Questions---going into nursing..

Okay, so I've decided I want to do nursing and become an RN. I know there are some schools in my area, like Spencerian College, Bellarmine, Ivy Tech, etc. My boyfriend thinks I won't have to take any pre-reqs (like required classes if you were to go to a regular college). Is this true? Do I have to take pre-reqs in order to start my nursing classes?

What should I be looking for in a nursing school/program?
I've read about certain jobs paying for nursing school. How does this work?
Does it really matter which school I go to? If I go to the cheaper school will good jobs look at me as less qualified?
How long will it take me to become an RN?

What should I know before I go into this? Any advice?

Thanks a lot,
Alicia