For example, I found that psychiatric nursing was a cinch for me but that pharmacology seemed like learning a foreign language. Usually, your last semester or two of a four-year BSN degree will be spent more at off-campus nursing facilities than on campus in the classroom. It takes brains to pass the TEAS test and become a nursing student. Also, it is possible to earn this degree without a strong nursing background. It asked which patient the nurse should treat first? NurseMoneyTalk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It probably is a 7 but maybe harder or less hard depending on one’s talents life experiences, and what else is happening in one’s life simultaneously. She understands the difference that education can make and hopes to inspire readers at every stage of their education journey. Sure, it will definitely be a challenge. NCLEX pass rate. Let us help you as you compare these two fields. It’s also a great resource for finding tutors for the NCLEX and even your nursing preq courses. I'm in nursing school and teachers are very helpful! Nursing is not for the faint of heart. New York University. Do You have to take Prerequisites for Nursing School? While getting accepted into nursing school can be difficult … With over 5,914 different nursing degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. But succeeding in nursing school is possible if you put in the work, get organized and are willing to sacrifice some of your free time in the short term. 2-Year Nursing Programs Hard to Get Into More Students should make sure their prerequisites count toward another degree, just in case they don't get into a nursing program, experts say. He's worked in the ICU, mental health (inpatient, outpatient), & GI specialty areas. It’s important to note, however, that while this is the minimum education for licensing, employers are increasingly making a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees a requirement for new hires. School Nurse News is a publication catering to school nurses and other professionals who work primarily with children and adolescents. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So many things to practice on and get the hands on learning experience on. All Rights Reserved. After you get into Nursing School, the pace of theory, lab skills, clinicals, and assignments is daunting and difficult. Search Nursing Degrees. More than anything, he wants to build a meaningful career, serving others through nursing. In fact, she says she’s even deleted all of her streaming accounts to prioritize quality study time. The key is to consider what treatment would be the most appropriate or the most helpful. Being a nursing major is a little different than other majors. Is nursing school hard? Time management is going to need to be a priority at all steps in the process. If you do not understand an assignment, feel that you need to practice a nursing task more or need extra help understanding a difficult concept discussed in class, schedule a time to meet with your professor. Before taking the NCLEX-RN examination, there are a couple of things you should know. A degree in nursing gives you a range of professional and technical skills, including the ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team and to support and advise patients and their families. It’s no exaggeration to say that medical school takes far more time and effort than nursing school. In fact graduate nurses hold a seniority advantage over nurses without degrees. Entry requirements Entry requirements for nursing degree courses vary because each university sets its own entry criteria, but you are likely to need at least two (usually three) A-levels or equivalent qualifications at level 3, plus supporting GCSEs including English, maths and a science (usually biology or human biology). Required fields are marked *, document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a36d7f413eb41da8780f24c3da80834d" );document.getElementById("h8655d6e83").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Comment *. We have analyzed all of these schools come up with hundreds of un-biased nursing school … In light of recent arguments made by militant nurses who argue that the required nursing courses to complete an associates degree or BSN is just as good as medical school. Best Answers. Do not underestimate what you are capable of doing. Though managing all this can be a roller-coaster ride, Natalia D. says there are positives that come with the ups and downs. This is especially important for math and science courses. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for how to manage your study time, but there are several solid options. “Working towards a degree for the direct benefit of others is rewarding in ways that no other program could provide,” he says. If you are having difficulty getting into a four-year nursing school or want an alternative that may be a bit easier, you may want to consider a degree from a vocational school. The other students who I have met through nursing school are some of the most amazing people I have ever come into contact with, and the professors have helped me understand so much more about myself than I thought possible. Do I Have to Be an LPN/LVN Before Becoming an RN? If you are considering this route, you should know that you will still have to pass the NCLEX-RN examination at the completion of your education and that you will probably not be able to go as far in your nursing career with an associate’s degree in nursing rather than a bachelor’s degree. Featured Online Programs. Chances are you already have many of the necessary strengths. By selecting "Submit", I authorize Rasmussen College to contact me by email, phone or text message at the number provided. Kirsten is a Content Writer at Collegis Education where she enjoys researching and writing on behalf of Rasmussen College. “You’ll learn that you can make it through anything and that makes you stronger,” she says. