Nursing school is challenging, but it's also purposeful and highly structured. Every course, lab, and clinical experience is designed to prepare you for the demands of professional nursing practice. Understanding the format and content of an online nursing program can help you feel more prepared before the work begins. Below, you will learn what online nursing education typically includes and what students can expect from virtual classrooms, simulations, and clinical rotations. 

Overview of Nursing Curriculum Structure

Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure) (BSN) programs follow a structured progression that gradually builds students' knowledge and skills over time through didactic courses, core sciences, and hands-on clinical training. In many programs, students must complete prerequisite or pre-nursing courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, before they can begin upper-division nursing courses. At WGU, students begin the prelicensure program with pre-nursing and introductory health sciences courses that fulfill these prerequisites.

BSN coursework and clinicals must meet regulatory and accreditation requirements to ensure that students are prepared for licensure and real-world practice. Clinical requirements vary by program, but most require approximately 500 to 1,000 clinical hours. These clinical experiences allow students to practice nursing skills in real-world care settings under the supervision of a clinical instructor or preceptor.

Core Nursing Courses and Foundational Sciences 

Core nursing courses move beyond prerequisites and focus on applying scientific knowledge, nursing theory, and ethical reasoning to real patient situations. Together, these courses help students build the clinical judgment needed for safe, effective patient care. 

Examples of core nursing courses include: 

• Anatomy and Physiology II. This course examines the structure and function of major body systems and may include practical applications through laboratory activities. 
• Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing. In this course, nurses gain crucial insights into psychological health, psychiatric medication, crisis intervention, and patient rights. 
• Pharmacology. This course teaches students how to safely manage medication and monitor patient responses. 
• Pathophysiology. Students learn how diseases and injuries disrupt normal body functions, helping them recognize symptoms and make informed clinical decisions.
• Health Assessment. This course trains students to perform comprehensive patient examinations and accurately document health data. 
• Community Health. Students learn about epidemiology, disease prevention, and social determinants of health.
• Information Technology in Nursing Practice. In this course, students examine the relationship between technology and patient care delivery, with a focus on electronic health records, data analytics, and patient monitoring tools.

Clinical Training and Hands-On Experience 

Clinical training bridges the gap between theoretical learning and practical application. These immersive experiences typically occur in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and sometimes in community health settings. Students have the opportunity to work in various specialties, including pediatrics, mental health, oncology, and medical-surgical care. This helps students build competence with diverse patient populations and gain insight into the nursing paths that may be the best fit for them. 

Throughout clinical rotations, students receive ongoing guidance and support from experienced nurse preceptors. This mentorship helps students translate theory into practice and prepare for the realities of professional nursing practice. Because clinicals involve direct patient care, most nursing programs require students to complete background checks, maintain up-to-date immunizations, and undergo drug screenings. 

In addition to clinical training, students may participate in high-fidelity simulation labs to practice nursing skills in controlled environments. These labs use lifelike mannequins and advanced technology to simulate a variety of complex care situations. 

Emerging Competencies and Technology in Nursing Education 

Modern nursing curriculum goes beyond bedside care to reflect the evolving nature of patient populations and care delivery. Many programs prioritize cultural competence, or the ability to provide respectful, effective care that’s aligned with patients’ cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and preferences. 

In addition to clinical skills and cultural awareness, students are expected to develop strong digital literacy and become familiar with emerging healthcare technologies. Many nursing programs now incorporate topics such as clinical informatics, predictive analytics, and virtual patient assessments into their curricula. 

Even if nurses do not use every technology directly, understanding how digital advancements shape healthcare is essential to modern practice. Some examples of technologies that continue to impact patient care, clinical workflows, and health systems include: 

• AI-driven diagnostics. Artificial intelligence tools are used to analyze health data, identify patterns, flag risks, and inform clinical decision-making. 
• Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). Networked devices enable providers to collect real-time data that enhances care coordination and patient monitoring. 
• Wearables. Devices such as continuous glucose monitors and health trackers generate continuous data that enables remote patient monitoring, early disease detection, and better management of chronic conditions. 
• 3D bioprinting. This manufacturing method uses living cells to print tissues and organs for implantation in patient bodies. 3D bioprinting has the potential to influence everything from regenerative medicine to drug testing and development. 
• Virtual and augmented reality. These immersive technologies are increasingly used in surgical planning, clinical training, and pain management. 

