Online Programs offers six start dates a year: August, October, January, March, May, and June. General education courses may be started at any of these times during the academic year. It is recommended to have most general education courses completed before starting your nursing courses. Although students may start nursing courses at any time, it is recommended to start in the Spring (January) or Fall (August) to simplify the sequencing of the nursing courses. Your advisor will help you create a course plan.