Asking the Right Questions When Selecting a Nursing Program

There are more than a few nursing schools in Northwest Ohio, but selecting the right one can be a difficult process. Many potential students do not even know the right questions to ask. Here are a few of the questions that you should be asking when selecting the nursing program that is right for you.

Does This Program Meet My Needs?

Just like there are many different types of students, there are several nursing specializations that require specific degrees and certifications. If you are pursuing one of these specializations, check and double check that the program will qualify you for your goals.

What is the Cost?

Different schools will have different tuitions, and you will have to leverage this against the benefits of each nursing program. One school may be $5,000 cheaper than another, but is it really worth it if the cheaper school will not provide a quality education?

While price is important, the flat rate may not always show the real cost. If school A has a set rate of $10,000 and school B has a rate of $15,000, then school A would seem to be cheaper. It is possible, however, that school B might get you a degree in one school year where school A would take two, which would actually make school B the cheaper option. Look for things like this when budgeting your money for nursing school.

What are the Requirements?

Before starting an application or scheduling a visit to campus, know what the school requires. If it asks for a degree that you do not have, then you should not be wasting your time with it. Similarly, they may ask for transcripts or other documents that you will need to have to them by a set deadline. Keep these deadlines in the front of your mind, or any time that you spent working on your application will be wasted.

What are the NCLEX Pass Ratings?

After successfully finishing your time at nursing school, you will have to take the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX. This is a mandatory exam that will allow you to begin working as a licensed nurse. A school's NCLEX pass rates will reveal many things about the quality of education, specifically:

• The amount of practical learning
• The level of academic support from tutors and faculty
• The teaching skills of faculty members
• The amount of NCLEX preparation

The 2015 pass rate for the NCLEX-RN was just over 84%, so you want your nursing program to have a pass rate of 85% or higher. If they cannot meet that number, then there is a good chance that they are not preparing their students for the NCLEX and will only waste your time.

Conclusion

Northwest Ohio is a popular location for nursing schools, but there are key differences between the programs. Ask each of these questions when considering different schools and you will quickly see which program is right for you.

To learn more about a career as a Practical Nurse, and whether it’s the right fit for you, schedule an appointment with Athena Career Academy today. One meeting with our Admissions counselors could help put you on the path to a successful new career that could change your life for the better. 

Athena Career Academy is located at:
5203 Airport Highway
Toledo, Ohio 43615
Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30AM to 4:30PM
Phone: (419) 329-4075