Online Nursing Programs and Healthcare Degrees
Leavitt School of Health
Tawnia, BSN grad
ONLINE NURSING & HEALTHCARE DEGREES
Earn a Nursing Degree to be Part of a Life-saving Team
After completing a bachelor's or master's degree in nursing and earning a license, graduates can work as a nurse at a hospital, clinic or doctor's office. A nursing degree will provide a solid foundation for your career as it prepares you for working directly with patients. Registered nurses perform all levels of nursing care, including patient assessment, disease prevention and prevention of illness, childbirth and postpartum care, nutrition management, wound care, health maintenance and promotion of overall health.
America needs talented, qualified healthcare professionals now more than ever. Maximize your past experience and motivation to improve the quality of care, and take the next step in your career—faster. At WGU's nursing school, you can earn an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree on your schedule. With 24/7 access to our online programs, a nursing degree from WGU can fit into even the busiest schedules.
Browse and compare our online nursing and healthcare degree programs to find the best fit for your needs.
RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE
WGU has been named a 2021-2026 Center of Excellence in Nursing Education by the National League for Nursing.
ACCREDITED AND RESPECTED
The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing, master's degree programs in nursing, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at WGU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Additionally, Western Governors University Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and Master’s Degree in Nursing programs hold pre-accreditation status from the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation.
RECOMMENDED
96% of WGU alumni would choose to go to WGU again, according to a 2022 Harris Poll. In nearly 2,000 reviews on Trustpilot, students and graduates rate WGU 4.7 out of 5.
Nursing & Health Bachelor's Degrees Online
Nursing (RN-to-BSN Online) – B.S.
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added...
An online BSN degree program for registered nurses (RNs) seeking the added theoretical depth, employability, and respect that a bachelor's degree brings:
- Time: 77% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 23 total courses in this program.
- Transfers: Students can transfer up to 90 credits.
With over 35,000 BSN alumni, this is one of WGU's most popular online degree programs. View our RN to BSN degree guide. If you are an RN ready to earn your BSN, this program will help you accelerate to earn your degree.
If you don't currently have an RN and don't qualify for your nursing prelicensure program, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry in a unique way.
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 95% of students finish similar programs faster than the traditional 4 years.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 29 total courses in this program.
Sample careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Care coordinator
- Patient advocate
- Health services coordinator
- Patient educator
- Community health educator
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time: 63% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Director of informatics
- HIMS chief
- Information systems auditor
- Outpatient coder
- Health records manager
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.
Nursing (Prelicensure) – B.S.
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a...
A one-of-a-kind nursing program that prepares you to be an RN and a baccalaureate-prepared nurse:
- Locations: Due to in-person clinical requirements, students must be full time residents of FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, NE, NV, NM, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, UT to enroll in this program. The coursework in this program is offered online, but there are in-person requirements.
- Tuition: $6,430 per 6-month term for the first 4 terms of pre-nursing coursework and $8,755 per 6-month term for the remaining 4 terms of clinical nursing coursework.
- Time: This program has a set pace and an expected completion time of 4 years. Certain coursework may be accelerated to finish faster.
- WGU offers the prelicensure program in areas where we have partnerships with healthcare employers to provide practice sites and clinical coaches to help teach you and inspire you on your path to becoming a nurse.
- If you don't live in one of our prelicensure states or don't qualify to apply, consider getting our Bachelor's in Health and Human Services instead. This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also working directly with patients who need help.
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
You can become a healthcare industry leader:...
You can become a healthcare industry leader:
Compare with B.S. Health Information Management
- Time: 73% of graduates finish within 37 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
Sample careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- Health information manager
- Community service manager
- Clinical manager
- Medical records manager
- Social service manager
The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.
Nursing & Health Master's Degrees Online
Nursing – Leadership & Management (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for...
For registered nurses with a bachelor's degree who are ready for additional career opportunities.
- Time: 68% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for current RNs who have a BSN and are ready for the next step in their education.
Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Quality Director
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Project Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Nursing – Leadership & Management (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap...
This program for RNs includes a BSN component and is a substantial leap toward becoming a nurse leader.
- Time: 75% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 42 months.
- Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Quality Director
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Project Manager
If you're driven to lead, this online nursing degree will provide you everything needed to make that career a reality. This program is ideal for current RNs who are interested in earning both their BSn and MSN in an accelerated program.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Nursing – Education (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs....
A master's in nursing education program for nurses with BSNs.
This degree will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.
- Time: 64% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 15 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for RNs who already have their BSN and are ready to progress in their career.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Faculty
- Program Director
- Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your MSN – Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers.
Nursing – Education (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program...
This MSN – Education online nursing program for RNs includes a BSN program component and is a substantial leap forward for an aspiring nurse educator.
- Time: 73% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 42 months.
- Tuition and fees: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion, and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 32 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for current RNs who are looking to earn both their BSN and MSN in a single, accelerated program.
Sample careers and jobs this online nursing degree will prepare you for:
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Faculty
- Program Director
- Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
Given the growing nurse educator shortage, earning your MSN with a focus in education is both a rewarding decision and a solid career move.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have...
A nursing degree program that empowers data-driven nurses who already have a BSN but seek the success a master's can bring:
- Time: 72% of grads finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 14 total courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
- Informatics Director
- Nursing Informatics Specialist
- Informatics Analyst
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for nurses who take this path.
Nursing – Nursing Informatics (RN-to-MSN) – M.S.
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN...
A nursing program that empowers data-driven nurses with a BSN and MSN component, allowing them to go from RN to MSN.
- Time: 67% of RN-to-MSN grads finish within 36 months.
- Tuition: $4,685 per 6-month term during undergraduate portion and $4,795 per 6-month term during graduate portion.
- Courses: 31 total courses in this program.
This program is ideal for currently licensed RNs who are looking to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree at an accelerated pace.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Chief Nursing Informatics Officer
- Informatics Director
- Nursing Informatics Specialist
- Informatics Analyst
The trajectory of data and informatics in healthcare will continually open opportunities for registered nurses who take this path.
Family Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Washington.
- Time: 2½ years.
- Tuition: $6,525 per six-month term.
- Courses: 16 total courses in this program.
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (BSN-to-MSN) – M.S. Nursing
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares...
This program for BSNs who have an active, unencumbered RN license prepares you to become a board-certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: 2½ years.
- Tuition and fees: $6,625 per six-month term.
- Courses: 17 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their BSN and are ready to move forward in their career. This MSN program prepares students to become licensed as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in select states.
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Master of Healthcare Administration
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly...
A master's focused on managing comprehensive, value-based care, directly in line with innovations in health and healthcare.
- Time: 81% of grads finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
Examples of careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Managed care executive
- Director of integrated care management
- Health center manager/clinic manager
- Director of integrated facilities
Your rich experience in a health-related field can mean more when you bring a master's level of understanding to the problems that organizations need to solve.
Compare degrees
This program is not the only degree WGU offers designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
MBA Healthcare Management
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations....
Prepare for a career leading private or public healthcare organizations.
- Time: Graduates can finish within 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this business degree will prepare you for:
- President and CEO
- Vice president
- Administrative director
- Chief financial officer
- Other executive-level roles
Healthcare is big business in today's complex economy. Steer your career with this specialty MBA.
Compare online business degrees
This program is not the only online business degree WGU offers that is designed to create leaders in the field of healthcare. Compare our health leadership degrees.
Education Technology and Instructional Design – M.Ed.
The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for...
The M.Ed. in Education Technology and Instructional Design from WGU is for instructional designers tasked with creating engaging and immersive virtual learning experiences that can substitute for on-ground instruction.
No teaching license required.
- Time: 73% of grads finish similar programs in 18 months
- Tuition: $3,975 per 6-month term
- Courses: 12 total courses in this program.
This program includes two tracks for students to choose from:
- The K-12 pathway
- The Adult Learner pathway
Careers you will be prepared for after earning this degree include:
- Instructional coordinator
- Instructional designer
- Curriculum developer
- Instructional technologist
- Learning engineer
- Learning architect
- Instructional design coordinator
- Academic technologist
- Learning experience designer
- Distance education administrator
- Director of instructional design
- Online course designer
- Online course developer
- Corporate training
Develop training and instruction expertise to help you in the classroom, in educational settings, or in corporate world.
Post-Master's Nursing Certificates Online
Nursing Education – Post-Master's Certificate
A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs....
A specialty certificate in nursing education for nurses with MSNs.
This program will prepare you to teach the next generation of nurses.
- Time: 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Some careers and jobs this degree will prepare you for:
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing Faculty
- Program Director
- Academic Clinical Nurse Educator
Hospitals and other facilities need nurse educators. Earn your Post-Master's Certificate in Nursing Education and step into a role inspiring and empowering caregivers. This program will prepare you to sit for the National League for Nursing Certified Nurse Executive (CNE) exam.
Nursing Leadership and Management – Post-Master's Certificate
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who...
A certificate for registered nurses with a master's degree in nursing who are ready for greater responsibility in a leadership and management role.
- Time: 12 months.
- Tuition: $4,795 per 6-month term. The cost to sit for the NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) exam is included in tuition.
- Courses: 8 total courses in this program.
