Study Nursing in USA

International students in the USA looking for a rewarding and stable career might want to look into studying for a nursing degree. With so many paths and specialties, there are countless opportunities for nursing students.

If you wish for a career operating closely with people in a place where you’ll make a notable difference, a degree in nursing could be right for you.

So what are the careers in nursing?

Completing a degree in nursing provides you with the skills and knowledge to become a hospital nurse or to enter an alternate career in relation to research, specialist practice, or alternative choices.

While over half of all employed nurses are based mostly in hospitals, nursing students can also continue their studies to tread a path into specialist nursing fields.

Hospital nurses also have many career options within the healthcare system, including work in medical surgery, ED/ER (emergency), B (obstetrics), S (pediatrics), and ICU/NICU (Intensive Care and Oncology). Alternatively, if you want to experience different types of nursing, you can be a “floater,” a nurse that rotates across various departments and floors.

Outside of the hospital surroundings, a nurse could also be a nurse that cares for patients in a workplace, at a patient clinic, or at a patient surgical center.

These nurses prepare patients for routine examinations, administer injections and medications, dress wounds and incisions, and assist the healthcare team with minor as well as major surgeries.

Public health nurses work with communities like schools or small groups or teams to boost overall public health within the space. They provide instruction and guidance concerning health problems like disease prevention, nutrition, and child care.

These public health nurses organize health screenings for immunizations, blood pressure level testing, mammograms, and HIV/AIDS testing.

Long-term care Nurses manage nursing care for residents with conditions ranging from minor health care issues to Alzheimer’s disease. They are sometimes based mostly in an assisted living facility, a rest home, or a nursing home.

Home-health nurses provide patient care through home calls. They visit patients in their homes instead of in the clinic. Many of their patients might need long- or short-term care, for example, when recovering from an illness or accident.

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Finally, hospice care nurses work with patients who are terminally ill, at home or in a hospice, supporting them throughout their ill health.

Also read Highest Paying Jobs in Healthcare

What makes a good Nurse?

According to the World Health Organization, It is vital that students committing to studying nursing have a lot of compassion and commonsense and are willing to provide mental and physical care to patients and their families.

All nursing area units are expected to share information concerning varied medical conditions to those in their care in a compassionate, clear and professional manner.

Nurses can typically work more closely with individual patients than doctors and can be expected to possess an honest bedside manner altogether.

Most nurses work closely with their co-workers, including doctors, hospital employees, analysts and laboratory technicians, meaning they have to establish good working relationships with different types of people on a daily basis. Critical thinking, good decision-making, and problem-solving are essential for any international student interested in studying nursing in the US. Communication skills, such as verbal, non-verbal and written, are expected.

Studying nursing as a foreign student who speaks more than one language will be a plus because it might ideally be required during patient care.

When treating patients, it’s vital that nurses are very confident, communicate clearly and build a relationship of trust with their patients, who most of the time are afraid and confused.

It is the nurse’s job to settle patient fears, offer general support to patients throughout their ill health, and clear doubts about their condition or treatment.

Also read: All You Need to Know About Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing

Growth in the Nursing Field

In the US, there has been vital development within the field of nursing in recent years due to the advancement of the latest medical technology and coverings.

There are now more opportunities for nurses with specialties who are trained to use new equipment and analyze results.

New advancements in identification and treatment have modified the final approach to patient care and because the population is aging and more elderly people require care, opportunities for nurses are constantly increasing.

Modern health care is often aimed toward the ongoing treatment of patients with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and mental health deterioration.

Therefore, studying nursing within the U.S guarantees nice employment opportunities after graduation, offers the chance to study different specialties, and provides a variety of courses and paths for students to choose the type of nursing that’s right for them.

Different jobs have totally different expectations; some nurses will choose to work nine-to-five, while others will prefer the fast-paced hospital environment working 12-hour shifts.

Both the pay and the sort of work nurses do will be very pleasing but also draining, so it’s important to choose the career option that best fits your expectations and become the best nurse you can be.

How much does nursing school cost?

The United States population is growing older. As the nation’s senior population continues to increase, so does the demand for nurses to take care of these individuals.
While no one can predict what will happen in the future, it’s safe to assume that aging is a trend that will continue to hold true. This makes now an ideal time to enroll in nursing programs.

Even though the prospects look bright for nursing careers, there are other important aspects to consider before dedicating the next few years of your life to becoming a nurse.

One of the foremost important queries on the minds of most would-be nursing students is this: in terms of money, how much does school of nursing cost?

Just like any other school student contemplating a major, cost is a huge consideration for anyone hoping to enroll in nursing school. The following four factors will impact what you pay for your education:.

