Choosing the Best Nursing Program: 6 Essential Factors

• Future nursing students can feel overwhelmed when searching for the best nursing program to apply to. 
• It’s important to remember that all nursing programs are not created equal. 
• Consider admission requirements, clinical experience and facilities, degree and flexibility options, cost and financial aid, NCLEX pass rates, and accreditation. 

You’re a future nursing student eager to apply to nursing programs, but many options exist. How do you choose the best option? Applying to nursing programs can be stressful, but you can take steps to make the best decision.

If you’re actively searching for the perfect nursing program, reading this guide is in your best interest. You will learn all there is to know about what you should consider when making a specific nursing program a top contender. 

All Nursing Programs Are Not Created Equal

When embarking on your journey of selecting nursing programs, weighing the pros and cons is essential. What will be most helpful is compiling a list of each program you’re considering applying to and jotting down what you like and don’t like about each. Some programs are better than others and can offer more value to you as a paying student.

Do you have a car? Will you have enough money to pay for school? You may need financial aid. Does the program you are looking at help with that? You want to do your best to select a nursing program that can offer you the most bang for your buck when becoming a nurse. 

Essential Factors for Choosing the Best Nursing Program

You don’t want to select a nursing program on a whim. You should know what programs offer and what will work best for you. Consider the following six factors when choosing the perfect nursing program for your career. Then you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision. 

1. Admission Requirements 

What are the admission requirements of the specific program you’re looking at? For example, some programs require you to take high school classes, such as English, chemistry, algebra, foreign languages, and specific humanities.

Do you know your current GPA? Some programs have minimum GPA requirements for admission. If you need to know your current GPA, find out what it is and improve it, if needed.

The following are also important high school admission requirements to consider when researching prospective programs: 

• Application deadlines (When should you apply?) 
• SAT or ACT scores, if needed 
• GPA or required letter grades in high school classes 
• Amount of students enrolled per year 
• Application fees 

It’s best to be prepared and give yourself plenty of time to fulfill the high school requirements of the programs you apply for. The earlier you begin this research, the earlier you can start making any necessary changes to your high school courses and grades to guarantee you meet the requirements. 

2. Clinical Experience and Facilities

The clinical experience you’ll receive in your nursing program is crucial. Without excellent clinical expertise, you’ll likely have a more challenging time transitioning into your new role as a nurse. When researching the clinical aspect of a nursing program, consider the following:  

• How hands-on is the clinical experience? 
• What hospitals or practice sites is the program associated with?  
• Does the program have a state-of-the-art lab? 
• What does the program permit students to do and not do? 

An updated nurse lab will allow you to practice your skills before working with patients. Nursing programs now offer advanced lab resources for their students, such as simulation modules and realistic mannequins. 

3. Cost and Financial Aid Options

Cost is crucial when selecting a program. The program you choose should align with your budget. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the total cost for college in 2022 was $11,976 for associate degree programs and $30,031 for bachelor’s degree programs. This cost includes tuition, fees, room, and board. 

Consider whether you want to stay on campus or commute based on your budget. Also keep in mind whether pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program is best for you. For registered nurses, ADN programs are a cheaper option. You could then practice as a nurse in your field and return to school for your BSN when you’re more financially stable. 

Researching financial aid options at your selected schools is also a great idea. Try to find out if the Department of Financial Assistance offers any of the following: 

• Federal loans  
• State grants  
• Scholarships 
• Ease of applying 
• Deadlines for applying 
• 1:1 assistance with applying 

4. Degree and Flexibility Options

Licensed practical nurse (LPN) programs typically offer a certificate or diploma upon completion. However, if your goal is to become a registered nurse, there are different degree paths. The standard types are registered nurse diploma programs (hospital-based), ADN programs, and BSN programs. Diploma programs are typically offered at a hospital location and are rare, while ADN and BSN options are college- or university-based. ADN and BSN programs are more prevalent than diploma programs.

Many hospitals require you to possess your BSN when practicing as a nurse. This rule is especially true of Magnet-accredited hospitals. If your goal is to work for one of these hospitals, it would be wise to obtain your BSN immediately if your budget allows. Many hospitals also require you to begin your BSN within six months of hire if you don’t currently have it, so it may be best to get it out of the way.

The ADN route might be better if you don’t need a BSN immediately. You will also save money by going this route, and you can always return to school to obtain your BSN. There are many online programs for obtaining your BSN.

You should also consider program format and length. Different types of nursing programs offer various formats and timeframes for completing your education. Some require you to attend school throughout the summer, which is typical of diploma programs. Research the format on the website of the school you are interested in. 

5. NCLEX Pass Rate 

If you did not already know, you must pass an exam after your nursing program to become a licensed nurse. You will take the NCLEX exam and need to prepare for it during school. Some programs do a better job of preparing students for the exam than others.

Many programs have an entire class dedicated to NCLEX exam prep. Preparing for the NCLEX exam should include practice questions, lectures, and education from outside vendors.

Every nursing program should have an NCLEX pass rate listed. Researching their pass rate will help you determine how well they prepare students for success with the test. Look for schools with NCLEX pass rates at the upper end of 85% to 90%. 

6. Accreditation 

Accreditation is an essential aspect of any nursing program. When a nursing program is accredited, it shows a high quality of nursing education provided to students. Accreditation is also valuable if you want to transfer your courses elsewhere. In most cases, credits only transfer if the program is accredited.

As discussed earlier, you will take the NCLEX exam after completing nursing school. Many states will only allow you to sit for the exam if your school is accredited. The last thing you want to experience is completing a program and being unable to sit for the exam that allows you to practice as a nurse.

The highest form of accreditation comes from an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, including the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). When researching, be sure the website mentions accreditation with at least one of these bodies. 

The Bottom Line

Consider accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, degree offerings, financial aid, clinical experience, and admission requirements when applying to nursing programs to simplify the process. Do your research wisely, and before you know it, you will be ready to begin your career in nursing. 

Read More