Best 20 Accelerated Nursing Programs in 2022 [Updated] - Best Value Schools (2023)

Best 20 Accelerated Nursing Programs in 2022 [Updated] - Best Value Schools (1)

You have hung your college diploma proudly on your wall. Now you want to become a registered nurse — but you don’t want to spend another two to four years in school.

You’re not alone. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) says that in 2020 nearly 25,000 students across the United States were enrolled inaccelerated nursing programs. These nursing programs lead to aBachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)in just 11 to 22 months. Designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field,accelerated nursing programsare also known as second-degree nursing programs and direct-entry nursing degree programs.

Top 5 Accelerated Nursing Programs

Rank School Location
1California State University—StanislausTurlock, California
2Truman State UniversityKirksville, Missouri
3Augustana UniversitySioux Falls, South Dakota
4West Virginia UniversityMorgantown, West Virginia
5Clemson UniversityClemson, South Carolina

Accelerated nursing programsaren’t like starting college all over again. They are more like doing your junior and senior years all over again. Some of the shorter, more intensiveaccelerated nursing programscan’t accept working students. They may even prohibit their students from working. But there are some part-time and online nursing programsthat can accommodate students who need to work. These programs may schedule courses for evenings and weekends, taking 18 to 22 months to complete.

It’s important to understand what an accelerated nursing program isn’t. It isn’t an RN-to-BSN program. RN-to-BSN programs are for registered nurses who are currently practiced or at least licensed to practice who need to earn a bachelor’s degree to meet increasing requirements from their employers or from state licensing boards or who just want to advance their careers. RN-to-BSN programs take about two years to complete.

Accelerated nursing programsdo not require any prior experience or education in nursing. They are for students who are new to the field seeking a fresh start.

Who are the ideal students foraccelerated nursing programs?

Accelerated nursing programsare academically rigorous. Successful students inaccelerated nursing programsneed to be organized, motivated, and academically inclined.

Accelerated nursing programsrequire students to spend a lot of time together. Students who are comfortable around different kinds of people and who can tolerate healthy interpersonal tensions are best suited for these programs (and for the profession later on).

The upside ofaccelerated nursing programsis that the sole focus is on learning to become a nurse. There’s no adjustment to having a roommate or learning to do laundry for the first time. There’s no pledging a sorority or a fraternity (other than a nursing student organization, in some cases) and there’s no worry about what to wear every day, because you will be wearing your nursing uniform.

People come toaccelerated nursing programs because they are inspired by the competence, courage, and kindness of a nurse in their lives. Or they are seeking opportunities that their first choice of career did not afford. But everyone who succeeds in an accelerated nursing program is smart, dedicated, and concentrated on becoming a nurse.

What are the important differences betweenaccelerated nursing programs?

The objective of every accelerated nursing program is giving students the coursework and training they need to practice nursing in the shortest time possible. Every accelerated nursing program offers a fast-track degree. But there are nuances betweenaccelerated nursing programsthat make a difference for choosing the right program.

  • BA or BS?Some programs don’t care about their students’ undergraduate majors. A BA in any field may be fine. Other programs expect their students already to hold a BS in a science field.
  • Start date.Most US academic programs start sometime between the middle of August and the first week of October, depending on the part of the country where the courses are held.Accelerated nursing programstend to start in January or October, although summer start dates are also popular.
  • Online or on-campus?Some highly motivated students don’t have any trouble learning essential nursing concepts from online classes. They will still need to go to campus or a teaching hospital for their clinical work, but they don’t need to go to a physical classroom for their didactic work. Some students learn better in person-to-person interaction. These students should opt for brick-and-mortar classes with professors they see in person and students with whom they can more easily form relationships.

Any nursing program, whether it’s accelerated or not, will require 700 to 850 hours of clinical work. You’ll begin your clinical work a lot sooner in an accelerated nursing program, because you won’t be spending a lot of time, or any time, studying non-nursing subjects.

