How to find a good nursing college

afv16 · Dec 25, 2014

Hello there,

I think it all depends on the individual. There are quite few things to take into account when making such decisions. Based on what you have mentioned it sounds as though you are a Senior in H.S. So from this I would first make sure you apply to an institute that fits your personality. For instance, visit the schools that you can (make a list...check their websites out..make sure they offer a Nursing program...and what their rules are in order to enter to that Nursing program. Some schools make it possible for you to make the transition once admitted to their schools, others would prefer you graduate first with your Bachelor's). Secondly,

apply for Financial Aid. If not eligible I would make sure that the school I am going to is not only affordable but also offers a payment plan that I can work with. I know that at first college expenses may not seem like a big deal but once you find yourself in the gig you may begin to become more conscious about your expenses. On another note, take into account the difference between Colleges and Universities...most colleges offer an Associates Degree in which you can only get a 2 year Registered Nurse license (if you end up passing the NCLEX)....this can certainly have an impact on your goals because in today's economy a B.S. in Nursing is much more..hmm...I want to use the word appreciated (sure, there may be few exceptions but like I said...you must take into account everything before making a decision). Also, when admitted, try to take summer classes and do your nursing pre-requisities like ASAP (aim to get good grade). Always attempt to extend your social network and try to learn something from the experiences of others especially those who are nurses themselves.

-Overall, it all depends on what works best for you. If you can attend a 2 year program and attend a small school to get an associates in nursing then bridge over to two more years to get your Bachelor's then that can also be a plan! Or if you prefer a bigger campus and aim to get your BSN then shoot for a University! Regardless, always visit the school (if I were you I would literally ask students during my visit questions about the school...this is if they don't mind or are running late to class..lol)....and most importantly, ENJOY the process of earning a degree in Nursing. College is more about learning about yourself while maturing and building on your prospective career.So I wish you the best of luck .

Purple_roses · Dec 25, 2014

The college I wanted so badly was 20k a year. Wanting to avoid excessive debt after graduation, I looked elsewhere. My original college of choice is very prestigious in my area and is very picky about which colleges' credits would transfer into their program; I asked that college which schools they would transfer credits from and only considered those schools. Then I asked RNs who work in the best hospital in my area which college they graduated from, and several of them graduated from the community college I was considering. One of the nurses even said that her program started with 40 students and only graduated 9 from that group; while that is an intimidating fact, it tells me that my college will truly prepare me well (you want a tough school so you can be confident in your skills!). It's also extremely important that your nursing program is accredited. Good luck finding the college that's right for you!

applewhitern, BSN, RN · Dec 25, 2014

In the US, the terms "college" and "university" are used interchangeably. It is not true that most colleges only offer an associate degree in nursing. Please look up the difference between a college and a university and you will see they are basically the same thing. There are universities that offer an associate degree in nursing, just as there are colleges that offer a BSN. What I would look for in a nursing program is the NCLEX passing rate for the schools you are interested in.

caliotter3 · Dec 25, 2014

I applied to the nursing schools that were within a reasonable commuting distance from my home. All of them offered the requirements I needed to sit for the Boards.

MidLifeRN2012 · Dec 25, 2014

You may want to find out if your school actually teaches you how to insert IVs.

My expensive school did not, citing liability issues (although they could have invested in some mechanical arms )

I work in psych so we don't take patients on our floor that require this but if I ever want to go to med/surg or ER, I'm severely lacking in this important skill

Purple_roses · Dec 25, 2014

You may want to find out if your school actually teaches you how to insert IVs.
My expensive school did not, citing liability issues (although they could have invested in some mechanical arms )
I work in psych so we don't take patients on our floor that require this but if I ever want to go to med/surg or ER, I'm severely lacking in this important skill

Oh wow, I didn't even know a nursing school COULD opt out of teaching that skill. Where do you go to get that certification if your school doesn't offer it?

Hessah · Dec 25, 2014

Oopps ? , which year are u now ? Where are u studying? So try to change your college as much as u can because these skills are the foundamental of nursing Or talk with any nurse manger to solve this problem :) i hope u all the best