Nursing education has always been an attractive option for many American students. Arguably, nurses remain the most favorably-look-upon professionals in the country right now. Students are attracted too by this vocation’s different benefits, e.g., job satisfaction, lucrative earnings, and career advancement opportunities.
However, the choice of nursing school/program matters the most. You should choose a nursing course carefully after considering several factors. Remember that continued education stays an important requirement for modern-day nurses since constant learning keeps them updated with every latest development in the industry. So, continue your education today for better patient outcomes.
How to choose a nursing program?
Nursing degrees enhance your eligibility to land decent employment positions in the healthcare sector. No wonder surveys show that almost two-thirds of nurses have a bachelor’s degree in nursing science! You should pursue formal learning to kickstart your career in nursing right now. After all, statistics show that a whopping 94% of BSN graduates have landed a job 4-6 months after getting their degrees.
But there’s one condition, i.e., selecting an excellent nursing program. That’s why you’re reading this article about a few major factors to consider when choosing a nursing school. In the lines below, you’ll know how to create a future in nursing by going with the right academic institution. So, consider these factors:
1. Location
First, you should consider the location of the nursing program you’ve selected for your studies. Your college should be located nearby so you may determine whether to commute to reside on campus. For instance, Missouri students can search online for some of the best nursing schools. You can easily find many well-reviewed nursing programs in Missouri to hone your education and obtain a BSN degree. Even if you’re studying remotely, nearby-located nursing programs are better.
2. Accreditation
It’s a no-brainer that your degree isn’t as worthy if the nursing school issuing it isn’t accredited. You should ensure your nursing school has been accredited by the NLNAC because it means the course has been reviewed and approved by a board of experts. Luckily, most nursing schools are accredited today. However, a few of them are operating without any official approval. So, you should consider nursing programs with the required credentials. Hence, your degree will be worth the effort.
3. Curriculum
Learning about a school’s curriculum can help you recognize if you will study the required courses to hone your skills and land your dream job. For this reason, it’s important to analyze the course material of nursing programs and compare it to that of different schools. Also, ensure that the coursework gives you some flexibility so you may continue to study despite your hectic schedule. For full-time nurses looking to upskill, we recommend online classes as they are pretty flexible, affordable, and effective.
4. Duration
The duration of your nursing program helps you realize if a particular course is worth your time. You should realize that different programs have different durations. Some programs require students to prepare for eight months of studying while others are finished merely in a year. Sometimes, a shorter course asks students to pay more money upfront. But these conditions vary from school to school. Students must ensure that a program’s duration coincides with their long-term academic goals.
5. Cost
Ensure the affordability of a nursing program before getting enrolled. For some students, the cost of learning is the most important of all factors when it comes to their nursing education. However, you can find some nursing programs cost less than expensive colleges. But remember that the cost of learning shouldn’t convince you to enroll in low-quality or unaccredited academies.
6. Success
The passing rate of students is petty crucial when considering the right nursing program. For instance, statistics state that 20% of nursing school students drop out before passing! So, you must ensure the nursing program you consider has a decent track record with passed students. Too many students dropping out from a program should be a red flag.
7. Faculty
You won’t wish to spend your time studying under people you don’t know. So, it’s smarter to discuss something about a nursing school’s faculty members with the student advisors there. You can visit a nursing school’s website to learn which professors are teaching your course, their qualifications, and their experiences. If possible, visit a brief meeting with some of these members. A small in-person meeting with your future teachers will make you more comfortable with them.
8. Ranking
Nursing school rankings matter as they help you realize if a particular program is worth your time. For instance, Missouri-based students should carefully evaluate the rankings of several nursing schools to determine which ones are suitable for their academic objectives. However, don’t assume these rankings can give you an accurate idea of a college’s faculty and syllabus. Just remember that these rankings show you if the degree is worthy and what sort of reputation a college has.
9. Alumni
You should contact alumni and learn from their experiences properly. For instance, you can question them about their perception of that nursing program and how much they benefited from acquiring a degree from there. Here are some questions you can pose before them to hone your learning:
- What was the quality of learning there?
- What was the worth of the degree you’ve obtained
- What were some of the drawbacks of this nursing program?
10. Reviews
Don’t forget to check our online reviews for a nursing program to learn how people perceive it. Your decision should involve scrutinizing how other students have reviewed this program. That’s how you can determine the future of your academic endeavors properly. Look at the school’s social media profiles to learn how they interact with students online. Their website can give you a good idea of what sort of student life you’ll lead there and extracurricular activities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right nursing school can help you become a better nurse. It’s all about going with a program coinciding with your career goals. So, consider the location of several nursing programs, and select the one closest to your house. Ensure these programs are accredited to make your degree worthy of consideration by employers. Also, check how long these programs are and how alumni describe their appearance. Explore the faculty, assess the syllabus, and read online reviews. You should also consider a college’s ranking before getting enrolled. The cost of your education also matters a lot! And you must know the passing rate of its students before choosing a nursing school.