What to Consider When Selecting a
Nursing School

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If you've decided that your life's mission is to help and heal, becoming a nurse can be a natural educational choice. However, what might be much more challenging is deciding which school to attend. There are many things to consider to ensure you make the right decision for you.

The School's Location

Your chosen nursing school's location can be one of the most important considerations in the decision-making process. You may have no qualms about moving somewhere to attend one of the best nursing schools, or you may want to stay close to home and commute daily. There is a lot to think about, such as how far you can travel for classes, whether you'd live on campus or rent a house, and if you'd be comfortable living somewhere unfamiliar while undertaking higher education.

Nursing Degree Type

There is no single form of education to become a nurse. Instead, there are several. What you decide to study can dictate which nursing school you attend and what jobs you qualify for once you graduate. Consider whether you prefer to become a licensed practical nurse, where you can carry out basic nursing tasks at hospitals, care facilities, and nursing homes. Alternatively, you may prefer to become a registered nurse, which allows you to work in various environments like clinics, physicians' offices, and hospitals. Some educational facilities offer all levels of nurse training, from LPN training to associate degrees. Others focus on specific training for single qualifications.

Nursing School Accreditation

Alongside making sure the educational facility you choose has the training you prefer, it's also essential to consider their accreditation. Some nursing schools are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, while others receive accreditation from the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission.

Accreditation is vital. It means the nursing school you choose has been reviewed and approved as one that offers appropriate education for your chosen field. While most nursing schools have accreditation, not all of them do. Attending one without accreditation may mean you will not be qualified for further nursing education if you decide to pursue a higher degree.

Nursing accreditation can be split into two types: institutional and specialized/professional. Institution accreditation refers to an entire educational institute being reviewed and approved. In contrast, specialized/professional accreditation can mean that the nursing program is accredited, but the college may not be.

Class Sizes

The ratio of students to tutors is a worthwhile consideration when you start looking at different nursing schools. The smaller the class, the more one-on-one time that may be available when you need extra help. That's not to say you'll be adversely affected by larger class sizes. Still, not everyone thrives in a bustling classroom environment with dozens of students.

Class Schedules

Every educational facility schedule offers different timetables. Some provide intensive, full-time programs with very little flexibility. Others spread their workload out at different times of the day and even leave some days free for study.

Knowing the general schedule for your chosen nursing school can help you determine the types of jobs you can get on the side to support your living arrangements. If the majority of the classroom work is in the morning, you can look at night jobs. If there are free days throughout the week, you may be able to seek out work on your days off.

Practical Experience

You become an experienced nurse through doing, which is why practical experience forms a considerable part of your nursing degree. Before enrolling at your preferred school, find out what that practical experience involves.

You may be spending time at local hospitals and care facilities>, learning alongside real nurses. Some nursing schools also put feelers out to hospitals outside of the nursing school's location, which means some travel can be involved. The more you know about the practical experience component, the more prepared you can be.

Fees

As much as it's important to factor your chosen school's location, accreditation, and class sizes into the decision-making process, fees also play a part. The cost of your nursing education can ultimately dictate where you end up studying. Find out if there are any scholarships or grants available and how each school's fee structure works. You can then put plans in place to make sure you can cover your educational costs when the time comes.

There is a lot to think about when deciding which nursing school you'd like to attend. Don't rush the process. Think about what's most important to you, such as the cost, the school's accreditation, and its nursing degree offerings. You can then be as confident as possible that you've made the right decision for you.

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