With an increasing number of institutions offering various nursing degrees online in 2025, choosing the best program can be an overwhelming task. The rapid growth of e-learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and University of the People has opened new doors for aspiring nurses worldwide — but this abundance of choice also demands careful decision-making.
Doing your Due Diligence
Before you settle on any program, it’s essential to ask yourself some fundamental questions to narrow down your options and identify the right path for your career and academic goals:
Many students mistakenly pick degree programs that eventually become dead ends or stray from their intended career goals. To avoid this, start by identifying where you ultimately want to go.
If your goal is to pursue a doctoral degree in nursing, begin your research with the doctoral programs and work backward to determine what prerequisites they require. This will help you select an undergraduate or master’s program that aligns with your long-term academic ambitions.
Once you’ve clarified your objectives, the next step is selecting an institution that aligns with your career and educational goals. Nursing degrees are not all built the same — you could opt for a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a more extended Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an advanced Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
Increasingly, platforms like Capella University and Walden University offer flexible online options for both undergraduate and postgraduate nursing qualifications.
Equally important is ensuring the institution you choose offers a curriculum that matches your desired nursing specialty. Whether you’re interested in midwifery, pediatric nursing, or critical care, different universities channel their nursing programs towards specific specialties. Be sure to verify this detail before enrolling.
One of the most critical factors to confirm is institutional accreditation. To become a licensed and registered nurse, you must graduate from an accredited nursing program. Accreditation not only signifies that your chosen program meets high-quality educational standards but also ensures your eligibility for licensure exams and clinical placement opportunities.
Institutions like SNHU and the University of Phoenix offer accredited online nursing programs recognized for their robust academic frameworks and student support structures.
Online Nursing Degree vs Classroom Nursing Degrees
As online education continues to evolve, understanding the differences between online nursing degrees and traditional classroom-based programs remains essential.
Some of the advantages of traditional, in-person nursing education include:
- Immediate feedback from faculty and instructors
- A stronger sense of belonging and in-person peer interaction — While platforms like Teachable and Thinkific offer interactive forums and live sessions, some learners may still feel isolated in fully remote environments.
One of the most significant shifts driven by modern e-learning is the move from a pedagogic (teacher-led) model to a more andragogic (self-directed, adult-focused) learning approach. E-learning encourages learners to take ownership of their education, with instructors serving as mentors and facilitators rather than traditional lecturers.
Advances in educational technology, video conferencing tools, and interactive content platforms like Udemy and Edureka have made this style of education not just possible but highly effective.
In 2025, online learning has become a preferred choice for many due to its flexibility and accessibility. Whether you’re a working professional, a parent, or living in a remote area, you can access high-quality nursing education through accredited programs from respected institutions and e-learning hubs like Coursera and FutureLearn.
Benefits of an Online Nursing Degree
Beyond differences in learning format, there are numerous benefits to choosing an online nursing degree over a traditional classroom-based program.
In 2025, with advanced virtual learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Pluralsight, and MasterClass transforming how professional education is delivered, e-learning offers flexibility, accessibility, and affordability like never before.
An online nursing degree allows you to study regardless of your location or current job situation. You don’t have to quit your 9-to-5 job or relocate closer to a campus — everything from lectures to clinical theory modules is available remotely.
Many accredited programs even partner with regional clinics and hospitals for students to complete practical hours in their local areas.
Another notable advantage is cost. E-learning typically reduces overhead expenses such as commuting, campus accommodation, and classroom-related fees. Institutions like University of the People and SNHU offer highly affordable nursing degrees online, often with flexible payment structures or financial aid options.
The growth of e-learning reflects a broader need for flexible and accessible education models. Whether driven by work obligations, family commitments, or geographic limitations, online education has empowered countless students to access higher education on their own terms.
Despite differences in delivery, the value of a credible, accredited nursing degree is equivalent whether obtained online or on campus.
When considering online degrees, focus on three non-negotiable factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is officially recognized by nursing boards and educational authorities.
- Specialty alignment: Pick a program that offers your desired area of focus, whether it‘s neonatal nursing, geriatric care, or nursing leadership.
- Affordability: Find a program that fits your budget, considering tuition, clinical placement costs, and technology fees.
