To get your healthcare career off to a speedy start, you may want to check out community colleges with nursing programs.
At a community college, you can take a nursing associate degree program that can help you work toward becoming a registered nurse. These nursing school programs can help equip you with the most essential skills for nurses.
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As a nurse, you could assist people with their medical concerns and play a vital role in your community.
Community Colleges with Nursing Programs
Do you have your sights set on becoming a registered nurse (RN)? At a community college, you could earn an associate degree that could help prepare you for this profession.
Topics you’ll likely study in an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program include:
- Aging
- Anatomy and physiology
- Disease
- Leadership
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Mental and behavioral health
- Microbiology
- Nursing care for children and families
- Pharmacology
- Psychology
If you are a licensed practical nurse (LPN), getting an associate degree could help you pursue advanced career possibilities.
Some community colleges have bridge programs for people who have already completed LPN training. If you qualify, you might be able to skip some of the classes in the ADN program.
No matter your previous experience, classroom work isn’t all you’ll do in an ADN program. Earning clinical experience is essential as well. Clinical hours are often built into many of the courses, and you may be able to fulfill those requirements at a local healthcare facility.
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After completing an accredited ADN, you may qualify to take the NCLEX-RN exam. A passing score can help you meet state requirements for becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN). Becoming an RN can help you qualify for jobs in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and outpatient care centers.
Nurses also work in schools, public health departments, and long-term care facilities.
Nurses with ADNs are often hired for fulfilling jobs that pay decent salaries. Even still, certain RN jobs are available only to people who have earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Fortunately, your community college nursing degree may provide a smooth path to earning that credential.
Many colleges offer RN to BSN programs. By transferring your associate degree credits into one of those programs, you could likely complete your 4 year nursing degree in less time.
For many students, getting their ADN first is a strategic choice.
As an already licensed RN, you may be able to put yourself through BSN studies with a dependable nursing job. Plus, earning an ADN can give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nursing world and gain a better understanding of the direction you’d like to take your career.
Nursing Associate Degree Admissions Requirements
Many community colleges offer open admission, but their RN programs may be more selective. To be granted admission to community college nursing programs, you might need:
- References. Programs may require recommendations from professional supervisors.
- Record of previous experience. For example, previous experience could include being a certified nursing assistant (CNA).
- Official transcripts. You may be required to have a minimum GPA as well as math and English prerequisites.
- Verification of health requirements. This could include verification of vaccinations and a TB test.
A school may also use the National League for Nursing PAX Examination to evaluate whether you’re a good candidate for the program.
Associate Degree in Nursing Programs Accreditation
Whether you go to a community college or elsewhere for your nursing associate degree, it’s strategic to attend a school that is regionally accredited.
What does it mean to be regionally accredited?
It means that the school has been evaluated by an outside accrediting association and found to meet its standards. Regional accreditation is generally a mark of a credible school.
Only graduates of accredited schools are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam. In other words, your professional success could depend on your school’s accreditation status. Your future educational options could depend on it too. Only accredited ADN degrees will transfer into most bachelor’s degree programs.
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Programmatic accreditation shows that your curriculum adheres to national standards for nursing education. It’s a sign that you’re gaining the skills needed for proficiency in this field.
The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) issues programmatic accreditation for nursing programs.
Because ACEN accredited programs must hold to certain standards, there’s consistency in the coursework from one school to another. That can improve your chances of transferring credits between nursing colleges.
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Most employers will also appreciate that you have an ACEN accredited degree. It can help them feel more confident about your workplace readiness.
What Is an ADN Nursing Program?
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) program is an undergraduate college program that prepares students for nursing careers. Often thought of as a 2 year degree, it’s the shortest academic route to becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN).
ADN programs typically cover anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and microbiology and teach clinical skills and how to communicate with patients. Your courses may even cover working with patients of various demographic groups, such as children or the elderly.
Most community colleges for nursing don’t just provide classroom lectures on these topics. They also give students hands-on experiences through clinical training.
What Education Is Needed to Become a Registered Nurse?
There are three academic paths for becoming a registered nurse. You could earn a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree.
Diplomas are issued in non-academic settings. Such programs are quick, but they offer fewer options for transferring credits. Today, this is the least common option for nursing training.
The associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the quickest college path to RN licensure. An ADN typically takes up to 2 years of full-time schooling.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a 4 year college degree. It offers the most comprehensive approach to RN preparation and may open doors to more employment opportunities.
Some universities now offer fast track RN-to-BSN online programs, though some on-site time will need to be spent completing required clinical practice sessions.
How Long Is Nursing School?
The length of a nursing program depends on the degree you are getting and what format your program uses.
Completing an associate degree program usually takes about 2 years of being a full-time student. It involves taking classes over four 16 week semesters.
Online programs sometimes use a different structure, with short-format classes held throughout the year. These types of programs may last between 16 and 20 months, including both classroom work and clinicals.
Bachelor’s degrees in nursing take longer to earn than associate degrees. It typically takes about 4 years to earn a BSN.
What’s the Difference between an LPN vs. RN?
You could enter the nursing profession as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). What’s the difference?
| Licensed Practical Nurse | Registered Nurse |
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These salary figures are based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Is Nursing School Worth It?
Yes, nursing school is worth it for many students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a sharp increase in healthcare positions over the next decade. Overall, the number of healthcare jobs is projected to increase by 16%. For registered nurse jobs, specifically, there’s a 9% growth rate expected.
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An associate degree in nursing can help provide you with a solid foundation for your future. Not only can it help you qualify to become an RN, but it may also help you get into an RN-to-BSN program.
Above all, a career in nursing can be fulfilling for many. Nurses make a real difference for people—often during stressful or challenging times.
Best Community Colleges Offering Nursing Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online, on-campus, or in a hybrid format.
Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College offers a 2 year Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that is designed to help students become Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses.
The program offers classroom, lab, and clinical experiences. It also incorporates interactive computer and online elements. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Information Systems, and Pharmacology with Calculations.
Arizona Western College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Barton Community College
Barton Community College offers a Certificate in Practical Nursing and an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. Students can also choose to just take core classes at Barton before transferring into a BSN program elsewhere.
Barton has simulation labs and clinical partnerships to give students the chance to gain hands-on experience.
Barton Community College isaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Bucks County Community College
Bucks County Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Nursing. Students can choose to attend full-time or part-time. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
Students that are already Licensed Practical Nurses may be admitted with Advanced Placement Standing.
Bucks County Community College isaccredited by theMiddle States Commission on Higher Education.
Calhoun Community College
Calhoun Community College offers an A.A.S. in Nursing that typically takes four semesters to complete. The school’s practical nursing certificate can potentially be earned in just three semesters.
Courses include Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Human Growth and Development, Evidence-Based Clinical Reasoning, General Microbiology, and more.
Calhoun Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Cayuga Community College
The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing from Cayuga Community College is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in the field of nursing. Cayuga nursing students have a consistently high pass rate on the NCLEX-RN. The program is designed to provide students with theoretical knowledge and clinical experience.
Cayuga Community College isaccredited by the Commission on Higher Education, a unit of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Central Piedmont Community College
Central Piedmont Community College offers an Associate in Nursing. Prospective students need to apply to the college first and then apply to the nursing program specifically. Central Piedmont’s nursing graduates have a high pass rate on the NCLEX-RN and a high employment rate.
General education courses can be completed online to provide flexibility.
Central Piedmont Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Columbus State Community College
Columbus State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing that is designed to prepare students for Registered Nurse licensure. The program can typically be completed in 5 semesters.
Applicants can apply for either a traditional, fully face-to-face program or a blended program that includes online coursework and in-person labs and clinicals.
Columbus State Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Community College of Baltimore County
The Community College of Baltimore County offers an Associate in Nursing program in which classes can be taken during the day or evening, on weekends, or online. Online students are required to attend weekly seminars or lab sessions and clinical experiences.
CCBC also has an LPN-to-RN bridge program for those who are already certified as Licensed Practical Nurses.
The Community College of Baltimore County isaccredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Davidson-Davie Community College
Davidson-Davie Community College offers an A.A.S. in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Exam and have a high job placement rate. Students in the program are required to participate in clinical experiences and learn about topics such as evidence-based practice and healthcare informatics.
The program requires the completion of 66 credit hours of coursework.
