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Matchmaking 101: Finding the Right Nursing School
by Yvette Sterbenk

Side Light The Many Degrees of an RN There are a variety of ways to obtain an undergraduate degree and become an RN. More>

Side Light "Congratulations! You have been accepted..." How can you ensure you'll read those five beautiful words from the nursing school of your dreams? More>

Training to be a registered nurse can be almost as exciting as the job itself. At nursing school you'll have the opportunity to explore practice areas, learn from experienced faculty, and bond with like-minded peers who share your career aspirations. Best of all, there isn't just one way to become an RN. The type of program you pursue depends on your own situation and preferences. The choice is yours.

The basic degree you'll need in order to practice as an RN in almost every state is an associate's degree (A.D.N.). This two-year degree, usually obtained at a community or junior college, works well for students who can't or don't want to spend four years in school before starting their nursing careers. An A.D.N. is considered a "technical" degree-it provides a basic foundation of nursing practices. As an associate's degree candidate, you must pass general-studies courses, such as English composition and biology, but most of your time will be focused on nursing courses and fulfilling a quota of clinical or hospital practice hours.

The benefit of an associate's degree is that it allows you to test the waters of nursing with a minimal investment of time and money. And later, if you choose, you can pursue a B.S.N. in an accelerated RN-to-B.S.N. program.

A bacheolor's degree in nursing (B.S.N.) is a four-year program. You'll generally spend the first two years taking the core liberal-arts and science courses, but the big difference between a nursing program and a non-nursing program is in the science requirements-you'll focus on medical courses like anatomy, rather than general science topics like geology. The final two years of study encompass nursing theory and practical courses, as well as a required number of clinical rotation hours.

Dr. Linda Perkel, associate dean of undergraduate programs for the Barry University School of Nursing in Miami, Fla., recommends entering the nursing field after earning a B.S.N. "Baccalaureate programs focus on incorporating liberal arts and sciences, critical thinking, and essential problem-solving skills into (their) educational programs," says Perkel. She adds, "B.S.N. graduates are better able to advance in their profession more rapidly."

Why? Because employers recognize and appreciate the commitment of a nurse who has invested four years in earning her B.S.N. Additionally, they know the nurse has had more nursing theory courses and hands-on practical clinical experience than those with an associate's degree.

For both associate's and bachelor's degree students, the clinical rotation is perhaps the most exciting part of nursing school, as it provides the opportunity to actually begin working in the field. Clinical experience may take place at a local facility, such as a nearby hospital, community clinic, or school nurse's office, under the supervision of experienced nurses. There, students get to put their studies into actual practice-reading patient reports, administering medications, and treating patients. B.S.N. requirements vary, depending on the school. For instance, some programs require students to take nursing classes and begin clinical rotation hours as early as the second year. Consider these program requirements when you apply to various schools.

Remember, too, that earning your degree is only part of the process of becoming a practicing nurse. You'll still need to pass the NCLEX in order to be a licensed RN. Look at the success rate of the graduates from the nursing schools you are considering. What percentage passes the NCLEX? Will you need extra help to ace the exam, and if so, what help does the nursing school offer?

Another important factor is where you'll do your clinical rotations. If you're not sure where you'd like to practice once you're an RN, a program that offers numerous placement environments and a large number of clinical rotation hours will allow you to experiment. Some students consider name recognition important, and will want a school that allies itself with well-known and highly regarded facilities.

Finally, don't forget the basic considerations, such as school location, campus size, and cost. These points are key to ensuring your undergraduate experience is as positive and dynamic as possible.

There are more than 1,000 different nursing programs at colleges and universities across the country, so there's plenty of opportunity to find exactly the right match for you. Begin your research early to find which universities offer programs that interest you. Good starting points are the searchable database on Johnson & Johnson's Discover Nursing Web site and the online directory search provided by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.