8 Questions to Help You Choose a Quality Nursing Program
Choosing the right nursing school is important for many reasons. The quality of your education and the support you receive make all the difference toward your success after graduation. Nursing programs require financial commitment and dedication, so it’s a good idea to explore your options so you can maximize your educational experience.
Read on to learn more about how to choose a nursing school and what to look for in a nursing program when comparing your potential paths forward. The nursing program that is right for you is ultimately one with program features that align most closely with your goals and values.
How to Research Nursing Schools
You want to begin your research of available nursing schools by thinking about factors that are important in your life. Starting questions you might ask yourself include:
- Do you need an efficient timeline for degree completion?
- Are you more interested in online coursework or in-person learning?
- What financial commitment are you able and willing to make?
- Why are you considering a career in nursing?
- Are you able to commit to full-time education or do you need a part-time schedule?
Your drive and personal reasons to answer the call to nursing can also be bolstered by supportive faculty and classmates in a quality nursing program.
Let’s look at eight specific factors you can evaluate to find the right nursing program for you.
1) What Types of Nursing Programs and Completion Timelines Are Available?
When researching nursing programs, it's important to understand the different educational pathways available. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is widely preferred by healthcare employers because it prepares nurses with comprehensive competencies in critical thinking, leadership, care coordination, and evidence-based practice.
There are two primary pathways to earning a BSN:
| Program Type | Ideal Student | Typical Completion Timeline | Learning Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | Students entering college without a prior bachelor's degree | Approximately 4 years | Primarily in-person coursework, labs, simulations, and clinical experiences |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | Individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field and want to change careers | As few as 15 months | Often combines online coursework, in-person skills labs, simulations, and clinical rotations |
Traditional BSN vs. Accelerated BSN
Traditional BSN programs follow a four-year academic structure and are designed for first-time college students. These programs generally include campus-based classes, clinical experiences, and breaks between semesters.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs are specifically designed for career changers who already have a bachelor's degree in another field. While these students have typically completed many general education requirements through their previous degree, they must also fulfill nursing-specific prerequisite courses. By building on previously completed general education requirements, as well as nursing-specific prerequisites, ABSN programs focus on nursing coursework and clinical training, allowing students to graduate much faster—often in as little as 15 months.
Online, In-Person, and Hybrid Learning Formats
Nursing programs may be offered in several formats:
- Online: Didactic coursework is completed through a virtual learning platform, with clinical experiences completed in person at approved healthcare facilities and clinical sites.
- In-Person: Classes, labs, and coursework take place on campus.
- Hybrid: Combines online coursework with on-site nursing skills labs, and simulations
Clinical experiences and any hands-on skills training for each modality are completed in person at approved healthcare facilities and clinical sites.
Many ABSN programs utilize a hybrid model that provides online learning while ensuring students receive the hands-on training required for nursing practice.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Coursework
Online nursing courses may include:
- Synchronous learning: Students participate in live virtual lectures, discussions, or group activities at scheduled times, allowing for real-time interaction with faculty and classmates.
- Asynchronous learning: Students access lectures, assignments, discussion boards, and course materials on their own schedule while meeting established deadlines.
Many modern ABSN programs incorporate a combination of both formats, giving students the structure to be successful while maintaining opportunities for collaboration and faculty support.
Benefits of an Accelerated BSN Program
ABSN programs can offer several advantages for students looking to enter the nursing profession quickly:
- Online coursework with hybrid options that support adaptive learning
- Access to faculty, mentors, and peers across diverse geographic locations
- In-person simulation experiences and hands-on clinical rotations that develop practical nursing skills
- Accelerated pathway resulting in faster entry into the nursing workforce with a BSN degree that employers value
This combination of accelerated learning, online course delivery, and immersive clinical experiences makes ABSN programs an attractive option for career changers seeking a quicker path to becoming a registered nurse.
2) Is the Program Accredited?
Accreditation is one of the most important factors to evaluate when choosing a nursing program. Accreditation is a voluntary review process that assesses whether a college, university, or nursing program meets established standards for academic quality, faculty qualifications, curriculum, student support, and outcomes.
When a nursing program is accredited, students can be more confident that their education aligns with industry expectations and prepares them for licensure and future career opportunities.