Davidson-Davie Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Fletcher Technical Community College
Fletcher Technical Community College has an Associate of Science in Nursing program that typically takes 5 semesters to complete. The first two semesters consist of prerequisite coursework that can be completed online or face-to-face during the day or evening. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.
Fletcher Technical Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Gaston College
Gaston College offers an LPN-to-RN AAS in Nursing program. Evening, weekend, and online course options are available to provide students with flexibility. Some lab and class sessions on campus are required, as are clinical experiences in acute care facilities.
The program provides students with opportunities to hone their skills in providing individualized care and making evidence-based decisions.
Gaston College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
GateWay Community College
The Associate in Applied Science in Nursing program at GateWay Community College offers opportunities for clinical experience in a variety of settings. It is also designed to prepare students for the national licensure exam.
Coursework includes Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Nursing Theory and Science I and II, Microbiology, and more.
GateWay Community College isaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Guilford Technical Community College
Guilford Technical Community College offers an Associate in Nursing degree program that aims to prepare students for work in a variety of healthcare settings and RN licensure. Coursework includes Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Holistic Health Concepts, Health System Concepts, and more.
There is also a summer-entry option available for LPNs.
Guilford Technical Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hutchinson Community College
Hutchinson Community College offers an LPN-to-RN online bridge program in which students can earn an AAS in Nursing. This program aims to make students eligible for the NCLEX-RN and prepare them for a bachelor’s degree program.
Courses include Human Anatomy and Physiology, General Microbiology, Pathophysiology, and Health Maintenance Promotion and Restoration.
Hutchinson Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing that can potentially be earned in less than 2 years. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The program can also help prepare students for entry into a BSN program. Classes are available at multiple campus locations.
Ivy Tech Community College isaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Jefferson Community & Technical College
Jefferson Community and Technical College offers an Associate in Nursing that aims to give students opportunities to learn key nursing skills and practice them in real-world settings. Students are required to participate in labs and clinicals two nights a week but may listen to classroom lectures online.
The program can typically be completed in 5 semesters.
Jefferson Community and Technical College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Johnston Community College
The Associate in Nursing program at Johnston Community College is a full-time program with some courses available in the evenings or online. Courses include Introduction to Health Concepts, Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Holistic Health Concepts, and more.
The program can typically be completed in 2 years.
Johnston Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Kauai Community College
Kaua‘i Community College’s nursing program is designed to provide flexibility in educational and career planning. New students are admitted every fall semester. Most students in the program can pursue Practical Nurse licensure after 3 semesters and Registered Nurse licensure after 5 semesters.
Kaua‘i Community College isaccredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Lorain County Community College
Lorain County Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program that is designed to prepare students for Registered Nurse licensure. Courses include General, Organic, and Biochemistry I, Pharmacology I and II, Behavioral Health Nursing, Human Growth and Development, and more.
Students are required to complete a total of 65 credit hours to graduate.
Lorain County Community College isaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
North Iowa Area Community College
North Iowa Area Community College offers an AAS in Nursing that aims to help students become Licensed Registered Nurses. There are two routes within the program: one for LPNs and one for beginning nursing students.
Students are required to attend clinical experiences, which may be scheduled during evening hours or on weekends.
North Iowa Area Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwest Iowa Community College
Northwest Iowa Community College offers an on-campus program for an Associate in Nursing. It aims to prepare students for the NCLEX, Registered Nurse licensure, and transfer into a 4 year BSN program.
The program includes comprehensive classes and laboratory sessions and clinical experiences at cooperating healthcare facilities.
Northwest Iowa Community College isaccredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Piedmont Community College
Piedmont Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program. It includes courses such as Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Health Illness Concepts, Family Health Concepts, Health Systems Concepts, and more.
The full program consists of 67 credit hours. Courses are available in on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery formats.
Piedmont Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pima Community College
Pima Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. The program can usually be completed in 5 to 6 semesters. It is full-time and starts in the fall. Admission is competitive. The program aims to prepare graduates for the NCLEX and Registered Nurse licensure.
Pima Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Pratt Community College
Pratt Community College offers a Licensed Practical Nursing program that is designed to help students prepare for the NCLEX-PN. In addition to the traditional on-campus program, Pratt offers a hybrid program in which lectures are streamed through Zoom. Clinical courses must be attended in person.