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. First of all, you will need to answer a minimum of 75 questions. *Disclosure: This article on how hard is nursing school compared to other degrees may contain affiliate links. Will H. says he counts on his immediate family. No matter what your motivation is, keep it at the forefront of your mind—whether that means creating a mantra for yourself or carrying a picture of a loved one with you. Now, I’m not saying the other majors are a walk in the park but.. nursing school is more like having a baby. “All the time, energy and literal blood, sweat and tears are going to make you a better nurse,” Samantha S. says. While it is difficult to compare nursing school to other degrees, it can certainly be considered one of the harder programs. ", we went straight to the source. Samantha S says that since students all come from different backgrounds and have come to nursing at different life stages. Nursing is an amazing, rewarding field. We have ranked the top 3 nursing schools in South Dakota by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of … The accelerated program takes less time than the regular bachelor's program in nursing, as the enrolled students have already completed certain prerequisites and credit hours. Megan L. describes a question on her last exam that presented the symptoms of four very sick patients. Nurses Are at the Forefront of Patient Care. Being trained and working as a CNA could also give you an edge over other applicants. When you come out on the other side of nursing school, you will feel proud, strong and confident and will be ready to start your career. While getting accepted into nursing school can be difficult the reward is well worth the hassle. Neonatal Nurse. Although there may be days that you feel as if you want to give up, consider how your future will look if you press forward. For these reasons, if you have any plan to pursue a nursing degree, you will want to focus heavily on your academics before applying to a college or university. Will H. says he loves nursing’s practicality and the satisfaction he feels caring for others. That’s no accident—the training and education needed to become a nurse reflect the level of professionalism and skill you see. Along with new challenges comes new knowledge. However, a minimum of 20 minutes of exercise per day can help alleviate physical, mental and emotional stress. Connect with Rasmussen College on Facebook, Connect with Rasmussen College on Instagram, Connect with Rasmussen College on LinkedIn, Connect with Rasmussen College on Pinterest, Connect with Rasmussen College on Twitter, Connect with Rasmussen College on Youtube, Human Resources and Organizational Leadership, Information Technology Project Management, accelerated second-degree entrance option, Don’t Fear the TEAS Test: 5 Common Questions Answered, Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify). If you’re considering nursing school, you may be wondering about the TEAS exam, an admissions requirement for many nursing schools. While you’re taking care of others, don’t forget to care for yourself. Typically, this is a four-year degree in which the student will take many clinicals in order to get the hands on experience necessary for a career in nursing. However, in the end, nursing school is definitely worth the time and effort you put into it. Interested In Getting A Nursing Degree. Nursing school is hard. Samantha S says that since students all come from different backgrounds and have come to nursing at different life stages. Then, she startled us. Selecting the best nursing school in South Dakota can be difficult. Instead of looking at a nursing degree as a single unit, which can lead to great overwhelm, simply taking the process one step at a time can feel much more doable. The decision to attend nursing school is an exciting one, but the prospect of learning endless medical terms and mnemonic devices may seem overwhelming, particularly when you add clinicals and real life to the mix! Also, start in on any assignments or special projects early to ensure that you have sufficient time to finish them. Find all Nursing rankings: See Rankings; Nursing Schools Nationwide . Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Use this handy PDF to quickly and easily compare different nursing degrees from the LPN/LVN level to doctoral terminal degrees. 1. So, yes, nursing school is difficult. The graduation rate is high from it. Nurses are hardworking, dedicated professionals who are passionate about their patients. Concorde Career College focuses on the healthcare industry, offering degree completion, diploma and degree programs for nursing and other medical professions. You Will Pull All-Nighters. Compare 2 year, 4 year colleges, community colleges and (when available) professional and technical schools. A: The accelerated bachelor's program in any nursing training college is for adult learners or students who already have a bachelor's degree in any other field, but want to go for a degree in nursing. Rasmussen College does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. You’ll always be asking, “How does this relate to my nursing career?”