Nursing Schools

Nursing schools are the start of a path to a very rewarding healthcare career. People who have a passion for serving others and caring for the sick can easily find excellent pay for work they enjoy doing. In order to get the most out of this career path, it is important to understand the many different types of nursing careers available. Finding a school that offers instruction in the exact path you intend to follow will be an important first step.

Getting Into Nursing Schools

Since there are so many applicants for nursing schools, it is important to understand all the admission criteria and course prerequisites for each school before applying. Many schools may not even consider an application before all prerequisites have been completed, so be sure to apply only after double checking the criteria has been met. Prerequisites can include classes like chemistry, nutrition, and anatomy and physiology. Be sure to check each school's requirements before applying. Grades are also very important. People with GPA's of 3.3 or higher typically have the best chances of standing out among the competition and getting accepted to the school of their choice.

Nursing Schools - Programs and Courses

There are many different nursing programs available. The student should choose a program that will match the type of work setting he desires. Nursing programs require anywhere from an associates degree to a PhD. The level of degree will open different doors for different career opportunities. An LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) focuses on bedside care. RN's (Registered Nurses) are administrators in addition to being care givers. RN's communicate directly with doctors on health care decisions and care for their patients. A nurse practitioner still works under the supervision of a doctor but can diagnose and prescribe medicine.

Courses will vary depending on the type of program the student chooses. The most commonly sought after degree is the 4 year BSN. With this type of degree nurses have a wider range of job opportunities available to them and can receive a healthy paycheck. This program requires all the typical general education courses during the first two years. The last two years are spent on the science of nursing and principles of nursing practice.

Top Nursing Schools

Because of the high competition among aspiring nurses, it's important to get a good education from a top school to ensure that you'll be hired quickly after graduation. Some of the top schools include University of California San Francisco, University of Washington Tacoma, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, University of Illinois at Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania. These are just a few of the top schools. Doing some research online on schools you are interested in will help you to narrow down which school would be best for the program you intend to follow.

There are many people who are interested in a fulfilling nursing career. If you are one of these people you should consider the exact field you wish to follow and then determine which nursing program would give you the best opportunity to enter that field. Attending the top nursing schools can help you on your way to a successful career.