A word of caution about online nursing programs is in order. When you sign up for online coursework, you are free to play and replay your lectures as many times as you like and get your assignments done any time of day that you like. But you will face rigid dates for completing your coursework so that you will be ready for clinical rotations with the rest of your class.

No matter what your undergraduate degree, you will need to have completed some accelerated nursing program prerequisites.

There are certain courses that every student needs to have completed, usually with a grade of B or better (pass-fail may not be accepted), within the last five years before enrolling in an acceleratednursing program. These courses include:

Here’s a sample list of accelerated BSN prerequisites.

  • Biology I
  • Microbiology
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Nutrition
  • Sociology
  • Statistics

If you haven’t taken these courses, you will need to have completed them before you start your program.

To get into an accelerated nursing program, you will probably need to have completed your undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. You may need to interview with the Admissions Department so they can assess your aptitude for practicing nursing.

But don’t worry a lot about your age. Life experience is considered a good thing in nursing. Mature students are welcome in mostaccelerated nursing programs.

Now let’s look at some of your options for accelerated nursing study. There are264 member schools in the AACNthat offeraccelerated nursing programs. There are another 135accelerated nursing programsthat are not listed with the AACN.

We sorted these programs first by looking for schools that have national recognition for some outstanding aspect of their programs. We found 93 schools in this category. We made sure that every school we list is accredited. Then we looked at five more criteria:

  • Average Net Price to Students
  • Graduation Rate, the percentage of students finishing the program.
  • Financial Aid, the percentage of students receiving financial aid, and
  • NCLEX pass rate, which is a good measure of the percentage of students that get their nursing licenses. The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®exam) ensures that it is safe for you to begin work as a nurse.

We used a statistical tool called normalization to make sure that an unusually high or low net price did not skew the results for other outcomes of the school. Then we ranked schools by giving each factor 25 percent value to the school’s final score.

There are just a few exceptions to our ranking protocol. We also included the cheapest accelerated online nursing programs in the order that they would otherwise appear in our rankings, even if they did not make the top 20. These are great schools. They just were in the top 93, not necessarily the top 20.

The Best 20 Accelerated Nursing Programs

1

California State University—Stanislaus

  • Turlock, California
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

If you have a bachelor’s degree in any other field and you have taken the prerequisites for nursing courses we listed above, Cal State Stanislaus offers a 59-semester hour program that you can complete in 17 months. Cal State Stanislaus requires its students to study full-time and doesn’t allow them to hold jobs while they are in the program.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $6,768

Financial Aid: 92%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98.5%

Visit School Website

2

Truman State University

  • Kirksville, Missouri
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

Truman State University admits students who already have another bachelor’s into its accelerated nursing program even if they have not completed all of their prerequisite courses, although remedial work may add to the 18 months usually required to complete the program. You have to be admitted both to the university and to the nursing program to work on your degree.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $12,512

Financial Aid: 99%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

Visit School Website

3

Augustana University

  • Sioux Falls, South Dakota
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

Best 20 Accelerated Nursing Programs in 2022 [Updated] - Best Value Schools (2)

(Video) ACCELERATED NURSING PROGRAMS | My Experience & The Most Common Questions Answered

The accelerated nursing program at Augustana University has some very appealing characteristics for serious nursing students: 100% of students get financial aid and 100% of students who graduate from the program pass the NCLEX. The university’s website says that students in the accelerated nursing program get the same curriculum as regular nursing students but at a faster pace. All graduates have career opportunities immediately after graduation.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $18,937

Financial Aid: 100%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Visit School Website

4

West Virginia University

  • Morgantown, West Virginia
  • Graduation Rate: 56%

Hospitals and clinics trust West Virginia University accelerating nursing credentials because 100 percent of graduates pass the NCLEX. You can also work on an MSN (master’s degree in nursing) at the same time if you choose. Social and recreational opportunities at West Virginia University are limited, but for some students this will be a plus.