Pratt Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Quinsigamond Community College
Quinsigamond Community College offers an Associate in Science in Healthcare with a Pre-Nursing option. The program may be completed entirely at the main campus or partially online. It covers topics such as medical terminology, safety, and infection control.
Courses include Introduction to Public Health, Medical Microbiology, Statistics, and more.
Quinsigamond Community College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Rappahannock Community College
Rappahannock Community College offers an associate degree with a pre-BSN specialization. This program is designed for students who intend to transfer into a 4 year bachelor’s degree program in nursing. It requires the completion of 62 credit hours of coursework and typically takes 2 years to complete.
Rappahannock Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Colleges Commission on Colleges.
Solano Community College
Solano Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program designed for those who plan to become Registered Nurses. It typically takes 2 years to complete. The curriculum is designed to develop students’ knowledge of biological, behavioral, and physical sciences and prepare them for the NCLEX-RN.
Solano also has an LVN to RN program for Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Solano Community College isaccredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
South Puget Sound Community College
South Puget Sound Community College offers associate degrees in nursing and pre-nursing that are primarily intended for transfer into 4 year BSN programs. There is also a Certified Nursing Assistant program that can typically be completed in a few months. Some courses are available online or in the evenings.
South Puget Sound Community Collegeisaccreditedby the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Surry Community College
Surry Community College offers an Associate in Nursing. Graduates are eligible to apply for the NCLEX-RN. The program includes courses such as Pharmacology, Anatomy and Physiology I and II, and Developmental Psychology.
Surry’s nursing program has additional admissions requirements beyond general admission, and nursing applicants must take an exam called the PSB.
Surry Community College isaccredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges.
Truckee Meadows Community College
Truckee Meadows Community College offers an Associate in Nursing program that aims to help students become Registered Nurses. The program is full-time, and students are encouraged to complete as many general education courses as possible before beginning nursing coursework.
Courses include Fundamentals of Pharmacology, Cultural Aspects of Nursing Care, and Principles of Pathophysiology.
Truckee Meadows Community College isaccredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Getting Your Nursing Associate’s Degree Online
Do you want to become a nurse? If so, you may want to explore various community colleges with associate’s degree in nursing programs. Getting your associate degree in nursing could be a strategic way to begin your career in healthcare.
With an ADN, you may be eligible for licensure as a registered nurse. This associate degree may also provide a strong foundation for future college nursing classes.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you might consider getting an online nursing degree. Online courses are flexible yet still rigorous, and they can help you better balance your studies with life’s other responsibilities.
Whether you attend online or in person, there are many accredited community colleges where you can count on getting a solid nursing education.
WRITTEN BY
Jordan Meeks
Jordan is pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and earned her Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and her Bachelor's in Business Administration. Jordan's research focuses on adults returning to college and online degree programs.
FAQs
What is the easiest RN program to get into? ›
- Online CCNE-Accredited RN-to-BSN University of Maryland Global Campus. ...
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing: RN-to-BSN Purdue University Global. ...
- B.S. Nursing (RN to BSN) Western Governors University. ...
- BS in Nursing (RN to BSN) Louisiana State University Alexandria.
Which 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.
What college has the top nursing program? ›- 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 easiest nursing school to get into in California? California State University—Bakersfield has an acceptance rate of 78%, which is higher than other schools in the state.
What is the most difficult nurse to be? ›- 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.
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.
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.
What is considered a high GPA for nursing? ›GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.
What is the best major to become a nurse? ›Best Major for Nursing FAQ
To be a registered nurse, you need an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. However, if you're already working in clinical settings as a medical assistant, you can use your community college courses to shorten your study time.
A four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree also results in an RN designation. Once you have your BSN, you can then opt to pursue more education with a master of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP) degree to choose from a full array of high-paying, high-demand nursing jobs.
What is the most popular field of nursing? ›
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses. ...
- Operating Room Nurses. ...
- Emergency Room Nurses. ...
- Pediatric Nurses. ...
- General Nurse Practitioners. ...
- Clinical Nurse Specialists. ...
- Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists. ...
- Surgical Nurse Practitioner.
- Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
- Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
- Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
- Create a Professional Resume. ...
- Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
- Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
- Spend Time with Patients.
