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I have a question. I’m an 11th grader applying for colleges a right now. What are some good programs to get in for nursing?
I have applied for a few a few colleges. I’m from the US, so if you have any that are really good, feel free to let me know. Thank y’all and have a good one!
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6 answers
Updated
Justine’s Answer
Hi Zyda! Nursing is very in demand right now. I worked as an academic advisor in a Nursing school for almost 4 years. Here are some things I learned:
When looking for a school you want to see what their NCLEX pass rate is. That is the primary exam that determines if you can work as a nurse.
Other things to consider:
-What hospitals do they partner with for clinical rotations
-Professor to student ratio
- Pass rates for the required science classes (Anatomy and Physiology specifically)
-What qualifications does the average student who gets accepted have
- Diversity of the nursing cohorts
-Available scholarships and research opportunities
-Do the professors have notable research
I also agree with Erin 100%! Many hospitals will allow you to work under a contract agreement if they pay for your BSN. Hospitals who have "magnet status" require nurses to have a BSN. Many hospitals are striving for magnet status so programs like RN to BSN are likely common where ever you choose to work.
I hope this helps!! Wishing you tons of luck !! Great job applying early also!
When looking for a school you want to see what their NCLEX pass rate is. That is the primary exam that determines if you can work as a nurse.
Other things to consider:
-What hospitals do they partner with for clinical rotations
-Professor to student ratio
- Pass rates for the required science classes (Anatomy and Physiology specifically)
-What qualifications does the average student who gets accepted have
- Diversity of the nursing cohorts
-Available scholarships and research opportunities
-Do the professors have notable research
I also agree with Erin 100%! Many hospitals will allow you to work under a contract agreement if they pay for your BSN. Hospitals who have "magnet status" require nurses to have a BSN. Many hospitals are striving for magnet status so programs like RN to BSN are likely common where ever you choose to work.
I hope this helps!! Wishing you tons of luck !! Great job applying early also!
Updated
Isaiah’s Answer
For nursing it’s all about the prerequisites. Which are typically some form of math, statistics is always preferred and required for most BSN courses (NYS requires you to eventually have your BSN). Also you need basic English, Psych, A&P 1/2, Microbiology, General Bio, Chemistry, and pharmacology. Based on where you are from is how I would be able to give good suggestions for what specific programs are good for you particularly. But in general, any community college is okay to get the prerequisites completed at a lesser cost than transfer to a good nursing program.
Nursing is an ever growing field. I think it’s awesome that you have an interest. You can go down so many different avenues once you have your actual nursing license. Feel free to reach out privately for specific questions. Good luck!
Nursing is an ever growing field. I think it’s awesome that you have an interest. You can go down so many different avenues once you have your actual nursing license. Feel free to reach out privately for specific questions. Good luck!
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Zyda - there has been a nursing shortage in the US for some time so it is terrific that you are interested in this field! And it is great that a practicing nurse has already responded.
I am not sure how close to home you want to stay, but Philadelphia has excellent nursing programs and top-notch hospitals. I thought this article might interest you - https://www.rntobsnprogram.com/nursing-schools-in-philadelphia/. If you look to the left in the article, there are nursing program lists for other cities that you might want to review. US News ranks hospitals every year (here's the list for Philadelphia) - https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa - and there are similar lists for other cities (or at least metropolitan areas).
Good luck!
I am not sure how close to home you want to stay, but Philadelphia has excellent nursing programs and top-notch hospitals. I thought this article might interest you - https://www.rntobsnprogram.com/nursing-schools-in-philadelphia/. If you look to the left in the article, there are nursing program lists for other cities that you might want to review. US News ranks hospitals every year (here's the list for Philadelphia) - https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/philadelphia-pa - and there are similar lists for other cities (or at least metropolitan areas).
Good luck!
Yes. It really has been a something I’ve thought about doing ever since 5th grade. With everything going on right now, I’d like to make a change for the better and hopefully get people back onto their feet. Thank you for the advice and I’ll definitely check that article out!
Zyda
You're welcome - I love your interest in changing the world for the better!
Martha Kramer
Updated
Erin’s Answer
Consider what kind of nurse you want to be (LPN, RN, eventually NP/NA/Midwife)? A lot of hospitals will pay you to go back for higher education, so if you start by getting your associates, your nursing job may do tuition reimbursement for you to go back and get your BSN and then you won't have loans or at least may not have as hefty of student loans.
Also, look at schools that, if possible, are connected to a hospital. Usually those hospitals are really good with hiring students right out of school and although they may not pay great initially, it's a great way to get experience and then move up.
There are also accelerated programs where you can get your RN in a relatively short time and then go on to your Masters to be a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, midwife, nursing informatics, etc.
There are a lot of options out there! Don't hesitate to talk to representatives from the nursing schools in your areas to see what they recommend!
Also, look at schools that, if possible, are connected to a hospital. Usually those hospitals are really good with hiring students right out of school and although they may not pay great initially, it's a great way to get experience and then move up.
There are also accelerated programs where you can get your RN in a relatively short time and then go on to your Masters to be a nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, midwife, nursing informatics, etc.
There are a lot of options out there! Don't hesitate to talk to representatives from the nursing schools in your areas to see what they recommend!
Thank you so much and I appreciate your feedback! I want to get out there and for something big, like a pediatrician. I feel like it really fits me, as a person and compliments my skills pretty well. I’m in a nursing program right now with my school so hopefully we’ll get into that a bit this year. I was also thinking about careers such as rehabilitation nurses/doctors? I think that’s what it’s called I’m not too sure. My dad recently had a stroke, and has been recovering for almost a year now. It’s really taken a toll on both him and our family as he’s been down recently. I really want to help those who has had similar experiences.
Zyda
Good for you! That's awesome! Yea there's all kinds of positions in rehab, you could work in acute rehab vs long term care facilities. I'm sorry that happened to your dad and that your family is going through it. I know that can be a very long recovery, for the patient and family. I'm glad that you are using the experience positively though to help other people that might go through similar situations. Good luck to you, I'm excited for your healthcare journey!
Erin Kemp, NP-C, MSN, RN
Updated
Carlene’s Answer
Nursing is a fantastic field. To get a sense of what it is like in health care. Become a certified nurse assistant or medical assistant. You will become more familiar with what is expected of you clinically. You can advance yourself through workforce development programs and the company will pay for your education. Mostly hospitals.
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Zyda,
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!