Students can work towards a rewarding healthcare career with the best private nursing schools. Private schools are well-known for their top-tier curriculum paired with small class sizes. These five schools are highly recommended if you’re looking for more personalized instruction to help you pursue your dream job.
Each of the best private nursing schools we’ve ranked meets the following criteria:
- An average annual cost of no more than $19,000
- A median starting salary no lower than $35,000
- Accredited programs by recognized bodies
5 Best Private Nursing Schools in America
1. Washington Hospital School of Nursing
2-4 Year, Washington, PA
Average Annual Cost: $7,223
The nursing program at Washington Hospital School of Nursing is one of the nation’s best. It’s 16 months in total, featuring 60 full weeks of instruction. Additionally, you will require four pre-requisite college credits, which adds to 20 months before obtaining your RN diploma.
The Washington Hospital School of Nursing features an accredited program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. You’ll also find it’s a course that contains an ample number of diverse learning opportunities. Students will acquire theoretical in-class instruction as well as hands-on, real-world experiences.
There are multiple facets of nursing students will explore during their studies, including:
- Providing care to diverse cultures and communities
- Understanding the complexity of the human body
- Showing moral and ethical values to provide professional practice
- Using holistic approaches to managing care when needed
Admission to Washington Hospital School of Nursing is rather straightforward, as the school provides a checklist of duties for students. You’ll need to complete the online application and pay any fees while selecting a test date. Applicants must take the Assessment Technologies Institute Test of Essential Academic Skills exam.
After testing, you’ll need to send all of your transcripts to the school to be considered. Once these steps are complete, simply wait for your application to be approved or denied.
2. Western Governors University
4 Year; Salt Lake City, UT
Average Annual Cost: $9,969
Western Governors University helps make obtaining a nursing career much simpler than in the past. With their online programs and healthcare degrees, you can enter a highly competitive field on your schedule. Currently, the school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and other healthcare fields.
There are several undergraduate degree programs to choose from in this online school. Students can enroll in the following programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Health Services Coordination
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN Online)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Prelicensure)
- Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management
- Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management
The online BN to RSN pathway is ideal for students interested in a career as a nurse. You’ll learn the fundamentals to assist your community with healthcare during your studies. What makes this program unique is that it has been redeveloped, offering students an even more comprehensive education.
You’ll explore many fantastic course options while training to become a nurse during your time at Western Governors University. Some of the courses you’ll be required to take include:
- Microbiology with Lab
- Global and Population Health
- Information Technology in Nursing Practice
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Emerging Professional Practice
- Applied Healthcare Statistics
- Comprehensive Health Assessment
3. Baton Rouge General Medical Center – School of Nursing
2-4 Year; Baton Rouge, LA
Average Annual Cost: $11,475
The School of Nursing at Baton Rouge General Medical Center features a phenomenal nursing diploma program for students. This school’s curriculum aims to create highly skilled and professional registered nurses. You’ll focus on patient-centered care, modern treatment techniques, and nursing technologies.
This program is also fully accredited by the ACEN and the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. With over 1000 nurses graduating since 1984, it’s one of the more popular programs in the state. Additionally, it helps to prepare you to sit for your NCLEX-RN examinations.
To obtain your nursing diploma, you can expect to spend over 28 hours on your general education and 50 hours on nursing-specific duties. Some of the fantastic courses students will need to take include:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Management/High Acuity Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Nursing Care Concepts
- Professional Development
- Nursing Care Foundations
Through this program, students will get hands-on experience working in labs before working with patients. Plenty of in-class instruction revolves around developing interpersonal skills, leading to better professional development. You’ll find it’s one of the more well-rounded nursing programs nationwide.
4. Trinity Health System School of Nursing
2-4 Year; Steubenville, OH
Average Annual Cost: $16,825
The nursing curriculum at Trinity Health System School of Nursing is designed to create well-rounded professionals in the healthcare industry. They offer a two-year RN diploma program, helping you address the medical needs of families and individuals in your community.
Students will be expected to achieve an assortment of outcomes with their education. Outcomes include assembling patient support systems and providing appropriate referrals for clients, patients, and families.
Of course, students will also be able to work with a team to formulate plans that meet patient’s medical needs. With such plans, students can communicate effectively with patients and their families.
Other outcomes include understanding the behavioral and natural science principles of nursing and adhering to ethical and legal standards while practicing nursing.
During your two years of study, your courses will reflect social, behavioral, and biological sciences. There are a ton of fascinating courses to be added to your planner, including:
- Anatomy/Physiology
- Principles of Microbiology
- Nursing Care of the Adult
- General Psychology
- Human Growth and Development
- Nursing Care of the Patient in Crisis
5. Los Angeles Pacific University
4 Year; San Dimas, CA
Average Annual Cost: $18,284
Los Angeles Pacific University isn’t a nursing-specific college, but they have a good nursing program for students to consider. You’ll find it’s a highly adaptable program, making post-secondary schooling more affordable for students looking to study online. Also, it’s a Christian-based school, ideal if you want to study along with the fundamentals of Christ.
The nursing program offered by Los Angeles Pacific University is a Pre-Nursing Health Science program. It can help to give you the fundamentals to move onto a standard nursing program at an alternate school. During your studies, you’ll learn many tenets of the healthcare industry to help you move on to your dream career.
Further Reading: 2-year nursing programs in the USA for international students
