The Average Tuition Cost of Practical Nursing School and How to Save

Finding a practical nursing school in your area can be difficult if you are feeling overwhelmed by the cost of education and getting started in your new career. The good news is that there are a wide range of practical nursing schools available now, and their tuitions vary based on their locations and the schools they are associated with. There are also a few easy ways to save money on your tuition and the cost of textbooks and other materials you need complete school.

Tuition
Look closely at the tuition rates that the schools in your area are charging. Practical nursing programs offered by some of the largest private colleges can be closer to $20,000 to $30,000 and small technical schools may come in closer to $15,000 to $25,000. It does take some research to determine what the average range is around you. The other thing to consider is what all is covered in that tuition. Schools with regional accreditation have credits that you can transfer to other programs as you continue your education later on. Some tuition estimates include all of your textbooks and tools, while others charge separately for books and all of the other things you need to complete the program. Of course, grants and scholarships can definitely help you reduce your tuition expenses each semester.

Textbooks
Textbooks are the next most common place that people struggle to find the money for their courses. Textbooks can cost more than a hundred dollars each, and oftentimes are only used for a single semester. The best way to save money is to buy used textbooks and to look online. Make sure you are getting the correct edition of each book you purchase, but you may be able to find those books for a third of the new cost. 

Stethoscope, Uniforms and More
Naturally, you need certain tools to successfully participate in practical nursing school. Professional grade stethoscopes and uniforms can be very expensive. If your school does not provide these tools to you, plan to do some shopping online again to find a stethoscope, pen light, bandage scissors and maybe even the LPN reference guides that will give you everything you need to be successful. 

Exams
Lastly, even after you have completed all of your classes successfully, you will still need to take your exam. The NCLEX-PN exam costs approximately $200 and is almost always separate from what you paid for school itself. The best you can do is to be prepared for this expense at the end of your practical nursing school program and make sure you only have to take the test once.

Depending on the base tuition rate at the schools nearest you and what is included in their basic tuition, you can figure out what your total practical nursing school expenses will be. You can begin by applying for grants and scholarships, and try to source your textbooks and tools from online sources that may be cheaper than what your school or local providers has to offer. Lastly, studying and working hard is the best way to ensure that your money will not be wasted by having to retake classes or retake the NCLEX-PN exam at graduation time.

To learn more about a career in nursing, 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 career in nursing that could change your life for the better. Call 419-329-4075 today.

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