Choosing a Nursing College
If you want to train to become an RN, you have many factors to weigh as you choose a nursing college. You will need to consider your career goals, your financial situation, your location preference, grades from the school you most recently attended, and many other factors as you make your decision.
If you have the time and the money to enter a bachelor of science in nursing program to get a BSN, that is the choice that will leave you with the most options later on. You need to decide whether or not you want to go to college near where you already live, or whether you are willing to relocate. You need to review your high school or other grades to get an idea of how competitive of an applicant you would be. If you are planning on going straight from high school to nursing school, a high school counselor should be able to help you. If you are attending a community college, you might be able to receive some advice there. If time has passed since you last sat in a classroom, you will have to investigate most of this on your own but with the help of websites such as this one.
There are almost 700 nursing schools in the United States, most of them affiliated with universities or colleges. Some are public (state) programs, and some are private. Some have religious affiliations, many don’t. Many offer more than one degree, usually the bachelor of science in nursing, and the master of science in nursing, as well as accelerated programs and transfer programs. Transfer students are accepted by many nursing colleges. Most four-year programs offer a range of classes during the first one to two years. These include subjects needed for nursing, as well as the liberal arts or humanities courses offered by colleges and universities. The schooling progresses into formal nursing training the next two to three years, with specific nursing classes and a shift from the classroom to healthcare facilities. Practical training at hospitals or clinics takes place during the last one to two years.
In 2005, almost 60% of the nursing programs in the United States award the ADN degree, so there are even more of these two- to three-year programs to choose from. Usually it actually takes three years in order to complete the courses necessary to get an AD as well as learning enough nursing to be an RN. However, these programs are in community colleges and cost less than getting a BSN. Often after getting employed as an RN, nurses will be able to get tuition paid by their employer to advance their training. To get a BSN after an ADN, you can take classes online or in the evening, making it easier to do when working.
The last choice is a RN diploma program, which is usually located at a hospital. Some of these are now affiliated with community colleges so that you can also get an AD. Some are associated with four-year universities or colleges. There are less of these programs then either BSN or ADN programs.
You can attend nursing college full or part time. Many students need to work, and so attend school part time. There are usually both merit and need scholarships available at individual schools. There are also scholarships available from outside organizations.
There are enough schools in enough locations that you should be able to find one that fits your needs. Once you have narrowed down your choices you will probably want to explore financial aid, possible scholarships, and other practical matters that will help you make your decision.
Published: 2009-09-22