Four factors impacting the cost of nursing school

Nursing degrees: 

The largest fee students and parents face is for tuition. How much you pay depends on several factors, chief among them the type of education you pursue. There are numerous ways to become a nurse. You can enroll in an associate degree program, a bachelor’s degree program, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN) program, or a bridge program for LPNs or LVNs. Each program offering encompasses a totally different cost related to it.

Pursuing a bachelor’s:

Tuition fees for a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing (BSN) range anywhere from $40,000 to well over $100,000 each year in private institutions and large universities. This degree typically takes four years to complete.

Community college considerations: 

In contrast to the above, BSN programs offered at community colleges cost considerably less. Tuition and charges in these faculties may vary anywhere from $3,000 to about $14,000 a year.

The Associate option: 

If it’s important to you to begin your nursing career quickly, an associate degree in nursing could be the right step since it only requires two years to finish. Another option is to enroll in a licensed practical nursing or licensed vocational nursing program. Those only require about a year to complete. Each of these programs costs significantly less than a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Once you’ve gained some actual experience, you’ll have the background to enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program. Once again, the cost of these degrees varies by school. Ask your employer if they offer tuition reimbursement for programs such as this.

Also read Top Nursing Scholarships for International Students

The cost factor considerations above aside, it’s important to factor in the miscellaneous costs of nursing school because they can begin to add up. For example, textbooks, nursing gowns and uniforms, and health insurance are other costs you’ll need to cover. Every year, expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to more than $3,000 for textbooks. As a nursing student, you’ll also be required to wear uniforms and purchase your own medical devices, such as a stethoscope, blood pressure apparatus, watch, goggles, thermometer and more. Items like these can range from $300 to $500. Your health insurance is another important consideration, costing from about $1,000 to more than $4,000 each year. Application fees and laboratory fees should also be on your list of eventual expenses.

As with other degrees, living expenses should be a major part of your college budget.

These expenses vary greatly as they pertain to where your school is located, whether you’re living at home and more. Conservatively speaking, expect housing, meals and other expenses to cost between $10,000 and $20,000 a year.

Numbers like this might begin to seem overwhelming. If they are, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a great place to start seeking help to fund your nursing education. And in fact, you might consider going the student loan route.

The important idea here is to keep focused on the end goal — a rewarding and impactful nursing job in the healthcare profession.

Also read 10 Best Nursing schools in Canada

Affordable Nursing Schools in USA to Study Nursing

1. Abilene Christian University

Degree Programs
Enrollments: 2000–5000 students
Avg. Cost Per Year: $31,000

ACU School of Nursing educates students for lifelong learning, Christian service and leadership as professional nurses throughout the world. The Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Program is approved by the Texas Board of Nursing.

Students are duly mentored by Christian school and active nurses during a rigorous academic setting.

The program offers the following components for a world-class nursing education:

• Practice with state-of-the-art technology in classrooms and simulation laboratories
• Local and regional clinical experiences in acute, critical and community healthcare settings, with the option for an international experience
• Opportunity to work collaboratively with faculty on research
• Evidence-based and problem-based approaches to learning
• Community education outreach

Official Website: http://www.acu.edu/community/nursing/about/overview.html

2. Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College School of Nursing and Health Sciences

 2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000–5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $3,453

The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers two widely sought-after degrees in healthcare for both beginning undergraduate students and current healthcare professionals. It boasts one of the highest NCLEX RN pass rates in the state and a 100% employment rate for graduates. They offer both a traditional track to becoming an RN and an option for practical nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists to become registered in just one year through the Bridge track.

Official Website: http://www.abac.edu/academics/schools/nursing

3. Baker University School of Nursing and Baker University

2 Degree Programs
2 Certificate Programs
Enrollments: 0–2000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $27,160

Official Website: https://www.bakeru.edu/academics/#Nursing

4. Baldwin Wallace University

1 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000–5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $29,908

If you’ve got a baccalaureate, BW’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can put you in a rewarding new career in just 15 months.

BW combines classroom rigor with comprehensive clinical rotations.

You’ll gain leadership, communication and critical thinking skills suited to today’s complex health care system.

Upon completion, you’ll be prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Students enter the program with several educational, professional and skilled backgrounds.

Official Website: https://www.bw.edu/academics/nursing/

5. Ball State University

3 Degree Programs
4 Bridge Programs
4 Certificate Programs
Enrollments: 15000 or more
Avg. Cost Per Year: $9,498

As a nursing major, you’ll gain hands-on medical experience in our simulation lab and get to know your classmates in our Living-Learning Community just for our students.

Official Website: https://www.bsu.edu/academics/collegesanddepartments/nursing

6. Baptist College of Health Sciences

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
1 Certificate Programs
Enrollments: 0–2000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $10,892

Only thirty credits are needed to achieve the baccalaureate in nursing degree at Baptist college. A variety course delivery choices are accessible, as well as being 100% online. Complete degree requirements within one (1) year, if desired. General education courses will be taken at the same time with professional and skilled nursing courses, if desired. Enrollments are opened three times annually.Credit for previous Learning (CPL) is obtainable through portfolio presentation.