Visit School Website

5

Clemson University

  • Clemson, South Carolina
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

Clemson University’s accelerated nursing program takes students who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree no matter what their major. The accelerated nursing program does not offer remedial work, and students who are not sufficiently prepared in science and statistics basics may struggle. But the opportunities to practice at local and regional hospitals are outstanding and give students a major boost in their job search after they get their licenses.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $18,757

Financial Aid: 96%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

Visit School Website

6

University of Washington

  • Seattle, Washington
  • Graduation Rate: 84%

The University of Washington’s accelerated nursing program offers students exposure to cutting-edge technology that simply doesn’t exist at many other institutions. The faculty is nationally renowned and courses are taught in a clinical atmosphere, not in a traditional college classroom. The university is connected to nearly 800 community partnership sites including the Seattle Children’s Hospital, where you will have at least 1000 patient contact hours during your program. The University of Washington offers outstanding value for well-prepared and highly motivated students.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $9,443

Financial Aid: 57%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 91%

Visit School Website

7

Samford University

  • Birmingham, Alabama
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

The Moffett & Sanders School of Nursing at Samford University offers a Five Semester Second Degree BSN Option. The program is designed for students that have already completed a degree in something other than nursing. The program starts every fall, running a total of five semesters. There are no summer sessions. Graduates of the program consistently earn NCLEX-RN pass rates higher than the state and national averages. Graduate employment rate also exceeds the average rate. If you need to balance school, work, and personal life, this program is for you.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $30,017

Financial Aid: 98%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

Visit School Website

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8

Florida International University

  • Miami, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

Getting an MD outside the United States doesn’t necessarily guarantee an opportunity to sit for medical licensing exams once someone gets to the United States. It is not unusual for students who graduated from “bachelor of medicine” programs in their home countries that would have allowed them to practice medicine in their home countries to opt for practicing nursing in the United States, and Florida International University’s accelerated nursing program is a prime location for getting solid training to practice nursing in the United States. Doctors from other countries can enroll in the program even if their MD degree is recognized in the United States, but a green card or US citizenship is required.

However, note that this is primarily an accelerated program for students with a traditional bachelor’s degree in another field who are seeking a career change. Foreign physicians are welcome to apply, but this track sees a much larger amount of applicants with a U.S. bachelor’s degree.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $18,500 (includes tuition, fees, and textbooks)

Financial Aid: 86%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Visit School Website

9

University of Delaware

  • Newark, Delaware
  • Graduation Rate: 81%

If you want to dive into your accelerated nursing program even though you still need to take a non-science prerequisite like developmental psychology, the University of Delaware is a great place to do it. The 17-month program allows you to take some remedial work without slowing down your progress toward your nursing degree, but it does not allow you to take the program part-time or to work at another job while you are a student. You need a 3.0 GPA for all your undergraduate work and at least a 2.0 for courses you transfer into the program.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $16,286

Financial Aid: 81%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

Visit School Website

Duke’s academic programs in medicine and nursing are internationally renowned, and the Duke University accelerated nursing program is no exception. The reason it ranks a little lower on this list than some other options for accelerating nursing study is the specialized nature of its offerings. Duke is a wonderful place to study if you want to focus on a wellness practice or if you have an interest in the special needs of minority populations. It’s a great place for nursing generalists, too, but students who come to Duke should choose Duke because they want specialized training they cannot get anywhere else.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $22,011

Financial Aid: 68%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 98%

Visit School Website

11

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

If you are looking to get your BSN in record time, the Drexel University accelerated BSN program is the place for you. Their 11-month program gets you into nursing in less than a year, but it’s a 24/7 commitment. Drexel’s innovative curriculum is second to none, and there are years that 100% of students pass the NCLEX. Can’t commit to an intense, full-time program? Drexel University also has evening classes for students who need to take longer to get their degree.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $40,977

Financial Aid: 99%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

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12

Stony Brook University

  • Stony Brook, New York
  • Graduation Rate: 72%

The accelerated nursing program at Stony Brook University leads to an opportunity to sit for the NCLEX exam and get a nursing license in just 12 months. Students are allowed to make up some prerequisite coursework while they are studying nursing, and it’s also possible to study for a BSN and an MSN at the same time. Stony Brook University requires a 2.8 GPA to graduate.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $14,330

