6 answers
Melody
Student
Greensburg, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best college choice for a nursing major?
I'm in 9th grade currently and deciding to research colleges and im interested in becoming a registered
Nurse.
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6 answers
William Flow
QA PM at Airbnb
1
Answer
Updated
William’s Answer
Good question my daughter just graduated last year she did not want to go to college then a nursing school so she went to USF University of San Francisco they have a program that is 4 years then you go right to work. If I am not mistaken only USF and UCLA have this here in California
Anyhow she graduated and works as an ICU Nurse in Oakland
Anyhow she graduated and works as an ICU Nurse in Oakland
Nicole Pukylo Martin
Registered Nurse -Health Information Line
2
Answers
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Great Question Melody!
For your formal education, I would take your prerequisites/Associate degree at a community college and then choose a school for their BSN/MSN program. Don't waste too much money on the first 2 years. It honestly doesn't matter. After that, the content should be more geared towards what specialty you want. For example, if you want to be a research nurse then you'll need more statistics classes. If you want to be an ICU nurse, your focus would be more on Pharmacology and Physiology.
I attended the Mercy School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. If I could choose again I would have gone to Carlow or RMU. At Mercy, you take classes at Carlow but you don't get a degree from there. Carlow's instructors were fabulous! I was so impressed! RMU also has a great program where you get to go overseas and treat an underserved population. You also get college credit for it! Both of these schools have high-quality instruction and will prepare you well!
You'll be great at whatever you choose!
For your formal education, I would take your prerequisites/Associate degree at a community college and then choose a school for their BSN/MSN program. Don't waste too much money on the first 2 years. It honestly doesn't matter. After that, the content should be more geared towards what specialty you want. For example, if you want to be a research nurse then you'll need more statistics classes. If you want to be an ICU nurse, your focus would be more on Pharmacology and Physiology.
I attended the Mercy School of Nursing in Pittsburgh. If I could choose again I would have gone to Carlow or RMU. At Mercy, you take classes at Carlow but you don't get a degree from there. Carlow's instructors were fabulous! I was so impressed! RMU also has a great program where you get to go overseas and treat an underserved population. You also get college credit for it! Both of these schools have high-quality instruction and will prepare you well!
You'll be great at whatever you choose!
Gina Gill
Nurse
24
Answers
Vacaville
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Great question but there is no simple answer! It really depends on what you want to do and what kind of nurse you want to be.
You can get just your RN license through a community college or private university (more expensive!). But a lot of hospitals are requiring BSN degrees and if you want to eventually grow into a leadership role you will need a MSN. There a lot of different kinds of nursing (in the hospital and even in the hospital there are several units - mother/baby, NICU, ICU, ER, PACU, Surgery, etc). and then outside of the hospital there is home health, hospice, skilled nursing, case management, etc. I think since you are still young you should look more into a BSN program. It's great to have a degree (Comes in useful for other things if you ever wanted to change careers) and it gives you a well rounded education. But if you know from the bottom of your heart you just want to do nursing and money is tight or you are on a time crunch you can start with RN and then do a BSN program later. I went straight to college from high school (20 years ago) and I'm happy I enjoyed all the joys that come up with college life before getting a full time job and getting into "adulting". But these days colleges are more expensive and comptetive so it's not the same anymore.
Good luck!
You can get just your RN license through a community college or private university (more expensive!). But a lot of hospitals are requiring BSN degrees and if you want to eventually grow into a leadership role you will need a MSN. There a lot of different kinds of nursing (in the hospital and even in the hospital there are several units - mother/baby, NICU, ICU, ER, PACU, Surgery, etc). and then outside of the hospital there is home health, hospice, skilled nursing, case management, etc. I think since you are still young you should look more into a BSN program. It's great to have a degree (Comes in useful for other things if you ever wanted to change careers) and it gives you a well rounded education. But if you know from the bottom of your heart you just want to do nursing and money is tight or you are on a time crunch you can start with RN and then do a BSN program later. I went straight to college from high school (20 years ago) and I'm happy I enjoyed all the joys that come up with college life before getting a full time job and getting into "adulting". But these days colleges are more expensive and comptetive so it's not the same anymore.
Good luck!
Akerke Izetay
36
Answers
Almaty, Almaty Province, Kazakhstan
Updated
Akerke’s Answer
Hello🤗
Medical specialties have recently become increasingly popular among applicants. There are many reasons for this, because professions related to medicine are in stable demand in the labor market, and in the eyes of society these are noble professions that are characterized by a special romance.
