The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and with it, the demand for highly skilled and educated nurses is on the rise. If you’re passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and seeking a flexible and accessible route to a nursing career, exploring Nursing Degrees Online could be your ideal path. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has been a pioneer in online education since 1995, extending its commitment to accessible learning to the field of nursing in the early 2010s. Recognizing the evolving needs of the nursing profession and the increasing demand for qualified nurses in diverse roles, SNHU’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare you for leadership and specialized positions in areas such as:
- Education
- Administration
- Quality Improvement
- Patient Care
- Clinical Leadership
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Leadership
- Global Health
- Equitable Care
SNHU’s online nursing degrees offer a robust curriculum and a supportive learning environment, empowering you to advance your career while balancing your personal and professional commitments.
Diverse Online Nursing Degree Programs to Meet Your Aspirations
Whether you are just starting your nursing journey or looking to advance your existing career, SNHU offers a range of online nursing degree programs to align with your goals:
Bachelor’s Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A foundational degree for aspiring registered nurses, providing comprehensive nursing knowledge and skills.
- Accelerated RN to MSN Pathway: For registered nurses seeking to expedite their career advancement by combining their BSN and MSN studies.
Master’s Degrees:
- Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN FNP): Specialize in family healthcare and primary care as an advanced practice registered nurse.
- Master of Science in Nursing – Healthcare Quality & Safety (MSN HQS): Focus on improving patient outcomes and healthcare systems through quality and safety initiatives.
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Executive Leadership (MSN NEL): Develop leadership and management skills for executive roles in healthcare organizations.
- Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Education (MSN NE): Prepare to educate and mentor the next generation of nurses in academic and clinical settings.
- Master of Science in Nursing – Population Health (MSN PH): Focus on improving the health outcomes of communities and populations through preventative and public health strategies.
Certificate Programs:
- Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Quality & Safety: For nurses with a master’s degree seeking specialized expertise in healthcare quality and safety.
Hear from SNHU Nurse Leaders: Transforming Healthcare Together
Nurses are at the forefront of healthcare innovation and patient care. At Southern New Hampshire University, our nurse leaders are shaping the future of nursing education and practice. In a recent roundtable discussion, SNHU nurse leaders shared their insights on the critical role nurses play in transforming healthcare. With a projected job growth of 7% through 2029, and over 221,000 registered nurse positions to be filled [^1], the demand for qualified nurses is undeniable. This growth presents a significant opportunity to not only impact the lives of others but also to shape your own rewarding career.
Nurse leaders discuss the evolving healthcare landscape in a roundtable for National Nurses Week, highlighting online nursing degree programs.
SNHU’s online nursing programs are built upon a philosophy that recognizes students as respected colleagues, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences to the learning environment. We value the diverse contributions, beliefs, and experiences of our students, fostering a collaborative community where everyone is both a learner and a learning resource.
Our Mission: Empowering Future Nurse Leaders
The Department of Nursing at SNHU is driven by a clear mission: to empower students to become successful nurse leaders. We are committed to preparing graduates who can champion a culture of health within diverse communities and effectively address the ever-changing challenges of the healthcare system. This mission is realized through our innovative and flexible online programs, specifically designed to meet the needs of adult learners.
Our curriculum is structured to provide nursing professionals with the essential knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors to lead patient-centered, collaborative healthcare. Graduates are equipped to apply evidence-based, culturally competent, and theory-guided professional nursing practices to enhance the well-being of diverse populations within complex healthcare systems at local, national, and global levels.
A Curriculum Framework for Success
The SNHU nursing curriculum is built upon a conceptual framework that:
- Expands on your existing nursing knowledge to create a comprehensive foundation for evidence-based, clinically proficient, and professional practice.
- Prepares you to assume leadership roles and embody essential professional attributes in nursing.
- Develops you into an empowered agent of change, ready to thrive within the dynamic and complex global healthcare landscape.
Seamless Partnerships for Career Advancement
SNHU is committed to creating accessible pathways for aspiring nurses. Our partnerships with community colleges, including the CCSNH Nursing Partnership, provide a seamless academic transition for students transferring community college credits ^transfer-credits-link. These partnerships also offer tuition discounts and financial aid opportunities, making quality online nursing degrees even more attainable.