As of 2025, respected online nursing programs are offered by institutions like Capella University, Walden University, and University of Phoenix. These programs maintain the same rigorous standards as their on-campus counterparts and are widely recognized by healthcare employers.
Is an Online Nursing Degree Good?
If you’ve been overwhelmed by the countless options available when exploring online nursing programs, it’s perfectly normal to ask: “Is an online nursing degree good?” The short answer is yes — provided you select the right program.
The crucial point isn’t whether online nursing degrees are good in general, but whether you’re choosing one from an accredited, reputable institution that matches your academic and career goals. In 2025, platforms like Coursera and edX host accredited nursing courses in partnership with top universities, making quality education accessible worldwide.
While the learning delivery may differ from traditional classroom settings, the academic value of online nursing qualifications remains equivalent to that of campus-based programs — provided both are awarded by the same institution. Most importantly, healthcare employers today recognize accredited online nursing degrees as legitimate, especially when backed by reputable institutions.
The better question to ask is: “How can I find the best online nursing degree program for me?”
To make that choice, stick to the key evaluation points we outlined earlier: accreditation, specialty focus, and program affordability. In addition, look out for programs offered through established and respected platforms like Udemy for Healthcare Professionals, Rocket Languages for medical communication modules, and Thinkific for continuous professional development.
How to Find the Best Online Nursing Degree Program
When searching for the best online nursing degree program, your starting point should always be your career goals. Tertiary institutions — whether offering online or traditional degrees — tend to focus on certain specialties.
In 2025, programs in high-demand fields like critical care nursing, psychiatric nursing, nurse education, and midwifery are widely available via respected platforms like Coursera, Udacity, and FutureLearn in partnership with accredited universities.
Are you aiming to work in critical care, neonatal units, school health, or management? Or perhaps you’re setting your sights on midwifery, learning disability nursing, or occupational health. Knowing your target specialty allows you to streamline your options and select programs offering relevant modules and clinical placements.
Likewise, aligning your academic ambitions with your long-term education plans is vital. For example, if your ultimate aim is a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP), ensure the online degree you pursue feeds into master’s programs that meet the prerequisites for doctoral studies.
What is the Hardest Part of Studying Nursing?
The most challenging aspect of studying nursing — whether online or in person — is the clinical practice component. Nursing education isn’t purely theoretical; it demands hands-on patient care hours in clinical settings.
For online learners, coordinating these placements while managing personal and professional responsibilities can be particularly demanding. Time management, emotional resilience, and the ability to assimilate large volumes of complex information are consistently cited by students as key hurdles.
Is Nursing a Good Career?
Nursing remains one of the most rewarding and in-demand careers globally. In 2025, the profession offers exceptional job security, competitive salaries, and opportunities for international work. Beyond financial benefits, nursing provides a profound sense of purpose through daily patient care and community service.
Thanks to online nursing degrees from providers like University of Phoenix, Walden University, and SNHU, entry into this respected field has become more accessible to working professionals and non-traditional students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest nursing course to study?
Courses like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certifications are generally considered the most accessible entry points into nursing. Many of these are now available through accredited online platforms and can be completed within 12–18 months.
What is the hardest type of nursing?
Specialties such as intensive care unit (ICU) nursing, neurosurgical nursing, and oncology nursing are widely regarded as the most demanding due to the high-stress environment, complex cases, and emotional toll. These specialties require advanced clinical skills and resilience.
What is the hardest exam for nurses?
The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) remains the most challenging exam for aspiring nurses in the U.S. and internationally.
It tests comprehensive knowledge across all major nursing domains and is a prerequisite for licensure. Many online programs now offer dedicated NCLEX prep courses through platforms like Teachable and Edureka.
What is the hardest subject in nursing?
Pathophysiology and pharmacology are consistently cited by students as the toughest subjects due to their complex, detail-heavy content and the need for accurate application in clinical situations.
Final Thought
In 2025, pursuing a nursing degree online offers credible, flexible, and affordable pathways into healthcare — provided you carefully vet programs based on accreditation, specialty alignment, and overall costs.
Whether you choose online study through platforms like Coursera, edX, or enroll with institutions such as Capella University or University of the People, your career prospects in nursing remain bright and attainable.