Which state (UT, CO, NC, TX or TN) is the best for getting an RN degree?

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 21, 2015

NOT Colorado

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Feb 21, 2015

How does less competitive = best? Typically the best schools are the ones that have MORE competition to get into, a lot of people want to go to them because they are the best.

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 21, 2015

I think by "best" the OP means "easiest"?

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 21, 2015

Well Colorado, and probably NC are out. I don't have much experience with TX or TN. Try looking in New Mexico, I heard in a couple threads here that there was a school or two that had to advertise for students because they weren't getting enough.

Also, you will have to declare that you failed a nursing course already so you might still have difficulty getting into an "easy" program.

There is always for - profit but I wouldn't recommend this route to anyone.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Feb 21, 2015

TX is too big for me to be specific but I don't know of any school that is easy to get into.

ERGirl83 · Feb 21, 2015

Unless you're looking to pay $50K plus for a private school like Ameritech or Provo College (which you probably have versions of in your home state), don't come to Utah. Virtually every program at traditional universities and community colleges either has incredibly competitive admissions, or a lengthy several year wait list. And if you're looking for the "easy way out" perhaps nursing isn't the right path in the first place. If you're just looking for a fresh start, and better quality of life, UT is a great place to live, but the job market for new grads is almost as difficult as acceptance into nursing school.

Nastya1506 · Feb 22, 2015

I spent almost six years on getting into the nursing already (got all prerequrements for nursing in one college in Brooklyn but after I passed everything they lost accreditation, and I had to transfer to another college. They made take some classes again, and it took me a year to get into the program there. Also I had all A's and only 2 B's. However, during my first semester my parents got divorced, and many bad things happened to me. Yes I failed first nursing by few pints (I got 70), but now I realize that no school want me anymore. One stupid C crossed everything what I was doing all these years. Please don't tell me that this profession is not for me, because I know that nursing is my future. I am just trying to be realistic. I am looking for college which is less competitive than colleges that I attended (from 80 students only 39 passed this couse in my college), so would have a chance to complete what I begun. I don't have money at all, but if where would be no more options I would consider taking loan for private school. I don't think that New Mexico is the best choice for me. And I am wondering why CO and NC is not the best choice? Maybe you know if it woud be better to become LPN first than Associated->BSN? I just don't know where to start and what to do.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Feb 22, 2015

With how nursing is now, there is now easy in, all nursing schools are competitive. It took me a couple years of applying to finally get accepted (to a bridge program).

I guess if you're willing to take out major loans, be in debt up to your eye balls & go the private school route you'll probably be accepted. But I don't know of any nursing program that will just let anyone in.

klone, MSN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

Colorado has a TON of programs, and they're highly competitive unless you're willing to pay >$100K for your BSN. Because there are so many programs, that means that getting a job as a new grad is quite difficult.

Nastya1506 · Feb 22, 2015

Ok. Thank you for answer. CO was on top of my list)

caliotter3 · Feb 22, 2015

I would recommend becoming an LPN so that you can support yourself while seeking the RN license. Also, some programs have an LPN to RN option. Look for LPN programs that are in Regional Occupational Programs or community colleges rather than proprietary schools to save money.