How Online Nursing Degree Programs Work (Updated 2025)

Online nursing degree programs use an LMS to deliver non-clinical coursework while students complete supervised clinical hours at local healthcare sites or simulation labs. Program formats vary from cohort-based semesters to self-paced tracks; some require short on-campus residencies. Prospective students should confirm accreditation and state board licensure policies.

Overview

Online nursing degree programs deliver the non-clinical parts of a nursing curriculum through a learning management system (LMS). Students access lectures, readings, discussion boards, and assignments online, while clinical skills and patient care hours occur in person at approved healthcare sites or simulation labs.

Coursework and platform

Most schools use an LMS such as Canvas or Blackboard to host course content. Instructors post lectures, assignments, rubrics, and grades there. Courses may be asynchronous (complete work on your own schedule) or synchronous (scheduled live sessions). Many programs also use recorded video demonstrations, interactive modules, and virtual simulation tools to teach clinical reasoning and procedures.

Exams and assessments are usually written assignments, projects, clinical evaluations, or timed tests. When exams are required, programs may use remote proctoring services or on-site proctors at testing centers.

Clinical training and simulation

All nursing programs require supervised clinical hours; these cannot be completed entirely online. Schools arrange placements at hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community sites near a student's home. Many programs incorporate high-fidelity simulation and virtual simulation to supplement in-person clinical time. State boards of nursing set rules for required clinical hours and how much simulation can substitute for direct patient care, and those rules vary by state.

Pace, scheduling, and residencies

Program structure varies. Some online degrees follow a traditional semester calendar and cohort model. Others offer accelerated or self-paced tracks, allowing continuous enrollment and flexible start dates. A minority of programs require brief on-campus residencies or clinical intensives for skills check-offs or OSCE-style assessments; many programs, however, can be completed without extended campus stays.

Academic advising and support

Degree-seeking students typically have an academic advisor who helps plan coursework, clinical placements, and licensure preparation. Students taking just one or two online courses may have more limited advising, but schools usually provide access to tutoring, IT support, and library services.

Advantages and considerations

Online nursing programs increase access for working adults, caregivers, and students in rural areas. They offer schedule flexibility and can reduce commuting time and housing costs. Before enrolling, verify program accreditation (for example, from CCNE or ACEN), state licensure outcomes, clinical placement support, and any residency requirements.

Bottom line

Online nursing degrees combine remote instruction with mandatory in-person clinical training. They work well for students who need flexibility but require careful vetting - confirm accreditation and state licensure policies before you enroll.