The decision to pursue a career in nursing is one that few people take lightly. Nursing students face a minimum of two to three years of specialized education as well as a licensing exam before they can become registered nurses (RNs). It’s important to choose the right educational facility, so before submitting applications, read on to find out what to look for in a nursing school.
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Location
There’s a reason that most prospective nursing students start their searches by looking up RN Programs Near Me. Few nursing students can afford to move across the country, or even across the state, just to attend nursing school, and both living on campus and excessively long commutes create undue burdens. Look for a school that’s conveniently located or be prepared to spend some extra money commuting or living on campus.
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Type of Programs Offered
Some nurses prefer to get the training they need in stages, beginning with LPN training, before moving on to associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Others prefer to enroll in RN programs right off the bat. Both of these are perfectly acceptable options, but it’s important for anyone who plans on completing a nursing education in stages to see what levels of nurse training a school offers before applying.
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Accreditation
Prospective nursing students should only consider schools that have been accredited by the NLNAC or CCNE. The accreditation process ensures the school’s nursing programs have been approved by experts in the field, indicating that students completing those programs will be well-prepared for new nursing careers. Choosing an accredited school is also the best way to gain access to financial aid.
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Class and Clinicals Schedules
Nursing schools are designed to provide students with not just a fundamental basis for understanding the field but also practical, hands-on experience with patients. During nursing clinicals, students work side-by-side with practicing nurses to get a feel for the day-to-day activities associated with the job. Convenient schedules for classes and clinicals can make a big difference, as can the availability of online courses.
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Class and School Size
Some people prefer large schools, while others like a more intimate learning environment. There’s no wrong choice when it comes to school size, but class size is a different matter entirely. While it’s normal to have some lecture-based courses with dozens, or even hundreds, of other students, students should feel like they have sufficient time with their instructors, especially for more hands-on classes. Check the instructor-to-student ratio to get a feel for what to expect when it comes to class size and the amount of attention given to each student.
Start the Search Today
Anyone planning to attend nursing school should take the time to investigate at least a few nearby options before choosing where to attend classes. Most future nursing students apply to multiple educational institutions, especially if their top choices are highly competitive schools, and the application process can take some time. Start preparing now instead of putting everything off until the last minute.