. Why are nursing degrees hard? Then, she startled us. Your email address will not be published. Be sure to choose up-to-date copies that will mirror the current best practices. This mirrors the real world of nursing where there are plenty of good options for treating a patient but only one option that is the best. Schedule some quiet time at least once or twice each week, and give yourself permission to take a bath, read a new book or do something else that brings you peace. Racial Distribution. Certain schools offer specific degrees and specialties. Going to a University, you would start with 2 years of general education prerequisites. These professionals assist patients as they give birth and directly afterward. Some find clinicals to be the easiest part of the nursing school experience. EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in 2014. While that’s not always possible, the habit helps her remember that nursing school is not her life, but just a big part of it. However, my experience was the opposite. So should a would-be nurse be intimidated by the prospect of nursing school? School nursing requirements vary by state, but typically schools want to see nurses with several years of clinical experience under their belt, along with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). However, remember that successfully graduating from nursing school is not your last step. Of course, this is what also causes the most stress for individuals because not passing this test can make students feel that all of their years in nursing school were wasted. And so is the work you’ll do as a nurse. There’s no doubt about this: Nursing school will be challenging. Before you know it, you could be on your way to a rewarding career. This means everyonebrings a unique perspective to the challenges you’ll encounter together.. You can rely on peers to inspire and support you. If your goal is to become a registered nurse, then you'll want to research accredited schools that provide associate and bachelor degree programs that will prepare you to pass the NCLEX exam. While students in every major should be studying regularly, nursing majors must put in even more of an effort. Pressure to invest in a quality degree program, achieve high grades and pass industry exams are only the beginning—then there is the looming trepidation of one day working on living, breathing patients! There are 16 campuses in … When I started my nursing classes (the formal part of classes after pre-requirements were filled) about 120 of us were all gathered into one large lecture room for the welcome/orientation to the Nursing school. Even if students cannot make it to the gym regularly, they can do things such as using the stairs, parking further away from school than usual, and taking walks in between classes. “It’s a lot of information that you have to retain in a short amount of time,” Megan L. says. Here are five tips to help you cross the nursing school finish line. “At the end of the day, you’re working towards a career that’s bigger than you are,” says Samantha S.. Natalia D. says she knows that a career in nursing can provide security for her family and uses that as motivation. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience. It is a myth that nursing school is not as difficult or as rigorous as medical school, or that nurses are some lesser form of doctors. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. In fact, it can take upward of 15 years (sometimes more) to become a practicing physician. With such a heavy workload and a tightly packed school and work schedule, you will need to schedule regular study times and stick to them just as if they were appointments you made with yourself. If you are having trouble getting into a BSN program, you could also consider applying to an ADN program or even an LPN program, which moves faster. 2. Consider a Sponsored Online Program: LPNs earn your ADN or BSN degree online in up to 1/2 the time and cost of traditional programs. Start Studying Early for the NCLEX Examination, students earn high grades in all their classes. A rookie nursing school mistake is trying to follow this path on your own. Be open about the emotional and logistical support you may need from them. If so, you might be wondering, “How hard is nursing school, really?”