Is One of the Top Nursing Schools Your Best Choice?
With thousands of colleges throughout the United States, how in the world does anyone choose the right college for a degree in nursing? Is one of the top nursing schools your best choice? Caution and care must be taken to ensure that adequate and appropriate education is found and met, and in line with your career goals.
Deciding on a nursing career is a bold, but fulfilling step. Some of us have dreamed of becoming a nurse since childhood; others just seem to ‘fall’ into the field seemingly by accident. Regardless of the amount of time (years) an individual has pondered this decision, much thought and investigation must be initiated to ensure any specific nursing college is right for you, and that you are right for the college as well.
The top nursing schools currently (2009) are as follows: University of Pennsylvania, University of California, Columbia University New York, University of Washington, University of North Carolina, University of Illinois, Pittsburg University, John Hopkins University, Yale University, and University of Michigan. Do you see where this is going? All of these colleges listed are specific for specialties, as well as having ‘General’ Associate Arts degrees, as well as BSN, and Master Degree Programs.
Within these listings are some top nursing schools that offer ‘specialties within specialties’. For example, the University of Pennsylvania offers nursing specialty in Pediatrics, Family nursing, and Gerontology, while the University of Washington also offers Pediatric and Family Practice nursing specialties.
The average cost of attending one of these prestigious schools may cost up to $ 875.00 per credit hour for Undergraduate classes, plus annual student service fees and other ancillary charges. Some colleges cost more, and of course, some less. However, all is not lost. The Federal Student Financial Aid program offers many qualified students monies for these studies, and of course, there are a multitude of scholarship opportunities, Pell Grants, and student loan programs.
With the knowledge that attending one of the top ten colleges listed above will result in higher cost, it may be to your advantage to undertake your basic General Education components in a local community college or online course program. Before doing so however, prospective students must make sure that the college they wish to attend recognizes course content from local technical centers, community colleges or any online course the student takes.
This list of top nursing schools is by no means inclusive. These, and many other fine institutions offer excellent course content and degree programs in the field of nursing. Any student that enrolls and is accepted will be offered a quality education, mentorship programs and pride in being able to obtain a degree from one of these prestigious schools. For those who are unable to afford, or perhaps not be accepted by any of the top nursing schools above, don’t despair. There are many fine colleges across our country that offer an excellent nursing program that may be the best choice for you.