will all accredited BSN programs basically give you the same education

muirite · Jan 11, 2015

I really want to choose a school that will teach me the most and prepare me the most for becoming an RN since I ultimately want to become a NP. does anyone have some tips on how to find the best schools? Also, is accreditation basically the minimum requirements a program must meet, and then some programs go beyond that? Should I look at NCLEX pass rates, program curriculum, etc.?

does anyone have some tips on how to find the best schools?

I cant speak for everywhere but where i live the state schools are the better, cc are for the most part good and the private schools can be ok but some are just plain horrible. For my money and time i tried to get in to ANY cal state (i live in cali) but i also applied at 10 community colleges within driving distance of my home.

Also, is accreditation basically the minimum requirements a program must meet, and then some programs go beyond that?

Regional accreditation is important

Should I look at NCLEX pass rates, program curriculum, etc.?

Absolutely the higher the better

happyinmyheart · Jan 11, 2015

Four main things to focus on:

1. Can you get into the program, is it severely competitive, does it have wait list? (If you live in California I cannot stress this point enough. Nursing school and jobs are EXTREMELY competitive there)

2. Is this school regionally accredited?

3. Are the NCLEX pass rates high? (The higher the better)

4. Is the price reasonable? (Usually private, for-profit schools can be outrageously expensive)

That is what I focus on. In nursing, the "name brand schools" do not matter. What matters is that you graduate, pass the NCLEX, and that you aren't in a ton of debt. Also, make sure you maintain a high GPA if you want to become a NP someday. Good luck :)

ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN · Jan 11, 2015

You should narrow down the area(s) in which you would like to attend school. Then do a Google search of all colleges and universities in those areas. Go to each school's website and read up on the program. The decision will ultimately be yours to make. Pay close attention to the average NCLEX pass rates. This will give you a perspective of how well students in the program were prepared.

Let's talk about accreditation. You will want to be certain the school you choose has regional accreditation, not national. Secondly, for a nursing program, you will want to be certain the program is either CCNE or ACEN accredited. You see, these are two different accreditation bodies, both of which are extremely important. You mention wanting to become a nurse practitioner. To become an NP, one must complete a graduate level program, a masters or doctorate. A reputable graduate program will require that the applicant have graduated from a school that is regionally accredited and a nursing program that is CCNE or ACEN accredited.

I would look at the curriculum. Be sure the program has separate Physical Assessment and Nursing Research courses. I see many graduate programs requiring those courses.

Good luck to you.

Nienna Celebrindal · Jan 11, 2015

First go to your board of nursing and look at the pass rates in your area or areas you would be willing to relocate too. Then look at the individual schools for accreditation, cost, how hard is it to get in, private vs public, clinical sites, reputation. There is an accredited private school near me with great pass rates but it's very expensive, doesn't have good clinical sites or times, and students I have talked to were not happy over a with the school.

Finding good schools rakes some leg work on your part but it's worth it.

fatrabbit · Jan 11, 2015

thanks for all the help guys. but what is regional accreditation? Is it like, accreditation by, for example, the california board of nurses? Also, if anyone knows, are CSU Sacramento and Long Beach regionally accredited?

Bbett, MSN, NP · Jan 11, 2015

Check the pass rates on the NCLEX for schools in your area. Just because a program is BSN doesn't mean it's the best school. Surprisingly the best RN program in Michigan is a CC program and not a BSN.

As long as a school is accredited though I wouldn't worry. Just absolutely make sure it's accredited otherwise you will have major problems trying to transfer to NP

muirite · Jan 12, 2015

thanks for all the help guys. but what is regional accreditation? Is it like, accreditation by, for example, the california board of nurses? Also, if anyone knows, are CSU Sacramento and Long Beach regionally accredited?

Sac and LB are but they are both super competitive. I applied at all the CSU, good stats but only got in to 3. I have a 3.8 overall gpa and all A's in core classes.