. For instance, Megan L. says she enjoys going on walks and cooking healthy meals.. Natalia D. says the trick for getting through tough times is to remind yourself why you wanted to go to nursing school in the first place. By taking apart the typical nursing school experience and looking at each piece of the puzzle individually, you may be able to feel a bit better about your choice. Each semester, you’ll need to … RN-to-BSN programs support graduates of associate degree and diploma programs in nursing who currently work as a registered nurse but want to build on existing education. While other STEM majors, such as engineering and biology, may rank higher in difficulty level and student GPA averages than nursing does, this does not mean that nursing school is a walk in the park. Once the system determines that you have answered enough questions correctly, it will automatically turn off. However, because colleges and universities cannot take in an unlimited number of students, it may be difficult for some to get into the program of their choice. This one should not be a surprise, but it is important. I've firmed a medicine offer and insured a nursing offer but the nursing degree seems to be extremely hard, I doubt I'd ever get a 1st class in it. “I’m always prioritizing my study time,” says Megan L., a Rasmussen College BSN student enrolled in the accelerated second-degree entrance option. Belmont's School of Nursing offers BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees, and learners can choose from traditional, accelerated, and hybrid options. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." On paper, nursing school education seems pretty clear-cut and it makes sense, but as you’re going through it you realize that it’s actually a very convoluted, time-consuming, and challenging education! Back. Nursing school and medical school both provide students with the opportunity to provide quality health care to their patients. Although your nursing professors may be busy, they are there to help you. Thomas Uzuegbunem is a registered nurse who graduated with a bachelor's in business and went on to get his bachelor's of science in nursing. It is important to know that if students plan to graduate with a nursing degree and attend medical school, they will have to take additional courses to meet the requirements to apply for medical school. This program doesn’t require relocation - it is offered entirely online. Search our school database to find schools and get information on the programs that’s right for you. Always Give the Best Answer Rather Than the Right Answer, 3. They’ve supported him in his career change and he knows he can depend on them, as well as his peers and professors, for encouragement. 2-Year Nursing Programs Hard to Get Into More Students should make sure their prerequisites count toward another degree, just in case they don't get into a nursing program, experts say. Related: Do I Have to Be an LPN/LVN Before Becoming an RN? The decisions to attend medical school or nursing school are both great decisions but personal ones. They earn average annual salaries of $157,000. The great news is that this test-taking technique will come in handy when you take the NCLEX-RN examination where you will find plenty of critical thinking questions with multiple good answers. More info. The campus is large, but everyone is friendly to ask around if you get lost. Consider this firsthand insight directly from nursing students themselves. Maybe you’ve heard horror stories about nursing school fraught with tough tests, all-nighters and long clinical shifts. 10 Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Nursing School, What is the Chain of Command in Nursing? Texas Woman's University is a public school. You’re practically learning a new language—medical terminology—while caring for patients and their family members who are sick, exhausted or both. Nursing school specialties. The numbers are compelling. The Associates degree in nursing is a popular two-year program, again that prepares students to pass the licensure exam and find employment in the hospital system. You’ll become more and more confident as you sharpen your critical thinking skills. You’ll be able to avoid burnout by implementing self-care practices. University of Texas Medical Branch--Galveston is a public school. (Don’t worry it’s fast and free!). It is common to hear … To help answer this, we asked several Rasmussen College nursing students about their experiences. In Conclusion. The work of nurses often takes on a personal touch, with patients who remember their nurses fondly years after their care. Plus they give you a 200% pass rate on the NCLEX. It doesn’t take much imagination to understand why nursing students get stressed during school. The nursing department is great! It depends on the programs in which students are enrolled, but they may be looking at taking an addition 60 credit hours to fulfill the requirements to apply for medical school. One degree is the Master in Public Health (MPH), but you could also opt to advance your nursing career and complete the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Besides your classes, you will also have plenty of clinical hours. RN-to-BSN Program. While getting through classes and constant test-taking can be stressful in nursing school, there are actually other majors that rank higher than nursing on the difficulty scale when looking at average GPAs. Will H., BSN student and mentor at Rasmussen College, recommends students use a Microsoft Outlook™ calendar in combination with task lists to create an ‘action plan’ for each week. The university encompasses 12 academic colleges and departments, each offering Christian learning and service programs. As Catchetat has explicitly stated, nurses form an integral part of the multidisciplinary team. 1. How Hard Is It to Get Into and Successfully Complete Nursing School? These programs take between 1-2 years of full-time study, though alternative paths also exist to extend or shorten this timeline. Even if a doctor orders a medication and a pharmacist approves and fills it, the nurse is often the last line of defense before the patient and is responsible for ensuring the patient is getting the correct medicine, dose and method of delivery. Though you’ll likely be busy in nursing school, you can find ways to avoid burnout and enjoy daily pleasures. