How do I become a Registered Nurse (RN)? There are multiple routes to becoming a nurse, depending on the level of nursing you’re pursuing. To become a Registered Nurse, you need to meet specific educational, licensing, and practical experience requirements. The most typical path is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can …
There are multiple routes to becoming a nurse, depending on the level of nursing you’re pursuing. To become a Registered Nurse, you need to meet specific educational, licensing, and practical experience requirements. The most typical path is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which can take anywhere from 2 to 4 years. A BSN provides a more comprehensive education than other paths and is preferred by most hospitals when considering potential employees.
Most nursing programs require you to complete specific prerequisite courses, which typically include anatomy and physiology and classes related to human growth and development. All nursing programs require students to complete clinical rotations. A clinical rotation is hands-on training experience in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings involving working with patients while under supervision.
After completing your nursing education, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This exam tests your knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to apply nursing skills in real-world situations. It covers areas like:
The NCLEX-RN is a computerized, adaptive test, and the number of questions varies depending on your performance. Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you must apply for an RN license from your state’s Board of Nursing. States may have additional requirements, such as background checks or health screenings, so it’s always important to check your state’s guidelines. Some states also require RNs to complete continuing education credits to maintain their licensure.
Choosing the right nursing school requires careful consideration of factors such as accreditation, NCLEX pass rates, and employment opportunities. The schools on this list stand out for their dedication to preparing future nurses for successful careers. When deciding, consider your personal goals, financial situation, and preferred learning environment to find the best fit for you.
Accreditation: All schools listed are accredited by recognized nursing education bodies, ensuring quality education and eligibility to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: High pass rates are a key indicator of a school’s ability to prepare students for licensure. Many of these schools offer resources like NCLEX prep workshops, tutoring, and simulation labs to aid students.
Acceptance Rate: While some schools on this list have competitive admissions, others offer more accessible entry pathways for diverse student populations like adult learners, and fast-track programs.
Clinical Opportunities: Partnerships with leading hospitals are crucial for hands-on learning. Many of these schools have direct pipelines for employment at top healthcare institutions post-graduation.
Faculty: Exceptional faculty can make a significant difference in student outcomes. Several of these schools feature renowned nursing, healthcare policy, and clinical practice experts.
Facilities and Resources: State-of-the-art simulation labs, online resources, hybrid learning models, and access to cutting-edge research facilities set these schools apart.
Reputation and Alumni Network: The ability to connect with an active and supportive alumni network can be crucial for job placement and career advancement.
Accreditation: Accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education).
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Consistently high pass rates around 96% due to extensive preparation programs and resources.
Acceptance Rate: Competitive with a 25% acceptance rate, but with opportunities for diverse applicants through special programs.
Clinical Opportunities: Strong partnerships with top hospitals like Penn Medicine.
Faculty: Renowned faculty including healthcare leaders and experts in nursing research.
Facilities: State-of-the-art simulation labs and research facilities.
Reputation & Alumni: One of the top-ranked nursing programs globally, with a powerful alumni network.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High tuition, but strong financial aid and scholarship options.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: High NCLEX pass rates at 93% with extensive support for test preparation.
Acceptance Rate: Competitive with an average of 18% and an emphasis on applicants with healthcare experience.
Clinical Opportunities: Partnerships with Johns Hopkins Hospital and other leading medical centers.
Faculty: Internationally recognized experts in nursing and healthcare.
Facilities: Advanced simulation labs and strong research centers.
Reputation & Alumni: A strong public health and global health nursing reputation, with a broad alumni network.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High tuition, but with numerous scholarships, grants, and loan options.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: One of the highest pass rates in the country at 99%.
Acceptance Rate: Selective at 66% but includes fast-track and accelerated programs.
Clinical Opportunities: Strong partnerships with Duke University Health System.
Faculty: Small student-to-faculty ratio with many notable experts in clinical nursing and research.
Facilities: Innovative simulation labs and access to research in top medical fields.
Reputation & Alumni: Well-respected nationally, with a strong career placement record and active alumni network.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High cost, but many financial aid options, including scholarships.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Consistently high pass rates supported by excellent academic preparation. Moderate at 91% but still surpasses the national average of 80%.