Typical Program Formats and Scheduling Options 

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, there are several formats to consider. Traditional programs are full-time, campus-based, and typically last four years. Online programs offer greater flexibility, which is helpful for students balancing personal and professional responsibilities. However, it's important to note that online prelicensure nursing programs still require in-person clinicals because hands-on patient care is mandatory for licensure.  

Some schools offer competency-based formats that allow students to progress as soon as they’ve mastered the course material. These programs are ideal for motivated learners who want more control over course pacing. Accelerated programs are available for individuals who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, allowing them to graduate in as little as 12 to 16 months. In contrast, part-time programs allow students to earn their degree at a slower pace by taking fewer classes at a time. This can be beneficial for full-time employees or those with family commitments, but these programs do take longer to complete.   

Preparing for Licensure and Career Readiness 

Everything you do in a nursing degree program, from classroom learning to clinical training, is designed to help you pass the NCLEX-RN exam, obtain licensure, and enter professional practice. The NCLEX-RN exam is a standardized test required for licensure in all 50 U.S. states. It measures your ability to apply nursing knowledge and clinical judgment in real patient-care situations. The exam focuses on safe and effective patient care, including care coordination, patient safety, infection prevention, and ethical nursing practice. It also covers health promotion and maintenance, psychosocial integrity, and the nurse’s ability to manage medical conditions through assessment, medication administration, risk reduction, and clinical intervention.

Challenges and Trends Shaping Nursing Curricula 

Nursing education is evolving quickly to meet the demands of modern healthcare systems, but there are still challenges to overcome. In 2023, U.S. nursing schools turned away more than 65,000 qualified applicants due to faculty and clinical placement shortages. At the same time, nursing programs are expanding to reflect broader trends in healthcare delivery. Programs are incorporating advanced simulations to supplement clinical training and placing greater emphasis on disease prevention and population health. 

As healthcare needs become more complex, nursing education is also shifting toward a lifelong learning model. Nurses are increasingly expected to complete ongoing training and continuing education to keep pace with changes in healthcare.

Ways to Specialize and Advance in Your Nursing Career 

Once you’ve completed your BSN and earned a nursing license, there are multiple ways to deepen your knowledge and move into specialized roles. Many nurses pursue certificate programs through colleges and universities, while others earn certifications such as the Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) or Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) designations. 

Nurses who wish to specialize may also pursue master’s degree programs focused on specific areas of nursing. MSN programs offer advanced training and can open doors to leadership roles in management, policy, education, and specialty practice. Common areas of specialization include: 

• Gerontology 
• Cardiology
• Critical care
• Nursing informatics
• Community and public health 
• Nursing education
• Nursing leadership and management

How to Choose the Best Online Nursing College 

What makes a nursing program right for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. Consider how factors such as your work schedule, family commitments, and career goals align with different programs. Taking the time to compare various options can help you find a program that is a strong fit and sets you up for long-term success.

Start by looking for a regionally accredited, state-approved institution with established nursing programs. Accreditation confirms that the program meets quality standards and that your degree will be recognized when you apply for licensure. Other factors to look for in a high-quality program include: 

• Individualized student support
• Transparent tuition and fees
• Strong NCLEX-RN pass rates
• Local clinical placement options
• Qualified, experienced nursing faculty
• Built-in NCLEX-RN preparation 
• Positive alumni outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are the Core Courses in a Typical Nursing Curriculum? 

Most nursing programs require anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing theory, and clinical decision-making, paired with hands-on clinical training across healthcare settings. 

How Many Clinical Hours Do Nursing Students Need to Complete? 

Nursing students generally need to complete between 500 and 1000 clinical hours, but requirements can vary by program, degree level, and state regulations. 

Can I Complete a Nursing Degree Online While Working Full-Time? 

It is possible to complete a nursing degree program while working full-time. However, doing so requires commitment and strong time management. If you plan to continue working while earning your degree, look for programs that offer flexible or competency-based formats. 

What Is Competency-Based Nursing Education? 

Competency-based education lets students progress by showing mastery of required skills and knowledge, rather than advancing based on a strict academic calendar. 

How Do Online Nursing Programs Handle Clinical Placements? 

Online nursing programs typically partner with local healthcare facilities and use dedicated placement coordinators to arrange clinical placements.