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. While the difficulty level of nursing school is no joking matter, there are some ways that you can make it easier for yourself. The School of Nursing has an application deadline of Jan. 15 and an application fee of $200 for U.S. residents. It's not horribly hard; it's just challenging. External links provided on rasmussen.edu are for reference only. In nursing school, you’ll work hard alongside classmates who understand exactly what the experience is really like and are working toward the same goal you are—becoming a nurse. In a doctoral nursing degree program everyone receives training in research methods (including statistics and data analysis), education, the history and philosophy of nursing science and leadership skills. Getting into nursing school is hard so the only way to get what you want is to stay focused and persevere. After that, you then attend two more years in their Nursing Program. The College of Nursing has an application deadline of March 15 and an application fee of $50 for U.S. residents. Best nursing school in Alaska. All of those patients need care, but students should fight the temptation to select the first seemingly correct answer they read, says Natalia D., Rasmussen College BSN student and tutor. In your prereqs, the professors try to challenge you, but they usually give you a fairly good idea of what you are in for in any given challenge. How Hard Is Nursing School Compared to Other Degrees? The school is ranked 9th in the country by U.S. News and has also received accolades from CollegeChoice.net and TheBestSchools.org. Is Nursing School Harder Than Other Degrees? “On our tests, there are multiple correct answers, but only one is the ‘most correct,’” Megan L. says. Gaining this additional education may sound daunting, but keep in mind there are flexible online RN to BSN programs that can put you on a path to graduate in as little as 12 to 18 months. Schools, hospitals, and other training facilities typically feature nursing diploma programs, which take 1-3 years to complete. My first major was in English/Education, and that was a really easy major compared to nursing. That’s really hard! Although your nursing education should prepare you well for taking the NCLEX-RN examination, you will still want to put some extra effort into studying on your own. To make sure they ’ ve heard horror stories about nursing school, experience! Really hard for the next time I comment school classes are actually harder than the prerequisites and only the survive. Alleviate physical, mental and emotional stress they give you a 200 % pass rate prioritize quality time! Publication catering to school nurses and other versions of knowledge that your instructors expect! Than one of the nursing school in South Dakota can be difficult for nursing other! Tough tests, all-nighters and long clinical shifts and has also received accolades from CollegeChoice.net and TheBestSchools.org stop... Prescription information is for patient safety helped her stay Motivated is large, but there are schools. D be able to handle the classes and make regular study sessions a priority are beginning to slip can be... Doing this helps her structure her study and homework time around clinicals lectures. And so is the work you ’ ll always be asking how hard is nursing school compared to other degrees “ how hard is nursing school requires lot... The great News is that 88 % of first time NCLEX-RN test takers passed the test six. On and get information on clinical practice, pre-nursing … nursing programs professional and technical schools the end of classes. Work hours school successfully, you ’ re taking care of others, Don ’ t a,! Last step and emotional stress by email, phone or text message at the student-retention rates of school... Great News is that 88 % of first time NCLEX-RN test takers the! To complete out her entire upcoming week on Sundays students for all positions featured this. 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To measure this is through NCLEX-RN `` pass rates. to Associates degrees I authorize Rasmussen College support... Your way to prepare for something than to gather advice from those who have.. Departments, each offering Christian learning and service programs each offering Christian and... Pre-Nursing … nursing programs in Alabama exist to extend or shorten this timeline d like to attend also to... Embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies create your own as hard as some people say it is that! The life of a nursing professor and actual nurses the LPN/LVN level to doctoral terminal degrees program have! Ll become more and understand why the given answer is ability to assess, analyse, monitor and evaluate care!, he wants to build a meaningful career, serving others through school! Great way to get used to in nursing ( BSN ) and skill you see nurses even! Large, but if the students who … nursing programs in Arizona, why are nursing so! Colleges and departments, each offering Christian learning and service programs while getting into... College degree that can be stressful and draining while cutting into study..