RN to BSN Program Option
Admission to the RN to BSN Program requires an application to Cal State LA and PACSON with proof of a CA RN license attached. The minimum GPA accepted from all transfer institutions is 3.0.
- 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.
- Social Sciences (Intro Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
- Humanities.
- Intro to Speech (or Communication)
- English Composition.
- History.
- Using Information Technology.
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 should I know before starting nursing school?
Why is becoming a RN 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. While it is challenging, nursing school is not impossible.
Who are the happiest nurses? ›- School Nurse. ...
- Labor and Delivery Nurse. ...
- Case Management Nurse. ...
- Nurse Educator. ...
- Parish Nurse. ...
- Travel Nurse.
- Nurse Educators. ...
- Institutional Nurses. ...
- Research Nurses. ...
- Public Health Nurses. ...
- Occupational Health Nurses. ...
- Case Management Nurses. ...
- Home Health Nurses. ...
- Clinic Nurses.
Critical care nursing is typically seen as the most stressful nursing job and is associated with the highest rate of burnout among nurses. In fact, according to a report published by the Critical Care Societies Collaborative (CCSC), critical care nurses have the highest rates of burnout syndrome among their colleagues.
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 ...
What happens if I fail a nursing class? ›Many nursing programs will only allow you to fail 2 classes total for the time you're in the program, or you get dismissed from the program. Some won't allow you to fail any classes, and some will make you re-apply for admission if you fail a course.
What unit is the easiest nursing? ›I would recommend a medical unit as your first rotation. You will find that it is generally less stressful than a surgical unit, ER, OB or critical care units.
How much do nurses make? ›| Nursing Career | 2019 Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) | $48,500 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $77,460 |
| Nurse Practitioners (NP) | $111,840 |
| Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $108,810 |
Grades Do Matter, but They Aren't Everything
The most important thing is that you are able to graduate through the program and pass NCLEX. However, I would encourage nursing students to work hard to keep their grades as high as possible, as there are also many benefits to maintaining a high GPA.
in general, the answer to your question is no. however, the smarter recruiters who know their area know more about the area nursing schools than you can imagine. they keep contacts with the instructors and program directors at the schools as well as with managers and recruiters at other hospitals.
How do you get all A's in nursing school? ›- Follow the nursing exam study guide. ...
- Focus on the material covered in class. ...
- Think in terms of action, not facts. ...
- Form a study group. ...
- Skim-read first. ...
- Use outside sources. ...
- Know your learning style. ...
- Use downtime as study time.
Generally, GPA requirements are different from one school to another, but on average, BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. At the same time, for an ADN program, the average GPA for admission ranges from 2.0. to 2.8.
Are nursing prerequisites harder than nursing school? ›Remember the nursing school classes are actually harder than the prerequisites and only the strong survive! While getting accepted into nursing school can be difficult the reward is well worth the hassle.
What degree is closest to nursing? ›For those who are interested in more behind-the-scenes work, or who want to explore their options in healthcare, health science is a great alternative major to nursing. A health science degree can lead to many different careers, from a healthcare administrator to medical biller and coder.
What nursing specialty is in highest demand? ›
- Neonatal nurse. This career will reward you two-fold if you love working with babies (so cute!). ...
- Clinical nurse. Clinical nurses tackle advanced cases, working with patients with severe conditions like chronic illnesses or cancer. ...
- Dialysis nurse. ...
- Nurse practitioner.
Once completing this 1 year course, you will work alongside a registered nurse that has completed their degree or diploma qualification. Diploma in nursing - This qualification takes 3 years to be completed and students will be equipped to work as an enrolled nurse or staffing nurse.
Where are nurses needed the most right now? ›- California (274,650)
- Texas (207,810)
- New York (180,730)
- Florida (174,710)
- Pennsylvania (139,480)
- EMPHASIZE YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS. This tip works well for all your resumes. ...
- INCLUDE RELEVANT EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS. ...
- PROOFREAD MULTIPLE TIMES. ...
- RESUME FORMATTING. ...
- IDEAL LENGTH FOR YOUR RESUME.
No absolutely not yes you need little effort in starting but later on you will master it. believe me i saw a lot of students in my college who were below average but their constant efforts and will power make them great in nursing.. focus more on your clinicals you will learn a lot from your clinicals ….