Financial Aid: 77%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%

Visit School Website

(Video) The BEST Online BSN Program In 2022: 5 Top Ranked Online BSN Programs

13

Florida Atlantic University

  • Boca Raton, Florida
  • Graduation Rate: 54%

Every fall, Florida Atlantic University’s accelerated nursing program admits a new class of students for an intensive, one-year program to earn a BSN. Only about half of students get through the program, but once they do, they always pass the NCLEX. You will need to have completed your prerequisites before your start and you’ll need an interview once you have been accepted to the program.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $10,100

Financial Aid: 82%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 100%

Visit School Website

14

Georgia State University

  • Atlanta, Georgia
  • Graduation Rate: 52%

The accelerated nursing degree program at Georgia State University warns students that they will be spending about 80 hours a week (or a little more) on coursework and clinical rotations during the four semesters it takes them to earn 60 semester hours for their BSN. A full-time job with this kind of course load is impossible. But the program prepares nurses for practice immediately after graduation.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $20,055

Financial Aid: 95%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

Visit School Website

15

University of Houston

  • Houston, Texas
  • Graduation Rate: 59%

Located at the university’s Sugar Land campus near Houston, the University of Houston’s accelerated nursing program offers an academically challenging 12-month pathway to an RN and a BSN in nursing. Students with any undergraduate major may be accepted to the program, but the university cautions that students who pay close attention to what they are told in their information session are more likely to be offered admission. The University of Houston has an outstandingly diverse student body and a good reputation for the quality of its coursework.

Visit School Website

16

Texas Christian University

  • Fort Worth, Texas
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

The accelerated nursing program at Texas Christian University is 16 months long. You need to maintain a 3.5 GPA., and you need to adhere to an intense ethics code. If you are interested in learning nursing in an academically rigorous Christian environment, the program at Texas Christian may be for you.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $33,563

Financial Aid: 83%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 97%

Visit School Website

(Video) ACCELERATED NURSING PROGRAMS IN CANADA | Study Nursing with NO SCIENCES BACKGROUND + Requirements

17

Wayne State University

  • Detroit, Michigan
  • Graduation Rate: 38%

Wayne State University’s accelerated nursing track is one of the longer “accelerated” nursing programs. It is five semesters long. There is time to make up prerequisites and plenty of time for scheduling clinical rotations to build your nursing skills.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $13,287

Financial Aid: 943%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 96%

Visit School Website

18

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, Michigan
  • Graduation Rate: 78%

Michigan State’s accelerated nursing program admits students every May for the NCLEX and graduation in August of the following year. This academically rigorous program is famous for producing nurses who are well-grounded in all the basics. Students can also pursue an MSN in their second fall and spring semesters.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $16,684

Financial Aid: 67%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 93%

Visit School Website

19

University of Massachusetts — Amherst

  • Amherst, Massachusetts
  • Graduation Rate: 76%

The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has an accelerated nursing program with the necessary science courses, such as microbiology, anatomy, and physiology, built into the curriculum. Because accelerated nursing students in the program take their sciences after they are admitted rather than before, a few more students fall by the wayside because of academics than at many other top-20 programs. But it’s a great place for learning how to serve diverse patient populations.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $21,281

Financial Aid: 89%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 87%

Visit School Website

20

Villanova University

  • Villanova, Pennsylvania
  • Graduation Rate: 90%

Villanova University’s “BSN Express” is its standalone 14-month program that contains all of the same didactic instruction and clinical experiences in its standard nursing programs. The university advertises that the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing fully approves the program and it has also received accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing. No matter what field you studied for your first undergraduate degree, you can find a sequence of courses in the BSN Express.

Now we will take a look at some accelerated nursing programs that didn’t make our top 20 on the basis of statistics, but that offer outstanding features of interest to many accelerated nursing students, starting with the cheapest accelerated nursing program.

