Tips for choosing the right nursing program
Discover your ideal nursing program by considering these essential factors.
Finding the Nursing Program that Fits You
Choosing the right advanced nursing program to fit your career goals can feel daunting since there are so many available options. Selecting your ideal nursing program involves considering factors like personal preference, program delivery and length, career goals, and faculty-student relationships.
Making an informed decision is vital to feeling confident about taking that next step toward your future. This article provides valuable tips and insights to help you answer the question, "Which nursing program is right for me?" Continue reading for help determining which nursing program aligns with your personal circumstances and professional aspirations.
Personal Factors to Consider
Finding a nursing program that matches your circumstances is helpful since there's no one-size-fits-all option. The best nursing program for you depends on your unique needs and circumstances. Here are some factors to consider:
- Cost and Financial Aid: Tuition and fees may vary greatly from program to program, so assessing your financial situation is useful. Total tuition can range from about $21,000 to $69,000 for an RN to BSN program, and costs might exceed $100,000 for a more advanced degree.1 You can always explore scholarships and grants to help cover the cost of your education.
- Lifestyle: Keep in mind how the nursing program will fit with your lifestyle to ensure a healthy balance between your personal or professional responsibilities and your studies. For instance, if you have children or other dependents, you'll want a program that offers added flexibility. Online nursing programs may fit your schedule better than on-campus programs.
- Time Commitment: Nursing programs can be full-time, part-time, or accelerated, with most RN programs taking 2-4 years.2 Either full-time or part-time study may suit you better depending on your other commitments, like work or family. Accelerated programs typically require you to have some background in nursing or to hold a previously earned non-nursing degree.
- Support System: Having a sturdy support system can significantly benefit you in your studies. Whether it's family, friends, classmates, or school resources, ensure you have people to lean on during tough times.
Program Delivery: In-Person vs. Online Nursing Degree Programs
Another factor to consider is the delivery of the nursing program, which depends on your learning style and lifestyle. Most programs fall into one of two categories: on-campus or online nursing degree programs.
On-campus nursing programs offer a traditional learning experience in which learners live on or near campus to attend in-person classes. In-person studies offer face-to-face interactions, immediate feedback, and social interactions.
Online nursing degree programs also have numerous benefits, including added flexibility that may appeal to learners with families and other time-consuming commitments. Some online programs are self-paced and allow students to take courses during times that work for them, view prerecorded lectures, and complete digital coursework. Online programs typically have internship or practicum requirements that can be completed at a facility local to you.
Another advantage to online nursing programs is that they typically cost less, thanks to lower tuition and the lack of on-campus student fees or boarding costs.3
Nursing Career Goals
Deciding on a nursing program is a hefty decision that should align with your long-term career goals.
Start by brainstorming your career aspirations and desired specialization. For instance, do you want to specialize in pediatrics, oncology, or critical care? Or do you see yourself in a leadership or research position? Researching different programs to see which ones offer specific courses, specializations, and clinical experiences that meet your preferences is beneficial.
If you still need to figure out your long-term career goals, that's OK. Many undergraduates and those pursuing specialized tracks begin their study with unclear career goals or paths. In this case, you can search for nursing programs that offer a wide range of specialties and courses so that you can explore your career options along the way.
Nursing Program Type and Length
The type of nursing degree you hope to obtain can impact the time it takes to complete the program. This is an important consideration because it involves your lifestyle and career goals. Here's a breakdown of the different nursing degrees and how long they typically take to complete3:
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing: A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) takes about four years to complete and qualifies graduates to pursue licensure in every state. These programs offer a broad curriculum and more advanced nursing classes.
- Master's Degree in Nursing: A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) often requires 1-2 years of additional coursework beyond a BSN and allows graduates to pursue nurse practitioner licensure. There are also specialized master's degrees in nursing for areas like education, healthcare informatics, and administration.
- Doctoral Degree in Nursing: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs commonly take 3-4 additional years of study. Ph.D. programs focus heavily on research, while DNP programs offer more practical studies.
Faculty-Student Relationships and Class Size
The way students interact with faculty members and the average class size are crucial components to consider when selecting a nursing degree program that works for you.
Having professors who are approachable, supportive, and invested in student success can greatly improve your nursing program experience. Quality faculty can provide personalized guidance, career advice and valuable networking opportunities in nursing. When researching your options, look for programs where faculty are recognized for these qualities. When studying online, setting up virtual office hours with faculty can help build this relationship.
Class size can affect the professors' attention levels and your ability to connect with fellow peers. Smaller classes are usually more personalized and offer the chance for more participation and individualized instruction. Larger classes may offer a broader range of perspectives and experiences, which can also be beneficial.
When studying online, opportunities to interact with others who are studying in the same field you are may be fewer and farther between, so when your online time includes classmates, use this time to listen and learn from others.
Mostly, we really recommend that you consider your ideal learning environment and style when browsing potential nursing programs.
Choose a Nursing Degree Program for You
Numerous factors must be considered when choosing the right nursing degree program, such as your current lifestyle, tuition costs, future career goals, program type and others.
That's why we're here to make this process easier with our helpful enrollment advisors, who can guide you to a nursing program that meets your goals and desires.