Wondering how to choose a nursing school? Notre Dame of Maryland University’s ABSN program has dedicated admissions advisors, full accreditation, NCLEX-RN preparation success, a great location for clinicals and future employment, abundant student support and a flexible timeline to complete your nursing degree.
Choosing the right nursing school is crucial, as it will significantly influence your practical skills as a nurse and help shape your professional identity. If it’s so important, you may be wondering how to choose a nursing school.
Consider Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, for example. At Notre Dame, you will work through a nursing curriculum with hybrid online or on-campus ABSN coursework. Then, through onsite labs and clinical experiences, you will gain hands-on practice in the nursing field while earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Before committing to a nursing school, however, you should ensure that you can meet the requirements for program admission. Explore the best steps to take when choosing the best nursing school for your professional and personal goals.
1. Understand Admissions Requirements
Each nursing program has its own set of requirements, such as minimum grade point average and prerequisites. The admissions process may look different when comparing enrolling in a traditional BSN program vs an ABSN program.
Notre Dame’s ABSN admission requirements include completion of prerequisite courses to compensate for the accelerated nature of the nursing curriculum. Depending on your previous education, you may be able to waive some or most prerequisite courses. An admissions advisor will help you determine what nursing school prerequisites are needed to become eligible to apply and develop a plan to meet your desired start date goal.
2. Research the Program’s Accreditation
Take the time to confirm the nursing program’s accreditation. The nursing program you choose should be accredited at the state and national levels for licensure requirements and any future education you may pursue.
Curious about earning a higher educational degree in nursing? Learn about the difference between a BSN and MSN.
Why Does Accreditation Matter?
First, accreditation determines eligibility to receive financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education. These grants and loans may help you successfully finance your nursing education.
Accreditation also impacts your ability to pursue higher degrees in the future or transfer your credits to other schools. This credential acts as verification that a program meets specific academic standards. So, attending an accredited institution is often required for master’s or doctoral programs, as well as some certifications.
Lastly, graduates will have a competitive edge when searching for nursing jobs. In fact, many health care employers prefer to hire accredited practitioners educated to nationally established standards.
You can rest assured that Notre Dame of Maryland University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and our BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Approval by the State Board of Nursing
In addition to accreditation, it’s important to seek out a nursing school approved by the appropriate state board of nursing. A state board of nursing seal of approval grants you the ability to sit for the NCLEX-RN, the licensure exam every nursing graduate must pass to become a registered nurse.
If the school you’re considering is not approved by its state board of nursing, you may not be able to sit for the exam and receive your nursing license. Note that Notre Dame’s nursing baccalaureate degree program is approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing.
3. Prepare Yourself for the NCLEX-RN
Since you must take and pass the NCLEX-RN, you want to find a quality nursing program that will set you up for success.
All state-approved nursing schools must report how many of their students pass this exam on the first attempt. How a BSN program’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates compare to the national average for first-time test takers is also an indicator of a school’s quality. Notre Dame of Maryland University has a first-time pass rate well above the national average, with 100% of both BSN and ABSN graduates passing the NCLEX-RN on their first try in 2024.
4. Evaluate the School’s Location
Don’t forget to evaluate the nursing program’s location as well. Depending on your program’s location, you may enjoy many benefits in your career, networking, partnerships, lifestyle and community.
These benefits may include:
- Increased chances of being hired in a competitive job market
- Relationships and network with local hospitals
- Access to better clinical experience sites
- Opportunities to enter nursing specialties early due to local demand
Maryland: A Good Nursing School Location
Notre Dame of Maryland University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, offers a desirable base to launch your career. Since the university has developed many relationships with hospitals and other health care facilities, students will be able to gain experience at some of the region’s most prestigious health care providers, including Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses made a median salary of $93,600 in 2024. In locations like Maryland, a nurse might earn a more competitive salary due to local demand, education level or cost of living. For example, the BLS reported that the median wage for registered nurses in Maryland was $101,970 in 2024, higher than the national figure.
The nursing industry also is expected to grow faster than average, 5% from 2024 to 2034, making it a promising career.
5. Explore Student Support
Since nursing school is rigorous, be sure that you have enough support throughout your education and into your nursing career. Here are some details you can look for when choosing a nursing school.
- Low student-to-faculty ratio to allow for better comprehension and engagement in classes
- Academic tutoring and advising services available to help with difficult classes and graduation timelines
- Ample career services that will aid you in finding a job beyond graduation
Explore more about why networking in nursing matters for your career and education
6. Consider Your Timeline
If you’re eager to start your nursing career, one of your main priorities on the list of what to look for in a nursing program may be the timeline. Understanding how an accelerated program works and how soon you can start will be key.
Enroll in an Accelerated Program
An accelerated nursing program could fast-track your nursing career, depending mainly on how many prerequisites you need to take. If you have a bachelor’s degree in biology, for example, you may not need to complete as many prerequisite courses as someone with a Bachelor of Arts or less academic background in the sciences.
After meeting the necessary requirements and completing all prerequisites, you may be able to earn your BSN in as few as 15 months at NDMU. This is a great option if you have a non-nursing background or are pursuing a second career, since you will be prepared to enter the nursing workforce quickly.
Find the Best Start Date
When choosing the right nursing school, be sure you consider the program’s start date. Some programs may only offer one start date year-round; however, accelerated programs often offer multiple start dates. Notre Dame’s ABSN program offers three start dates throughout the year, in January, May and September. This allows you to begin pursuing your future in nursing at a time that best fits your schedule.
Begin Your Nursing Program at NDMU
After learning how to choose a nursing school, you know that each nursing program has critical differences. For instance, Notre Dame of Maryland University offers admissions advisors to guide you through requirements, an accredited program, preparation for the NCLEX-RN, a prime nursing career location, a supportive student environment and a faster timeline for graduation. If our ABSN program could be right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Contact us today to speak to an admissions advisor about beginning your nursing journey with NDMU’s ABSN program. Dame ABSN admissions counselor, who will work with you to determine whether our program is a match for your personal and professional goals.