Acceptance Rate: Competitive admissions at 10% but with flexibility for adult learners and second-degree students.
Clinical Opportunities: Access to major medical centers in Seattle, such as UW Medicine.
Faculty: Strong research-oriented faculty with an emphasis on community health.
Facilities: Leading research facilities and simulation centers.
Reputation & Alumni: One of the top public nursing schools with excellent career prospects and alumni connections.
Tuition & Financial Aid: More affordable than many private institutions, with state funding and financial aid opportunities.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: High pass rate at 93.6% aided by rigorous academic preparation and resources.
Acceptance Rate: 35% with programs for second-degree students and accelerated tracks.
Clinical Opportunities: Access to top New York hospitals, including New York–Presbyterian.
Faculty: Leaders in clinical nursing and healthcare research.
Facilities: Cutting-edge simulation labs and a focus on advanced nursing practice.
Reputation & Alumni: Ivy League reputation with a vast network of alumni in influential healthcare roles.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High tuition, but with extensive scholarship and grant opportunities.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Strong pass rate at 94% thanks to comprehensive clinical training.
Acceptance Rate: Selective at 24% with tracks to focusing on graduate-level nursing education.
Clinical Opportunities: Partnerships with top-tier hospitals in the Bay Area, such as UCSF Health.
Faculty: Experts in public health nursing and research-driven healthcare.
Facilities: Advanced research and simulation labs.
Reputation & Alumni: Highly respected, especially for advanced practice and research roles.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High cost, with financial aid and scholarship options available.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: High NCLEX pass rates at 97.6% supported by tutoring and workshops.
Acceptance Rate: Competitive at 19% with multiple entry pathways for diverse students.
Clinical Opportunities: Strong connections with the University of Michigan Health System.
Faculty: Small class sizes with personalized attention from expert faculty.
Facilities: Leading-edge simulation labs and research resources.
Reputation & Alumni: Nationally recognized with a strong alumni network and job placement rate.
Tuition & Financial Aid: Moderate tuition, with state funding and financial aid options.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: High pass rate at 92% with comprehensive prep resources.
Acceptance Rate: Only about 13% but offers flexible options for working adults and second-degree seekers.
Clinical Opportunities: Access to New York City’s top healthcare facilities.
Faculty: Strong faculty with research expertise and clinical experience.
Facilities: Modern simulation labs and global health initiatives.
Reputation & Alumni: Known for a strong focus on global health and nursing leadership.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High tuition, with significant financial aid opportunities.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: High NCLEX pass rates at 95% with ample preparation resources.
Acceptance Rate: 13% but accessible via fast-track and second-degree programs.
Clinical Opportunities: Partnerships with top healthcare providers like Emory Healthcare.
Faculty: Accomplished faculty, including leaders in healthcare policy.
Facilities: High-tech simulation labs and extensive research opportunities.
Reputation & Alumni: Strong reputation in the Southeast, with excellent alumni support.
Tuition & Financial Aid: High tuition, with robust financial aid and scholarship offerings.
Accreditation: CCNE-accredited.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates: Excellent pass rates at 98% supported by academic rigor.
Acceptance Rate: One of the toughest at 8.8% but offers options for adult learners and transfer students.
Clinical Opportunities: Extensive clinical placements in top North Carolina hospitals.
Faculty: Esteemed faculty with expertise in public health and clinical nursing.
Facilities: Cutting-edge labs and online/hybrid programs.
Reputation & Alumni: A top public school with a strong job placement rate and active alumni.
Tuition & Financial Aid: Lower tuition for in-state students, with significant financial aid options.
The schools listed excel in offering top-tier education, clinical experiences, and support for passing the NCLEX-RN exam, all essential for future success. They also offer a range of financial aid options and flexible pathways for diverse students. Selecting the right nursing school is a critical step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. Whether you’re drawn to the prestige of an Ivy League institution, the innovation of a research-driven university, or the hands-on clinical focus of a public school, each of these top 10 programs offers unique advantages. By considering your personal goals, financial needs, and desired learning environment, you can find the nursing program that best aligns with your aspirations. Attending a top 10 nursing school can set you on the path to becoming a skilled, compassionate, and highly qualified registered nurse.
