Top rn nursing programs

A nurse residency program typically takes place in an acute-care hospital. Some issues relevant to workplace performance are also touched upon during the course, including professional behavior and professional ethics. Most of them last anywhere from three months to a year, though some can go on up to two years.

The main difference between a nurse residency program and traditional university training is that the practice part of the course is much more intensive. This means having your high school diploma or equivalent degree and passing some standardized admission tests like GRE, for example. There may be different entry requirements depending on your chosen field of study, but these are often not very strict.

This comprehensive program was specifically created for the ambitious newly licensed acute care nurses who want to get ahead of them and build both their confidence and their clinical skills — all while learning how to adjust to the unique lifestyle of a nurse. Start Now. As you can tell, nurse residency programs are very similar to regular university courses in hospitals. One of the most significant advantages of doing a nurse residency program is that it will allow you to build yourself intensively as a professional without giving up work experience or financial gains.

As mentioned, most patient care nursing residencies last from three months to two years. In the State of Washington, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.

We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Washington to provide our state rankings. View our methodology. They offer a career ladder program. Whatcom Community College is located in Bellingham, Washington. Columbia Basin College is located in Pasco, Washington. The program is designed as a career ladder program - the student first earns their LPN, then can exit it they'd like, or continue for their ADN degree.

Bellevue College is located in Bellevue, Washington. They also offer an RN refresher program, which is available for students who have been out of the workforce and need to brush up on their nursing skills. They offer a BSN degree. Everett Community College is located in Everett, Washington. They have been educating nurses since Graduates from their program earn an AAS-T degree, allowing them to easily transfer to a four-year college, as many will go on to earn their BSN degree. Peninsula College is located in Port Angeles, Washington.

They offer an ADN program. They offer advanced placement for LPNs, but only if spaces allow in the program - they do not have spaces available for the academic year. If you live far from a school's campus or in an area with few healthcare providers, you may want to contact the school to see how distance learners can fulfill their clinical requirements. All students will want to consider how clinical hours may be distributed and the effect it may have on other responsibilities.

Accreditation ensures that a school meets objective standards for academic quality and ethical practices. Many employers and doctoral programs do not hire graduates from schools that are not accredited.

The graduation rate demonstrates that a program's teachers are effective and its students are satisfied. While some candidates leave a program for entirely personal reasons, a high overall dropout rate can be a warning sign.

Consider how a program's online learning format and its requirements will fit your needs and other responsibilities. Does the amount of structure work for your learning style and any current job or personal responsibilities? Would attending synchronous real time classes present challenges?

To apply to an RN-to-MSN online program, you will need your transcripts most schools accept unofficial copies for applications , contact information for at least two references, and a personal statement or essay on why you want to earn the degree. Because accreditation is important, schools and programs will proudly state their accreditation status; usually on the school or program's home page or a prominent navigation link. Accreditation is important for both online and on-campus programs, and a lack of accreditation information can be a warning sign.

Check the accrediting agencies' websites listed above to search their lists of accredited programs. Please note that all programs listed here or elsewhere on NurseJournal. Some of the most important reasons students should seek accredited programs include:.

While students can save money by earning an RN-to-MSN online, certain factors can affect distance learners' educational costs.

These include available transfer credits, additional charges like technology fees, and enrollment status. You should also determine if a program charges in-state or out-of-state tuition for online courses and whether you plan to work while earning a degree. Candidates pursuing an RN-to-MSN online qualify for the same financial aid resources as on-campus learners. Funding sources include federal and private loans, scholarships, grants , and work-study opportunities.

Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

For a list of the top RN degrees by state, read on below.