Enrolling in an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program is one of the first steps toward becoming a registered nurse (RN). Online ADN programs allow students to complete their coursework from anywhere with a stable internet connection, increasing access to some of the nation's best nursing programs.
While you can complete most coursework virtually in an online ADNs, you must still complete clinical hours in person.
Explore our ranking of the top 10 online ADN programs in this helpful guide, along with information on accreditation, salary data, common classes, and more.
Why Enroll in an Online ADN Program?
- Jumpstart or advance your nursing career faster than you would with a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
- Balance work and school through the flexibility of online coursework.
- Complete clinical experiences on campus or at approved local sites.
- Save money on program costs compared to in-person nursing students.
- Prepare to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and become an RN.
Top 10 Online ADN Programs
Why Accreditation Matters for Nursing
It is critical to attend an accredited nursing school. The risks of attending an unaccredited school include being rejected from or ineligible for jobs, licensure, financial aid, and future graduate programs.
Accrediting bodies are independent organizations that evaluate schools and their programs. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits associate-level nursing programs.
What Will You Learn in an Online ADN Program?
Online ADN programs prepare you to pass the NCLEX-RN and obtain an RN license. Core coursework covers nursing fundamentals like pharmacology and microbiology. You'll also get to practice your nursing skills through hands-on clinical training.
In addition, you'll learn to examine medical records, track symptoms, and administer medications.
Common Courses in ADN Programs
- Aging and chronic illness
- Anatomy and physiology
- Developmental psychology
- Foundations of nursing
- Maternal and pediatric nursing care
- Mental health nursing
- Microbiology
- Nutrition
- Health assessment
- Pharmacology
Is an Online ADN Worth It?
$81,000
Average salary for ADN-holders
+5%
Projected job growth for RNs (2024-2034)
An online associate degree is a worthwhile investment for aspiring nurses. If you're interested in providing direct patient care, earning an ADN can launch you into your nursing career with a strong starting salary. Payscale data from December 2025 indicates that people with ADNs earn an average salary of $81,000, which is a salary that more typically aligns with roles requiring a bachelor's degree.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that RN jobs will grow 5% from 2024-2034, outpacing the average for all occupations.
Q&A With Real Registered Nurses
Q: Why did you decide to pursue a career in nursing?
"I always had an affinity for science, but more specifically for anatomy and physiology. I also loved working with my hands and craved to be active while working, instead of being stagnant."
"I've always had a passion for helping others, but the older population are some of my favorite people to spend time with. … Few people realize that their bodies operate much differently as seniors — and I don't mean just on a physical level. Nursing allowed me to explore those intricacies and allowed me to feel like I was giving back to my community through elderly care."
Q: What is something that surprised you about the field of nursing?
"Most professionals don't mention how close nurses are with our patients. We spend the most time at their bedsides, nurturing a trusting rapport with those in need. Spending all this time with patients often makes nurses more empathetic to patient care than other healthcare professionals because it affords us deeper insight into the patient as a whole being."
"I was surprised by the emotional toll that my field took on my body. … You become fully engrossed in your patients' lives, both their trials and tribulations, while you are taking care of them. You feel internally rewarded with improvements and grief when your patient declines."
Q: What is your biggest piece of advice to students considering becoming RNs?
"Like all careers, some people are suited for [nursing] and others are not. That said, embrace the mental trials and emotional lessons that nursing forces you into, because I wholeheartedly believe that you are a more well-rounded person due to you taking care of someone in some of the worst days of their life."
"Be sure that you have a passion for nursing. … Back-to-back night shifts and difficult patient care in the early days can make it challenging to see the reward in your profession. As with any career, your journey will be more enjoyable if your heart is all in."