School Overview

Average Net Price to Students: $35,491

Financial Aid: 64%

NCLEX Pass Rate: 94%

Visit School Website

Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Program: Northeast Alabama Community College

If you already have a bachelor’s degree in any field from any other university,Northeast Alabama Community College can help you add an RN to your professional credentials. The accelerated nursing program is academically demanding, but Northeast Alabama Community College has a passing rate of 100% on the NCLEX.

  • Average Net Price to Students: $3,144
  • Graduation Rate: 32%
  • Financial Aid:90%
  • NCLEX Pass Rate:100%

Second-Cheapest Accelerated Nursing Program: CUNY Hunter College

You wouldn’t necessarily expect an unusually inexpensive accelerated nursing program in New York City, but that is what you will find atCUNY Hunter College. Located next to the VA Hospital on First Avenue in Manhattan, CUNY Hunter College offers rotations at some of the busiest hospitals in the nation with some of the most diverse patient care experiences possible for student nurses. Many students find the CUNY program too demanding and drop out, but a substantial number go on to earn MSN degrees and doctorates in nursing.

  • Average Net Price to Students: $5,215
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Financial Aid:81%
  • NCLEX Pass Rate:87%

Unusually Flexible Scheduling: Duquesne University

It’s hard to find a more flexibly scheduled accelerated nursing program than the program atDuquesne University. Classroom instruction is entirely online, and sessions start three times a year. This Catholic university finds opportunities for its students to earn money while they are still in school, and offers generous discounts on tuition.

  • Average Net Price to Students: $30,540
  • Graduation Rate: 80%
  • Financial Aid:100%
  • NCLEX Pass Rate:90%

100% Acceptance Rate: Santa Barbara Business College – Santa Maria

If you want to be absolutely sure you get into an accelerated nursing program, apply atSanta Barbara Business Collegein Santa Maria, California. They have a 100 percent acceptance rate. This small program only admits 10 to 20 students per year, and faculty invest considerable time in making sure each student succeeds. Just be very sure you understand which nursing degree you are working on.

  • Average Net Price to Students: $15,789
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Financial Aid:100%
  • NCLEX Pass Rate:94%

100% Placement Rate for Graduates: Montana Tech

Montana Techhas a rigorous accelerated nursing program. Less than half of students graduate. But if you do, it is highly likely that you will pass the NCLEX on your first try and you are essentially guaranteed a job.

(Video) Easiest Nursing Schools To Get Into in 2021.

  • Average Net Price to Students: $12,104
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Financial Aid:87%
  • NCLEX Pass Rate:100%

Have you attended one of theseaccelerated nursing programs? Please keep in mind that tuition, graduation rates, financial aid percentages and NCLEX pass rates are subject to change. We always welcome updated information.

FAQs

What is the easiest nursing school to get into? ›

Rasmussen University has a 100% acceptance rate for students who complete the required application and education requirements. There are no waitlists or pre-requisite courses at most of their 23 campus locations. Students must complete the following for acceptance into the program: Attend a nursing information session.

What is the quickest RN program? ›

An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.

What nursing school has the highest acceptance rate? ›

There are several nursing programs in the US with 100% acceptance rates, including the Lubbock Christian University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Who has the easiest BSN program? ›

15 Easiest RN-to-BSN Online Programs to Get Into – 2022
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN Purdue University Global. ...
  • BS - Nursing RN to BSN Online at Arizona State University. ...
  • RN to BSN Utica University. ...
  • RN-to-BSN (CCNE-accredited), optional Accelerated Master's Pathway Capella University.

What is the toughest class in nursing school? ›

Hardest Nursing School Classes
  • Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
  • Pharmacology. ...
  • Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
  • Evidence-Based Practice.

What is the lowest GPA for nursing? ›

Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search.

Which nursing program is the shortest? ›

Certified Nursing Assistant

A CNA program is a fast-paced program that only takes a couple of months to fully complete. After graduation, students can enter the field right away, assisting nurses with patient work in a wide variety of settings.