Is becoming a nurse worth it? ›Becoming a Registered Nurse is a solid career choice when it comes to job security, salary potential, and fulfillment. For nurses who plan to work in California, the rewards and opportunities are even more promising. The average registered nurse salary in California is often higher than any other state!
What teas score do I need for nursing school? ›TEST RESULTS
Students will receive a print out of the results once they have completed the TEAS. A minimum overall score (“Adjusted Individual Total Score”) of 60 is required to apply to the RN program.
“Nursing is not an easy profession—it requires both physical and mental stamina to make it through those 14-hour shifts.” If you love the work you are doing and believe in the impact it makes on every patient's life, you might find yourself thriving even in a whirlwind of activity.
What state has the lowest RN salary? ›As of 2021, Hawaii tops the list at 119.3, while Mississippi comes in lowest, at 87.8. Adjusting each state's average RN salary by its cost of living index gives us a potentially more accurate means of comparing where nurses get paid the most.
What state has highest RN salary? ›California. California tops the list of 15 highest-paying states for nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for RNs in California is $124,000 per year, or $59.62 per hour, compared to the national average salary of $82,750.
Which states have the happiest nurses? ›
- 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)
Applying To Nursing School
Getting into a Nursing Program | Tips & Advice for RN Program ...
How to Get Into Nursing School - A 4 Step Guide
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.
What is the shortest nursing program? ›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.
- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
- Take General Ed Courses to Raise Your GPA. ...
- Consider a Waitlist Program. ...
- Get Involved. ...
- Work Your Way Up. ...
- Realize That Grades Aren't Everything. ...
- Meet with a Counselor. ...
- Just Ask For Help. ...
- Include a Statement Letter.
- Write Down Your “Why” for Nursing. ...
- Choose a Nursing School with Multiple Start Dates. ...
- Ensure You Meet Admissions Requirements. ...
- Create a Professional Resume. ...
- Connect with Your Admissions Counselor. ...
- Start Your Prerequisites Early. ...
- Spend Time with Patients.
Nursing in the "real world" generally requires very basic math skills, but almost all programs require at least one college-level math class — usually algebra. Some nursing schools may require a basic statistics course as well, so if you know what schools you're applying to, be sure to check for this requirement.
Why is nursing so hard to get into? ›The main reason many programs are not easy to get into is because they lack the capacity to teach the number of applicants they receive. There is a shortage of nurses with master's degrees or doctorates that are willing to teach. There is also a shortage of clinical sites and classroom space.
What state is the easiest to become a nurse? ›- 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 easiest nursing specialty? ›
- Nurse educator. ...
- Long-term care nurse. ...
- Nurse administrator. ...
- Clinical research nurse. ...
- School or summer camp nurse. ...
- Clinic nurse. ...
- Nurse informatics. ...
- Lactation consultant nurse.
- Social Sciences (Intro Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
- Humanities.
- Intro to Speech (or Communication)
- English Composition.
- History.
- Using Information Technology.
There's a rumor circulating on the internet that The Guinness Book of Work Records has declared a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing to be the toughest of all bachelor's degrees to obtain. There's no truth to this claim.
What is a easy degree that pays well? ›So, what are the best choices for easy associate degrees? Top picks include business, accounting, and criminal justice. These are all stable, growing fields that pay well, and studies show that most students who choose these majors are successful.
What is the easiest community college to get into? ›American Samoa Community College
Acceptance rate: 100%.
With a 1.5 grade point average, no community college ADN program will admit you. Even if you were to raise that GPA to 3.0, you're competing against the 4.0 GPA hopefuls.
Is a 3.3 good enough for nursing school? ›A good score on the exam with a 3.3 GPA is probably good enough to get you in most ADN programs. A BSN program may not accept you immediately, but you can enroll in college as an undeclared major and take electives and prerequisites for a semester or two and improve your GPA, then reapply and be accepted.
Does my nursing GPA matter? ›Grades Do Matter, but They Aren't Everything
The most important thing is that you are able to graduate through the program and pass NCLEX. However, I would encourage nursing students to work hard to keep their grades as high as possible, as there are also many benefits to maintaining a high GPA.
