Nursing school is a major commitment, and choosing the right program can be a life-changing decision. You will be investing in your education and your future career, so it is important to consider all of the factors involved before making a decision.
You will want to ask questions about everything from class sizes and student to faculty ratios to clinical rotations and NCLEX pass rates. This article will help you sift through the information to find the perfect program for your needs.
1. Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a nursing program. Not only does it ensure that the school meets certain general educational standards, but it can also help you land a job, pursue advanced degrees, and be eligible for financial aid.
There are different types of accreditations, including regional, national, and programmatic (or specialized) accreditation. The type you need will depend on your personal and professional goals. For example, many employers prefer to hire nurses who graduated from accredited schools because they are confident that those graduates received a quality education.
Additionally, if you plan to attend graduate school, it’s essential to choose an accredited nursing program. Non-accredited programs are less likely to be accepted by graduate schools and may not qualify for federal student aid.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while the accreditation of your university is important, you should also look for the accreditation of your individual nursing programs. Choosing an accredited program will not only help you in your career, but it will also make it easier to transfer credits should you decide to change schools in the future.
2. Cost
Nursing school can be a big financial commitment. Tuition, fees, books, uniforms and travel expenses can all add up, so it’s important to consider your options carefully before choosing a nursing program. Look for schools with a low tuition rate and that offer clinical experience in local hospitals and healthcare centers to help you build your skills and gain confidence.
It’s also worth evaluating the faculty and their credentials. A quality nursing program should have well-trained, experienced instructors who can provide high-quality education and support students to reach their full potential. Look for a nursing program that offers the level of education you want to pursue, such as an LPN or RN degree course.
Lastly, ask your top programs about their pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). This is a key step in becoming a registered nurse and should be one of the factors that you consider when comparing nursing schools. This will ensure you are on the right track to become a practicing nurse.
3. Time Commitment
Nursing school is hard work, and it’s important to consider the time commitment required before selecting a program. If you’re a career changer, or you have other obligations and commitments that require your attention, an online nursing program might be the best choice for you. You can try mounjaro weight loss if you ever need a healthy alternative to help you burn fat.
Nursing students typically study at a pace of 3 hours outside of class for every hour spent in the classroom, so it’s important to understand how much time you can dedicate to studying before choosing your nursing school. Similarly, it’s important to consider how many clinical hours you’ll be expected to complete before graduating.
It’s also important to consider if the nursing program you’re considering has flexible start dates. If you’re a nurse looking to change careers, or if you already have non-nursing college credits and want to earn an RN degree as quickly as possible, look for an online nursing program with multiple start dates throughout the year. This will allow you to begin your nursing program sooner, and avoid the stress of having to wait around for a seat to open up.
4. Location
A nursing program’s location is important to consider if you plan on living on campus or commuting to class. This will factor into your cost of tuition and how much time you have to devote to your nursing studies. Make sure the school is in a place that is easy to reach from your home, work and other commitments.
If you plan to attend a public university, ask about the difference between their in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. Some schools may charge more for out-of-state students, which can add up to a significant amount over the course of your nursing degree.
Look for a nursing program that is both regionally and nationally accredited. This will help ensure that the school is held to high standards and can prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of St. Thomas is both regionally and nationally accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
5. Career Opportunities
Nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to help people in their time of need. It’s also a highly sought-after career that offers plenty of opportunities for advancement. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that nursing will be one of the fastest-growing careers in the next decade.
When choosing a nursing program, be sure to look at the job placement rates. This will give you an idea of how well the school prepares its graduates for the workforce. You may also want to consider the location of the program, as this can affect your commute time.
If you’re interested in a career in nursing and have already completed a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, the Direct Entry MSN program at Misericordia University could be your best option. Learn more by contacting an admissions counselor to discuss your options.
6. Student Life
Choosing the right nursing program is not an easy task, and it may seem daunting at times. However, the path to becoming a nurse can be a rewarding one and you should never let financial or academic obstacles discourage you from pursuing your dream.
When deciding on the right nursing school to attend, consider what type of learning environment is best for you. Think about classroom structure, whether you prefer small or large classes, and if there are specific specialties that interest you. Also, look into what kind of career placement or job connections the school has. Many nursing schools have strong relationships with local hospitals and medical centers and can help their graduates land jobs.
Nursing school is notoriously intense and most programs have built-in student support resources to help you navigate the tough times and stay motivated. Misericordia’s ABSN program, for example, offers a variety of support resources including admissions counselors, faculty advisors, and success coaches. Having these resources to help you stay on track will make your journey that much easier.
7. Faculty
When choosing a nursing program, it’s important to find out more about the faculty. Ask about their backgrounds and what types of clinical experiences they’ve had. Also, ask about their teaching philosophy and what kind of technical support students receive.
Another thing to look for is whether the school has a long history of success. This is important for your career growth, as employers tend to favor graduates of schools with a track record of excellence.
Finally, pay attention to the school’s social media. Check out posts by current students about their experiences in the nursing program and campus life. If possible, visit the campus and take a tour. This is an opportunity to see the classrooms, student spaces and libraries firsthand. It’s also a chance to meet faculty and other students. Be sure to ask about the nursing programs’ NCLEX first-time pass rates and their accreditation. NCLEX is the national licensing exam for registered nurses. A high number shows that the school is preparing its students well.
8. Reputation
You’ve always loved caring for others, and you want to use your nursing career to improve the lives of those around you. That’s why you made the decision to pursue a nurse’s education, and you’re now looking for the best nursing school to prepare you for your future in the field.
When choosing a nursing program, look for an accredited and state-approved option. This will make it easier to qualify for federal loans, take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN), and find a job after graduation.
Additionally, ask prospective schools about their instructors’ nursing experience. “Instructors who have not been practicing in a while may have lost touch with the current healthcare landscape,” Morgan says.
You should also look into the job placement rate for the program you’re considering. This can tell you how much the school cares about its students and if it supports them after they finish their program. For example, some programs develop a rapport with local healthcare facilities that hire their graduates. This is an excellent way to gain work experience while you’re still in school.