How to choose a nursing school: a decision checklist

By NursingAcademy · October 28, 2026

Choose the specific program

A university can offer several nursing programs with different entry requirements and purposes. Record the exact degree, campus, pathway, and delivery format. Compare programs for the same goal before comparing institutions as a whole.

Check these questions first

I have identified the exact credential and whether the program is prelicensure or postlicensure.
I have checked the relevant board’s approval information where it applies.
I have looked up the program’s accreditation status in an official directory.
I have written confirmation about admission prerequisites and transfer credits.
I know where attendance, labs, placements, or other in-person activities occur.
I have asked who arranges placements and what travel may be required.
I have a cost estimate that includes mandatory fees and known exclusions.
I have read withdrawal, refund, and progression policies.
I have asked about academic support, accessibility accommodations, and how to raise a concern.

Your checks stay in this page only. Print this checklist to keep a copy.

Use outcomes carefully

If a school provides graduation, employment, or exam results, ask which cohort and period they describe and how the measure is defined. A result for an entry-to-practice program is not automatically relevant to an RN-to-BSN program.

Make your shortlist defensible

Choose three or four criteria that matter to your circumstances. Keep the source and date beside each answer. A missing answer is an open question, not evidence that a requirement does not exist. Avoid paying a deposit until any decision-critical gaps are resolved.

No school pays for a ranking in this guide. We have not evaluated or endorsed a particular program here.

Turn the shortlist into a working comparison

Illustrative example — not a verified program

Program A: campus identified, in-person days still unknown. Program B: attendance confirmed by the applicant from a dated program document, transfer credit still unknown. Both can stay in the comparison. Ask A about attendance and B for an individual credit evaluation; neither receives a score for missing data.

Use the comparison fields for education, license, residence, approval, accreditation, attendance, costs and application dates. Record the value, source and date for each. Then generate an editable admissions message from the gaps. No message is sent for you.

Sources

Licensure
National Council of State Boards of Nursing · Accessed 2026-10-01
Board of Nursing Contacts
National Council of State Boards of Nursing · Accessed 2026-10-01
Search Programs
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing · Accessed 2026-10-01
Find Accredited Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education · Accessed 2026-10-01

Check current requirements with the institution or regulator before making a decision.

Your next step

Compare up to three programs