Nearly every major city—and many smaller towns—offers at least one accredited nursing school. While having many options is a good thing, it can also make the decision process overwhelming. The nursing school you choose will influence far more than just your education. It can affect your career trajectory, job opportunities, earning potential, and even the specialty you ultimately pursue.
Graduating from a reputable and well-known nursing school can add significant value to your résumé and may help you secure a higher starting salary. Additionally, schools that partner with respected hospitals and healthcare facilities often provide superior clinical experiences, stronger professional networks, and better exposure to specialized fields. If you’ve already chosen nursing as your career but are unsure where to study, the following key factors can help guide your decision.
Location
Location is often the first factor students consider. How far are you willing to live from home? Will you need to relocate, or do you prefer to stay local? However, location goes beyond simple distance.
Nursing schools in large metropolitan areas often provide unique advantages. These schools are usually connected to major hospitals, trauma centers, research facilities, and specialized clinics. As a result, students may gain exposure to a wider range of medical cases, advanced technologies, and diverse patient populations. Urban schools can also offer more opportunities for mentoring, internships, and future employment.
On the other hand, smaller or local nursing schools may offer a more personalized learning environment. Smaller class sizes often allow for closer relationships with instructors and more individualized academic support. Consider your learning style, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals when evaluating location.
Area of Study and Specializations
Not all nursing schools offer the same programs or areas of focus. Some emphasize general nursing education, while others provide pathways into specialized fields such as pediatric oncology, geriatric care, mental health nursing, emergency medicine, or research-based clinical work.
Review course catalogs carefully and look beyond basic degree requirements. Determine whether the school offers electives, certifications, or clinical placements aligned with your interests. Even if you are unsure about your specialty now, exposure to diverse disciplines during training can help you discover passions you may not have previously considered.
Accreditation
Accreditation is one of the most critical factors when choosing a nursing school. Your chosen institution should be accredited by a recognized national organization, such as:
- The National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)
- The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
For specialized nursing programs, additional accrediting bodies may apply, including the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs or the American College of Nurse-Midwives Division of Accreditation.
While many schools are approved by state nursing boards, state approval is not the same as national accreditation. Although state approval may allow you to sit for the NCLEX exam, lack of accreditation can limit your ability to transfer credits or pursue advanced degrees such as a BSN, MSN, or doctorate later in your career. Always verify accreditation status before enrolling.
Hands-On Clinical Experience
Clinical training is the backbone of nursing education. The more hands-on experience you receive during your studies, the better prepared you will be for real-world practice.
Ask potential schools detailed questions about their clinical rotation programs. How many hours of clinical practice are required? Which hospitals or healthcare facilities are used? Will you have opportunities to rotate through multiple specialties?
Schools affiliated with teaching hospitals often provide broader and more advanced clinical experiences. Exposure to different departments allows you to build confidence, develop technical skills, and make informed decisions about future specialization.
NCLEX Examination Success Rates
One of the strongest indicators of a nursing school’s effectiveness is its NCLEX pass rate. A consistently high pass rate suggests that the school prepares its students well for professional licensure.
Do not hesitate to ask for NCLEX statistics from the past several years. Schools should be transparent about their outcomes. A low or inconsistent pass rate is a major red flag and may indicate inadequate instruction or insufficient exam preparation.
Tuition and Financial Considerations
Cost is an unavoidable factor when choosing a nursing school. Tuition can vary widely between institutions, so your goal should be to receive the best education possible at a reasonable cost.
That said, do not let finances alone deter you from applying to your preferred school. Due to ongoing nursing shortages, many funding opportunities are available. These include federal student aid, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and tuition assistance from hospitals or healthcare organizations.
Some employers even offer tuition reimbursement in exchange for a work commitment after graduation. Be proactive in researching financial aid options and speaking with admissions counselors about available resources.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a nursing school is a major life decision that deserves careful research and thoughtful consideration. From accreditation and clinical experience to location, specialization, and cost, each factor plays a role in shaping your future career.
Take the time to compare schools, ask questions, and reflect on what matters most to you—not just today, but years down the road. The right nursing school will not only educate you but also empower you to build a fulfilling, successful career in healthcare.