Institutional vs. Programmatic Accreditation
Prospective nursing students should understand the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation.
| Accreditation Type | What It Evaluates | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Accreditation | The college or university as a whole, including academic quality, governance, finances, and student services | Helps ensure credits are transferable, supports eligibility for federal financial aid, and verifies overall institutional quality |
| Programmatic Accreditation | A specific academic program, such as a nursing program | Demonstrates that the nursing curriculum meets profession-specific standards that support licensure preparation and career readiness |
For nursing students, both types of accreditation are essential. While institutional accreditation confirms the quality of the institution, programmatic accreditation provides assurance that the nursing program itself has undergone rigorous review by nursing education experts.
Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation can have a significant impact on a student's educational and professional opportunities.
Licensure Eligibility
One of the primary reasons to verify accreditation is to help ensure that a nursing program meets educational requirements for nursing licensure. Employers and state boards of nursing often expect graduates to have completed education from an accredited institution and nursing program.
Federal Financial Aid
Students who attend accredited institutions may be eligible for federal financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Accreditation is often a prerequisite for institutions to participate in federal student aid programs.
Graduate School Opportunities
Students planning to pursue advanced nursing education—such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or other graduate-level degree—will find that graduate nursing programs require applicants to hold a degree from an accredited institution and nursing program.
Credit Transferability
Accreditation can also make it easier to transfer completed coursework between institutions. Students who relocate or change programs may have more options when credits come from an accredited school.
Accreditation vs. Recognition
Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, accreditation and recognition are not the same.
- Accreditation validates that a program meets established educational standards through a formal review process.
- Recognition highlights a program's achievements, student outcomes, innovation, or overall excellence.
Recognition can serve as an indicator of program quality and student success, but accreditation remains the key credential students should verify when evaluating nursing schools.
3) Is Complimentary Placement Support Offered for Clinical Placements?
Clinical placements are your in-person field experiences where you will complete clinical hours as a student nurse in a supervised, direct patient care role within a clinical setting. Clinicals are an essential component of your education when you take the skills and knowledge learned in your coursework and through simulation and apply it as you gain real-world experience.
Throughout a nursing program, you will have several clinical placements where you are in a group with a clinical faculty or you are required to have a mentorship agreement with a preceptor. Every BSN program must have clinical or simulation hours in the following specialties:
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Labor and delivery
- Mental health
- Community and public health
- Pediatric
Not all schools offer clinical placement support, and some provide clinical placements with an associated monetary fee to the student. Complimentary placement support is a major benefit to students because a dedicated placement coordinator or team will work to source and finalize clinical placement details. Clinical placement logistics involve many important steps, some which may require completion by the student, including:
- Completion of student health requirements and a background check
- Onboarding paperwork and orientation processes for individual facilities
- Legal agreements between the college and clinical sites
- Vetting of preceptor background and credentials to ensure quality education
- Review of clinical details to confirm the planned rotation will meet course outcomes
The process of nursing clinical placement can be complex, but students can potentially save time and energy when a university provides support and collaboration during placement. This helps students tremendously because the focus can remain on studies while mandatory clinical rotations are planned and finalized.
4) What Facilities and Resources Does the Nursing School Offer?
When evaluating nursing schools, it is important to look beyond the curriculum and consider the facilities, technology, and student support services available. Quality learning environments can help students build confidence, strengthen clinical skills, and prepare for the realities of patient care.
Nursing Simulation Labs: Bringing Clinical Learning to Life
One of the most valuable resources a nursing school can offer is a nursing simulation laboratory (SIM lab). Simulation labs provide students with a safe, controlled environment where they can practice nursing skills, clinical decision-making, communication, and teamwork before working with real patients. These experiences help students build confidence while receiving guidance and feedback from faculty.
Saint Joseph's College of Maine's State-of-the-Art Simulation Labs
Saint Joseph's College of Maine expanded its commitment to nursing education through the Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support the next generation of nurses. The center features advanced simulation technology and five dedicated simulation labs that replicate both hospital and home-care environments, allowing students to practice realistic patient-care scenarios.
For students in the Hybrid Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program, simulation experiences are integrated into the curriculum through on-campus immersions that complement online coursework and clinical rotations. These hands-on learning opportunities help students develop critical thinking, communication, and clinical skills in a realistic yet supportive environment.
5) Is Tuition and Financial Aid Transparent?
The cost of earning a nursing degree is an important consideration when comparing programs. While advertised tuition is often the first number prospective students notice, it is equally important to understand the full financial commitment before enrolling.
A transparent nursing program should clearly communicate tuition rates, additional fees, financial aid opportunities, and available payment options so students can accurately budget for their education and avoid unexpected expenses.
