Four-year colleges and universities provide a vehicle for students who want to earn a bachelor's degree, master's or doctorate in nursing. Students must have a high school diploma, acceptable scores on the ACT or SAT tests and meet the requirements of the university and the school of nursing. Because the demand for nurses is strong, often the schools limit enrollment and have waiting lists. Earning good grades, especially in science and math, help applicants gain admission into competitive programs. Besides the academic classes, students in nursing programs intern to learn the necessary skills to perform medically necessary tasks.
Some nursing students start by taking classes at a community college instead of a four-year college, especially when they are on a waiting list for entrance. Community college classes tend to be smaller, tuition might be lower, and some offer the same prerequisite classes that larger universities do. Most credits transfer to other educational programs, but make sure the community colleges are accredited schools. Some community colleges require drug screening and background checks to enter their nursing programs.
Most public colleges offer online classes that provide an avenue for students whose schedule does not permit them to enroll in a program full-time or if the college or university program is full. Students need to meet the requirements of the online school. A teaching staff member from the online college provides help for students. Although students take the classes online, exams need to be taken in proctored settings on or off campus.
Private schools offer both classroom and online classes. Many of the programs at private schools provide continuing education opportunities for working nurses and short-track programs for students who want to become a certified nursing assistant. Private schools also prepare students to take the state licensing tests, something all nursing students need to pass to work in the field. All schools, regardless of their public or private status, prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Students preparing to become a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse must take the exam specific to the license for which they apply. State boards of nursing determine the time and place when an applicant can take the test.