There are many nursing schools in the U.S., but not all are necessarily the right choice for you. No matter what type of nurse you wish to become, you’ll need the solid foundation of a quality nursing education that combines didactic learning with hands-on, experiential learning. That’s why it’s essential to know how to choose a nursing program that fits your needs.

Madonna University is a top choice for many future nurses thanks to our values-based nursing education and the accelerated pace of our program. What is the nursing program like? Our blended learning model delivers interactive online coursework along with hands-on learning that introduces you to diverse patient care scenarios.

Before deciding whether Madonna University is the right nursing school for you, you should know the differences between accelerated and traditional nursing schools. You’ll also want to weigh factors such as accreditation, reputation and clinical partnerships.

Types of Accredited Nursing Programs

Before determining what to look for in a nursing program, it’s important to understand the differences between the types of programs. Different programs lead to different nursing careers.

For example, you could choose a training program for future licensed practical nurses (LPNs). These typically last one year and confer a diploma or certificate rather than a degree. Note that an LPN does not have the same broad scope of responsibilities as a registered nurse (RN).

If you want to become an RN, you’ll need a nursing degree. You can become an RN with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Nursing or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). With any of these options, you can sit for the NCLEX and obtain licensure as an RN.

There are noticeable differences, however, between baccalaureate-prepared nurses vs. those with associate degrees. BSN-prepared nurses are more likely to contribute to favorable patient outcomes, so employers generally prefer to hire them. A BSN is also necessary before pursuing graduate-level nursing education, which can lead to career advancement.

What to Look for in a Nursing Program

If you decide that earning a BSN is the best choice for your career, you’ll then need to determine if you should attend a traditional four-year BSN program or an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, such as the one available at Madonna University. Those with little to no college education will need to apply to a four-year school.

If you have a prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree, however, or at least 60 college credits, you may be eligible for Madonna’s ABSN program. Why choose our ABSN program instead of a traditional BSN?

Consider the following benefits of our ABSN:

• Graduate in as few as 16 months.
• Choose from three start dates in the spring, summer and fall.
• Work one-on-one with an Academic Success Coach.
• Enjoy a hybrid approach to learning with online coursework.
• Learn from dedicated nursing instructors who are committed to student support.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Nursing School

Many factors must be considered when choosing a nursing school. These include the school’s reputation, approach to learning and accreditation status.

Accreditation Status

Independent organizations like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) determine which nursing schools should receive accreditation. Accreditation indicates that the nursing education meets high standards, which is why it’s important to choose an accredited school.

Madonna University’s College of Nursing and Health is an accredited nursing school that has also received approval from the Michigan Board of Nursing.

Reputation and Values

Not all nursing schools share the same values or have a strong reputation for academic excellence. Madonna University ABSN graduates are known to be compassionate and competent thanks to our values-based education. As a Catholic and Franciscan school, Madonna embraces values such as:

• Socially responsible citizenship
• Servant leadership
• Compassion and caring

You’ll find a nurturing environment supporting intellectual, spiritual and personal growth here.

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Another primary consideration as you explore your nursing school options is the admission requirements for each program. Each nursing school establishes its requirements. If you don’t meet the admission requirements for any given program right now, keep in mind that you might be able to meet them after taking just a few courses.

Madonna University’s ABSN program requires one of the following:

• A completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
• At least 60 non-nursing college credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

In addition, you must be able to demonstrate completion of all prerequisites. Some prerequisite requirements may have been fulfilled by your prior college credits. An admissions representative will review your transcripts to determine which courses you must complete.

Clinical Partnerships

All nursing schools need to develop partnerships with nearby healthcare facilities that can serve as their clinical sites. Nursing students participate in real-world experiential learning at these partner sites. You may want to consider a nursing school’s clinical partnerships before applying.

Madonna is pleased to partner with Ascension Michigan, Henry Ford Health and other clinical partners. Our students experience a diverse range of clinical experiences, including those in nursing specialties such as:

• Medical-surgical
• Mental health
• Obstetrics
• Pediatrics

Location

Geographic location is another important consideration when figuring out how to choose a nursing school. Some students may be willing to relocate, while others prefer a school as close to home as possible. Note that even if an ABSN program offers online coursework, you must live within driving distance of the school to attend in-person labs.

If you decide you’re willing to relocate, consider whether to cross state lines and whether you’ll move back to your current home after graduation. If you do cross state lines, you’ll need to take the NCLEX in the state where you plan to practice.

Approach to Learning

Not all nursing schools offer online coursework. If convenience and flexibility are essential, you might look for a program with online coursework combined with in-person experiential learning. At Madonna University, you can complete all of your coursework online.

How to Compare Nursing Schools

Knowing what to look for in a nursing program is half the battle. You’ll also need to compare your top choices to narrow your list. To start the process, do a deep dive into each nursing school. Are there details about the programs that you didn’t notice before? Do you have any lingering questions? Spend more time reviewing each program’s website.

You should also do the following:

• Review the curriculum for each nursing program,
• Consider the student support services available,
• Speak with an admissions representative,
• Visit the ABSN Learning Sites, and
• Set up appointments for interviews with nursing school admissions staff.

Experience the Madonna Difference

Madonna University emphasizes values-based education aligned with our Catholic and Franciscan values. Our nursing instructors are focused on preparing future nurses to become compassionate servant leaders who bring integrity and respect for diversity into their professional practice.

If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s or at least 60 college credits, you might be eligible to apply to our ABSN program in Metro Detroit. Contact an admissions representative today and take the next step toward your future.