If you are a graduate of a New Hampshire community college nursing program or hold an associate degree in nursing and are interested in pursuing an online BSN, online MSN, or an accelerated RN to MSN program, we encourage you to connect with an SNHU admission counselor to explore your options.
Accredited Excellence in Nursing Education
Choosing an accredited nursing program is crucial for ensuring the quality and credibility of your education. SNHU holds regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), demonstrating our commitment to institutional excellence. Furthermore, our nursing programs hold specialized accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), a leading accrediting body for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs.
CCNE Accreditation:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at Southern New Hampshire University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202.887.6791. This accreditation signifies that our programs meet rigorous standards for nursing education, ensuring you receive a high-quality education that is recognized and respected within the healthcare community.
ANCC Accredited Provider of Continuing Education:
SNHU’s commitment to nursing excellence extends beyond degree programs. We are also accredited by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Commission on Accreditation as a provider of nursing continuing professional development. This accreditation underscores our dedication to supporting nurses throughout their careers by offering accredited continuing education opportunities, including webinars and conferences, to help you stay at the forefront of the nursing profession. Explore our SNHU continuing education page to learn more about these valuable resources.
Hands-on Experience with HEaRT
While pursuing your nursing degree online, gaining practical healthcare experience is essential. SNHU’s HEaRT (Higher Education and Real World Training) program is designed to provide you with valuable experiential learning opportunities specifically tailored for healthcare and nursing students.
HEaRT offers online, asynchronous, and voluntary experiences that connect you with employers to tackle real-world business challenges in healthcare. This unique program allows you to apply your classroom knowledge in practical settings, build professional networks, and enhance your resume even before graduation, ensuring you are well-prepared to make an immediate impact in your nursing career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Degrees
Choosing the right nursing program is a significant decision. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of online nursing degrees:
What is the best online school for nursing?
The “best” online nursing school is subjective and depends on your individual needs and priorities. Factors such as cost, program flexibility, specialization options, and credit transfer policies all play a crucial role in your decision. Southern New Hampshire University stands out as a strong contender due to its accreditation, program variety, affordability, and student support services. SNHU’s generous transfer credit policy, accepting up to 90 credits for bachelor’s degrees and 12 credits for master’s degrees, can significantly accelerate your path to graduation and reduce tuition costs. Furthermore, with five MSN specialization tracks, SNHU offers diverse pathways to tailor your degree to your specific career aspirations. Our online courses are designed with flexibility in mind, making them ideal for working nurses seeking to advance their education without disrupting their careers. For those looking to expedite their master’s degree, SNHU offers an accelerated RN to MSN online pathway, providing options to specialize as a generalist MSN, nurse educator, or clinical nurse leader (CNL).
Bonnie Fecowicz ’12 ’16MSN, a graduate of SNHU’s online nursing program, attests to the program’s quality and career impact: “At Southern New Hampshire University, the quality of the program has allowed me to advance my career into more diverse roles as a director of nursing. I use everything I learned every day in my position.”
Financial aid and transfer credits can significantly impact the affordability of your nursing degree. SNHU’s dedicated financial services team is available to assist you in creating a financial plan that meets your needs, and various scholarships and grants are specifically available for online students.
Dr. Peggy Moriarty-Litz, Chief Nursing Administrator and Executive Director of Nursing Programs at SNHU, emphasizes the importance of CCNE accreditation: “This shows evidence of our commitment to the needs of the communities we serve by creating educational opportunities that produce competent nurses.” SNHU’s online nursing programs are designed by nurses for nurses, ensuring the curriculum is practical, relevant, and accessible, streamlining your journey to a successful nursing career.
How much do online nursing programs cost?
