The next step after choosing your desired profession involves choosing your educational path˳ Becoming a nurse requires you to explore nursing schools˳ As this is a weighty decision, it is wise to consider your options carefully before making a final choice˳
Accreditation
Inquire about accreditation˳ Optimally, any schools you consider should be accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the National League for Nursing Accreditation˳ Some institutions have accreditation from both organizations˳ Institutions that have achieved these accreditations have demonstrated excellence in curriculum, financial standing, instruction, and policy˳ Attending a school without accreditation could result in substandard education˳
Specialty Programs
Various fields of specialization will have different types of environments˳ If you thrive on adrenaline, you might consider a career in trauma or emergency˳ If you enjoy focusing on details, a career in research might be more your pace˳ If you have specific interests such as working with children or birthing, you might want to pursue a career in pediatrics or obstetrics˳ Explore facilities to find a specialty program that matches your career plans˳ Contact the admissions offices or visit websites of several nursing schools to narrow this search˳
Location
You will need a place that you can travel to and from without difficulty, especially as you fit your class schedule into your other activities and responsibilities˳ Find out about public transportation available, if applicable˳ If you intend to drive, learn about student parking availability˳
Size Considerations
Decide whether you wish to have a small institution that delivers closer student attention or a larger one with more competition and academic opportunities˳ It is also important to inquire about faculty to student ratios in classes and clinical instruction˳
Tuition Cost
Tuition and prices will vary between different nursing schools˳ Public and private institutions have different tuition scales˳ You will also find tuition differences depending on whether you are an out-of-state or in-state student˳ Although tuition rates vary significantly, out-of-state students pay over two times more tuition than in-state students˳ Facilities also have differences in financial aid options˳
Online Options
Many institutions offer online classes to students˳ Although you would not be able to take all of your classes virtually, this can be an ideal way to complete some coursework to simplify your daily schedule˳ Online courses may also be less expensive than standard classes˳
Admission Testing
Find out whether admission testing is required for entrance˳ Many nursing schools administer a pre-admission test to prequalify prospective students˳ Other academic tests may also be necessary˳
Pass Rate
After graduation, you will need to take the National Council Licensing Examination˳ It is important to know the pass rate for any school you consider attending˳ If possible, find out the pass rate for the last ten years, because this will tell you about the curriculum and teaching methods of any institution˳
After researching and exploring various nursing schools, you will be ready to choose the one that fits your career goals˳
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