What state is the easiest to become an RN? ›

Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
  • Maine: 1-2 weeks.
  • Maryland: 2-3 days.
  • Missouri: 2 weeks.
  • Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
  • Texas: 2 weeks.
  • Vermont: 3-5 business days.

What is the fastest LPN to RN program? ›

What is the fastest LPN to RN program? LPN-RN bridge programs that lead to an ADN let LPNs become RNs in as little as one year. ADN-holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for state RN licensure. Graduates who decide to pursue a BSN later can complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program.

What is the hardest degree to get nursing? ›

"According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing is the toughest degree to receive, and with good reason. The program is full of impossibly hard exams, countless clinical hours, and being covered in things that must not be named.

What is the #1 nursing school in the US? ›

What is the #1 nursing school in the US? Duke University is currently rated as the #1 nursing school in the U.S.

What's the hardest semester in nursing school? ›

Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school

Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.

What state pays BSN the most? ›

California tops our list of the highest-paying states, where registered nurses make $124,000 per year on average. Following it is Hawaii, at $106,530, and Oregon at $98,6300. Washington, D.C., while not technically a state, also ranks among the top-paying U.S. regions with an average RN salary of $98,540.

Do hospitals prefer BSN? ›

Many hospitals favor hiring nurses with a BSN because they can reach the IOM's recommendation without losing ADNs who are close to retirement age. If hospitals do hire nurses with an associate degree, they may require them to complete a BSN program within two to five years.

Why is a BSN so hard? ›

The main reason why nursing school is challenging is because it involves learning about complicated nursing concepts and practical skills, then applying that information into diverse patient care scenarios — going well beyond memorizing facts.

What is the easiest nursing specialty? ›

9 Lower-stress nursing jobs
  • Long-term care nurse. ...
  • Nurse administrator. ...
  • Clinical research nurse. ...
  • School or summer camp nurse. ...
  • Clinic nurse. ...
  • Nurse informatics. ...
  • Lactation consultant nurse. ...
  • Telehealth nurse.
2 Dec 2019

Why do nursing students drop out? ›

The most recurrent themes regarding the reasons behind BSN drop-out were: understanding that they were not suited to be nurses, perception of missing/lack of psychological, physical and practical resources needed to successfully cope with both nursing school and the nursing profession, inconsistencies between the image ...

Which is harder nursing school or being a nurse? ›

Being a Nurse is better than being in Nursing School

In nursing school, it's about 90% theory and lectures, and 10% skills and application. In the nursing profession, it's flipped: its 90% application and 10% theory and learning. In fact, you apply theory and think critically as you're working.

What can I do to increase my chances of getting into nursing school? ›

8 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Nursing School
  1. Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
  2. Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
  3. Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
  4. Create a Professional Resume. ...
  5. Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
  6. Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
  7. Spend Time with Patients.
26 Aug 2022

How can I raise my GPA for nursing school? ›

8 Tips If You Want to Become a Nurse But Have Bad Grades
  1. Take General Ed Courses to Raise Your GPA. ...
  2. Consider a Waitlist Program. ...
  3. Get Involved. ...
  4. Work Your Way Up. ...
  5. Realize That Grades Aren't Everything. ...
  6. Meet with a Counselor. ...
  7. Just Ask For Help. ...
  8. Include a Statement Letter.
15 Nov 2019

What nurse requires the least amount of school? ›

An LPN/LVN certificate is for students who want to enter the nursing field without the time and cost of earning a college degree. In contrast to a CNA diploma, the LPN certificate represents mastery of a more comprehensive body of knowledge. In many states, LPNs and LVNs qualify to supervise CNAs.

What is the longest nursing degree? ›

A nursing diploma or certificate takes 1-3 years to complete. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) takes 2 years to complete. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes 4-5 years to complete. A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) takes 5-6 years to complete.

