Is an Online Nursing Degree Legit? Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
Online nursing programs have opened doors for students who need flexibility while earning their degree, but with that accessibility comes skepticism. Many future nurses wonder: Is an online nursing degree legit?
The short answer: yes, when it's properly accredited and includes required clinical experiences. However, not all online nursing programs are created equal. Before you enroll, it's important to understand what makes a program credible and how to spot potential red flags.
Why Online Nursing Programs Exist
Nursing remains one of the most in-demand professions in the U.S., and many aspiring RNs are working adults or parents. Online nursing programs make it easier to complete coursework on your own schedule, often while continuing to work in healthcare.
Common online pathways include:
- LPN to RN or LPN to BSN bridge programs
- RN to BSN completion programs
- RN to MSN or BSN to DNP graduate options
- Post-master's NP certificates
While lectures, assignments, and discussions may happen online, hands-on clinicals are still required for any nursing degree leading to licensure. Legitimate programs help you arrange local clinical placements under supervision.
Read our guide on online BSN programs.
What Makes an Online Nursing Program Legitimate
Not all online nursing degrees meet professional or licensing standards. The following factors distinguish credible programs from diploma mills:
1. Accreditation
Accreditation ensures the program meets national quality standards. Look for:
| Accrediting Body | Covers | Website |
| ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) | ADN, BSN, MSN, DNP | www.acenursing.org |
| CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) | BSN, MSN, DNP | www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE |
| CNEA (NLN Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation) | PN, ADN, BSN | www.nln.org/accreditation-services |
In addition to programmatic accreditation, the college or university should also hold regional institutional accreditation (such as from WASC, SACSCOC, or Middle States).
2. State Board of Nursing Approval
Each state's Board of Nursing determines whether a school's graduates are eligible for licensure. If a program lacks approval in your state, you may not be able to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
Tip: Check your state's Board of Nursing website for a list of approved programs. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) can help you find your state’s information.
3. Clinical Experience Requirements
Even in fully online programs, clinical hours are non-negotiable. Legitimate schools will:
- Require a minimum number of supervised clinical hours (often 500–700 for BSN-level programs)
- Help you secure clinical placements at hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community health sites near you
- Ensure you're precepted by licensed RNs or APRNs
Programs that promise "no clinicals required" can be a major red flag.
4. Qualified Faculty and Curriculum
A reputable online nursing program mirrors the rigor of its on-campus counterpart. Faculty should hold advanced degrees (MSN or higher), and coursework should cover:
- Evidence-based nursing practice
- Pharmacology and pathophysiology
- Health assessment and leadership
- Population health and community nursing
You can often find faculty credentials and course syllabi on the program's website.
5. Transparent Outcomes
Legitimate programs are proud to publish outcomes such as:
| Outcome Metric | Why It Matters |
| NCLEX-RN Pass Rate | Reflects program quality and graduate readiness |
| Graduation Rate | Indicates student success and program support |
| Job Placement Rate | Suggests strong career connections and reputation |
Compare these metrics to state and national averages. Programs with consistently low NCLEX pass rates should raise concern.
Common Red Flags in Online Nursing Programs
Unfortunately, some schools exploit students seeking flexible nursing options. Be cautious of programs that:
- Lack national or state approval
- Advertise "fast-track" RN programs with minimal or no clinical work (note: many legitimate accelerated programs exist, so do your due diligence when selecting this type of program)
- Promise guaranteed job placement or licensing outcomes
- Have no physical U.S. address or contact information
- Pressure you to enroll immediately without sharing details on tuition, accreditation, or clinicals
If something feels off, trust your instincts. Research before signing up.
Questions to Ask Before You Enroll
Before committing to an online nursing degree, make sure to ask these essential questions:
- Is your nursing program accredited by ACEN, CCNE, or CNEA?
- Is the school approved by my state's Board of Nursing?
- How are clinical placements arranged for online students?
- What is your NCLEX-RN pass rate over the past three years?
- What are the total tuition and fees, and are there any hidden costs?
- Do graduates typically find employment in my state after completing the program?
- How do online courses handle lab or simulation components?
Asking these questions early helps you avoid non-legit or unaccredited programs that could waste time and money.
The Bottom Line
Online nursing programs are a legitimate, flexible path to becoming—or advancing as—a registered nurse. The key is choosing a program that is properly accredited, approved by your state's nursing board, and transparent about clinical experiences and outcomes.
Before you enroll, research thoroughly, compare programs, and use trusted sources to explore accredited online ADN, BSN, and MSN options.
Quick Takeaways:
- Yes, online nursing degrees are legitimate, as long as they are accredited and approved.
- Always verify ACEN or CCNE accreditation and state board approval.
- Legit programs require hands-on clinicals, even if coursework is online.
- Avoid schools that promise no clinicals, instant degrees, or guaranteed jobs.
- Use trusted directories (like RegisteredNursing.org) to research programs safely.
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