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Choosing The Right Nursing School
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Published: September 27, 2006
The first step toward becoming a nurse is to choose a specialty. The next step is to decide on a nursing school. Many factors go into choosing the right nursing school, including the specialty, and all factors depend on the circumstances and preferences of individual prospective nursing students.
There are many different specialties to choose from and each will determine what kind of nursing school to attend. Choosing to be a nursing aide, licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or advanced degree nurse (ADN) will limit choices to junior colleges. This is because all of these programs require only one to three years of study. Prospective students wanting to be a registered nurse (RN) will have to look at four-year programs offered at colleges and universities.
The next factors to consider when deciding on a nursing school are location, school size and class size. Prospective students must decide whether they are willing to relocate, commute far distances or attend local schools. Prospective students also should investigate the size of the nursing school, taking class size into particular consideration. Some students prefer the more intimate experience gained from smaller schools and classes, while others prefer the diversity gained from attending large schools with large class sizes.
Prospective students also should check the clinical rotations of their nursing school options. Clinical rotation is the amount of hands-on experiences nursing students receive in hospitals and clinics. The abundance of clinical rotation should be considered, as well as whether the school's clinical placements are varied enough.
Another factor to consider when choosing a nursing school is accreditation. Prospective students should choose nursing schools accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission. This means the nursing school meets the standards of education set by the NLNAC and properly prepares students for state board examinations.
Tuition is another major factor when considering nursing schools. Tuition prices vary widely between public and private schools. Tuition also varies according to in-state and out-of-state residency. Luckily, many schools provide scholarships as well as financial aid to help students cope with tuition costs.
Checking the school’s ranking is a helpful tool in easing the decision making process. Currently, there are two ranking systems within the United States: U.S. News & World Report and NIH Research Funding. Both systems form rankings based on nursing schools’ strengths and weaknesses.
Deciding on the right nursing school is an important step toward becoming a nurse. Decisions should be made bases the multiple factors, not just money or prestige. Researching a school, requesting information and even meeting with a counselor will provide insight ensuring students choose the right school for them.
Sources:
Choosing a Nursing School. 2006. LifeTips. 21 September 2006.
< http://nursingdegree.lifetips.com/cat/63953/choosi ng-a-nursing-school/index.html>.
Choosing a Nursing School That's Right for You. 2006. All Nursing Schools. 21 September 2006. < http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/schools.php& gt;.
There are many different specialties to choose from and each will determine what kind of nursing school to attend. Choosing to be a nursing aide, licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN) or advanced degree nurse (ADN) will limit choices to junior colleges. This is because all of these programs require only one to three years of study. Prospective students wanting to be a registered nurse (RN) will have to look at four-year programs offered at colleges and universities.
The next factors to consider when deciding on a nursing school are location, school size and class size. Prospective students must decide whether they are willing to relocate, commute far distances or attend local schools. Prospective students also should investigate the size of the nursing school, taking class size into particular consideration. Some students prefer the more intimate experience gained from smaller schools and classes, while others prefer the diversity gained from attending large schools with large class sizes.
Prospective students also should check the clinical rotations of their nursing school options. Clinical rotation is the amount of hands-on experiences nursing students receive in hospitals and clinics. The abundance of clinical rotation should be considered, as well as whether the school's clinical placements are varied enough.
Another factor to consider when choosing a nursing school is accreditation. Prospective students should choose nursing schools accredited by the National League of Nursing Accrediting Commission. This means the nursing school meets the standards of education set by the NLNAC and properly prepares students for state board examinations.
Tuition is another major factor when considering nursing schools. Tuition prices vary widely between public and private schools. Tuition also varies according to in-state and out-of-state residency. Luckily, many schools provide scholarships as well as financial aid to help students cope with tuition costs.
Checking the school’s ranking is a helpful tool in easing the decision making process. Currently, there are two ranking systems within the United States: U.S. News & World Report and NIH Research Funding. Both systems form rankings based on nursing schools’ strengths and weaknesses.
Deciding on the right nursing school is an important step toward becoming a nurse. Decisions should be made bases the multiple factors, not just money or prestige. Researching a school, requesting information and even meeting with a counselor will provide insight ensuring students choose the right school for them.
Sources:
Choosing a Nursing School. 2006. LifeTips. 21 September 2006.
< http://nursingdegree.lifetips.com/cat/63953/choosi ng-a-nursing-school/index.html>.
Choosing a Nursing School That's Right for You. 2006. All Nursing Schools. 21 September 2006. < http://www.allnursingschools.com/faqs/schools.php& gt;.
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