Are you ready to make an impact? With health care changing at an unprecedented rate, today’s nurses are predicted to hold greater responsibilities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that health care occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032, with about 1.8 million job openings projected each year.
Whether you’re taking the first steps toward a nursing degree, seeking to advance as a nurse or want to hone your craft with specialized study, there’s a path for you at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Our programs were designed so that you can easily balance your lives at home and work with school—without sacrificing the rigor and cutting-edge curriculum of a quality nursing education.
See Notes and Conditions for important information.
Nurses create change not only in the lives of individuals and their families, but society at large. They advocate for their patients above all else. They enjoy a growing job outlook due to increased emphasis on preventive care and a greater incidence of chronic illnesses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Registered nurses are expected to see steady job growth through 2032, while nurse practitioners will see a 38% growth.
This program blends online instruction with clinical experience at a local health care facility in IA or ME. You'll develop the skills for patient care and learn effective communication practices. Prepare to sit for the NCLEX-RN® exam.
Learn how to deliver exceptional patient care to meet complex demands. This program focuses on research and emerging trends in therapies, community health and professional ethics. Pursue employment in numerous nursing and management specialties.
This program prepares you for clinical and leadership positions. Learn effective management techniques, methods of analyzing data and research and how to evaluate ethical factors in developing policies.
Earn the same Bachelor of Science RN-to-BSN degree, but faster and for less tuition. If you have previous college credit or experience and are motivated to learn independently, try our self-paced ExcelTrack® option.
Earn a Master of Science in Nursing degree, but faster and for less tuition. If you have previous college credit or experience and are motivated to learn independently, our self-paced ExcelTrack® option could be a great learning experience.
Customize your path with concentrations and prepare for leadership roles or advanced nursing practices in a variety of settings. The curriculum includes organizational theory, finance, health policy, human resources and health care systems.
If you have a bachelor's in nursing already, you can earn a Master of Science in Nursing in this program–and progress on to the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
Earn two master’s degrees at once with our MSN dual degree programs. Build on the advanced nursing and leadership skills of an MSN with specialized knowledge of a second master’s in business administration, public health, or health care administration. Graduate with both degrees in less time than it takes to earn each by itself.
Earn an MSN and an MBA. This program provides you with advanced nursing skills and business proficiencies. The curriculum includes MSN and MBA courses, allowing you to earn both degrees in less time than it takes to earn each one separately.
Complete master's degrees in nursing and health care administration in one online program. Pursue executive leadership roles to make impactful change through management of health care organizations.
Complete master's degrees in nursing and public health in one online program. Pursue executive leadership roles to advocate and influence public health policy.
Become proficient in providing effective care as part of a health care team while also advancing your career. If you’re a registered nurse already and hold a master’s degree in nursing, you’ll qualify for these certificate program.
Gain expertise in treating acutely ill adult patient populations with a focus on medical, surgical and critical care management. By the program's end, you'll be prepared to sit for the ANCC and AACN Nurse Practitioner Certificate exams.
Prepare to sit for the ANCC Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate exam, or the AANP Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner or Family Nurse Practitioner certifications.
Develop your skillset in evaluating the health and wellness of individuals and their families. In this program, you'll learn how to diagnose and manage various health problems, as well as new ways to serve as a strong patient advocate.
Learn how to diagnose, manage and treat psychiatric mental health conditions, brain disorders, substance abuse issues and co-occurring diseases. Focus on collaborative practices with both the patient and other professionals to provide holistic care.
Equip yourself with the skills to take on positions ranging from health facility administration to public health and policy, and be eligible for an array of rewarding positions in nursing leadership with an Executive Leader Postgraduate Certificate.
In this program, you'll focus on policy development and implementation, management, budgeting and the use of technology. The curriculum teaches you methods of leadership, organizational theory, and finance and strategic planning.
The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate programs at Purdue Global are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).
As a student in the School of Nursing, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Committed to global health care, Sigma Theta Tau is overseen by an elected team of Purdue Global student leaders and volunteer faculty advisors who arrange events and encourage community engagement.
To get started as a Purdue Global student, you must meet certain academic requirements and complete an enrollment application. Here’s what you’ll need to begin:
Want to know if online learning is right for you before you enroll? Watch our virtual campus tour to learn more.
