About Nursing Colleges

If you want to become a nurse, you must attend an accredited nursing program before you can begin work. You have several different options to choose from, as nursing colleges within larger educational institutions and standalone nursing colleges both offer nursing programs.

Nursing Colleges Within Larger Educational Institution

Most community colleges and four year universities offer nursing programs, offered by either a nursing department or the college of nursing within a large university. These nursing programs are just one option in a school that offers many degree and certificate programs. In order to complete a nursing program within a larger educational institution, you must apply and gain entry to the school. Then, you must take prerequisite classes and apply for entry into the nursing program. Entry to nursing programs that are part of a larger educational institution is competitive, and schools do not accept every student who applies.

Standalone Nursing Colleges

Some nursing colleges are specifically dedicated to nursing. They only teach nursing courses to nursing students and offer no other educational programs. At these colleges, you must only gain entrance into the college, not the college and the program. Sometimes, these schools offer licensed practical nursing programs as well as registered nursing programs. They may offer traditional, online, or accelerated nursing programs. Or, they may only offer one or the other: registered nursing or license practical nursing classes. Standalone nursing colleges may be public or private institutions. Often, standalone nursing colleges are affiliated with a specific hospital and hold classes at or near the hospital.