Online nursing degrees can be a cost-effective option compared to traditional on-campus programs. Tuition costs vary depending on the degree level and institution. At Southern New Hampshire University, the cost for a bachelor’s degree in nursing is $330 per credit. However, SNHU’s generous transfer credit policy can significantly reduce your overall tuition expenses. By transferring the maximum of 90 credits (including 45 credits for your RN license and up to 45 credits for prior academic experience), you could potentially earn your BSN for as low as $9,900 in tuition. For master’s degrees, the cost is $637 per credit, and you may transfer up to 12 graduate credits, further reducing the overall program cost.
SNHU is committed to making education affordable and accessible. Student Financial Services counselors are available to help you develop a personalized financial plan, explore financial aid options, and create customized payment plans. SNHU also offers tuition discounts of up to 30% for active-duty service members and their spouses. Additionally, alumni from community college partners and employees of partnered organizations are also eligible for tuition discounts.
Kristina Libby ’17, an SNHU graduate, highlights the affordability of her online bachelor’s degree: “I literally was shocked. I ran to my husband with my computer and I said, ‘Look, look, we can do this,’ because all of the programs around here at the state schools, we would have had to take out a second mortgage. It was not possible – and Southern New Hampshire University was affordable.”
Will employers respect an online nursing degree?
Yes, employers recognize and respect accredited degrees, regardless of whether they are earned online or on-campus. Accreditation is the key indicator of a program’s quality and rigor. Southern New Hampshire University holds regional accreditation from NECHE and specialized CCNE accreditation for its nursing programs. These accreditations assure employers that SNHU’s online nursing degrees meet established standards of academic excellence and prepare graduates for successful nursing careers.
While SNHU’s nursing programs are primarily online, it’s important to note that nursing is a practice-based profession. Therefore, SNHU’s programs incorporate required clinical practice hours that must be completed in person at approved healthcare facilities. This blended approach combines the convenience and flexibility of online learning with essential hands-on clinical experience, ensuring you develop the necessary competencies and skills for effective nursing practice. Lisa Urban, Associate Chief Nursing Administrator, emphasizes that “the majority of our students are already registered nurses and come to us to complete their bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degrees.” The flexibility of online classes allows working nurses to balance their education with their existing work and personal lives.
What are the initial qualifications to become a nurse?
The first step to becoming a registered nurse is to obtain the necessary credentials, which typically involves earning at least an associate degree in nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing school or a diploma from a program offered by a certified medical center or hospital ^credentials-link. SNHU has established community college nursing partnerships that facilitate seamless pathways for ADN graduates to pursue their BSN degrees online. These partnerships may extend beyond New Hampshire, so it’s worth exploring if your local community college has a similar collaboration with SNHU.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
The timeline to becoming a nurse varies depending on the chosen educational path and nursing career goals ^time-to-become-nurse-link. Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) generally requires less schooling than becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or pursuing advanced nursing roles. However, the core steps to becoming a nurse typically include:
- Earning a nursing degree from an accredited institution (ADN, BSN, or higher).
- Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
- Applying for licensure in your state of practice.
An ADN is often the quickest and most affordable route to becoming an RN, typically requiring around two years of study and preparing graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam. While a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) usually takes four years to complete, it is increasingly preferred by employers and opens up more career advancement opportunities.
Can you take the RN license exam online?
No, the NCLEX-RN exam must be taken in person at a Pearson VUE testing center ^nclex-exam-location-link. These centers are located throughout the United States and in some international locations. While the educational component of your nursing degree can be completed online, the licensure exam requires in-person proctored testing to ensure exam integrity. Licensure is mandatory for all practicing nurses, and the minimum educational requirement to sit for the NCLEX-RN is an ADN or a diploma from an accredited nursing program.
What are the different levels of nursing degrees?
The nursing profession offers diverse educational pathways and career trajectories, reflected in the various levels of nursing degrees ^nursing-degree-levels-link:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Provides a foundation in nursing practice and qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A more comprehensive degree that builds upon ADN coursework with advanced theoretical and research-based knowledge, often preferred by employers and a stepping stone for career advancement.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): An advanced degree that prepares nurses for specialized roles in areas such as advanced practice nursing, leadership, education, and informatics.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): The highest practice-focused nursing degree, preparing nurses for leadership roles in clinical practice, healthcare systems, and policy.