Use our online calculator to estimate when you’ll finish your program—and see how your prior credits and experience can save you time and money.
Purdue Global makes the process easy. You can apply online today or contact us to walk you through the process.
From the moment you request information all the way to graduation, you’ll work with the same Advisor for 1-on-1, personalized support. The idea? Build a partnership with a deep understanding of your needs and career aspirations.
From registration and financial aid to assistance throughout your degree journey, our Advisors are invested in supporting your success.
Start an undergraduate program with no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
Explore your nursing career goals and options, and choose the program that best suits your needs.
Although nursing is one of the more well-known careers, there are quite a few misunderstandings about it.
If you’re considering a profession in nursing, there are some crucial things you’ll want to think about first.
Nurses with an RN-to-BSN degree are in high demand—and there are plenty of reasons the degree will be beneficial to you.
Discover your interests and set your goals for success. Take our Career Assessment to chart your ideal path.
Explore the benefits of earning your associate, graduate, or bachelor’s degree in nursing at Purdue Global.
Our nursing faculty have decades of real-world experience, and many hold doctorates or advanced certifications. In fact, 98% of them hold at least a master’s degree.
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.
Yes, you can definitely get a nursing degree online. Whether you choose to study at a university or at an online college of nursing, it’s not only possible to earn your nursing degree virtually—it’s smart. Learning online can help you save on tuition costs and give you greater control of your time.
Most of today’s online nursing degree programs are widely accepted, well-respected sources for beginning a nursing career, advancing your current credentials, or keeping your nursing skills up-to-date. Whatever level of the nursing profession you’re in, there’s an online program designed for you.
You can get your nursing career started by earning an associate’s degree (ASN) or completing a prelicensure bachelor’s degree program. After that, you can advance your career expertise with an online RN-to-BSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).
To become a licensed RN, you must graduate from a nursing program (such as Purdue Global’s ASN, available only to students in Iowa, Maine, and Nebraska) and then pass the national nursing licensure exam, NCLEX-RN. This process is exactly the same whether you attend a traditional on-campus or online nursing school.
Employers today realize that graduates with online nursing degrees have the same quality academic and clinical education and training as their on-campus counterparts. They understand that most students choose to earn a nursing degree online for the flexibility it gives them to study wherever and whenever works best for their schedule—and help them achieve their goals sooner.
While online nursing programs deliver coursework fully online, most require a live clinical or practicum experience where you can apply the knowledge you’ve gained in the classroom. Purdue Global degrees allow you to complete these practice experiences where you work, or at a participating health facility in your community.
Our School of Nursing, founded in 2004, was among the first to offer a wide range of accredited online nursing degrees. Purdue Global’s baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org). Accreditation by the CCNE tells you that Purdue Global programs meet national standards for upholding quality and rigor in nursing education.
See Notes and Conditions for important information.
For years, the types of nursing degrees have been expanding to meet the needs of a changing health care system. Due to shortages of nurses and a shrinking number of family physicians, nurses now have opportunities to take on a wide variety of roles. Getting the proper education and training is paramount to your success as a nurse. Health care roles are available for a variety of nursing education and experience levels.
To begin your nursing career, you could earn a licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate or diploma, which usually takes 1 year of full-time study to complete. An LPN’s role is limited compared to a registered nurse (RN), but you’ll still perform important patient-care duties, including monitoring patient health, assisting with tests or procedures, recording patient histories, consulting with RNs, and more.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) takes about 1.5 to 2 years of full-time study to earn at many universities, community colleges, and career-focused schools. Upon successful completion of your ASN degree, you can apply to sit for the national licensure exam known as the NCLEX-RN® exam. After passing your NCLEX exam and becoming a registered nurse (RN), you are prepared to pursue work in a variety of health care settings including:
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the next step for RNs seeking to enhance their skills and pursue advanced roles. Many people choose to earn their ASN first and then return for their bachelor’s after working for a few years as a licensed RN. Health care employers often require a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and some employers are giving RNs a deadline to earn theirs. If you’re already a working RN, completing your RN-to-BSN degree—on-campus or online—is a smart way to get ahead.
Enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program prepares you for greater responsibilities and gives you the academic credentials to seek advanced nursing career paths. You can work in areas such as:
The next level of nursing education is the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), which builds on your prior learning and practical experience with leadership and independent-practice opportunities. Purdue Global’s online MSN includes specialized courses in organizational theory, health care finance, health policy, human resources, information technology, and health care systems. You can specialize in one of multiple pathways aligned to specific advanced nursing roles. There’s even an MSN with a direct pathway to a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP). Popular nursing career options for master’s degree graduates include:
Finally, the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is a terminal nursing degree that prepares nursing leaders to practice at the highest levels of the profession. It’s possible to complete your DNP program online while you continue to work. As a graduate, you can pursue careers in executive leadership and a variety of advanced practice nursing roles. APRN roles include:
Our School of Nursing also offers online postgraduate certificates for advanced-practice nurses, including adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, and executive leader.
See Notes and Conditions for important information.
Many online nursing programs today offer the same rigorous, rewarding experience as brick-and-mortar nursing schools—without the commute or inconvenient class hours.
Returning to campus can be a bit intimidating for nurses who’ve been away from school for several years, and the challenges of balancing work and family with school can make taking nursing classes online very appealing. This is why a growing number of students are choosing to study nursing online for the more flexible course experience it offers.
As an online nursing school student, strong organizational and time management skills are especially important. The only equipment you’ll need to get started is a computer, an internet connection, and any class software that may be required. You must be ready to participate in online seminars and communicate about the material with instructors and fellow students via email and discussion boards. In an online learning setting, you’ll be evaluated by the level and substance of participation on these discussion boards, as well as on your course assignments throughout the term.
You’ll also need to become comfortable accessing online academic support services.
The clinical practice experiences within our undergraduate and graduate nursing programs will help you apply the knowledge you’ve gained in class to a real-world setting. They provide enriching training opportunities to support your academic and career goals. You can complete these experiences where you work, or work with our skilled clinical placement team to help you locate an approved health facility in your community.
Our MSN and RN-to-BSN online nursing programs offer a number of ways to complete your clinical practice experience:
Our blog has even more specifics on how online nursing programs work at Purdue Global.
Yes, many online nursing school programs are accredited, including those offered by Purdue Global. But you must do your due diligence and research the accreditation status of each institution you are considering.
Accredited nursing programs qualify graduates to sit for industry licensing and certification exams, including the NCLEX-RN®, which must be passed to practice as a registered nurse. Accreditation tells you that an impartial agency recognized by the Department of Education (DOE) has validated the nursing program for quality and rigor.
When evaluating accredited online nursing programs, consider which university or college is offering the program and see whether the school itself is accredited—and, if so, by which accrediting body. Purdue Global is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The HLC is one of six regional institutional accreditors, covering degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions in the North Central region of the U.S.
Purdue Global’s associate’s degree in nursing is approved by the boards of nursing in Iowa and Maine. Additionally, the baccalaureate degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.CCNEAccreditation.org).
CCNE-accredited programs assure you of the quality and integrity of an institution’s undergraduate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing. Our School of Nursing hosts regular, formal visits from the CCNE to maintain accreditation of its programs.
Another organization that accredits online nursing schools in the U.S. is the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), which covers nursing programs at all levels, from diplomas to doctoral degrees. Typically, most programs aim to earn accreditation from either CCNE or ACEN.
In addition to choosing an accredited online nursing program, you should be sure your program meets the educational requirements of the Board of Nursing in the state where you want to practice. You must complete a program that fulfills your State Board of Nursing’s academic requirements to apply for your nursing license.
How many years of school it will take to become a nurse depends on where you are in your educational journey and career, and the level of nursing degree you wish to pursue.
Here’s a look at the requirements for each online nursing program at Purdue Global.
The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) consists of 116 quarter credit hours. Typically, students can complete the program in as few as 18 months of full-time study.
The RN-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) consists of 180 quarter credit hours. Admission requires a license to practice as a registered nurse, as well as an associate's degree, diploma, or certificate in nursing. Your time to completion will partially depend on if you enroll in our traditional RN-to-BSN program, or if you enroll in the ExcelTrack™ version, a competency-based accelerated pathway. On average, students complete their RN-to-BSN in as few as 18 months of full-time study.
The Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) consists of 60 to 90 quarter credit hours, depending on the pathway you choose, and the MSN–MBA dual degree option consists of 88 quarter credit hours. A bachelor’s in nursing is required. You can complete the MSN in as few as 18 to 24 months of full-time study, while the MSN–MBA dual degree can be completed in as few as 2.5 years.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) consists of 48 to 60 quarter credit hours, depending on your prior degree. A master’s in nursing is required. You can complete the DNP through our MSN-to-DNP path to save time. On average, our students complete their DNP in as few as 18 months.
Postgraduate Certificates: Our CCNE-approved programs can prepare you to become a nurse practitioner or apply new expertise to your career. Certificates consist of 30 to 60 quarter credit hours. A master’s in nursing is required.
You can read more about the time it takes to progress your nursing career on our blog.
See Notes and Conditions for important information.
There are many career paths in nursing. To find the type of nursing that’s right for you, it’s important that you read up about the available options to help identify your career preferences.
Your personal strengths, professional skills, and the patient population you want to care for will help determine your nursing career path. You can start by becoming a registered nurse (RN) after earning your associate’s degree in nursing, a general nursing degree that prepares you for a wide variety of nursing roles.
Next, you must take and pass the national licensure exam (NCLEX-RN®) to become registered to practice as an RN in a variety of settings. The needs of the organization where you work, and job availability, will determine where you practice at this stage. After gaining some on-the-job training, you’ll be ready to consider additional certification.
With an undergraduate nursing degree, you can pursue a career as a neonatal nurse, clinical nurse, critical care nurse, dialysis nurse, ER nurse, informatic nurse, geriatric nurse, nurse advocate, pain management nurse, pediatric nurse, psychiatric nurse, oncology nurse, telehealth nurse, and more.
With a graduate nursing degree and more experience, you could pursue work as a nurse practitioner, nurse midwife, clinical nurse specialist, certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse educator, travel nurse, or trauma nurse, or serve in a research or public health role, among other opportunities.
Degree specializations assure health institutions and patients alike that you are highly knowledgeable and competent in a specific area of expertise. Many professional nursing organizations provide specialty certifications in nursing. Read Purdue Global’s list of nursing specialties to learn more.
Whichever nursing role you pursue, you’ll be part of a growing field with a recognized shortage of qualified professionals.
When evaluating your nursing career options, also consider the state in which you intend to practice. Check to see what your state licensure requirements are and which nursing roles are in demand where you live.
See Notes and Conditions for important information.
Associate's, Master's, and DNP Completion Time: Completion times are based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete. For the DNP program, the time to complete the program may vary depending on the number of supervised practice hours you bring into the program at the time of enrollment.
Bachelor's Completion Time: Completion time based on a full-time student with a prior associate’s degree. Programs will take longer for part-time students, students who take leaves of absence or drop and return, and students with a prior diploma/certificate to complete. The number of required credits may vary depending on individual state education requirements, which could affect how long it will take to complete the program. More than 60% of 2019–2020 graduates completed the program in 18 months or less (Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2020).
Average MSN-MBA Completion Time: Completion time based on a full-time schedule of 17 terms. Program will take longer for part-time students to complete. Students are required to change calendar tracks twice in order to complete the courses required. When this occurs, you may experience a delay of 2 weeks or more between the end of the term and the beginning of the next available term in the alternate calendar.
Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Prior experience may be required for leadership roles. Graduates must meet state licensing and certification requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse or the NCLEX-PN to become a licensed practical nurse. NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information.
ExcelTrack® Degree Pace: ExcelTrack® is designed to advance your progress based on existing knowledge; however, degree pace and time and cost savings will vary by individual. Students must enroll in a minimum number of credits per term to remain eligible for financial aid. Refer to the Financial Information section of the University Catalog for additional information.
Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Financial aid awards vary depending on individual student eligibility and need.
Job Growth Predictions: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Healthcare Occupations, Registered Nurses, and Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.
NCLEX Exam: Upon successful completion of the program of study, students may be academically prepared to apply to take the national licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN®). The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. Refer to Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. NCLEX is a registered trademark of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, Inc.
Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.
