As we move into the post-pandemic era, the need for nurses will increase, which is why you need to think about making the most of this opportunity. However, the most relevant question is where to start. Ranked as the third best job in the US as per “U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best Jobs list”, Nursing offers great opportunities and higher salaries. The median salary for nurse practitioners in the US is $ 111,680. So, here we are with a comprehensive guide on how to find the best nursing colleges in the United States, along with eligibility, cost, and admission process details.
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Let’s begin with why you should consider nursing in the USA.
Why study Nursing in the US?
The USA is a breeding ground for talented nurse practitioners. The US’s patient and healthcare field has been facing a serious shortage of human resources. This is why there is a massive demand for registered nurses and professional nurse practitioners. Many researches indicate a shortage of around 1,00,000 nurses in the US, which will increase to 260,000 by 2025. The US government decided to cope with this problem by removing the limit of foreign nurse practitioners that hospitals could hire in 2006. However, applicants with nursing education in the US do get some priority in such recruitments due to their acquaintance with the local patient care and advanced practice of healthcare followed by American hospitals. So, there is no denying that international students with degree certification or a bachelor of science in nursing from US colleges will have better chances of landing a job at American hospitals. From a family nurse practitioner to a vocational nurse and even a nurse anaesthetist, there are a wide variety of positions that you can opt for after completing the nursing education. If you want to make a career in the nursing care field, here are some of the best colleges in the US to study.
List of Best Nursing Colleges in the U.S.
So, here are top colleges in the United States that offers top-notch bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, master’s degrees, certificate courses, and diploma courses.
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University of Pennsylvania
Located in Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania is one of the best universities to study nursing in the USA. It has been ranked no.1 nursing school in the QS World University Rankings for six years in a row. The University of Pennsylvania offers different nursing programs like bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), associated degree, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD), etc.
Eligibility requirements:
- A personal essay specific to Pennsylvania
- Proof of $75 application fee
- Original high school transcript
- Academic report
- Three letters of recommendation from past teachers
The annual tuition fee for the University of Pennsylvania is $53,166.
University of Washington School of Nursing
The University of Washington is one of the most popular nursing schools in the US and ranked no.1 for the DNP program. It provides many different academic courses for international students and local applicants looking for BSN, DNP, MSN, and even bridge programs for LPN(Licensed Practical Nurses)-RN(Registered Nurses).
Eligibility requirements:
- Higher scores in TOEFL or any other English proficiency tests
- Well-crafted personal essay
- Transcripts from high school
- Letter of recommendation
The annual tuition fee for the University of Washington Nursing School is $39,906.
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Duke University School of Nursing
One of the top 5 nursing schools in the US, Duke University is known for its research-based courses and program in nursing education. It is also one of the few colleges in the US that provides an accelerated BSN program along with MSN degree and PhD programs. It is located in Durham, North Carolina, and is affiliated with Duke University.
Eligibility requirements:
- IELTS score of 7 or TOEFL score of 100
- $50 application fee
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letter from former teachers or institution
The annual tuition fee for the Duke University School of Nursing is $23,241.
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina is known to be one of the best for international students looking to advance in their careers due to its academic quality. Not only as nurse educators, but they are also at the forefront of providing higher research support for students. They provide knowledge on,
- Ageing and elderly care
- Chronic conditions
- Human anatomy
- Health disparities
- Maternal, child, and family care
- Mental health
- Patient safety and quality care
- Acute illnesses
- Public health care
It offers undergraduate, Master’s, DNP, PhD, and post-degree opportunities. The annual tuition fee for the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hillis is $40,394.
University of California-Los Angeles
The University of California provides one of the most advanced BSN programs for international students and are known to churn out high-quality graduates. Apart from that, the MSN degree provided by it leads to advanced APRN speciality. The University of California is also one of the leading institutions in the US that provide research-based doctorate programs.
Eligibility requirements:
- Minimum of 3.5 GPA in the previous academic program
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
- Supplemental applications
The annual tuition fee for the University of California is $46,299.
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Rory Meyers College is a part of New York University with one of the most reputed campuses. It is one of the few nurse educators that offers an advanced BSN, after which students enjoy 99% of NCLEX success rates. Apart from the regular BSN program, it offers a 15-month accelerated bachelor’s course.
Eligibility requirements:
- Application fee of $80
- Good academic history
- Statement of purpose
- Academic letter of recommendation.
The annual tuition fee for NYU Rory Meyers College is $56,500.
Conclusion
Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers but also one of the most challenging. What makes it lucrative is the demand for registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses(LVN). However, you will need the right knowledge and practical approach to be eligible for such jobs. This is where an excellent nursing school can help. While this blog will help you with the right option, getting admission to your favourite nursing school is not that easy. You will need excellent scores on the English proficiency test for admissions. But, fret not! Leap Scholar has got you covered with excellent guidance on English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL. So, start your journey towards a successful nursing career.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best way to become a nurse in the US?
Becoming a nurse in the US is a very competitive process. After completion of your education, you need to get the RN license which will give you access to work in hospitals across the country. For an RN licence, you need to pass the Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE).
2. What is the application process to study nursing in the US?
Most of the colleges have an admission committee, and you can contact them to submit your application. Further, you can also visit the official website for admission details and submit a form to apply for a nursing course.
3. Which is the best college to study nursing in the USA?
There are many colleges in the USA that offer nursing programs. The best college to study nursing is obviously one that offers the most affordable tuition and quality education. So you will have to do some research on various schools, read reviews and decide which one suits your needs best.
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