Step-by-Step Nursing School Selection Process
Hey future nurse!
So, you’re thinking about nursing? That’s GREAT!!! 🎉 But wait—how do you even begin to choose the right school? Which one fits your lifestyle and goals? Is it accredited? Is it approved by your state’s board of nursing? Or is it one of those… “Florida schools” (We’ll talk about that later 👀)?
These are all valid questions—and every nurse, no matter the level, has had to wrestle with them.
In this blog, we’re breaking down exactly what you should consider when choosing your nursing school—complete with a fool-proof system to help you narrow down your options and pick the program that’s JUST RIGHT for you.
And make sure you read all the way to the end—there’s a special surprise waiting for you in Part Two!
🎯 Start With Your Nursing Goals
Before choosing a school, you need to ask yourself: Where am I headed in nursing?
There are several different types of nurses, and each has a unique pathway and purpose:
- LVN/LPN (Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse)
- Focused on how to deliver care: medications, wound care, IV maintenance.
- Coursework includes Basic Nursing, Pharmacology, and Skills Labs.
- RN (Registered Nurse)
- Trained in both how and why.
- Performs assessments, develops care plans, and delegates responsibilities.
- Holds more autonomy and responsibility in patient care.
- NP (Nurse Practitioner)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurses who can diagnose, treat, and prescribe.
- Specialties include Family, Psychiatric-Mental Health, Pediatrics, and more.
- Must be an RN first.
- CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist)
- Delivers anesthesia for surgeries and procedures.
- Typically requires ICU experience before applying.
- Must also be a licensed RN.
- CNM (Certified Nurse Midwife)
- Specializes in obstetric and gynecologic care, especially labor and delivery.
- Requires an RN license and additional graduate-level training.
💡 Pro Tip: Set short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals before choosing a program.
My Journey: I started as a CNA 15 years ago. Today, I’m a Registered Nurse with an Associate’s Degree—and I’m currently in a Master's program to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Your journey might not look like mine, and that’s okay. Just remember—it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
✅ Step One: Is the School Approved by Your State Board?
Each state has its own Board of Nursing (BON), and only state-approved programs can legally qualify you to sit for the NCLEX and become licensed.
How to check:
- Google: "[Your State] Board of Nursing."
- Look for an “Approved Programs” section.
- Confirm that your program type (LPN, RN, NP) is listed.
- BONUS: Check the NCLEX pass rate for the school—higher pass rates = better odds for YOU!
📚 Step Two: Understanding Accreditation
There are two types of accreditation you need to understand.
1. Academic Accreditation:
- Regional Accreditation (✅ Ideal)
- Awarded to most universities and community colleges.
- Makes transferring credits and advancing your degree MUCH easier.
- National Accreditation (⚠️ Be Cautious)
- Often applies to for-profit or trade schools.
- May not be accepted by regionally accredited institutions.
Choosing a nationally accredited school may limit your ability to transfer or pursue higher degrees. Always double-check before you enroll!
2. Programmatic Accreditation:
- These ensure that the nursing program itself meets national education standards.
- Two recognized agencies:
- ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
- CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
🎓 Look for this on the school’s website—usually under “Accreditation.” If it’s not there… big red flag!
🕒 How Long Do Nursing Programs Take?
Here’s a breakdown of typical timelines. (Talk to your admissions rep for exact program lengths.)
LVN/LPN Programs:
- 1–2 years
- May include or require completion of prerequisites first.
RN Programs:
a. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- 4–6 years (including prereqs).
- Many programs require passing an entrance exam (TEAS, HESI, etc.).
b. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN)
- 15–24 months.
- May be accelerated or include prerequisites.
c. Diploma Programs (Rare but Gold)
- Hospital-based and heavy on hands-on training.
- Combine coursework from a local college with clinical rotations in a hospital.
d. LVN/LPN to RN Bridge Programs
- 1–3 years, depending on your goal (ADN vs. BSN).
- Heads up: transitioning can be challenging if you’ve been practicing in the field a long time and are used to “real-world” vs. “textbook” care.
e. Second Degree / Direct-Entry Master’s Programs
- For those with non-nursing Bachelor’s or higher degrees.
- Can lead to a Master’s in Nursing (but only RN licensure—not NP).
- You can always advance your education later!
🎁 Don’t Miss Part Two...
That’s a wrap on Part One—but don’t worry, there’s more coming your way.
In Part Two, I’ll walk you through:
- How to finance your education 💰
- Red flags to watch out for 🚩
- How to balance school, work, and life 😅
- AND the surprise I promised you (you’ll want this!)
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Drop your questions or experiences in the comments—let’s support each other on this path to purpose.
Until next time,
Nurse TLC
✨ Real. Raw. Nurse Life.
tlcnurselife.wordpress.com