Best Online Associate in Nursing

Barton County Community College was founded in July 15, 1965 to create a post-secondary institution giving county residents an education at “a low cost within commuting distance.” Beginning nursing students can complete a Certificate in Practical Nursing (PN), an Applied Science Associate in Degree in Nursing (ADN), or both. The strategy at BCCC is for students to complete their certificate after two successful semesters and sit for the state licensing exam for LPNs. Then, if they choose, they can go on to complete the two-year associate to qualify for the NCLEX-RN® exam to earn a Registered Nurse designation.

From its beginnings in 1887, Sinclair College has grown to offer 30,000 students more than 220 certificate and degree programs. Courses are offered online and through campus locations in Dayton, Englewood, Eaton, Mason, and Huber Heights. Full-time students enrolled in Sinclair’s Associate of Science degree in Nursing may complete the 65 credits for their degree in five consecutive semesters. Students applying with an LPN or Military training, or nursing transfer students may be admitted with advanced standing. As part of the admissions process, applicants must complete the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).

In 1898, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of the West Texas Diocese founded the school that was to become today’s St Philip's College. Nearly half of enrolled students focus on Applied Science and Technology majors and more than half enroll in online courses. The college’s Vocational Nursing Program and LVN to RN Mobility programs combine web-enhanced, wholly online, and hybrid learning to combine technical studies with practical clinical and laboratory experience. LVN-RN programs include pre-requisites in anatomy/physiology, microbiology, lifespan growth and development, and ethics. The LVN-RN program begins every fall semester.

Tulsa Community College, founded in 1970, is now Oklahoma’s largest community college, with multiple campuses serving 27,000 students in the greater Tulsa area. Since it was launched in 1971, the TCC nursing education program has graduated 4,000 nurses. The program offers students a choice in a Nursing Career Mobility (LPN/Paramedic to RN) track or Traditional Nursing (RN) track. To prepare for RN licensing and complete their associate in applied science (AAS) degree, students must undertake 35 hours of studies in the nursing discipline and 38 general education credits. Coursework is offered at the Metro, Owasso, Southeast campuses.

Established as Cincinnati Cooperative School of Technology (CCST) in 1966, today’s Cincinnati State Technical and Community College gained its name in 1975, reflecting its expansion to more than 100 distinct degree and certificate programs across four campuses in the city. Qualified graduates can transfer to over 20 four-year degree institutions. The Cincinnati State Bethesda School of Nursing’s 65-credit RN degree program includes required internships with six Cincinnati-area hospitals and medical centers. Graduates have transferred to four-year nursing programs through articulation agreements with Mount St. Joseph University, Northern Kentucky University, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, and Wright State University.

The distance learning program at Columbus State Community College gives students an alternative to traditional college courses. Students use interactive and video technologies to learn completely online or in a hybrid capacity. There are nearly 20 different fields that offer online degree programs as well as a host of individual classes that students can take. A readiness assessment ensures that students are prepared for online coursework. Columbus State has both short-term training and continuing education opportunities for students at all degree and career levels and serves students at its main campus, six Regional Learning Centers and online.

More than 24,000 students at Columbus State Community College pursue programs leading to an associate degree in arts and sciences, associate in applied science, or associate of technical studies. The nursing department offers studies culminating in an AAS degree or LPN certificate. The associate degree may be completed in five semesters on a full-time basis and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN licensing examination. Students may take the 62-hour RN program on campus or through a hybrid option combining online classes with in-person clinical and laboratory requirements. Interested students must complete an online nursing information session prior to applying.

Distance learning programs at PITT Community College allow both working adults and high school graduates to move forward on their careers. Students receive a step-by-step guide for success when starting a program, helping them to get started on the right foot. A mandatory orientation is available both on campus and online so students know what to expect. Online students also have access to UpSwing, a free online tutoring service, and an online library so they can get the help they need and complete their coursework entirely online, on their own time. The college serves about 23,000 total students every year.

The eLearning program at East Mississippi Community College offers flexible learning opportunities for those who have personal and professional responsibilities that make it difficult to attend classes on campus. Online courses are not self-paced and while students can access their coursework when it’s convenient for them, they do still need to complete assignments on time and log in during the week for online discussions. An online self-assessment is available for students to determine if online learning is right for them. Programs are available through the Mississippi Virtual Community College.

A number of online learning programs are available at Cuyahoga Community College, including business management, court reporting, accounting and nutrition. While some of these programs are fully online, others require some in-person classes or experiential learning. Students are encouraged to visit with an advisor to learn more about online coursework and must attend an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the program. Online students have access to all the same resources as traditional students, including the library and tutoring. They access classes through the Blackboard online learning system, where they watch lectures, download reading materials and submit assignments.