Nursing is a profession without which modern medicine is impossible. After all, it is nurses who directly carry out the procedures prescribed by the doctor, care for patients, prepare instruments and medications for the surgeon or anesthesiologist during operations, and perform other duties. This profession is suitable for those who are ready to communicate a lot with a wide variety of people and want to help them, are interested in biology and chemistry, and know how to quickly respond to changing situations. There are many areas within the profession - and you can either choose one and develop in it, or master related ones and expand the list of employment options.
Where to start looking for a good college?
The college has valid state accreditation and license.
It is necessary to check this so as not to find yourself in a situation where the college does not pass accreditation, and you have to move to another educational institution.
Quality of training.
The quality is also influenced by the qualifications of teachers and the availability of good material resources - for example, modern computers and training workshops. Good colleges strive to participate in professional championships, where their students regularly win prizes. This information is also usually posted on college websites. Look at the news section, where you can read not only about participation in professional championships, but also understand how interesting and rich the extracurricular life of the college is. After all, your student years will include not only studies, but also interest clubs, sports or creative events.
Availability of a hostel.
This parameter is very important if you are going to study in another city. Good colleges usually post information about residence halls and living costs on their websites.
Job prospects.
Good colleges make sure that students can find a job while they are still studying. Typically, students do internships at partner enterprises, where they are often offered a job even before graduation. Employment agreements may be concluded with some companies. Good colleges have a dedicated department dedicated to job placement assistance.
Medical specialties have recently become increasingly popular among applicants. There are many reasons for this, because professions related to medicine are in stable demand in the labor market, and in the eyes of society these are noble professions that are characterized by a special romance.
Nursing is a profession without which modern medicine is impossible. After all, it is nurses who directly carry out the procedures prescribed by the doctor, care for patients, prepare instruments and medications for the surgeon or anesthesiologist during operations, and perform other duties. This profession is suitable for those who are ready to communicate a lot with a wide variety of people and want to help them, are interested in biology and chemistry, and know how to quickly respond to changing situations. There are many areas within the profession - and you can either choose one and develop in it, or master related ones and expand the list of employment options.
Where to start looking for a good college?
The college has valid state accreditation and license.
It is necessary to check this so as not to find yourself in a situation where the college does not pass accreditation, and you have to move to another educational institution.
Quality of training.
The quality is also influenced by the qualifications of teachers and the availability of good material resources - for example, modern computers and training workshops. Good colleges strive to participate in professional championships, where their students regularly win prizes. This information is also usually posted on college websites. Look at the news section, where you can read not only about participation in professional championships, but also understand how interesting and rich the extracurricular life of the college is. After all, your student years will include not only studies, but also interest clubs, sports or creative events.
Availability of a hostel.
This parameter is very important if you are going to study in another city. Good colleges usually post information about residence halls and living costs on their websites.
Job prospects.
Good colleges make sure that students can find a job while they are still studying. Typically, students do internships at partner enterprises, where they are often offered a job even before graduation. Employment agreements may be concluded with some companies. Good colleges have a dedicated department dedicated to job placement assistance.
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Hello Melody,
Just to let you know, there isn't a single right answer to this. Despite the fact that nursing schools seem to be in a race amongst themselves, once you've graduated and aced your boards, it really doesn't matter where you got your degree from. As a Registered Nurse, you'll be viewed the same as all others, regardless of the school you attended. Your license will be just as valid as anyone else's.
When choosing a school, I'd suggest focusing on those with the highest initial pass rates on the boards. This could be a result of them being more selective with their admissions, or it might be because their teaching methods and clinical training are more aligned with the requirements of the boards.
But don't forget, nursing is more than just a job - it's a profession and a lifelong career. And while it's important, it's not the only thing that should fill your day. Make sure to include courses and activities that you truly enjoy while you're in school.
Just to let you know, there isn't a single right answer to this. Despite the fact that nursing schools seem to be in a race amongst themselves, once you've graduated and aced your boards, it really doesn't matter where you got your degree from. As a Registered Nurse, you'll be viewed the same as all others, regardless of the school you attended. Your license will be just as valid as anyone else's.
When choosing a school, I'd suggest focusing on those with the highest initial pass rates on the boards. This could be a result of them being more selective with their admissions, or it might be because their teaching methods and clinical training are more aligned with the requirements of the boards.
But don't forget, nursing is more than just a job - it's a profession and a lifelong career. And while it's important, it's not the only thing that should fill your day. Make sure to include courses and activities that you truly enjoy while you're in school.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6182
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Melody,
Best College Choices for a Nursing Major
Choosing the right college for pursuing a nursing major is crucial as it can significantly impact your education, career opportunities, and overall experience. Here are some steps to help you identify the best college choices for a nursing major:
1. Accreditation: Look for colleges that have accreditation from recognized bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures that the nursing program meets high-quality standards.
