How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Nursing school requires a significant commitment of your time and resources. However, the program you select can launch your nursing career. Different programs will appeal to you depending on your career aspirations, financial status, household responsibilities, and personal lifestyle. These are all significant factors that will determine the best fit for you. Properly researching programs according to your personal priorities and goals is a critical step. Sorting through the hundreds of available programs might be intimidating at first, so use this guide as the framework for selecting the right nursing school for you.

With so many nursing schools to choose from, ask these seven questions to begin narrowing down your search.

1. Which Nursing Degree do I Want?

The first and most important step in selecting a school is determining which nursing degree you want. Focus your search by considering your career objectives and timeline. Is it more important for you to start working in the nursing field as soon as possible or to attain a more advanced degree by enrolling in a longer program?

Licensed Practical Nurse

You can become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) within a year. LPNs, known as LVNs in some states, provide routine patient care and assist RNs and physicians by monitoring and charting vital signs, changing sheets and bandages, and collecting fluid samples, among other essential duties. This is a great path for individuals wanting to start their nursing journey quickly.

Associate Degree in Nursing

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the fastest way into a career as a registered nurse (RN). ADN programs take 18 to 24 months to complete, so you can begin working in the nursing field relatively quickly. An associate degree typically requires fewer prerequisite courses and does not take as long as a bachelor’s degree. But it’s important to note that many employers are moving toward preferring, and in some cases requiring, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is quickly becoming the standard level of education in the nursing field. Earning a BSN can take up to four years and includes a greater variety of nursing classes compared to an associate’s degree, many of which are also more advanced. RNs with BSNs have more career opportunities and higher potential pay. In addition, a BSN is often required to enter a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and to become an advanced practice nurse.

Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Nursing

Nurses who earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can pursue more specialized and advanced practices. They may work as nurse practitioners (NPs), prescribing medication and working independently, or in healthcare informatics, administration, nurse anesthesia, mental health, or education. An MSN degree program focuses on one nursing specialty and requires up to two additional years of study. Doctorate degrees in nursing are also available to nurses seeking advanced education and employment opportunities. The length of doctorate programs ranges from one to six years, depending on the nurse’s focus area.

Bridge Programs

Individuals with previous college degrees, not just in nursing, should consider enrolling in a bridge, direct-entry, or accelerated nursing program. These educational options can be completed faster than the traditional paths and can be excellent ways to expand your career and supplement your knowledge.

Still Unsure Which Nursing Degree Is for You?

Although advanced degrees can open doors to a higher salary, greater responsibilities, and new opportunities in the nursing field, keep in mind that there is no “right” answer– just choose one that most closely matches your current and future priorities. For more details and a comparison chart of all nursing degrees and careers, please see our Types of Nursing Degrees and Careers page.

2. What is My Budget for Nursing School?

Tuition fees for nursing programs vary widely among programs and institutions. The most significant factor that determines the cost of nursing school is the degree level you need to earn to reach your career goals. Consider these other variables:

• Private vs. public institution. Public schools generally cost significantly less than private schools.
• In-state vs. out-of-state program. Tuition for out-of-state students can be two to three times more expensive than in-state fees. Additionally, many public schools will cap the number of out-of-state applicants they accept per year.
• Commuting, travel expenses, housing costs, or rent
• Additional “hidden” costs. Items such as scrubs, textbooks, computer equipment, and school supplies are essential and necessary, so take these costs into consideration as well.

Many institutions offer financial aid opportunities to help reduce your tuition. Look into work-study programs, scholarships, grants, and federal financial aid packages that may be available for nursing students.

3. What Type of School do I Want to Attend?

Degree level and tuition rate are certainly important factors to consider when selecting a nursing program. However, you’ll want to ensure that the type of school is also a good fit for you, as institutions can provide their courses in many different ways.

In-Person vs. Online Classes

Many nursing programs now offer some classes online to accommodate students who have other obligations outside of academics. Schools may offer an option to complete all coursework online, but nursing students will be required to complete in-person experiences as well. This mix of online and in-person is often referred to as a hybrid program. Advantages to an online or hybrid degree include:

• More options. Enroll in a program offered by a university or college located out-of-state or even in another country. Read program requirements closely to understand where clinical experiences and in-person requirements will be completed.
• Flexibility. Work around your personal schedule, especially if you have a full-time job or family/home responsibilities.
• Lower cost. Online courses are typically less expensive than in-person classes. Students also won’t need to spend time and money commuting or budget for housing near the school.

