Decide on the level of education you plan to pursue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are three routes to becoming a nurse: a certificate program, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN)and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A certificate program leads to a Licensed Practical Nurse licensure. Both the ADN and BSN programs lead to a Registered Nurse licensure, but the BSN may provide more advancement opportunities.
Check to make sure the program is accredited. Many hospitals strongly prefer to hire graduates of accredited programs, so you don't want to waste your money on an unaccredited training program if it will not help you reach your career goals.
Find out the passing rate for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which is required of all nurses to earn a license. The quality of the nursing program and clinical rotation strongly influence the number of students who pass the NCLEX.