2. Program Reputation: Research the reputation of the nursing program at each college you are considering. Look for programs with a strong track record of producing successful nurses and high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Clinical Opportunities: Consider colleges that offer ample clinical opportunities for hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Strong clinical experiences are essential for developing practical skills and knowledge.
4. Faculty Expertise: Evaluate the qualifications and experience of the faculty members in the nursing program. Professors with diverse backgrounds and expertise can provide valuable insights and mentorship.
5. Resources and Facilities: Explore the resources and facilities available to nursing students, such as simulation labs, research opportunities, study spaces, and student support services.
6. Location: Consider factors such as campus location, proximity to healthcare facilities for clinical rotations, cost of living, and potential job opportunities in the area after graduation.
7. Financial Aid: Look into scholarship opportunities, grants, work-study programs, and other forms of financial aid offered by each college to help offset tuition costs.
Based on these criteria, some of the best college choices for a nursing major include:
1. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, Maryland
Renowned for its top-ranked nursing program
Offers a wide range of clinical opportunities at prestigious healthcare institutions
Strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practice
2. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ivy League institution with a prestigious nursing school
Extensive clinical partnerships with leading hospitals in Philadelphia
Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership development
3. University of Washington - Seattle, Washington
Highly ranked nursing program with a focus on innovation and community health
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and simulation labs
Located in a vibrant healthcare hub with diverse clinical opportunities
These colleges are known for their exceptional nursing programs, experienced faculty members, robust clinical experiences, and strong reputations in the field of nursing education.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report provides comprehensive rankings of colleges and universities across various disciplines, including nursing programs. Their rankings are based on factors such as academic quality, faculty credentials, student outcomes, and reputation within the field.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN is a national organization dedicated to advancing baccalaureate and graduate nursing education. They provide valuable resources on accredited nursing programs, educational standards, best practices in nursing education, and career development opportunities.
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN): The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that all aspiring registered nurses must pass to obtain licensure in the United States. Information about NCLEX pass rates can be indicative of the quality of education provided by different nursing programs.
These sources were consulted to gather reliable information on evaluating colleges for a nursing major and identifying top institutions known for their excellence in nursing education.
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Best College Choices for a Nursing Major
Choosing the right college for pursuing a nursing major is crucial as it can significantly impact your education, career opportunities, and overall experience. Here are some steps to help you identify the best college choices for a nursing major:
1. Accreditation: Look for colleges that have accreditation from recognized bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation ensures that the nursing program meets high-quality standards.
2. Program Reputation: Research the reputation of the nursing program at each college you are considering. Look for programs with a strong track record of producing successful nurses and high pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam.
3. Clinical Opportunities: Consider colleges that offer ample clinical opportunities for hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. Strong clinical experiences are essential for developing practical skills and knowledge.
4. Faculty Expertise: Evaluate the qualifications and experience of the faculty members in the nursing program. Professors with diverse backgrounds and expertise can provide valuable insights and mentorship.
5. Resources and Facilities: Explore the resources and facilities available to nursing students, such as simulation labs, research opportunities, study spaces, and student support services.
6. Location: Consider factors such as campus location, proximity to healthcare facilities for clinical rotations, cost of living, and potential job opportunities in the area after graduation.
7. Financial Aid: Look into scholarship opportunities, grants, work-study programs, and other forms of financial aid offered by each college to help offset tuition costs.
Based on these criteria, some of the best college choices for a nursing major include:
1. Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore, Maryland
Renowned for its top-ranked nursing program
Offers a wide range of clinical opportunities at prestigious healthcare institutions
Strong emphasis on research and evidence-based practice
2. University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Ivy League institution with a prestigious nursing school
Extensive clinical partnerships with leading hospitals in Philadelphia
Emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and leadership development
3. University of Washington - Seattle, Washington
Highly ranked nursing program with a focus on innovation and community health
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and simulation labs
Located in a vibrant healthcare hub with diverse clinical opportunities
These colleges are known for their exceptional nursing programs, experienced faculty members, robust clinical experiences, and strong reputations in the field of nursing education.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
U.S. News & World Report: U.S. News & World Report provides comprehensive rankings of colleges and universities across various disciplines, including nursing programs. Their rankings are based on factors such as academic quality, faculty credentials, student outcomes, and reputation within the field.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): The AACN is a national organization dedicated to advancing baccalaureate and graduate nursing education. They provide valuable resources on accredited nursing programs, educational standards, best practices in nursing education, and career development opportunities.
National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN): The NCLEX-RN is a standardized exam that all aspiring registered nurses must pass to obtain licensure in the United States. Information about NCLEX pass rates can be indicative of the quality of education provided by different nursing programs.
These sources were consulted to gather reliable information on evaluating colleges for a nursing major and identifying top institutions known for their excellence in nursing education.
GOD BLESS!
JC.