How to Choose the Best Masters in Nursing Program
- 1). Think about your needs. This determines the types of schools you will consider. It may be beneficial to make a list. Your list should include the particular specialty you're interested in and whether or not you'll attend school full-time or part-time. Your list may also include location and the school's ability to provide financial assistance. Of course, your list may be more expansive. Just make sure you put thought into what you desire from a prospective nursing program.
- 2). Research schools. You can do this by doing an Internet search of MSN programs. Explore the program websites. You should look for information on tuition and fees, specialties they offer, the type of clinicals available, graduation rate, accreditation, requirements needed to apply for the program and any information on financial assistance by way of grants and scholarships. Taking note of the schools ranking is also necessary; U.S. News has a good school ranking system. Look at U.S. News' website to find the best MSN programs and see how your prospective schools rank.
- 3). Contact the admissions office to get more information. Once you have devised a list of prospective MSN programs you can contact the schools to request an information packet. This packet may include information that is not available on the website.
- 4). Schedule meetings with graduate advisers. You will find contact information on the program's website or included in the information packet. Call the adviser, express your interest in the program and schedule a time to meet. This meeting gives you an opportunity to ask questions. The adviser, in some ways, can be an ambassador for the program. Your interaction with her may help you get a feel for the type of faculty and staff you will be working with. This is also an opportunity for them to get to know you, too. First impressions mean a lot, so be professional.
- 5). Take a tour of the school and visit during an open house. Most schools offer tours a few times a month and one or two open houses before they start accepting program applications.
- 6). Choose a school. After you have conducted your research, you can now make an informed decision as to which schools you are most interested in. Make sure you meet all the necessary requirements, which include the GRE, letters of recommendation and a personal statement, among other things. And of course, you should already have your bachelor's degree in nursing and the necessary prerequisite courses required to be considered for admission.
- 7). Wait patiently for admission responses, select your school of choice from that list and enjoy your program knowing that you chose the best school for you.
Source...