What state are nurses the happiest? ›

Best States for Nurses Satisfaction and Happiness
  • Minnesota (Quality of life ranking #2, Hospital rating by nurses 86%)
  • Wisconsin (Quality of life ranking #3, Hospital rating by nurses 88%)
  • Oregon (Quality of life ranking #18, Hospital rating by nurses inconclusive)
15 Feb 2022

Which RN makes the most? ›

Highest Paid Nursing Jobs:
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist – $202,000.
  • Neonatal Nurse Practitioner – $131,000.
  • Cardiac Nurse Practitioner – $120,000.
  • Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner – $119,000.
  • Oncology Nurse Practitioner – $119,000.
  • General Nurse Practitioner – $118,000.
  • Family Nurse Practitioner – $116,000.
1 Sept 2022

What is the easiest LPN program to get into? ›

With an acceptance rate of 95%, Arkansas Tech University offers one of the easiest ADN programs to get into. The program is open to Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses who wish to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing (AAS-RN).

Is becoming an LPN before RN worth it? ›

There are benefits to receiving your LPN credentials before moving forward including: Quick entrance into the workforce: A practical nursing program takes approximately half the time that a complete RN program does. This means you can enter the workforce quickly, building experience in the field early in your career.

Can a LPN challenge the RN boards? ›

There is no state in the US that will allow people to "challenge" the NCLEX- RN . You must complete an approved (registered) nursing education program to be eligible. If an individual is an LVN/LPN with the desire to earn the RN licensure, (s)he must complete an RN bridge program and pass the NCLEX- RN .

Which nursing field is least stressful? ›

The 10 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs This Year (2022)
  • Nurse Educators. ...
  • Institutional Nurses. ...
  • Research Nurses. ...
  • Public Health Nurses. ...
  • Occupational Health Nurses. ...
  • Case Management Nurses. ...
  • Home Health Nurses. ...
  • Clinic Nurses.
6 Jul 2022

What is the most stressful nursing specialty? ›

Most Stressful Nursing Positions
  • Intensive Care Unit nurses (ICU) ICU is an extremely high-pressure environment and these nurses work with patients who have significant injuries and disease with added morbidity risks. ...
  • Emergency Department nurses. ...
  • Neonatal ICU. ...
  • OR nursing. ...
  • Oncology Nursing. ...
  • Psychiatric Nursing.
27 Jan 2021

Which nursing is the most stressful? ›

The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.

What college has best nursing program? ›

Here are the 2023 Best Nursing Schools: Master's
  • Johns Hopkins University.
  • Duke University.
  • Emory University.
  • University of Pennsylvania.
  • University of Washington.
  • Columbia University.
  • Ohio State University.
  • University of Michigan--Ann Arbor.

What is the number 1 nursing school in the world? ›

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing) remains the number one nursing school in the world according to a recent ranking by QS World University.

Where is the best place to study nursing? ›

Top 10 Nursing Schools in 2019 Based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019
1University of PennsylvaniaUnited States
2King's College London (KCL)United Kingdom
3The University of ManchesterUK
4Johns Hopkins UniversityUS
7 more rows

Is nursing school harder than med school? ›

However, don't take it for granted that nursing school will be much easier than medical school, especially in an accelerated format. Both offer a unique set of challenges and demand the utmost in student commitment and work rate. When comparing the different benefits offered through nursing school vs.

Is nursing school harder than NCLEX? ›

Unlike nursing school exams, which test for knowledge, the NCLEX tests your ability to apply and analyze situations using the nursing knowledge you gained in school. Logic and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization, are emphasized in this test—making it much more difficult and comprehensive.

How many hours a day should I study for nursing school? ›

How many hours a day should I study for nursing school? Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better!

What is the easiest state to become a nurse in? ›

Easiest states to become a nurse – Length of licensing process
  • Maine: 1-2 weeks.
  • Maryland: 2-3 days.
  • Missouri: 2 weeks.
  • Nevada: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Carolina: 1-2 weeks.
  • North Dakota: 1-2 weeks.
  • Texas: 2 weeks.
  • Vermont: 3-5 business days.

