Between the aging population and healthcare professionals still rebounding from COVID-19 exhaustion, the demand for nurses continues to rise. If you are considering a nursing career, choosing from so many nursing program options can be intimidating.
The following list highlights some of the best nursing programs across the country. Learn more about the top schools for registered nurses (RNs) by state, application requirements, and how these programs work.
We use a data-driven methodology to identify the best schools for RNs in many states, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our list of the top nursing programs across the country.
Learn More About the Best Registered Nursing Schools in the Country
How We Rank Schools
We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
How Do Registered Nursing Programs Work?
Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs prepare students to become successful RNs. The four-year program comprises general education coursework, nursing classes, and clinical experiences. Most general education requirements are completed in the first year, with years 2-4 focusing primarily on nursing.
On average, BSN programs require students to complete 120-130 credits and 700-800 clinical hours. During clinical experiences, students take the information they learn in their nursing courses and apply it through hands-on experiences in patient-care settings and labs alongside licensed nurses.
After finishing their coursework and clinical requirements, learners can sit for the NCLEX-RN. Students must pass this exam to apply for their RN license and officially start working in the nursing field.
Applying to a Registered Nursing Program
Before applying to a BSN program, review the admission criteria to ensure you meet the conditions for acceptance.
While specific requirements may vary by school, most programs look for applicants to provide certain materials and satisfy similar academic prerequisites.
- Admission Materials: High school courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology (preferred); SAT and/or ACT scores; resume; personal essay; letters of recommendation; volunteer experience
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 2.75 GPA
Why Is Registered Nursing Program Accreditation Important?
Attending an accredited RN program provides benefits not only to you as a nurse but also to your future patients and employer. Graduates of accredited programs are more attractive to employers because of the program's quality and the assurance that graduates can provide the best care to their patients.
Provided only by nationally recognized organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, accreditation demonstrates that the school successfully prepares nurses for safe practice.
Attending a non-accredited program may cause students to be ineligible for federal financial aid, unable to transfer their credits to an accredited school, or incapable of pursuing graduate education.
Frequently Asked Questions About RN Programs
