Don't miss out on our most popular holiday giveaway:
Nurse GiftAway

The Ultimate Guide to Starting Nursing School in 2025

9 Min Read Published November 8, 2022
The Ultimate Guide to Starting Nursing School in 2025

Now that many of us are headed back to school (or just starting!), we thought we'd round up all of our best articles on nursing school to answer the many questions you're going to have over the next few weeks (not to mention the entire year). 

Use this guide as your go-to resource for all things nursing school and check back because we'll be updating it whenever we launch new nursing school content. Good luck this year!

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Earn a valuable nursing credential at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Expand your expertise and prepare to take on leadership and independent practice opportunities. Complete your courses online, on your schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

What Will Nursing School Be Like?

What to Expect During the First Semester of Nursing School

Get an idea of what to expect during your first semester of nursing school, including what do you learn? What classes will you take? When do clinical rotations start? And how hard is it?

What to Expect in Nursing School Clinicals: Top Questions Answered

Your first time in a hospital for clinical rotations can be daunting, but we're answering all your questions about it!

10 Best Study Tips and Tools for Nursing School Success

If you're looking for a little help studying, we’ve rounded up some of the best study and nursing school survival tips that won’t leave your hand cramping from taking notes.

10 Things No One Ever Tells You About Nursing School

Whether you’re in nursing school now or are preparing to enter the world of scrubs and stethoscopes, we have some news for you: nursing school is like nothing you can ever imagine. Here's what you need to know. 

10 Tips for Online Nursing Class Success

 Online nursing school might be the new norm. If it's in your future, here's what you need to succeed. 

How Hard is Nursing School?

One of the most common questions people ask when they consider entering into the nursing profession is, how hard is nursing school? We dug into a variety of nursing programs to help you understand the kind of commitment each one will require, as well as tips for how to succeed!

Youtube video

Paying for Nursing School

How to Pay for Nursing School

Are you wondering how you'll ever manage to pay for nursing school? Or considering if you can get nursing school paid for? This guide will walk you through step-by-step how to pay for your next nursing degree. 

These are the 6 Hidden Costs of Nursing School

Outside of the direct costs of your school’s tuition, there are a lot of “hidden” costs you need to think about. Here’s a look at what you can expect to budget for during nursing school.  

Nursing Apprenticeships: How to Get Paid to Go to Nursing School

What are nursing apprenticeships and how can you use them to help finance your education?

Popular Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Earn a valuable nursing credential at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing. Expand your expertise and prepare to take on leadership and independent practice opportunities. Complete your courses online, on your schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a nearly 35-year tradition of preparing students to fill evolving healthcare roles as highly qualified professionals.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Walden University

Earn your nursing degree from one of the largest nursing education providers in the U.S. Walden University’s BSN, MSN, post-master’s APRN certificate, and DNP programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Get enhanced practicum support with our Practicum Pledge.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, excluding CT, ND, NY and RI. Certain programs have additional state restrictions. Check with Walden for details.

Getting into Nursing School

Nursing School Prerequisites: How to Get into Nursing School

Getting into nursing school is a dream come true for most prospective nurses but the process can be a daunting task. We've broken down the process to help you secure a spot into your first-choice nursing program.

What to Know About Applying to Nursing Schools

Nursing programs remain one of the most competitive programs in terms of gaining entry. Here's what you need to know about getting in.

8 Tips If You Want to Become a Nurse But Have Bad Grades

If you’re looking to become a nurse but have bad grades or a low-grade point average (GPA), you may be concerned about getting into nursing school. But there are steps you can take to help your chances!

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs

Choosing a Nursing School

Why Nursing School Accreditation Matters

While there are many important factors when choosing a nursing program, accreditation must be the first step, especially when applying to an online nursing program. 

Pros and Cons of Online Nursing Classes

 Before deciding to pursue your next nursing degree online, take a look at the pros and cons.

Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2022

With so many nursing schools, how do you pick the best option? We've found the top 10 nursing schools in the nation. 

Top 10 Online RN to BSN Programs

Thinking about going back to school to get your BSN? Check out the top RN-to-BSN programs!

Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs

Sponsored
Purdue Global

Gain the skills and credentials to advance into nurse management and leadership roles, while laying the groundwork to pursue future nurse practitioner or advanced practice roles. Complete your courses online, on your schedule, at Purdue Global’s School of Nursing.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide, but certain programs have state restrictions. Check with Purdue for details.

Western Governors University

WGU's award-winning online programs are created to help you succeed while graduating faster and with less debt. WGU is a CCNE accredited, nonprofit university offering nursing bachelor's and master's degrees.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington’s online programs are designed to help you achieve more in your nursing practice with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They offer convenient, flexible options for completing your RN to BSN online, designed to fit into your busy schedule.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Grand Canyon University

GCU’s RN-BSN program is tailored to meet the needs of the RN adult learner and to maximize the strengths that the working RN already possesses. Transfer up to 90 credits and earn a BSN in as little as 12 months. GCU’s online classes allow you to study at the times that work for your schedule while still enjoying a close connection with your classmates and instructor via online discussions.

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Liberty University

As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, Liberty University’s online nursing programs are designed to prepare practicing nurses to serve with integrity by teaching advanced skills from an ethical perspective. Liberty's programs are based on industry best practices and up-to-date research – so you can get the tools you need to stay on the cutting edge of nursing care and innovation. 

Accreditation
CCNE
Location
Online
Prerequisite
RN Required

Enrollment: Nationwide

Advancing Your Nursing Education

5 Things to Consider Before Going Back to Nursing School

What you need to think about before deciding to go back to school and get that next degree.

Nursing Degrees and Levels: Which One is Right for You?

Every nursing degree and level listed out so you can map out your next move. 

Enter to Win Nurse.org's $1,500 "No Essay" Nursing Scholarship!

Advantages And Drawbacks Of Getting A Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN)

Pursuing an MSN is a big investment of money, time, and effort, so you want to be sure that you know what you’re getting into before you move forward.

What is a DNP and is it Worth it?

If you’re considering a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree you might be having a hard time deciding if it’s the right degree for you. 

From RN to Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): This is Why I Chose a Doctorate Over MSN

Dr. Charnelle Lewis DNP, CRNA takes us on her journey from registered nurse to Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and why she chose to earn her DNP over her MSN. 

>> Show Me Online Nursing Programs

Nursing School Motivation

This Is How I Went From CNA to LPN to ADN to BSN to MSN to Nurse Practitioner

Discover how one nurse went from a certified nurse assistant to nurse practitioner, business founder, and CEO.

Pregnant in Nursing School & Now in CRNA (DNP) School With 2 Kids - This is How She Did It

Nursing school is hard! But imagine being pregnant in nursing school? We caught up with Sierra Hardy, BSN, RN-BC, CCRN-CMC-CSC (and DNP Nurse Anesthesia student) to discuss her journey from pregnancy to parenthood through two nursing programs.

Mexican Immigrant Overcomes Childhood Poverty To Become Successful Pediatric Nurse

Thanks to his hard-working ethic, perseverance and dreams of a better life, Enrique Ceniceros pushed to become a successful registered nurse. Read about his story!

Find Nursing Programs

Go to the top of page