Which nursing specialty is the easiest? ›

Keep reading to learn about some of the least stressful nursing roles that might appeal to you.
  1. Nurse educator. ...
  2. Long-term care nurse. ...
  3. Nurse administrator. ...
  4. Clinical research nurse. ...
  5. School or summer camp nurse. ...
  6. Clinic nurse. ...
  7. Nurse informatics. ...
  8. Lactation consultant nurse.
2 Dec 2019

Which nursing program is the shortest? ›

Certified Nursing Assistant

A CNA program is a fast-paced program that only takes a couple of months to fully complete. After graduation, students can enter the field right away, assisting nurses with patient work in a wide variety of settings.

Can you get into nursing school with a 3.2 GPA? ›

Overall, nursing schools are very competitive and can be difficult to get into. As a general rule of thumb, you should have at least a 3.0 to apply to a bachelor program, whereas an associates program may let you slide with a minimum GPA of 2.5. LPN and CNA programs may not have a GPA requirement.

What state are nurses the happiest? ›

Best States for Nurses Satisfaction and Happiness
  • Minnesota (Quality of life ranking #2, Hospital rating by nurses 86%)
  • Wisconsin (Quality of life ranking #3, Hospital rating by nurses 88%)
  • Oregon (Quality of life ranking #18, Hospital rating by nurses inconclusive)
15 Feb 2022

What state has highest RN salary? ›

California tops our list of the highest-paying states, where registered nurses make $124,000 per year on average. Following it is Hawaii, at $106,530, and Oregon at $98,6300. Washington, D.C., while not technically a state, also ranks among the top-paying U.S. regions with an average RN salary of $98,540.

Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›

Whether you're a first-time travel nurse or a seasoned veteran, the matter of obtaining licensure in a new state you'd like to work in is always a hurdle.
...
5 States that Take Longest to Get an RN License In
  1. Ohio (4-6 months) ...
  2. 2. California (3-6 months) ...
  3. Maryland (10 weeks) ...
  4. Maine (8-10 weeks) ...
  5. Alaska (8 weeks)
4 Oct 2018

Who are the happiest nurses? ›

(The following are America's 15 happiest nursing jobs.)
...
WHAT ARE THE HAPPIEST NURSING JOBS IN AMERICA?
  1. Outpatient Case Management. ...
  2. Office Nurse. ...
  3. NICU Nurse. ...
  4. Informatics Nurse. ...
  5. Legal Nurse Consultant. ...
  6. Health Writer. ...
  7. Private Duty Nurse.

What type of nurses are most in demand? ›

BSN-prepared nurses are the most sought-after RNs in the job market and can advance to leadership and management roles more quickly than the ASN nurse.

Which nursing specialty has the highest burnout rate? ›

Critical care nurses tend to suffer the highest rates of burnout. Critical care specialties include the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). Emergency department nurses tend to experience the highest rates of burnout.

Which semester of nursing school is the hardest? ›

Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school

Health assessment will likely be one of the initial courses you'll take in nursing school, and it involves delving into the various body systems and learning how to assess patients from head to toe.

What is the fastest LPN to RN program? ›

What is the fastest LPN to RN program? LPN-RN bridge programs that lead to an ADN let LPNs become RNs in as little as one year. ADN-holders qualify to take the NCLEX-RN and apply for state RN licensure. Graduates who decide to pursue a BSN later can complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program.

What is the #1 nursing school in the US? ›

What is the #1 nursing school in the US? Duke University is currently rated as the #1 nursing school in the U.S.

What SAT score is required for nursing? ›

Remember that you need scores at the upper bound or higher to ensure you're competitive, so try to aim for around a 1440 on the SAT or a 33 composite ACT score at the lowest.

What can I do to increase my chances of getting into nursing school? ›

8 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Nursing School
  1. Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
  2. Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
  3. Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
  4. Create a Professional Resume. ...
  5. Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
  6. Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
  7. Spend Time with Patients.
26 Aug 2022

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