What are the Best-Reviewed Online Nursing Degrees?
As the demand for qualified nurses grows in the United States, many top colleges and universities have started offering their nursing programs online. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for nursing jobs was $113,000 in 2018, highlighting its potential as a rewarding career choice. With online programs from prestigious schools, students can now advance their nursing careers in a way that fits their schedules and budgets. Here are the best-reviewed online nursing degrees.
Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
According to US News, Johns Hopkins University is ranked number one of 169 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's and number one out of 157 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice. Known for its excellence in healthcare education, Johns Hopkins offers an online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with various specializations. It's highly regarded for its rigorous curriculum and excellent faculty.
Walden University
Walden University offers a variety of online nursing programs at different academic levels, including BSN, MSN and DNP programs. Walden fundamentally understands that not every student was created equal, and therefore learning needs differ. That’s why their CCNE-accredited online Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) Completion Program was built with busy working nurses in mind. They offer flexible learning formats, a variety of curriculum difficulty levels and supportive staff and faculty.
Rush University
Rush University College of Nursing ranks 11th among 150 schools listed in the graduate nursing programs category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2016 “Best Online Programs” list. They were also ranked number 19 out of 503 graduate nursing schools in the country, per U.S. News’ 2016 “America’s Best Graduate Schools” survey. What many people seem to find so attractive about Rush’s nursing programs is the fact that you can enroll either part time or full time, making it easier to find a program that accommodates their schedule and lifestyle needs.
University of Cincinnati College of Nursing
The University of Cincinnati provides a range of online nursing programs including Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The programs are known for their flexibility and strong clinical focus. The nursing programs have gained a reputation throughout the country as offering one of the strongest online nursing programs available. In addition, tuition is around $12,000, meaning you won’t have to break the bank to gain a degree that speaks volumes.
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies
Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health studies has gained an impressive reputation over the years. Its online MSN and DNP programs prepare students for advanced practice roles in specific areas such as Family Nurse Practitioner and Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. In addition, its programs are unique in their emphasis on ethical considerations in healthcare, leadership and policy-making, along with a strong foundation in promoting holistic care that treats the whole person.
Purdue Global
Purdue Global offers prospective nurses a unique opportunity to earn two master’s degrees at once with their MSN dual degree programs. The idea behind this opportunity stems from the notion that nurses need to develop more than just medical skills. That’s why while you’re gaining nursing and leadership nursing and leadership skills from one MSN, you can also gain a second one with an emphasis on business administration, public health or health care administration. Furthermore, for programs that require clinical practice, Purdue Global assists students in arranging clinical placements near their communities.
Duke University
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, has gained an impressive reputation as a university as a whole. That’s why it should come as no surprise that their online nursing program is one of the best in the country. Duke offers prospective nurses invaluable opportunities, such as clinical placements, rigorous courses, on-campus intensives, exceptional faculty and more. Plus, their online learning options are some of the best in the country, giving students access to advanced online learning technologies that facilitate interactive learning experiences.
According to their website, Duke has been rated second best online graduate nursing program for veterans, per U.S. News and World Report 2023, as well as one of the top women’s health MSN programs in the country, per U.S. News and World Report 2024.
The Best Online Nursing Degrees
Choosing the right online nursing program can significantly impact your career trajectory and professional development. With top-ranked schools like Johns Hopkins University, Walden University, Rush University, the University of Cincinnati, Georgetown University, Purdue Global and Duke University offering flexible, high-quality programs, students have excellent options to gain advanced nursing education. These institutions not only provide rigorous academic curricula and exceptional faculty but also cater to the unique needs of working nurses, making it feasible to balance education with personal and professional commitments. As you explore your options, consider the specific strengths and offerings of each program to find the best fit for your goals and lifestyle.
Read on to learn about some great free online courses with certificates.