers, and other settings serving diverse populations.
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Final Thought
Advancing your nursing education using online degree programs for nurses allows you to reach the next level in your career while meeting your responsibilities outside work.
Research accredited online nursing degree programs to find the right specialty and advance your nursing competence, leadership, and scope of practice.
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