RN School of Nursing Program Structure and Accreditation
RN school programs include Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN) and Registered Nursing (ADN/BSN) pathways, with accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The National League for Nursing (NLN) and state boards of nursing approve curricula that meet clinical hour requirements and NCLEX eligibility standards. Many RN schools partner with hospitals and community health systems to provide supervised clinical rotations in acute care, long-term care, and outpatient settings. Students can verify program accreditation and state approval through the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs U.S. Department of Education College Navigator.
Program length varies by credential: LPN programs typically take 12 to 18 months, ADN programs require about two years, and BSN programs span four years. Accelerated BSN options for students with a prior bachelor's degree can be completed in 12 to 18 months. Most RN schools require a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite courses in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology, and a minimum GPA. Admission criteria often include TEAS or HESI A2 test scores, background checks, immunization records, and CPR certification. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers the NCLEX-PN for LPNs and the NCLEX-RN for RNs, and passing rates are reported by program and state NCLEX exam information from NCSBN.
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Program Costs
Public community college ADN programs charge an average of $6,000 to $10,000 in total tuition for in-district students, while BSN programs at public universities range from $40,000 to $80,000 for the full degree. Private RN schools and for-profit institutions often charge higher rates, with total costs exceeding $30,000 for ADN and $60,000 to $100,000 for BSN programs. LPN program tuition at public community colleges averages $10,000 to $15,000, with private vocational schools charging $15,000 to $30,000. The College Board and the National Center for Education Statistics report that nursing program costs include tuition, fees, clinical supplies, uniforms, background checks, and immunization expenses NCES College Navigator for nursing program costs.
Financial aid options include federal Pell Grants, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and the Nurse Corps Scholarship Program, which covers tuition and fees in exchange for service at eligible critical shortage facilities. The U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship programs for nursing allow students to earn wages while completing clinical requirements. State-specific grants and hospital tuition reimbursement programs also reduce out-of-pocket costs for RN students. The FAFSA website provides the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and the Nurse Corps Scholarship details are available through the Health Resources and Services Administration Nurse Corps Loan Repayment and Scholarship Program.
Licensure, Career Outcomes, and Employment Data
Graduates must pass the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN exam to obtain licensure as a practical nurse or registered nurse. State boards of nursing issue licenses, and requirements vary by jurisdiction regarding background checks, jurisprudence exams, and continuing education. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses earned a median annual wage of $81,2