Online Associate Degree in Nursing

Nursing Degrees & Schools / Online Associate Degree in Nursing

Earning an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) often is the first step in your journey toward becoming a nurse. With an ADN, you can pursue entry-level nursing roles at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, and private medical practices.

When you have an ADN, you can perform direct patient care in healthcare settings like clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes. 

ADNs also open the door to gaining valuable experience needed to advance your nursing career. You can get your associate’s degree and make money working as a nurse while you complete higher education requirements toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher.

In this article you’ll discover:

• What is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?
• What classes are offered online?
• What are the top 5 ADN online schools?
• How do you pay for an ADN online program?

What is an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)?

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year nursing degree chosen by nursing students eager to get into the field.

As an aspiring nurse, you can earn an associate’s degree by attending an accredited nursing program part-time or full-time. You can choose between a traditional in-person classroom setting for your studies, or an online ADN program that offers more flexibility.

Once you have your associate’s degree, you can sit for the NCLEX exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). You must be licensed in your state of practice before you can begin working.

What classes are offered online?

Nursing programs require hands-on training called clinicals. You must take clinicals in person because they require applying the skills you’ve learned in nursing school to real-life situations. That kind of learning can’t be done effectively online.

However, most of the prerequisites you must complete for your ADN program can be taken online. Here’s an overview of the subjects you can take virtually:

• Algebra
• English
• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Informatics
• Nursing Essentials
• Nutrition
• Pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Psychology
• Technical Writing

Additionally, any nursing lectures – acute care, lifespan, geriatrics, mental health – can be completed online.

In-person component of ADN online programs

No 100% online ADN programs exist. What nursing students encounter when they try to sign up for virtual nursing programs are hybrid versions that include virtual classes coupled with in-person clinicals.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing schools quickly discovered how difficult – and ineffective – it could be to simulate hands-on clinicals virtually. They were unable to complete in-person training due to tight restrictions at most healthcare facilities to curb the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to come up with virtual models that didn’t prepare nursing students as well as in-person clinicals

Clinical hours vary by state. However, most states require around 70 clinical hours to complete an ADN. You also must take the NCLEX exam in person.

What are the top 5 online schools?

If you’re considering enrolling in an ADN online school, make sure you choose an accredited nursing program. All state boards of licensing require you to earn a degree from an accredited nursing program.

Most nursing schools tout their accreditation, so it should be easy to verify whether the program you’re considering meets the requirement.

Other tips for choosing the best online ADN program include finding one that works with your schedule and fits within your budget.

Here are our top picks for ADN online schools.

#1 – Columbia College

Columbia College in Columbia, MO, offers a flexible online ADN program suitable for LPNs interested in advanced learning or those brand new to nursing. Nursing student candidates must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and a C in all nursing prerequisites for admission.

The college has accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

#2 – John A. Logan College

Located in Carterville, IL, John A. Logan College offers a hybrid online ADN program and a traditional in-person nursing program. You can choose the version that works best for you. Admissions are restricted, so it’s best to get your application in early if you choose this option.

The college has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

#3 – Northwest Technical College

Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, MN, appeals to nursing students who want to focus on gerontological nursing. The hybrid program combines patient needs for this age group with basic nursing principles to provide a well-rounded education.

The college has accreditation from the HLC.

#4 – Nightingale College

Online learning and in-person clinicals combine at Nightingale College in Salt Lake City, Utah. The college does an excellent job of outlining which courses can be completed online for your ADN, and which must be done in person.

Nightingale College is accredited through the Accrediting Bureau of Health Schools (ABHES). It also has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

#5 – Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University, located in Altamonte Springs, FL, offers a hybrid online option for nursing students pursuing an ADN. You can complete the program in as little as 18 months when attending full-time.

Rasmussen is accredited by the HLC.

How do you pay for an ADN online program?

There are several ways you can pay for an ADN online program. Check your state for scholarships and grants for nurses. That’s free money you don’t have to worry about repaying.

You also can apply for federal financial aid (FAFSA) or private loans. Some nursing schools offer financial assistance, so investigate this option before enrolling.

Next steps

Once you’ve selected an online ADN nursing program, the only thing left to do is apply and wait for your acceptance letter.

You may want to have a few backup schools on your list in case you don’t get admitted to your first choice. Nursing programs are competitive. Some schools limit the number of applicants they admit each semester. Good luck!

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