Understanding the Total Cost of a Nursing Program
When evaluating program costs, look beyond tuition alone. Nursing students may encounter several expenses throughout their education.
| Cost Category | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Tuition Structure | Is tuition charged per credit hour or as a flat program rate? How does the pricing compare to similar nursing programs? |
| Technology Fees | Costs associated with online learning platforms, software, and digital resources. |
| Lab and Simulation Fees | Charges related to nursing skills labs, simulation experiences, and specialized equipment. |
| Immersion or Residency Costs | Travel, lodging, and transportation expenses for on-campus learning experiences in hybrid or online programs. |
| Clinical Requirements | Background checks, drug screenings, immunizations, CPR certification, uniforms, and supplies. |
| Books and Course Materials | Textbooks, digital learning resources, and exam preparation materials. |
Understanding these potential costs early can help students make informed decisions about both program selection and financial planning.
Financial Aid and Funding Options
Many nursing students utilize financial aid to help offset educational expenses. A quality nursing program should provide resources and guidance to help students understand available funding opportunities.
Common financial aid options may include:
- Federal student loans
- Federal grants for eligible students
- Institutional scholarships
- Employer tuition assistance programs
- Military and veteran education benefits
- Private scholarships and external funding sources
Students should also verify whether the institution is accredited, as accreditation can affect eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
Evaluating Affordability Beyond Tuition
The most affordable program is not always the one with the lowest tuition. Factors such as completion timeline, clinical placement support, graduation outcomes, and licensure preparation can influence the overall value of a nursing education.
For example, an accelerated nursing program may have a higher upfront tuition cost than some traditional programs but allow students to enter the workforce sooner, potentially reducing the overall time and opportunity cost associated with earning a degree.
Making an Informed Financial Decision
Before committing to a nursing program, prospective students should request a detailed breakdown of costs and available financial aid options. Transparent tuition information, clear fee disclosures, and accessible financial aid support can help students confidently evaluate their investment and focus on achieving their educational and career goals.
6) Will You Have Access to Supportive Faculty and Staff?
A strong support system can make a significant difference in a nursing student's academic experience. Nursing education is rigorous, and students often balance coursework, clinical rotations, family responsibilities, and work commitments. Access to responsive faculty, knowledgeable advisors, and a supportive peer community can help students navigate challenges and stay on track toward graduation.
When evaluating nursing programs, consider not only what support services are available, but also how accessible those resources are throughout the student journey—from initial inquiry through graduation.
The Importance of Advisors and Faculty Support
Support often begins before a student enrolls. The responsiveness and professionalism of a program's admissions and enrollment teams can provide insight into the overall student experience.
Look for programs that offer:
- Dedicated enrollment advisors who guide students through the admissions process
- Consistent points of contact throughout enrollment and program planning
- Academic advisors who help students navigate the online learning environment and degree requirements
- Faculty who are accessible outside of class through email, phone, or virtual office hours
- Timely and constructive feedback on assignments and clinical performance
- Tutoring services that assist students in understanding complex topics and preparing for exams
A supportive nursing program should make it easy for students to get answers to questions and access assistance when they need it.
Questions to Ask During the Enrollment Process
The admissions and inquiry process can reveal a lot about a program's culture. Consider asking:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| How quickly can prospective students expect a response to questions? | Provides insight into the program's commitment to communication and student support. |
| Will I work with the same advisor throughout the admissions and enrollment process? | Advisor continuity can create a smoother, more personalized experience. |
| How can students communicate with faculty? | Multiple communication channels often improve accessibility and support. |
| What is the typical faculty response time for emails and course-related questions? | Timely responses can be critical during an accelerated or demanding nursing program. |
| What support is available if a personal or academic challenge arises? | Demonstrates whether the institution has resources to help students overcome obstacles. |
Signs of a Supportive Program Culture
Support extends beyond individual faculty interactions. A student-centered culture often includes intentional systems that help learners feel connected and engaged.
Some indicators of a supportive nursing program include:
| Program Feature | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Low student-to-faculty ratios | More individualized attention and opportunities for faculty interaction. |
| Cohort-based learning models | Encourages collaboration and peer support throughout the program. |
| Peer networking opportunities | Helps students build relationships and professional connections. |
| Academic support services | Provides tutoring, study resources, and skill development assistance. |
| Dedicated student success teams | Offers guidance beyond academics, including navigating personal challenges. |
| Regular faculty engagement | Creates opportunities for mentorship and professional development. |
7) What Are the NCLEX Pass Rates?
NCLEX pass rates are one of the most important indicators to review when evaluating a nursing program. After graduating from nursing school, students must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed registered nurses in the United States. Because licensure is required to practice, a school's pass rate can provide valuable insight into how effectively it prepares students for professional nursing practice.
While no single metric can fully measure a program's quality, NCLEX outcomes can help prospective students assess whether a nursing curriculum, faculty, and student support systems are helping graduates succeed.
Where Can You Find NCLEX Pass Rates?
NCLEX pass-rate data is publicly available. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) publishes annual aggregated NCLEX statistics, while state boards report school level data. This information can be used as a benchmark when comparing nursing programs.
When reviewing a school's data, compare its performance against national NCLEX averages rather than evaluating the number in isolation.
What NCLEX Pass Rates Can Tell You About a Program
NCLEX pass rates can provide insight into several aspects of a nursing program:
| What to Evaluate | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| First-Time Pass Rate | Shows the percentage of graduates who pass the NCLEX on their first attempt. This is often considered the most meaningful measure of program effectiveness. |
| Overall Pass Rate | Includes graduates who passed after multiple attempts. While important, it does not provide the same insight into immediate licensure readiness as first-time pass rates. |
| Comparison to National Averages | Helps determine whether a program is performing at, above, or below national benchmarks. |
| Multi-Year Trends | Consistent performance over several years may indicate a stable curriculum and strong student support systems. |
| Class Size and Outcomes | Consider the number of graduates represented in the reported pass-rate data, as smaller cohorts can create greater year-to-year fluctuations. |
| Board of Nursing Approval | If a school is not board approved, the board of nursing will not grant graduates permission to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. |
First-Time Pass Rate vs. Overall Pass Rate
Prospective students should understand the difference between these two commonly reported figures.
- First-time pass rate measures how many graduates successfully pass the NCLEX on their initial attempt.
- Overall pass rate includes graduates who passed after retaking the exam one or more times.
Because most graduates want to begin working as nurses as soon as possible after graduation, first-time pass rates are often viewed as the stronger indicator of how well a program prepares students for licensure.
Looking Beyond the Numbers
NCLEX pass rates are an important measure of student outcomes, but they should be evaluated alongside other factors such as accreditation, faculty support, clinical placement opportunities, simulation-based learning experiences, graduation rates, and student satisfaction.
Prospective students should also inquire about the support provided by the nursing program to ensure that its graduates are successful on NCLEX the first time.
Together, these factors can provide a more complete picture of a nursing program's ability to prepare students for successful nursing careers.
8) What Are the Employment Outcomes of the Program's Graduates?
While licensure exam performance is important, prospective nursing students should also consider what happens after graduation. Employment outcomes can provide insight into how effectively a nursing program prepares graduates to enter the workforce and launch successful careers as registered nurses.
For students pursuing an online or hybrid Accelerated BSN (ABSN), job placement support can be especially valuable because many are making a career transition and entering healthcare for the first time.
Why Employment Outcomes Matter
A program's graduate employment rate can help you understand how successfully graduates are transitioning into nursing practice. Many schools track the percentage of graduates who secure nursing positions within six months to one year of graduation.
When reviewing employment data, consider:
|
Employment Metric |
What It Indicates |
|
Employment Rate Within 6 Months |
How quickly graduates are finding nursing positions after graduation and licensure. |
|
Employment Rate Within 12 Months |
Longer-term employment outcomes and workforce success. |
|
Clinical-to-Employment Pipelines |
Whether graduates often receive job offers from clinical placement sites. |
|
Career Support Services |
The level of assistance available during the job search process. |
|
Employer Partnerships |
Relationships between the nursing program and healthcare organizations that may create hiring opportunities. |
Employment Benchmarks to Look For
While employment rates can vary by region and economic conditions, strong nursing programs typically demonstrate positive employment outcomes for graduates who successfully complete the program and obtain RN licensure.
Newer ABSN programs may not yet have extensive employment outcome data. In those cases, evaluating the program's clinical partnerships, faculty expertise, and student support infrastructure can provide additional insight into future career opportunities.
Professional Support Beyond Graduation
The best nursing programs view graduation as the beginning of a long-term professional relationship. Alumni networks, career services, mentorship opportunities, and continuing education resources can help graduates navigate the transition from nursing student to practicing nurse.
