Things to Consider in Selecting Registered Nurse Schools
A good foundation of concepts is imperative in the nursing profession. That is why you should get the best quality nursing education possible. There are several registered nurse schools out there, but how do you choose the best one among them? There are a few things to consider before you choose a school and they are listed below.
Specialties and Accreditation
This first thing you should consider before choosing a school is the specialties they offer. Decide on the nursing specialty you would like to take then find a universities and schools that offer it. The accreditation of the school should also be taken into account. You should look for a school that is accredited any of the two nursing school accrediting bodies. They are the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National League for Nursing Accreditation omission or NLNAC. If a school is accredited, it means that it has met the standards necessary in order to provide nursing education. Accreditation from one of the two organizations is good but ideal registered nurse schools have accreditation from both.
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Tuition Fees
The tuition fee of a school is also an important factor to consider. A nursing education does not come cheap. There are huge differences between private school and public school fees. Know the tuition fees of the different schools and find one that has fees within your range. If you want to go study in a school you can not afford, you can always apply for a financial aid.
School Location
Location of registered nurse schools is also a factor. Find the different nursing schools in the area and see if the nursing program you would like to enrol in is available in those schools. Sometimes, the nursing specialization is not available in your area and you have to decide if you are willing to travel or relocate in order to attend school.
Clinical Rotations
In order to meet the required course work, one must complete the necessary clinical rotations. Consider the clinical rotation time, variation in placements and areas and the amount of hands on experience that the school offers. Ask around from students currently enrolled in the school for information regarding this matter.
NCLEX Passing Rates
After completing the necessary education, a nursing graduate must then take the National Council Licensure Examination. Find out the NCLEX passing percentage for the past five to ten years of your prospect schools. This is a gauge of how much effort registered nurse schools put into preparing their students.
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Other factors include admission tests, school size and class size. An admission test is a way for a school to screen possible students. Know the types of pre admission examinations and requirements of the school you want to attend. School size is also an important factor. Do you want the close attention that small nursing schools provide or would you rather go for the academic stimulation that larger institutions provide?
Do research on different registered nurse schools. You can get information from brochures or the school website. Better yet, visit the campus to get a feel of the school for yourself. Ask the students on campus so that you can really know what its like to study there. Consider the different factors and list down the advantages and disadvantages of every school. Once you have weighed the pros and cons, decide on which school is best for you.
