Best Online Associate Degree in Nursing Programs of 2024

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Total Program Cost:

In-State | $5,471

Out-of-State | $16,164

Credits to Graduate: 63-80 

Weber State University's PN-to-RN program is designed for working practical nurses and takes place at both Weber's Ogden and Davis campuses, satellite locations, and in a hybrid-online format. Students can choose to earn an associate of applied science or an associate of science degree, requiring approximately 68 or 76-80 credits, respectively. 

After completing prerequisites, students can expect to finish both semesters of the program in eight months. Applicants must be licensed practical nurses or NCLEX-PN eligible in Utah.

Programmatic Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $551

Out-of-State | $707

Credits to Graduate: 61

Western Kentucky University's LPN-to-ASN bridge program combines online lecture courses, challenge exams, clinical hours, and credit for previous education. Students must complete clinical hours on campus or in local clinical facilities. 

The HESI A2 assessment exam is required for admission. All applicants with fewer than 10 college-level credit hours must submit ACT scores. Those with 10 or more earned credit hours must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.75. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $165

Out-of-State | $165

Credits to Graduate: 66

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College's LPN-to-RN hybrid program blends on-campus learning, online learning, and clinical experience. MGCC's hybrid courses offer weekday, weeknight, or weekend scheduling and include a minimum of 25% in-person classroom time.

Applicants need to provide evidence of two years of LPN experience, two letters of recommendation, ACT scores, and ATI TEAS 7 scores. Students begin with a summer course focused on transitioning to the RN role. A passing grade is required to proceed with the program.

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $231

Out-of-State | $437

Credits to Graduate: 69-70

The associate nursing program at Bristol Community College offers a hybrid learning option, featuring online classes and in-person clinical and lab experiences. Students receive learning material prior to class, and classroom time focuses on furthering students' understanding of the material through discussion and guided problem-solving activities. 

Program admission is competitive. Applicants with a 3.5 GPA or higher in prerequisite courses receive priority. Admission requires a total composite score of 65% or higher on the ATI TEAS exam. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $76 

Out-of-State | $268

Credits to Graduate: 66

Davidson-Davie Community College's LPN-to-ADN associate of applied science program is offered in a hybrid format, with a combination of virtual classes, online coursework, and travel to the Davidson, North Carolina, campus. 

Courses focus on the domains of healthcare, nursing practice, and the holistic individual. The program also emphasizes the nurse's role within an interdisciplinary team. Applicants need an LPN license, current LPN employment, and documentation of at least 3,328 work hours to qualify for admission. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Cost per Credit:
$550 per credit 

Credits to Graduate: 66

Excelsior University offers an associate in science in nursing program and an associate of applied science in nursing, both of which allow students to progress through eight-week, online courses at their own pace. Online tutorials and webinars are available for additional support.

Both programs comprise 66 credit hours and have an identical nursing component. However, they vary slightly in their general education course requirements. Students must travel to a clinical site to complete two in-person practicums, including clinical and laboratory experiences.

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $107

Out-of-State | $318

Credits to Graduate: 70

The Seminole State College LPN-to-RN online program only accepts applications once per year by a February 1st deadline. Successful applicants take a mandatory five-week summer course prior to beginning the program in the fall. Didactic courses take place online, while clinical assignments are face-to-face and arranged by the school. 

Admission is competitive, with 10 students accepted for each program cohort. SSC selects students for the nursing program by a points system, which considers GPA, ACT scores, and years of LPN experience.

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $179-$201

Out-of-State | $298-$402

Credits to Graduate: 65

The Missouri State University-West Plains LPN-to-RN bridge program offers both a spring and fall start time, with only 15 seats available in the online cohort. Students are required to visit campus at the beginning of the program, once in the summer, and for NCLEX review near program completion. All clinicals are self-scheduled with a preceptor at an approved facility close to students' place of residence. 

Courses comprise liberal arts, science, and nursing. Applicants must hold an active LPN license, pass the Kaplan Nursing Admissions Test, and demonstrate a minimum 2.5 GPA in prior coursework.

Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $160 (In-District), $188 (Out-of-District)

Out-of-State | $242

Credits to Graduate: 66.5

The John A. Logan College's hybrid ADN program prepares qualified Illinois LPNs to pursue RN licensure. Courses primarily take place online, supplemented with weekly on-campus labs and in-person clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities. Following completion of necessary prerequisites, this full-time program takes four semesters to complete. 

Admission requirements include ACT or SAT scores, proof of graduation from an approved LPN program, a current unencumbered Illinois LPN license, and successful completion of the TEAS pre-entrance exam. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing

Cost per Credit:
$229 per credit

Credits to Graduate: 64

The Minnesota West Community and Technical College's associate of science in nursing degree prepares licensed practical nurses to become licensed RNs in the state. Although didactic courses take place online, prospective students should note that all clinical experiences require travel to assigned healthcare facilities in southwest Minnesota.

Admission requirements include an active LPN license, a cumulative 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses, and a qualifying score on the National League for Nursing NACE I Foundations entrance exam.