Competency-based exams are available for Pharmacology and Health Assessment. CLEP Exams for General Education courses accepted.

41 nursing transfer credits awarded for previous nursing education for RNs with an officially active nursing license. Individual faculty coordinator to provide support and mentoring throughout the program.

Official Website: https://www.bchs.edu/nursing

7. Colorado Christian University

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000–5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $27,986

Welcome to Colorado Christian University’s Nursing programs, offered through CCU’s college/school of Nursing and Health Professions.

Our vision is to empower you to follow nursing as a ministry.

We challenge our nursing degree students to become competent, compassionate, moral leaders who impact their world and transform healthcare through the uniqueness of Christ-inspired nursing practice.

At CCU, nursing is considered to be both a science and a sacred calling.

Official Website: https://www.ccu.edu/ccu/nursing/

8. Colorado Mesa University

3 Degree Programs
2 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 5000–10000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $7,474

The online RN to BSN program at Colorado Mesa University offers skilled and professional nurses the chance to grow and develop vital competencies in evidence-based application and insight into modern health care challenges.

Official Website
https://degree.coloradomesa.edu/articles/the-science-of-nursing.aspx

9. Dillard University

1 Degree Programs
2 Bridge Programs
Enrollment: 0–2000 students
Avg. Cost Per Year: $16,252

Official Website
http://www.dillard.edu/_academics/college-and-degree-programs/_school-of-nursing/index.php

10. Dixie State University of Utah

1 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 15000 or more
Avg. Cost Per Year: $4,620

Nurses are very crucial members of a health care team that gives safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care to all. If you are dedicated, quick-thinking and compassionate,. Dixie’s nursing program will assist you in developing your natural skills into a profitable career.

Official Website: https://health.dixie.edu/nursing/

11. Firelands Regional Medical Center

1 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 15000 or more
Avg. Cost Per Year

The Firelands Regional Center College of Nursing is among the top nursing schools in Ohio. We hope that you like what you study at our college and that it becomes your selection for high-quality nursing education.

Official Website
https://www.firelands.com/education-training/school-of-nursing/

12. Fitchburg State University

Enrollments: 2000–5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $9,935

The baccalaureate degree in nursing and also the master’s degree in nursing at Fitchburg State University are duly licensed by the Commission on collegiate Nursing Education. The Department of Nursing has full approval from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Official Website: https://www.fitchburgstate.edu/academics/academic-departments/nursing/

13. Houston Baptist University

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000–5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $29,800

Houston Baptist University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health trains nurses and health care professionals who care for the well-being of people in our communities. True health is quite simply avoiding or treating illness. It’s about promoting the wholeness of the person and also the community. Their Nursing and Kinesiology students understand this. They bring enthusiasm, care and diligence to this rigorous challenge. Nursing and kinesiology both account for almost a third of the University’s enrollment.

Official Website: https://www.hbu.edu/school-of-nursing-and-allied-health/

14. Husson College

2 Degree Programs
1 Bridge Programs
Enrollments: 2000–5000
Avg. Cost Per Year: $16,582

Students who do not meet the admissions criteria for the Nursing Program may apply for undeclared status and submit a Change of Major request at the end of the first academic year. It is suggested that students take courses from the freshman-level program of study. There are a restricted variety of positions for modification of major students and there’s no guarantee of admission.

Students within the nursing program should possess the essential qualifications to perform the abilities and behaviors needed of a professional nurse. Therefore, all nursing students should possess the required essential qualifications to satisfy admission, progression, and graduation requirements:

Official Website: https://www.husson.edu/admissions/undergraduate-professional-admissions/admission-requirements/nursing-admission

15. Illinois Eastern Community College

1 Degree Programs
Tuition fees: Undisclosed
The Practical Nursing Program at Illinois Central College is designed to prepare the nursing graduate to give nursing care to patients at the bedside under the direction of a registered nurse, licensed physician, dentist, or podiatrist. You monitor vital signs, including temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.

Additional duties involved amendment dressings, preparing and giving injections, assisting patients with personal hygiene, and meeting their emotional needs. In some instances, like in nursing homes, accredited practical nurses assess residents’ wants, develop care plans, and supervise nursing aides.

Official Website: https://www.iecc.edu/page.php?page=NURS

Also read Complete List of Medicine and Nursing Scholarships for International Students

Conclusion

Studying Nursing in the United States can be affordable, which is evident through the list and guidance provided in this content. With the right information and guidance, studying Nursing in the USA becomes something considerable.