how much is nursing course in usa
how much is nursing course in usa
The many costs of attending nursing school
Nursing school is expensive. There’s just no way around it. The cost of tuition is only the beginning, though. You also need to consider room and board, books, clinical supplies such as scrubs, equipment for labs and testing such as stethoscopes and blood pressure cuffs (if you don’t already have them), transportation costs to and from school and clinical sites, food while in class or on your lunch break at clinical sites, parking if necessary (or public transportation passes if available), license exam fees, study materials if you need them to pass a licensing examination like the NCLEX-RN®, continuing education courses after licensure if required by your state or hospital employer, malpractice insurance premiums once you become a practicing nurse…the list goes on!
What are the many factors that affect nursing school costs?
The short answer is: there’s lots!
First of all, the cost of nursing schools varies depending on what type of program you choose. For example (and this is an extreme example), an online accelerated BSN program can cost more than a traditional four-year BSN program from an in-state university because it’s designed for working nurses who already have their RN licenses. In fact, most accelerated programs will only accept working nurses with RN licenses into their programs—otherwise it wouldn’t be very accelerated!
How much does nursing school cost?
Just like with other schools in the USA, nursing school tuition can vary significantly. Based on our research, costs can range from $5,000 to $50,000. There are many factors that go into determining the cost of your nursing program such as:
- The specific degree you want to obtain
- Which school you are attending
- Where the school is located
Tuition is not the only cost that you will incur during your nursing program. Other expenses to keep in mind include:
- Books and supplies/lab fees/uniforms/equipment etc.
How long does it take to complete a nursing program?
How long it takes to complete a nursing program depends on the type of degree you are pursuing. A registered nurse (RN) degree is an associate’s degree, which typically requires two years of study or 60 to 75 credits.
Bachelor’s degrees in nursing require three to four years of study and up to 120 credits. Master’s degrees require anywhere from one year for those who have already completed their bachelor’s degrees and up to three years for those who have not yet finished their bachelor’s programs.
There are a few factors that can affect the length of time it takes you to complete a program. If you are studying full-time and taking classes in consecutive semesters, attending school year-round will shorten the amount of time it takes you to finish your program compared with if you take classes only part time or during traditional fall and spring semesters. Additionally, some schools offer nursing programs that provide “accelerated pathways,” allowing students with non-nursing bachelor’s degrees finish more quickly than otherwise possible.
What is the difference in cost between an LPN/LVN and RN program?
For those looking to enter the healthcare industry, one crucial factor in a decision between an associate degree and a certificate is cost. In general, RN programs are more expensive than LPN/LVN programs. This is due to increased coursework requirements required to earn the associate degree, along with the added time commitment involved in working towards the longer program (typically two years versus twelve months).
While LPN/LVNs tend to earn less than RNs, they have the ability to specialize in specific areas of nursing as well as pursue higher degrees for career advancement.
Nursing school costs for part-time or full-time students
- Part-time students are typically older, have more experience in the field, and may be raising a family while they’re studying. They also tend to take longer (sometimes much longer) to complete their degree.
- Full-time students tend to be younger and less experienced. They usually finish their degree faster than part-timers, but full-time school is also more expensive.
Since it takes a long time for part-timers to earn their degree, some choose instead to enroll as full-timers for the first few semesters, then switch to part time once they have an idea of what it’s like being a student and can balance work/life demands with their new schedule.
Is a higher degree worth the extra money?
A higher degree, like an associate’s, will likely increase your salary and give you more options for advancement, which means more job security. A higher degree also shows that you’ve committed to learning more about the profession and have become competent in a wider variety of skills. With a higher degree, you’ll be able to do more in your role as a nurse.
Nursing programs are expensive, but once you’re in them, you will see the benefits.
Nursing can be one of the most rewarding careers. Not only is it one that can provide a good salary and job security, but it also helps in making the world a better place. You are assisting medical staff with caring for patients, which benefits both your career and society as a whole. However, as you have learned by now, getting into nursing programs is expensive and challenging.
As expected from any healthcare-related education program, nursing courses are not cheap for several reasons:
- The program’s cost reflects the fact that it is an educational course in the US
- Nursing programs are offered at universities, so they charge tuition fees
- Most colleges require students to meet minimum GPA requirements before they can enroll in their preferred college degree or certificate program