For career changers enrolled in an ABSN program, this continued support can be especially beneficial during the first years of professional practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing an ABSN Program
Prospective nursing students should look for institutional accreditation, programmatic nursing accreditation, and state board of nursing approval.
- Institutional accreditation evaluates the college or university as a whole.
- Programmatic accreditation evaluates the nursing program specifically and helps verify that it meets established standards for nursing education.
- State Board of Nursing approval allows graduates to be permitted to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam.
For BSN and ABSN programs, accreditation from organizations such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), among others, is a strong indicator of program quality. Accreditation can also affect eligibility for federal financial aid, transfer credits, graduate school admission, and nursing licensure requirements.
Clinical experiences are a critical component of nursing education. ABSN students should look for programs that provide meaningful support with clinical placements, including:
- Assistance identifying qualified clinical sites
- Coordination with healthcare partners
- Clinical placement documentation support
- Guidance regarding onboarding requirements
- Access to a variety of healthcare settings and patient populations
- Clinical faculty that are experts in certain areas of nursing
Programs that offer clinical placement support can help reduce the administrative burden on students and allow them to focus on their coursework and clinical learning.
Faculty play an important role in student success. When evaluating a nursing program, consider whether instructors:
- Have current clinical and academic experience
- Are accessible outside of class through email, phone, or virtual office hours
- Provide timely, meaningful feedback
- Serve as mentors and professional resources
- Support students academically and professionally throughout the program
It's also worth asking about the student-to-faculty ratio and how frequently students interact with instructors during coursework, simulations, and clinical experiences.
When comparing nursing schools, look beyond the advertised tuition price and evaluate the total cost of attendance.
Consider expenses such as:
- Tuition (per credit or flat-rate pricing)
- Technology fees
- Simulation or lab fees
- Clinical compliance requirements
- Books and course materials
- Travel expenses for on-campus immersions
- NCLEX registration and licensure fees
You should also ask about financial aid, scholarships, employer tuition assistance programs, and military education benefits. A clear understanding of total costs can help you compare programs more accurately.
Most traditional BSN programs take approximately four years to complete. ABSN programs are designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field and can often be completed much faster.
Depending on the program structure, students may earn their BSN through an accelerated program in as little as 12 to 24 months, with some programs offering completion in approximately 15 months of full-time study, as is the case for Saint Joseph’s College of Maine’s online ABSN.
Most online ABSN programs use a hybrid format rather than a fully online model.
These programs typically combine:
- Online coursework
- In-person skills labs
- Nursing simulation experiences
- Clinical rotations in healthcare settings
This approach allows students to benefit from online learning while still receiving the hands-on training required for nursing practice.
Simulation labs give students the opportunity to practice nursing skills in realistic clinical scenarios before interacting with patients.
Benefits of simulation-based learning include:
- Development of clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills
- Improved communication and teamwork
- Increased confidence in patient-care situations
- Exposure to a variety of healthcare scenarios in a safe environment
Many nursing programs now consider simulation an essential component of nursing education.
Before enrolling, consider asking:
- Is the program accredited?
- What is the program's NCLEX pass rate?
- How are clinical placements arranged?
- What student support services are available?
- What is the total program cost?
- Are scholarships or financial aid available?
- What technologies and simulation resources are available?
- How quickly do graduates find nursing jobs?
- What support is available after graduation?
Asking these questions can help you identify a program that aligns with your educational goals, learning preferences, budget, and career aspirations.
Earn Your BSN Degree at Saint Joseph's College of Maine
Choosing a nursing program is an important decision and finding the right fit means looking for a school that offers academic quality, personalized support, and a clear pathway to becoming a registered nurse. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, Saint Joseph's College of Maine's Hybrid Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program offers a streamlined path to a new career in nursing.
Saint Joe's combines the convenience of online learning with hands-on clinical experiences, on-campus simulation and skills training, and a supportive community committed to student success. Program highlights include:
- Completion in as few as 15 months of full-time study
- CCNE-accredited nursing education
- Online coursework paired with clinical placement support
- Two on-campus immersions featuring high- and low-fidelity simulation experiences in the Jeanne Donlevy Arnold Center for Nursing Innovation
- Dedicated faculty, advisors, and student support resources
But don't just take our word for it. Learn what current students and graduates value most about the program by reading Why Saint Joe's Students Love the Hybrid ABSN Program.
Ready to take the next step toward a nursing career? Download your program guide to learn more about admissions requirements, curriculum, clinical experiences, and how Saint Joseph's College of Maine can help you achieve your goal of becoming a nurse.