This updated guide explains how to select a modern registered nursing program: know the program types (ADN, BSN, accelerated, RN-to-BSN), confirm state board approval and CCNE/ACEN accreditation, review variable admission requirements, expect in-person clinicals even with online coursework, and explore federal aid, scholarships, employer tuition benefits, and loan repayment programs.
Why consider nursing now
Demand for registered nurses remains strong and many regions continue to report staffing shortages. Nursing offers a mix of hands-on care, job stability, and multiple career paths - from bedside care to public health, leadership, and advanced practice. According to federal labor data, RN employment is expected to grow in the coming decade, keeping opportunities available for new graduates .Types of RN programs and who they suit
- ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing): 2-3 years, prepares you for the NCLEX-RN and entry-level practice.
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing): 4-year degree; increasingly preferred by employers and often required for leadership or graduate study.
- Accelerated BSN: 12-18 months for students who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field.
- RN-to-BSN: Designed for currently licensed RNs (ADN or diploma) to complete a BSN, often offered online.
- LPN/LVN-to-RN bridge and other hybrid pathways are common.
Accreditation and licensure - nonnegotiable
Only apply to programs approved by your state board of nursing and accredited by a national nursing accreditor such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Graduating from a nonaccredited program can block you from taking the NCLEX-RN and obtaining licensure.Typical admission requirements
Requirements vary by school. Common items include:- High school diploma or GED (or a prior bachelor's for accelerated programs)
- Prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and often statistics
- Minimum GPA (varies) and competitive entrance exam scores or application screens
- Some programs ask for essays, interviews, or healthcare experience (CNA experience is helpful but not always required)
Cost, financial aid, and employer support
Nursing programs range widely in cost. Most accredited programs qualify for federal student aid, and many students combine grants, scholarships, state nursing scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, or loan repayment programs such as HRSA-sponsored initiatives (e.g., Nurse Corps). Ask financial aid and workforce offices about local options.Clinicals, simulation, and transportation
Clinical hours with live patients are part of every accredited program. Schools increasingly use high-fidelity simulation to supplement clinical experience; exact allowances and requirements are set by each state board of nursing and vary by program 1. If transportation or clinical site assignments are a concern, ask the program how placements are handled and whether they provide support or local partnerships.Practical tips
- Verify state board approval and national accreditation before applying.
- Talk to current students or faculty about clinical placements and job outcomes.
- Consider BSN or RN-to-BSN pathways if you plan to work in hospitals or pursue advanced practice.
- Confirm Bureau of Labor Statistics projection for registered nurse employment growth for 2022-2032 (or latest release) and update the percentage if needed.
- Verify current state board policies and typical allowances on substituting simulation for clinical hours, as these vary by state and change over time.
FAQs about Registered Nursing Programs
Do I need to be a CNA before applying to RN programs?
Not always. Some programs prefer or require CNA experience because it demonstrates patient-care exposure, but many schools accept applicants without CNA certification. CNA work can strengthen your application and provide income and experience during school.
Are there legitimate RN programs online?
Yes - many schools offer online coursework for BSN or RN-to-BSN programs, but accredited programs still require in-person clinicals and state board approval for licensure.
How do I confirm a nursing program is accredited?
Check the program's website for approval from your state board of nursing and accreditation by CCNE or ACEN. You can also verify accreditors' directories and your state board's list of approved programs.
What are common ways to pay for nursing school?
Federal student aid, state and institutional scholarships, private scholarships, employer tuition assistance, and loan repayment programs (for example, HRSA-sponsored programs) are common. Contact financial aid and workforce offices for options.
Will simulation replace clinical hours?
Simulation is used more than in the past to supplement learning, but regulations on how much simulation can count toward clinical hours vary by state and program; confirm specifics with the school and state board of nursing.
News about Registered Nursing Programs
How to Become a Nurse in 4 Steps - Southern New Hampshire University [Visit Site | Read More]
What is All the Buzz About Nursing No Longer Being Designated as a Professional Program? - National Nurses United [Visit Site | Read More]
Proposal to declassify nursing as ‘professional’ threatens ability to secure student loans - PBS [Visit Site | Read More]
Report shows California health care jobs pay, but waitlists clog college on-ramp - Sacramento Bee [Visit Site | Read More]
Six Types of Nursing Degrees Explained - Pace University [Visit Site | Read More]
Trump administration says nursing isn't a professional degree amid new limits on loans - NBC News [Visit Site | Read More]
RN Education Programs - Ohio Board of Nursing (.gov) [Visit Site | Read More]