[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Between the aging population and healthcare professionals still rebounding from COVID-19 exhaustion, the demand for nurses continues to rise. If you are considering a nursing career, choosing from so many nursing program options can be intimidating.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following list highlights some of the best nursing programs across the country. Learn more about the top 50 schools for registered nurses (RNs) by state, application requirements, and how these programs work.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to identify the best schools for RNs in each state, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about the key factors to consider when choosing a program, or go straight to our full ranking of the [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”][hen-ui-link href=”#best-programs”]best registered nursing programs in each state[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Do Registered Nursing Programs Work?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs prepare students to become successful RNs. The four-year program comprises general education coursework, nursing classes, and clinical experiences. Most general education requirements are completed in the first year, with years 2-4 focusing primarily on nursing.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]On average, BSN programs require students to complete 120-130 credits and 700-800 clinical hours. During clinical experiences, students take the information they learn in their nursing courses and apply it through hands-on experiences in patient-care settings and labs alongside licensed nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After finishing their coursework and clinical requirements, learners can sit for the NCLEX-RN. Students must pass this exam to apply for their RN license and officially start working in the nursing field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Applying to a Registered Nursing Program[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to a BSN program, review the admission criteria to ensure you meet the conditions for acceptance.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While specific requirements may vary by school, most programs look for applicants to provide certain materials and satisfy similar academic prerequisites.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Admission Materials: [/hen-ui-text]High school courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology (preferred); SAT and/or ACT scores; resume; personal essay; letters of recommendation; volunteer experience[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]GPA Requirement: [/hen-ui-text]Minimum 2.75 GPA[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Is Registered Nursing Program Accreditation Important?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources//what-is-accreditation/”]Attending an accredited RN program[/hen-ui-link] provides benefits not only to you as a nurse but also to your future patients and employer. Graduates of accredited programs are more attractive to employers because of the program’s quality and the assurance that graduates can provide the best care to their patients.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Provided only by nationally recognized organizations, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, accreditation demonstrates that the school successfully prepares nurses for safe practice.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Attending a non-accredited program may cause students to be ineligible for federal financial aid, unable to transfer their credits to an accredited school, or incapable of pursuing graduate education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn More About the Best Registered Nursing Schools in Each State[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-card variant=”background-gray” border=”strokeLight” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″][hen-ui-icon icon=”badge-check” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] How We Rank Schools[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We use a [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/methodology/”]data-driven methodology[/hen-ui-link] to rank the best nursing programs, making it easy to find a program that meets your needs. Informed by data from the most reputable sources, including the U.S. Department of Education, our methodology is based on metrics that matter most to nursing students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings. This list is from 2023.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About RN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it better to get a BSN or an ADN?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees in nursing (ADN) and BSNs both prepare nurses to become licensed RNs. However, because they receive two additional years of education, RNs with a bachelor’s degree can access more job opportunities and a higher earning potential.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]According to Payscale data from 2023, RNs with an ADN earn an[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_Degree_Nursing_(ADN)/Salary” target=”_blank”] average salary of $74,000[/hen-ui-link], while those with a[hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Bachelor_of_Science_in_Nursing_(BSN)/Salary” target=”_blank”] BSN earn $91,000 annually[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a registered nurse?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The time it takes to become an RN varies by program. Earning an associate degree takes two when enrolled as a full-time student, whereas a bachelor’s program takes four years to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What states pay RNs the most?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics data from 2021 shows that RNs earn the most in California ($124,000), Hawaii ($106,530), Oregon ($98,630), Washington, D.C. ($98,450), and Alaska ($97,230). The lowest-paying states include Arkansas ($65,810), Iowa ($64,990), Mississippi ($63,130), Alabama ($61,920), and South Dakota ($60,540).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you become an RN online?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, you can become an RN online with little to no campus visits. Online nursing programs have become quite popular, attracting students because of their flexibility and lower cost.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Courses in an online program are offered synchronously (real time), asynchronously (student’s own time), or a combination of the two. However, you must complete clinical experiences as an online nursing student in person. Many learners can complete these requirements in their home community.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion]