Online nursing degrees are college degrees in the field of healthcare and nursing that are obtained via the Internet. Online nursing degrees are great ways for registered nurses to further their careers without having to take a leave of absence from their jobs.

There are two main types of online nursing degrees.

The first is a bachelor's of science degree in nursing. This type of degree is for individuals who are already a registered nurse but who wish to further their nursing career. These degrees also require that the student participate in on-site lab rotations and clinicals. The rest of the course work can be completed entirely online.

The second type of degree is a masters degree. These degrees require that the student first have a bachelors degree in nursing and at least three years work experience in the nursing field.

While some online nursing degrees require some onsite work, this work can sometimes be completed at the healthcare environment that you are currently employed in, for example, the clinical rotation can be completed as part of your regular job. Many registered nurses pursue online nursing degrees to further their education. These degrees can be obtained in such specialties as healthcare management, human resources and business management.

These qualifications will allow nurses to compete for jobs in the administration side of healthcare. Nurses with a master's degree can become hospital administrators or nursing staff supervisors.

Most online degrees require at least two years of additional study. This time can be shortened if an individual has prior college credit to transfer or numerous years of relevant work history.

If you are interested in obtaining one of the online nursing degrees but you have not received your registered nurses degree as of yet, you can first obtain this degree through a vocational school in your area and then go on to further your career through the Internet.