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How do i choose the right college for me ?

I am looking for a good college to further my education #nursing

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Nicole’s Answer

Hi Caitlin,

Choosing the right college to attend is an extremely important decision. If you are interested in a nursing program I would recommend initially exploring universities that offer nursing programs or other degrees in related fields. For me, it was helpful to create a list of the universities/ colleges that offered my specific program. From there, I would recommend looking into the following topics:

1. Location - Is the college/ university in a location you would feel comfortable and thrive in (i.e. city, college town, commutable)?
2. Finances - Is the college/university affordable to you ? Do they offer scholarships, grants, and/or financial aid?
3. Student Life - Is the student body diverse, greek -life focused, sport-enthusiastic etc. ?
4. Academics - Do you meet the academic requirements (i.e. standardized test scores, GPA requirements)?

A great resource that rates a lot of these important considerations is Niche.com (https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges/).

Hope this helps & please let me know if you would like me to expand upon any of the topics discussed!

-Nicole

Nicole recommends the following next steps:

Research colleges and universities that offer your desired program
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Doc’s Answer

Caitlin the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects faster-than-average growth rates for registered nurses and advanced practice nurses: 15% and 31%, respectively. Graduates of accredited nursing programs enjoy a robust job market with plenty of opportunities for professional growth. A nursing degree provides healthcare professionals with diverse job opportunities and high potential salaries. Universities and community colleges award degrees at varying levels, from associate's degrees to doctoral degrees. When comparing different degrees, students can consider which program best fits their career goals and academic interests. Educational programs in this field are typically found in nursing schools at both public and private colleges, technical schools, and universities. Some hospitals and high schools offer them as well. In addition to liberal arts courses, nursing programs require students to take prerequisite courses related to the field such as biology, physiology, chemistry, and anatomy. All nursing programs contain a supervised clinical component, and graduates of these programs must pass a licensing exam in order to begin work. There are four major categories of degrees available for postsecondary students: associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Earning one of these degrees can take 2-8 years, depending on the level of the degree and field of study. Graduate-level university degrees may require students to complete one or more undergraduate programs prior to enrollment.

CNA CERTIFICATE / DIPLOMA • 4-12 WEEK CERTIFICATE
Candidates for a CNA certificate need a high school diploma or GED. The program prepares students to perform direct patient care and provides training in areas like first aid, infection control, and general safety. How will Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) impact your salary in the United States? The average salary for someone with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the United States is between $35,500 as of July 27, 2020.

LPN / LVN CERTIFICATE / DIPLOMA • 1-YEAR CERTIFICATE
A one-year program, an LPN/LVN certificate serves students who wish to enter the nursing profession without committing to a bachelor's program. Graduates learn how to provide patient care tasks, such as measuring vital signs, administering medications, and tracking medical histories. The average LPN/LVN salary in the United States is $51,140 as of July 27, 2020.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN) • 2-YEAR COLLEGE
A two-year associate degree in nursing prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN to become a registered nurse. ADN programs serve students who plan to earn a bachelor's or master's degree later in their career but wish to start working in the nursing field right away. ADN programs usually require students to complete college-level introductory coursework in microbiology, chemistry, psychology, and medical terminology. ADN credits often transfer to four-year BSN programs. ADN • 2 year Degree with an RNs License • The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for ADN-RNs is $77,000.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) • 4-YEAR COLLEGE
A four-year program that positions graduates for supervisory nursing posts and provides a foundation for graduate study. Successful completion of a four-year undergraduate degree program in nursing prepares graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN examination and become licensed registered nurses (RNs). A bachelor's degree will prepare students to become registered nurses through study of chemistry, nutrition, pharmacology, and nursing management. Current hiring trends in nursing favor RNs with a BSN degree. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for BSN-RNs is $86,500.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (MSN) • ADDITIONAL 2-YEARS AFTER A BACHELOR'S DEGREE.
The biggest difference between a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in nursing is the skill level achieved. Nurses holding a graduate degree have received more intensive and specialized training and have a deeper foundation of knowledge than nurses with an undergraduate degree. This generally leads to greater job responsibilities and higher salaries. The biggest difference between an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree in nursing is the skill level achieved. Nurses holding a graduate degree have received more intensive and specialized training and have a deeper foundation of knowledge than nurses with an undergraduate degree. This generally leads to greater job responsibilities and higher salaries. MSN Degree with License for: CRNA; CNM; NP; CNS. The average salary in the U.S. is $98,500 and $186,000 as of July 27, 2020. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

Hope this was Helpful Caitlin
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Krista’s Answer

Hi Caitlin - over the course of my career path and during my selection process for both undergraduate and graduate schools, I found that identifying the best fit area and program structure for me was just as important as assessing the academic credentials and degree programs of each school. I am not in the nursing field, but I would echo Nicole's earlier answer: identify schools that have your desired type of degree program, then ask yourself some questions that will help you determine if the school is a right "fit" for you! Some examples include:
- Do I prefer an in-person program, an online program, or a hybrid?
- If I am looking at an in-person program, is the school located in an area/city that I can see myself living and thriving in for several years? Do I feel comfortable here? Are there locales or institutions that interest me in the area outside of my school program that can help me lead a balanced and fulfilling live during my time here?
- How much team work versus individual work is included in the degree program? Does this fit my interests?
- Does the school offer financial aid or scholarships that I can apply for? Does this fit within my budget?
- Do I see myself able to establish a professional network here that can last well beyond my years in the program?
- Does this school/program have any professional ties to institutions that I could see myself establishing a career with?
- What does the typical course schedule look like? Would this schedule allow me to balance additional employment, internships, or professional experiences along with my course load?

Best of luck to you! This is a very exciting and important decision, and I encourage you to think about all aspects of your personal, professional, and academic goals when considering your options!
Krista
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Mansi’s Answer

Preference and Social Ties. Past work experiences and extracurricular knowledge also shape one's preferences for deciding on the right college. A lot of times, personal preferences of having family or relatives residing in a particular country take precedence in choosing the right college for an education
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Sendil’s Answer

Candidates should be clear about the course that he would like to pursue and choose the colleges offering the same. Candidates should go through the available programmes on the official website of the university to be doubly sure. He should also verify the language of study and should be an expert in the field.
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