While the advantages of earning a degree online are certainly attractive, also consider the drawbacks:

• Easier to fall behind. You may be tempted to postpone some assignments considering the “at your own pace” nature of many online courses. For many students, physically going to classes is great motivation to complete lessons, which isn’t an option for an online program.
• Less instructor and classmate interaction. In online courses, you’ll depend heavily on email, chat, and group discussion boards for communication, with a lower chance of building relationships with your teachers and peers.
• Not accredited. An accredited nursing program is expected to meet and uphold a set of high-quality criteria for its curriculum and instructors. Be aware that many online ADN or BSN degree programs may lack accreditation, meaning you won’t be eligible to sit for the NCLEX exam to become a practicing RN.

Class Size

The number of nursing students in a class can greatly affect the quality of learning, even if the class is held online. The higher the student-to-teacher ratio, the more difficult it might be for an instructor to provide meaningful individual feedback unless supported by teaching assistants (which is typically the case in large lecture classes). Depending on your learning style, you may enjoy being in a lecture environment or prefer a smaller group of classmates. The program’s website may have information about average class sizes or if there is a cap on enrollment for nursing students.

HBCUs and Faith-Based Colleges and Universities

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and faith-based institutions offer nursing programs for students who may prefer to be with peers who share similar values and experiences, whether through culture or religion. Although HBCUs were originally established to serve the African-American community, they welcome students from all ethnicities and races. The foundations of many healthcare institutions and hospitals are rooted in religious principles and are fundamentally guided by doctrines of faith. It’s important to consider your own religion when looking at particular faith-based programs to ensure it is compatible with your belief system.

ROTC Nursing Programs

For those students interested in combining careers in nursing and the military, many universities offer Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) training in conjunction with a nursing curriculum. ROTC nursing students often receive scholarships and specialized training unavailable in traditional nursing programs. Upon graduation, ROTC graduate nurses are expected to serve in the branch of the military associated with their ROTC program.

4. What is Campus Life Like?

If you choose to attend a nursing program in person, you’ll want to learn about student life on and around campus. Take your personal habits and lifestyle patterns into consideration– including socializing, eating, sleeping, and most importantly, studying– to see if living on campus is a good option. Here are other sample questions to ask regarding campus life:

• What dining and transportation options are available for students?
• What are the library hours? Are there other places to study?
• What clubs, intramural sports teams, and social group opportunities are there?
• Are there fraternities or sororities available to join?
• Is there a fitness center, track, or gym?
• What is the nightlife like?
• Are there jobs or work-study opportunities on campus or at nearby businesses?

5. What Clinical and Career Opportunities are Available Through the Program?

Whether you enroll in a hybrid or in-person program, you will be spending significant time in a healthcare setting as part of your clinical nursing education. Nothing beats hands-on experience with patients and nurses on the job. Consider what kind of clinical experiences your program will provide. This is largely dependent on the clinical sites the school has contracts with. Schools affiliated with large academic hospitals with Level 1 trauma certification will have better access to more varied clinical opportunities, whereas a smaller school in a rural area might have limited clinical sites and require more travel. Many programs also offer job placement opportunities for students and graduates, and it may be informative to see where past students are now working or continuing their education.

6. What is the Program’s NCLEX Pass Rate?

Practicing registered nurses are required to have passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The test costs at least $200 and enables you to begin practicing as an RN, so passing on the first try is important. Once you have narrowed your search down to a short list of schools, ask or find their NCLEX pass rates. Programs with high NCLEX pass rates have provided adequate opportunities for their students to prepare for the NCLEX. The Nursing Commission requires that nursing education programs maintain a minimum pass rate of 80% for first-time exam takers.

7. What Accreditation(s) Does the School Have?

Strongly consider attending an accredited nursing program. Accreditation means that the program contains an updated, comprehensive academic schedule with best nursing practices and has been reviewed and approved by an organization of experts from the U.S. Department of Education. It signifies the school has met the criteria for providing a certain quality of education to its students. Focus your search for a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

While most nursing schools are accredited, some are not. If you receive your education from a non-accredited program, you will face some challenges in obtaining gainful employment and with future education applications. Lastly, remember that there is a difference between approval by the state board of nursing and accreditation by a national accrediting organization.

Although choosing one nursing school from among the hundreds of different available programs can be challenging, there is certainly one that will align with your personal preferences, budget, pace, and learning style. To learn more about the types of nursing careers you can explore after school, check out Types of Nursing Degrees and Careers.