Top Ranked Nursing Schools?????

iliel · Jan 13, 2004

I wouldn't so much look at the schools ranking, but at their graduation rate and their NCLEX pass rate. This is what really matters. Just about every school teaches the same thing so you need to look at how many students are accepted and how many of these students graduate and then from that, how many of them pass the NCLEX.

I was worried about going to a top rated school as well untill some one laid it out for me like this, and they are right.

erica8421 · Jan 15, 2004

Ok, thanks for the advice. The only question I have now is where do i looke to find this informaiton? do i look at the schools i would want to go, and call them or send them an e-mail for the informaiton? NCLEX is the test that we have to take inorder to become a registered nurse, right?

manna, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2004

I think in quite a few states, the nursing board (of that particular state) publishes a list of the NCLEX pass rates for schools in that area.

kc_jellybean · Jan 15, 2004

Agree - I ended up picking a small, private local college (that has never to my knowledge graced the pages of US News and World Report's Best of...) because 100% of last yr's graduating class passed their boards on the 1st attempt. Never mind this small, private local college is going to cost me an arm and a leg! :rolleyes:

sunnyone · Jan 16, 2004

You can go to the states Board of Registered Nurses website and that will give you the NCLEX pass rates for all colleges in your states and then go from there.

mauser · Jan 16, 2004

I could not find a list for PA of schools' pass rates. Anyone know where I can find one?

sunnyone · Jan 16, 2004

The only thing I can suggest is to call the State Board of Nursing at [717] 783-7142 I found that online at http://www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/view.asp?a=1104&q=432883

Hope this helps:D

NYCRN16 · Jan 17, 2004

I too went to a small private college for the nursing program, and now I have tons of loans! I think nursing is unique in the fact that the employers dont really care too much where you graduate from as long as the program is accredited (which it must be in order for you to sit for boards). They will hire you regardless! Dont get yourself in a ton of debt if it isnt necessary!

harry Krishna · Jan 17, 2004

school rankings can be misleading. Check out with the state board. I was reading the newsletter from Maryland and Univ. Of Maryland and Johns Hopkins nursing programs regularly have lower % of students passing the boards than many of the other universities including the community colleges. Go figure. it all depends on what you are looking for in a school.

oldiebutgoodie, RN · Jan 17, 2004

Hi, Erica,

Check out Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, since you are a Midwesterner. I am currently a junior there, just starting my 2nd quarter of their 7 quarter program.

I think they have something like a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX, and they get high ratings from US News and World Report.

http://www.rushu.rush.edu/nursing/wncn.html

The best things about Rush are:

1. Teachers really seem to care about you

2. The hospital is across the street from the academic building, so there is easy access to your patients

3. There is lots of research going on at Rush, and you can work for a research project, attend Research Grand Rounds, etc.

4. It is very challenging, but you learn a lot

etc. etc.

Feel free to email me if you have more questions. I'm working my butt off, but I'm glad I'm there.

Oldie but Goodie