Earning a Nursing Degree in the U.S.: Everything You Need to Know Before Enrolling

If you are passionate about helping people and healthcare, then a nursing degree might be the right choice for you. Today, the U.S. is experiencing a persistent nursing shortage, which makes nursing degrees a highly sought-after commodity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an average of 193,100 job openings for nurses each year during this decade. These are not just numbers but opportunities waiting to be seized. 

But what is required to study and earn a nursing degree in the U.S.? Whether you want to complete online family nurse practitioner programs or wish to choose the path of various online nursing programs due to their flexibility, this article will provide everything you need to know before enrolling in your nursing course. From the different degree levels to licensure requirements, you will have equipped yourself with all the knowledge you need to get your application shortlisted by colleges and universities. 

What is a Nursing Degree?

Nurses play a very important role in all healthcare systems. Yet, the sheer size of the healthcare industry also means that nursing is not a monolithic field. There are, in fact, many different paths and types of nursing degrees that you can take. They are usually referred to as specialties, and they focus on patients from a particular demographic or with a particular medical condition. 

For example, in the U.S., nursing forms the largest healthcare profession, with nearly 4.7 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide. However, many of these RNs work in different settings and sectors, including medical or surgical areas and specialties such as emergency care or oncology, to which many programs also cater. There are many types of nursing degrees, but generally, they are either one of the following levels:

  • Associate Degree in Nursing. 
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing.
  • Master’s Degree in Nursing.
  • Doctoral Degree in Nursing. 

The more advanced the degree, the more career opportunities you can have and the higher salary potential there is. 

It is important to note that in the U.S., each state has its own degree and license requirements for hospitals and clinics. So as a student wanting to study nursing in the U.S., you should do the required research into this when choosing your institution and the state you wish to work in. 

Know the Credentials and Prerequisites

To earn a nursing degree in the U.S., you will need to satisfy a variety of admission criteria. 

Prospective students must have completed high school or an equivalent in order to apply for undergraduate nursing programs. A bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field will generally be required if you are looking for graduate programs, and typically with a GPA of 2.75 and 3.5 for more competitive schools. If English is not your native language, then you will most likely need to submit a language proficiency test score, such as from an IELTS or TOEFL test. For these two tests, you will need a score of the following ranges:

Depending on the institution you choose, you may also need to take the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) admissions test, an assessment that helps nurses prepare and pass their final licensure exam, but is also used by many colleges as an admission acceptance criterion for students. 

Furthermore, besides academic requirements, you may also need to provide proof of financial resources to study in a U.S. university. The average yearly cost of a nursing course in the U.S. is around US$12,300, with public universities having an average of US$11,950, and private universities ranging from US$24,950 to US$33,160 per year. With the rise in the cost of attending college or university and the general cost of living in the U.S., you can always apply for financial aid, which many institutions offer.  

Mode of Study: Online or On-Campus?

While the technology for online nursing programs was already available before 2020, it really took off during and after the pandemic and will continue in the future. So today you have the option to choose between online and on-campus programs. However, before choosing what is right for you, you should consider the advantages and potential disadvantages of either learning mode. 

Online Nursing Programs – Advantages 

  • Flexibility – If you plan on working in the U.S., you can attend classes at the convenience of your own home and study at your own pace, something that you cannot do with on-campus courses. 
  • Different Learning Styles – From online discussion groups to student presentations through online videos, slides, or lectures, you can experience a variety of learning formats beyond the traditional classroom. 
  • Lower costs – Online programs may cost less if you are not paying room and board or transportation fees. 

Online Nursing Programs – Disadvantages 

  • Decreased face-to-face interactions – While online programs are not necessarily 100% online, as there is generally a requirement for in-person clinical placements, online learning inevitably involves fewer face-to-face interactions than on-campus classes, which can leave students feeling disconnected and isolated. 
  • Motivation – Students need to have the determination and motivation to stay on top of assignments and preparations for exams. Along with this, you must be able to plan and adhere to a schedule despite increased flexibility. 
  • Accessibility and technical difficulties – Nursing programs usually require students to have certain applications and computer requirements to complete the course. Moreover, technology always has the potential to be unreliable, with issues outside of your control (such as internet connectivity) that need to be considered. 

On-Campus Programs – Advantages 

  • Networking opportunities – In-person classes naturally have better cross-peer support and relationships. This also allows for a greater ability to forge professional networks with other nurses and students. 
  • Collaborative learning – Many people learn better in environments where they can be active participants with their peers. Both students and professors can also receive immediate feedback through on-campus classes, which is helpful for overall learning. 
  • Resources – Institutions usually have resources that are far more complete and may not be available online. These resources can include library research assistance, counseling services, academic skills labs, social groups, and many others. 

On-Campus Programs – Disadvantages 

  • Inflexibility – On-campus programs usually follow a fixed course schedule. It can also be expensive when students need to repeat a class due to being unable to attend the required number of classes or not receiving a passing grade. These factors can be inflexible for the needs of working students. 
  • Learning styles – From social anxiety to early mornings, many things can hinder a student’s ability to excel in the traditional college classroom environment. For some, they may feel more empowered and successful doing the work in the comfort of their own home. 

Career Options

The career you choose in nursing will really depend on the course you decide to take and whether you want to do a specialty. Nevertheless, the nursing industry will continue to grow in the U.S. due to demand and shortages. Here are some of the most in-demand nursing career options you may consider when choosing your degree:

  • Cardiac care nursing.
  • Certified nurse midwife.
  • Emergency nurse.
  • Home health nurse.
  • Hospice nurse. 
  • Nurse anesthetist.
  • Nurse practitioner. 
  • Oncology nurse. 
  • Surgical (perioperative) nurse. 
  • Mental health nurse. 
  • Telemetry nurse. 

Ultimately, institutions always have opportunities and services for transferring skills to a career path, so you should utilize those tools as much as possible. 

What to Expect and Making Preparations

Nursing school requires commitment. You will need to attend lectures, do assignments, participate in group projects, do clinical trials, and pass assessments such as exams. At times you may find yourself avoiding social outings, pulling all-nighters, or feeling stressed out from study – at the end of the day, however, it was you who has made the right decision to become a nurse. You will make sacrifices during your course, but at the same time, its worth will be proven when it lands you in a high-demand, stable, and long-term career. 

So how do you prepare? It is only through preparation that you can boost your confidence, raise your chances for success, and ensure that the course is as enjoyable as possible. Some tips that you can take to prepare for nursing school can include: 

  • Developing good study habits.
  • Taking it step-by-step. 
  • Learning stress management techniques.
  • Joining study groups.
  • Try attending every class. 
  • Doing your readings. 

And last but not least, make sure to have fun!