Sample careers and jobs this degree program will prepare you for:
- Director of Nursing
- Chief Nursing Officer
- Quality Director
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Project Manager
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of medical and health services managers to grow 17% by 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are...
This program is for current RNs who already have earned an MSN and are wanting to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner through a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the PMHNP post-master's certificate program at WGU is currently NOT open to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
- Time: 2 years or less
- Tuition and fees: $6,625 per six-month term.
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program.
This program is for current RNs who have earned their MSN but are wanting to add a specilization to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. This post-master's certificate program is only available in select states.
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Family Nurse Practitioner – Post-Master's Certificate
This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking...
This is a program for individuals who already have an MSN and are looking to now become a family nurse practitioner with a post-master's certificate program.
- Locations: Due to the clinical requirements of this degree program, the FNP is currently NOT available to students who have a permanent residence in the following states: Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington.
- Time: 2 years or less
- Tuition: $6,252 per six-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program.
Students must have a permanent and active license from a state that is not listed above, must complete the internships in that state, and intend to obtain initial APRN licensure in that state. See more state-specific information related to nursing licensure. Compact licenses must be endorsed by your state of residence. More about compact licenses.
Nursing Education that Helps You Change Lives
The Leavitt School of Health at WGU offers nursing programs that are designed to fit demanding schedules, allowing you to continue serving patients while furthering your education in nursing school. Our commitment to flexible scheduling is why 79% of WGU students can keep working while earning their degrees.* Beyond just a flexible schedule, you'll also have an individual Program Mentor who understands the uniquely demanding schedule a healthcare worker faces. They’ll help keep you on track, offer encouragement, and ensure you're never on your own.
Program Mentors
Flexible Schedule
WGU vs. Traditional Universities
Compare the Difference
Traditional Universities
AVG. yearly tuition
For BACHELOR’S DEGREES
$12,112*
$8,010
AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES
$19,314**
$8,444
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
A counselor you have to schedule time with
An individual Program Mentor who knows your goals and schedule
EXAMS
Scheduled time
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
Traditional Universities
AVG. yearly tuition
For BACHELOR’S DEGREES
$12,112*
AVG. yearly tuition
For BACHELOR’S DEGREES
$8,010
AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES
$19,314**
AVG. yearly tuition
For MASTER’S DEGREES
$8,444
TUITION STRUCTURE
Per credit hour
TUITION STRUCTURE
Flat rate per 6-month term
SUPPORT
A counselor you have to schedule time with
SUPPORT
An individual Program Mentor who knows your goals and schedule
EXAMS
Scheduled time
EXAMS
Whenever you feel ready
SCHEDULE
Professor led lectures at a certain time and place
SCHEDULE
Courses available anytime, from anywhere
See a Breakdown of Course Costs
Start Your College Journey
at WGU
WGU has built a special, accelerated path for students ages 14-18 with a high school diploma or equivalent, and their families. Now enrolling for this exclusive opportunity.
More Resources for Healthcare Students
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The nationwide nursing shortage has created high demand for nurses. How long does it take to become a nurse?
Understanding Nursing Theories
Nursing theories are a critical part of any high-quality nursing program. Here's what you need to know.
Meet More WGU Healthcare Alumni
Learn more about the experiences of distinguished WGU graduates.
What Nursing & Health Alumni Are Saying
People love their WGU experience. See why it means so much to them, and what makes us different.
"My community health classes from WGU have opened my eyes to what is going on around me in my community, so I can help better serve the underserved populations in my community."
— Sarah Williams, B.S. Nursing grad
"Earning my MSN degree from WGU means everything to me. It was not easy, but having the support of some dedicated program mentors and professors made me feel like I was never alone, and for that, I am thankful and proud to be a Night Owl!"
— Jennifer Powell, B.S. Nursing grad,
MSN - Leadership & Management grad
"Contributing to healthcare as a direct caregiver and the ability to excel in doing so. My WGU BSN and working as a charge nurse in an outstanding hospital and making a difference in helping others to reach that status."
— Malick Krubally, B.S. Nursing grad
Where WGU Nursing & Healthcare Graduates Work
Top Ranked for ROI
RN to BSN Program
The Bachelor of Science—RN to BSN program boasts 369% ROI, which is a two-year post-graduation earnings and student debt comparison, and is ranked #1 among other online colleges.
Relevant Degree
89% of Leavitt School of Health graduates are employed in their degree field*. Our industry-relevant curriculum is focused on helping ensure you are prepared for real-world scenarios in healthcare.
*WGU Internal Data
Join Our Alumni Network
WGU has over 75,000 healthcare graduates who are dedicating their careers to helping others. When you attend WGU, you join an impressive group of healthcare professionals who are committed to changing lives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Health and Nursing Programs
- General Program Questions
- Online Program Questions