Leadership and organizational skills are equally important. You will do well in nursing if you can combine these skills and characteristics with a commitment to easing human suffering, and a capacity to respond quickly in emergency situations. Getting along with people and good communication skills are also important since RNs relate to people from all backgrounds. The information resources at the end of this brochure will help you find out more about applying to nursing school. Tuition for nursing programs varies depending on whether you attend a public or private institution, and whether you are a resident or nonresident of the state where the program is located.
Public schools are usually the least expensive.
Students interested in studying nursing should apply to several state-approved and accredited schools of nursing. The nursing courses include classroom instruction and supervised clinical hands-on experience in health care settings. At the end of the nursing program, graduates must pass the state board licensure examination to become licensed as a registered nurse. RNs must first graduate from a nursing program to be eligible to take the nurse licensure examination. BSN graduates are prepared for leadership, management, and more independent nursing roles.