Finding the Right Nursing School
If already made the decision to pursue a career in nursing, you’ve already made an important step in beginning a career in a rewarding field. The next important decision that you need to make is where you will pursue your education, whether you are considering a Bachelor in Nursing Degree, a Masters in Nursing Degree, or nurse practitioner programs. When deciding upon a nursing school, there are several different factors that are important to consider. You should be sure that the school that you pick best matches your career goals, and is able to offer you the most resources that work best for your interest, schedule, and circumstances.
There are many questions that you should ask when looking into schools. While it may seem as though it’s a lot of work and time to put into this process, it’s better to get the legwork done before you start your degree program and begin paying your tuition. We’ve outlined the important things to think about during this process:
School Size
The size of a school can have a great impact on your education. Many students enjoy the kind of individual attention that’s more often found in an intimate setting, while the intellectual stimulation of a large institution appeals to others when considering their education.
Class Size
It’s important to find out more about the student-to-faculty ratios at the nursing school that you select. Be sure to look into both classrooms and clinical instruction labs.
Nursing Specialties
Before choosing the school that you want to attend, get a firm idea on what kind of program you’d like to be enrolled in. This makes it easier to determine whether or not a school will be able to offer what you need in getting you into your career read the following guides to help, Nurse Practitioner Programs, Masters in Nursing Programs, Bachelors in Nursing Programs, and or Guide to Nursing Programs.
Nursing Accreditation
Nursing School Accreditation is a very important thing to consider when selecting a nursing school, as it’s a good indicator that you’ll receive an adequate education. There are several types of accreditation, regional, national, and specialized such as CCNE.
Clinical Rotation
You’ll want to be sure that the school that you choose provides a sufficient amount of clinical rotation time. Since getting a thorough, hands-on experience is a crucial part of getting your education, you’ll want to do a thorough investigation before making your final decision. A great way to learn more about this particular aspect of a nursing school is to talk to students who are currently enrolled in the degree program.
NCLEX examination pass-rates
Taking a look at the percentage of graduating students that pass the NCLEX exam is a very good indicator of how well the school prepares its students. When looking at schools, ask if you can take a look at this data from the last 5-10 years.
Tuition
The cost of attending nursing school can vary significantly based on several different factors. Certain factors can greatly alter the cost of tuition: private schools versus public schools, in-state rates versus out-of-state rates, and on-campus versus online programs, to name a few. For instance, Florida Hospital’s Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing offers a tuition that is 40% less than its competitor programs. Be sure that you are thorough and leave no stone unturned as you look into the nursing school that is best for you. Read our guide iIf you are looking for help to figure out how to pay for your nursing degree.
Get Started with your Nursing Degree Today
Today it’s easier than ever for you to further your education and increase your salary with an online nursing degree. If you want to start taking steps towards becoming a nurse, find the nurse practitioner program that’s right for you today!
Nursing Degrees Guide
Learn about all the different types of nursing degrees, and what to look for.
Online RN to BSN Degree
Earn your RN to BSN Degree online, and learn why so many working professionals are choosing the online option.
RN to BSN Degree
Advance your nursing career by earning your bachelor of science in nursing degree.
Master of Science in Nursing
Looking to advance your career through specialization? Learn more about getting your MSN Degree.
Adult Nursing Program
Earn your degree to become an adult nurse and help provide care and wellness to your patients.
Family Nurse Practitioner Program
Earn a family nurse degree and build your career around helping adults and children deal with illnesses that affect the family as a whole.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
Get a nursing education that focuses on a particular specialization such as clinical training, research, education, and more.
Nursing Education Program
Get your nurse educator degree and begin a career educating the next generation of nurses as they prepare to enter the health care industry.
Midwifery Programs
Earn your nurse midwife degree that prepares you to help guide women through their pregnancies and into the months that follow their deliveries.
Online Nursing Administration Degree
Get a degree in nursing administration and learn how you can help to coordinate and manage a team of nurses within the workplace.
Psychiatric & Mental Health Program
Go to school to become a psychiatric nurse and learn how you can help to treat patients who are suffering from various forms of mental illness.
Women’s Health Program
Get an education in women’s health nursing and learn how you can help treat some of the more common medical conditions that frequently affect female patients.
Additional Resources for Nurses
There are a lot of things to consider as you move forward with your education and begin plotting the course of your career, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get the information you need by exploring our Career Resources below.
Nursing Careers
Learn how a nursing school education can lead you to a variety of career opportunities in the health care industry.
NCLEX Examination
Find out more about the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and how this final step after earning your education will put you on track to begin your nursing career.
Nurse Programs
As you begin moving towards the start of your nursing education, find a program that best fits your skills, interests, and career goals.
The Demand for Nurses
Learn why nurses who have earned their degrees are in such high demand within the health care industry.
Nursing Salaries
Read about the salary trends that are currently affecting nurses who work in the health care industry and find out how earning your degree can help increase your earnings.