An ADN can be an excellent starting point, allowing you to enter the nursing profession relatively quickly. A BSN enhances your career prospects and provides a foundation for advanced studies. MSN and DNP degrees are designed for nurses seeking leadership positions, specialized clinical roles, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) licensure, such as nurse practitioners. Understanding the different degree levels can help you make informed decisions about your nursing education and career path.
What are the different types of nurses?
The nursing field offers a wide array of specializations and career paths ^nursing-types-link. Some common types of nurses include:
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Provide basic patient care under the supervision of RNs or LPNs.
- Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) or Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs): Provide direct patient care, often in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics.
- Registered Nurses (RNs): Provide comprehensive patient care, administer medications, develop care plans, and educate patients and families.
Within RN roles, there are numerous specializations, such as:
- Labor and Delivery Nurses
- Home Health Nurses
- Surgical Nurses
- Critical Care Nurses
- Pediatric Nurses
- Oncology Nurses
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) require MSN or DNP degrees and include roles such as:
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs)
- Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs)
Nurse leaders and administrators also play vital roles in healthcare, such as:
- Nurse Managers
- Nurse Directors
- Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs)
- Nurse Educators
- Nurse Informaticists
The diverse range of nursing roles ensures that you can find a career path that aligns with your interests, skills, and passions.
What is an MSN degree?
An MSN, or Master of Science in Nursing, is a graduate-level academic degree designed to prepare nurses for advanced roles and responsibilities in the nursing profession ^msn-degree-link. MSN programs typically take approximately two years to complete, although accelerated RN-to-MSN pathways can shorten the timeframe for registered nurses with a bachelor’s degree in another field or an ADN. Nurses pursue MSNs to advance their careers into leadership, specialized clinical practice, education, or research roles. Common career paths for MSN-prepared nurses include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, nurse educators, nurse administrators, and nurse informaticists. Earning an MSN can significantly expand your career options and earning potential within the nursing field.
How do you become a nurse practitioner?
Becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) requires advanced education and specialized training ^np-pathway-link. The steps to becoming an NP typically include:
- Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN): Earning an ADN or BSN and passing the NCLEX-RN exam.
- Earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in a Nurse Practitioner specialty track. NP specialty tracks include Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP), Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP).
- Passing a national Nurse Practitioner certification exam in your chosen specialty area.
- Obtaining state APRN licensure as a Nurse Practitioner.
- Completing supervised clinical practice hours as required by your state board of nursing.
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have expanded scope of practice, allowing them to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage patient care independently or in collaboration with physicians. NPs play an increasingly vital role in healthcare delivery, providing primary care, specialty care, and preventative services to diverse populations.
What is the difference between an RN and a BSN?
RN (Registered Nurse) and BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) represent different levels of education and credentials in nursing ^rn-vs-bsn-link. RN refers to a licensed medical professional who has met the requirements to be registered as a nurse, typically by completing an ADN program or a nursing diploma program and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. BSN is a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing that provides a more comprehensive education encompassing clinical skills, theoretical knowledge, research principles, leadership, and management. While you can become an RN with either an ADN or a BSN, a BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and is often required for career advancement and specialization. BSN programs delve deeper into the theoretical and research underpinnings of nursing practice, while ADN programs tend to focus more on practical, hands-on skills for entry-level RN positions. Earning a BSN can open up more career pathways and opportunities for professional growth in the nursing field.
Begin Your Journey to a Nursing Career Online
Online nursing degrees offer a flexible, accessible, and rewarding path to a fulfilling career in healthcare. Southern New Hampshire University’s accredited online nursing programs are designed to empower you with the knowledge, skills, and credentials to excel in a dynamic and in-demand profession. Whether you are seeking to become a registered nurse, advance your nursing career, or specialize in a particular area of nursing practice, SNHU offers a range of online programs to help you achieve your goals. Explore our program offerings and connect with an admissions counselor today to take the first step towards your nursing career.
References
[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Nurses, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm (viewed January 13, 2020)
*Due to frequent changes in licensing board requirements, this information is subject to frequent updates and changes.
