Wondering how to choose a nursing program when there are so many options? If you’re a nontraditional student, start by looking for an Accelerated BSN program designed for nontraditional learners. Then, look for these features and attributes: hybrid learning approach, accreditation, diverse clinical placements, rigorous curriculum, and school scholarships.
Does it matter where you go to nursing school? Absolutely. The right nursing school will instill a solid foundation for a successful nursing career. To learn how to choose a nursing program, assess your starting point, such as your current academic credentials, and determine how you can leverage them to fast-track your nursing education.
At Concordia University Texas, our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track enables you to leverage your non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 college credits to accelerate your nursing education. It’s possible to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months upon completion of any needed prerequisites.
As you consider how to choose a nursing school, first look for one that fits your needs if you’re a nontraditional learner. Then, look at factors like accreditation, curriculum, clinical placements, and NCLEX-RN pass rates.
Once you’ve chosen the right nursing school, learn how to get into nursing school.
1. Find a Track for Nontraditional Learners
Nontraditional learners are those who have prior college education in another field and perhaps some work experience. They want to switch careers to nursing, but don’t necessarily want to go back to school for a long time to accomplish that.
If that describes you, then you’ll want to look for an accelerated nursing program designed specifically for nontraditional learners. The ABSN track at Concordia Texas requires students to have a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 college credits, so they can leverage their experience toward earning a BSN faster.
The exact timeline varies from one school to the next, but in Concordia Texas’s ABSN track, it’s possible to earn a degree in as few as 16 months after completing prerequisites.
2. Number of Start Dates Per Year
Once you’ve made the decision to switch careers and attend nursing school, the last thing you’ll want is to wait to start. One factor to consider when figuring out how to choose a nursing school is the number of start dates available each year.
For example, you could look for a school like Concordia Texas that offers three start dates each year, in January, May, and August. This allows you to start almost as soon as you’re ready.
With three start dates per year, the nursing school will be able to enroll more students. This is another benefit for you, as it reduces the number of qualified applicants the school is forced to turn away due to limited spots. As a result, you’ll have better chances of acceptance.
3. Quality Online Nursing Education
Nontraditional learners can benefit from a flexible, hybrid learning approach that combines online coursework with in-person learning experiences. Concordia University Texas is pleased to offer online coursework, which allows students to connect with instructors daily.
Through an intuitive e-Learning platform, your online coursework includes audio and video learning options, interactive activities, and learning modules that will keep you engaged. The chat function allows you to communicate with instructors whenever needed. Your instructors will mentor you each step of the way.
This platform also allows you to connect with classmates from your cohort to form and schedule study groups. Building these relationships is important and will foster your nursing school success.
4. Diverse Clinical Placements
Look for a nursing school that offers clinical placements in many different nursing specialties. The diverse clinical experience you gain during nursing school is important for your career preparation.
Consider looking for a nursing school that offers placements in areas such as:
- Acute care
- Adult health
- Intensive care
- Mental health
- Pediatrics
Your time spent in clinical rotations under the guidance of the clinical faculty will teach you how to connect with patients, manage your time, and discover specialty areas you would like to pursue in the future. You will also get to showcase your skills while making lasting professional connections with hospital administrators, registered nurses, and doctors.
5. High NCLEX Pass Rates
Experiencing clinical rotations in a diverse range of settings, a rigorous online curriculum and hands-on labs, prepare you to graduate ready to pursue a nursing career. Before you can put your BSN degree to work, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Look for a nursing school with high NCLEX pass rates.
Concordia University Texas is dedicated to making sure our ABSN students are prepared to sit for the exam. In fact, in 2024, our first-time pass rate was exceptionally high at 97.18%.
6. Accreditation
Accreditation is a designation granted by an independent, third-party organization that reviews the school’s quality of education. Prospective students should always choose an accredited school, as this indicates that the school prepares students for their future careers, and the degree conferred will be widely accepted by potential employers and professional associations.
Concordia University Texas is an institutionally accredited university, and our nursing school has received approval from the Texas Board of Nursing (BON).
7. Affordable Tuition, With Scholarships Available
While it shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when figuring out how to choose a nursing school, you should compare tuition rates. Nursing students can also expect various school fees, and those who apply to an ABSN track will need to pay for prerequisites.
You can also defray the cost of your education with federal financial aid and school scholarships. When comparing nursing schools, look for one that regularly offers scholarships to nursing students.
8. Strong Curriculum Designed for Nursing Success
Nursing schools establish their own curriculum, but there are commonalities. When learning how to choose a nursing program based on curriculum, look for nursing topics such as:
- Adult health
- Child and family nursing
- Community and global health
- Maternal/newborn health
- Nursing leadership
- Pharmacology
In addition, not every school offers formal NCLEX prep built into the curriculum, but it’s worth looking for a nursing school that does.
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9. Values and Mission
You may wish to look for a nursing school that has stated values and a mission statement aligned with your personal beliefs. For example, Concordia Texas’s approach is to blend faith, learning, and life-changing experiences that lead to meaningful work.
Your Success Starts at Concordia University Texas
With flexible learning options, three start dates per year, and a strong, accredited curriculum, Concordia University Texas is the nursing school of choice for many career switchers. We also support your progress with attentive instructors and Academic Success Coaches, and our clinical partners offer robust, hands-on learning experiences to prepare you for your career after graduation.
Contact an admissions counselor at Concordia University Texas today and take the first step toward your future as a nurse.