nursing schools 4 year college
nursing schools 4 year college
If you are interested in attending a four-year college and majoring in nursing, you may be wondering what your options are. While a four-year college is not strictly required for becoming a nurse, it can make your transition into the nursing field easier. You can attend a variety of different types of institutions for your undergraduate degree, or you can even choose to pursue an advanced degree right off the bat. Here are some options to consider if you want to spend four years in college.
Four-Year College
If you are interested in attending a four-year college and majoring in nursing, you may be wondering what your options are. While a four-year college is not strictly required for becoming a nurse, it can make your transition into the nursing field easier. You can attend a variety of different types of institutions for your undergraduate degree, or you can even choose to pursue an advanced degree right off the bat. Here are some options to consider if you want to spend four years in college.
- State Colleges
State colleges are good choices if you want the benefits of going to school near family and friends, but don’t want to pay extremely high tuition rates. When compared to private colleges and universities, state schools tend to have more funding available for scholarships and financial aid as well.
- Private Colleges/Universities
Private universities offer students a greater variety of majors than many state colleges do because they typically have larger faculties that cover more areas of study. Most private schools also have smaller class sizes than state schools do on average, but they also tend to cost more money out of pocket each year because they charge higher tuitions (though there may be opportunities for generous financial aid packages).
Local Community College
- You may be able to save money by attending a local community college.
- If you are already employed, you may also be able to continue working while taking classes at a local community college.
- Community colleges usually offer daytime and evening classes, so you should have some flexibility when it comes to scheduling your classes.
- Credits earned at a community college will usually transfer to a four-year university. That means that if you graduate with an associate’s degree from your local community college, you can transfer those credits and earn a bachelor’s degree in two more years.
State University
State University
The local state university is a more expensive option in most situations. However, it is also often perceived as having better research opportunities and may have more options for specialization. It can also be nationally recognized and offer better support services as well as more opportunities for study abroad.
Private College
Private colleges and universities tend to be more expensive than their public counterparts. However, there are a number of reasons why private college students may feel that the cost is worth it. Private schools tend to have smaller class sizes, which can allow for increased interaction between students and professors who may also be able to offer more personalized attention to students. Private schools may also offer higher quality facilities, better networking opportunities (both in terms of academic connections as well as professional connections), additional research opportunities and access to internships both on-campus and with nearby employers.
Online College
For students looking to study nursing, the most important thing to remember is that online nursing programs are just as rigorous and high-quality as their on-campus counterparts. In fact, many online programs offer more flexibility in terms of course load and time commitment than in-person programs; for those who need to fit school into a busy schedule or who have other obligations (e.g. children), online study may be the perfect solution. Online programs also tend to be more affordable than traditional ones, although the level of savings will vary depending on which program you choose.
Because there are so many options for online nursing programs it can be hard to know where to start. Your best bet is to research various schools and find out which ones offer the type of degree you’re seeking (e.g., bachelor’s vs master’s). For example, if you want an associate degree then your search should focus primarily on community colleges or technical schools; however if you’d like a bachelor’s or master’s then four-year universities would be better suited for your needs
Direct Entry MSN Programs
Direct entry master of science in nursing (MSN) programs are an appealing option for students who have recently graduated from high school and want to go straight into a nursing career. These programs are fast-paced, allow you to skip the undergraduate degree, and offer a direct path to becoming a nurse.
Entry Requirements
High school graduates or applicants with some college credits should research schools that offer direct entry programs. You’ll usually find them at private colleges and universities near major metropolitan areas. Direct entry programs tend to be more competitive than traditional four-year undergraduate nursing degrees, so it can help to have high SAT/ACT scores in addition to excellent grades from your time in high school.
There are many options available if you want to get a four-year degree in nursing.
Some people get a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) before going on to become a registered nurse, while others complete their BSN after they’re already working as a registered nurse. The former path is called an entry-level BSN program and the latter is called an RN to BSN program. Most bachelor’s degree programs in nursing require roughly four years of full-time study. This includes general education courses, such as math and physiology, along with clinical experience and training.
Registered nurses can also pursue a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). These programs offer advanced courses and training that focus on specific areas of study within the field—from midwifery to administrative leadership. Students can also enroll in dual-degree programs that take less than four years to complete—such as an MSN/MBA program for prospective nurse leaders or clinicians who want to run their own business.
There are many options available if you want to get a four-year degree in nursing. You will have to decide whether you want to earn your bachelor’s degree from an associate program that has been approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), or from one that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The ACEN accredits more traditional undergraduate nursing programs where students spend most of their time learning about different aspects of patient care; whereas CCNE accredits baccalaureate degrees offered online or through accelerated programs where students learn more about research and evidence based practice than they do about patient care itself