While many students feel that nursing school chooses them, it is necessary to choose a school that is right for you. Before you agree to invest the next 2-4 years of your life and your education, make sure the school you choose is the best one to reach your goals. A little research and time on your part can decrease stress and disappointment later. Here are a few tips to help you find the best fit:
- Meet with an admissions counselor
An admissions counselor or recruiter is a good source for getting information on the program requirements and ensuring you are on track for admission. You don’t want to end up taking courses you don’t need or find out after the fact that they don’t meet the requirements. - Is the school accredited?
A school might be approved by its state board of nursing to offer a degree in nursing, but not accredited. Why does this matter? Graduating from an unaccredited school will limit job opportunities and your ability to continue your education at institutions that are accredited. - NCLEX pass rates
Find out how many students are taking and passing the exam. This information can generally be found online or from someone in admissions. Since this is your ultimate goal, you want to choose a school that has proven they can get you there. - Don’t stop at NCLEX pass rates
Find out how many students started, and how many finished a program. A 98% pass rate on the NCLEX is impressive, until you realize that 120 students started the program and only 30 finished. Nursing school is difficult, but numbers like that raise a red flag. Were students properly evaluated at admission? Why did so many leave? All schools have those who drop out, but good schools have a solid pre-admission process in place and a plan to offer support for those who are struggling. - Talk to someone who has actually done it!
Find someone who has graduated from or is currently attending that school and ask the serious, day-to-day questions. What do they like? What would they do differently? We all learn from each other. This is a never-ending cycle. Share your experiences with others and help them have a good experience. - Talk to nursing recruiters or nurse managers
Job fairs are a great place to find nurse recruiters. Stop at a booth and ask if they have hired graduates from the school you are considering. Doing some shadowing on a unit that interests you? Ask the nurse you are with or the manager if they have hired nurses from that school. For better or worse, those who have gone before you can influence these factors. - Don’t be afraid to think outside the box
Online learning, especially for graduate education is becoming more common. You demonstrate motivation, drive, and tendencies that are appealing to employers and highly sought after for nursing leaders. Online learning is tough and will often push you to your limit-especially when trying to work and focus on a family at the same time. However, you will find that faculty are mindful of this and are invested in the same goals of achieving success. Expand your options and take the leap!
Regardless of the nursing degree you are seeking, you are about to embark on a journey that is going to require some serious investment. Help yourself by making sure you have found the school that is the right fit for you.