Nurses are one of the most valued healthcare professionals, equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to provide round-the-clock patient care in various medical settings. So in this article, you will read about the cheapest nursing Schools in USA for international students
Nurse professionals are integral parts of the healthcare workforce; they work hand-in-hand with other clinicians in order to achieve better patients and/or healthcare outcomes.
They focus on the care of individuals, families, and communities so that they may attain, maintain, or recover to a state of optimal health and lead a good quality of life.
The International Council of Nurses defined “The Nurse as a person who has completed a program of basic, generalized nursing education and is authorized by the appropriate regulatory authority to practice nursing in his/her country.”
The varying degrees of work environments nurses function in entail: hospitals, home care facilities, nursing homes, clinics, outpatient departments, schools, and others.
Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse include
- Promotion of health, prevention of illness, and care of physically ill, mentally ill, and disabled people of all ages, in diverse health care or community settings.
- Assessment and monitoring of patients’ condition.
- Coordination and provision of individualized patient care.
- Administration of treatment and medications as prescribed by the physician.
- Performing diagnostic procedures for early identification of disorders in patients.
- Educating patients and the public on care modalities, preventive approaches, rehabilitative modalities, and follow-up care.
- Advocating for patients’ safety and well-being.
- Advising and provision of emotional and psychological support to patients and caregivers.
- Conducting clinical research.
Benefits Of Studying Nursing
The nursing profession is one of the most rewarding career paths in the medical field. The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated about a 6 percent growth in the employment rate of registered nurses from 2021 to 2031. In other words, about an average of 203,200 openings are projected for registered nurses due to huge turnover and an increased aging population retiring from the workforce.
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This widening gap is also responsible for the massive recruitment of foreign-trained nurses. Hence, nursing can be a great career choice for you as an international student looking to settle permanently in the U.S.
Additionally, enrolling in a nursing program makes you highly employable as well as boosts your earning capability- according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses earn an average salary of $77,600 annually. With diverse opportunities for career growth and job security, being a nurse can be the right choice to make especially if you want a healthcare career.
Why Study Nursing in the US?
The United States known for its best-in-class healthcare services has some of the best institutions offering quality nursing programs globally. As an international student, enrolling in a nursing program in the U.S gives you leverage in different ways, such as:
- Having a varying number of nursing program tracks to choose from.
- High employability and a wide range of career advancement pathways.
- Lucrative salaries alongside attractive incentives.
- Global recognition of nursing qualification
- Exposure to a top-notch body of knowledge and networks.
Steps To Become A Registered Nurse In The US
- Choose a Nursing Program you would like to pursue.
- Verify that the selected program is accredited.
- Complete the allocated clinical hours.
- Apply and take the National Certification Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to become licensed as RN.
Nursing Programs and Tracks In the USA
To become a Registered Nurse (RN) in the United States, the basic level of education is an associate in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) which takes a minimum of 2-4years to complete.
Other tracks include; the Accelerated BSN Program, MSN (master of science in nursing) Program, DNP (Doctor of nursing practice), or Ph.D.
Cheapest Nursing Schools In USA For International Students
NURSING SCHOOLS IN THE USA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
In no particular order, the following are some of the notable institutions offering quality and affordable nursing programs in the United States:
- Colorado Christian University (CCU)
- Fitchburg State University
- Dillard University
- Baker University
- Utah Tech University
- Colorado Mesa University
- Baldwin Wallace University
- Husson University
- Baptist Health Sciences University
- Abilene Christian University
- The University of Nevada
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Ball State University
- Illinois Eastern Community College
- Houston Baptist University
- Firelands Regional Medical Center
- Utah Tech University
OVERVIEW OF THE CHEAPEST NURSING SCHOOLS IN USA FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Colorado Christian University (CCU)
Colorado Christian University’s (CCU) School of Nursing and Health Professions vision is to empower it’s students to practice nursing as a calling, transform healthcare through the uniqueness of Christ-inspired nursing practice and become competent and compassionate leaders.
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The nursing programs offered at the institution Viz: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), online RN to BSN degree completion track, Master of Science in Nursing Degree, and Doctor of Nursing Practice are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
At Glance
- Average annual tuition cost: $27,986
- Contact Details: 303-963-3000
- Address: Colorado Christian University
- 8787 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, Colorado 80226
Fitchburg State University
As a center of excellence in baccalaureate nursing education, the Fitchburg State University Department of Nursing Ranked number 1 by EduMed as Top Online Nursing Program in Massachusetts for RN to BS in Nursing Online.
The school aims to prepare students to assume leadership roles within the global healthcare industry in the 21st century.
Programs offered are Bachelor of Science in Nursing, LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Online Master of Science in Nursing-Forensic Nursing.
The institution is accredited to run its nursing programs by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
At Glance
- Average annual tuition cost: $9,935
- Contact Details: 978.665.3221
- dbenes@fitchburgstate.edu
- Address: Fitchburg State University
- 160 Pearl Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420-2697
Dillard University
Dillard University College of Nursing seeks “to prepare courageous future nurse leaders who are ethical and communicate effectively and therapeutically respecting the diversity of peoples in all health care settings to improve the human condition.”
The College of Nursing at Dillard University offers three major courses- Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN), LPN to BSN program, and RN-BSN program.
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The nursing programs at the institution are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
At Glance
- Average annual tuition cost: $16,252
- Contact Details: 504.283.8822
- Address: 2601 Gentilly Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70122
Baker University
Baker University is recognized as one of the best nursing schools in Kansas. The BSN program offered at the school is known for its rigorous curriculum, early access to clinical experience, and outstanding first-time NCLEX pass rates.
The baccalaureate and the master’s degree programs in nursing at Baker University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing (CCNE).
Average annual tuition cost: $27,160
Contact Details:
+17853545850
cara.bonfiglio@bakerU.edu
Address:
P.O. Box 65
Baldwin City, Kansas 66006
Dixie State University of Utah
Dixie State University of Utah’s vision is to prepare multi-level caring Trailblazers who will promote and achieve quality health care across diverse roles and settings.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, online RN-BSN, licensed practical nurse (LPN) to RN bridge program and the Paramedic to RN bridge program are some of the major courses the school offers.
The institution is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
At Glance
- Average annual tuition cost: $4,620
- Contact Details: 404-975-5000
- Address: 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Colorado Mesa University
The online RN to BSN program at Colorado Mesa University offers professional nurses the opportunity to grow and develop critical competencies in evidence-based practice and insight into contemporary healthcare challenges.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Colorado Mesa University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
At Glance
- Average annual tuition cost: $7,474
- Contact Details: 970.248.1875
- admissions@coloradomesa.edu
- Address: Western Colorado’s Selective University, 1100 North Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122
Baldwin Wallace University
Baldwin Wallace University is a center for innovative nursing education. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) which are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
At Glance
- Average annual tuition cost: $29,908
- Contact Details: Admission: (440) 826-8012, (440) 826-3830 (fax), nursing@bw.edu Lauryn Rosinski, (440) 826-2915, lrosinsk@bw.edu
- Address: Baldwin Wallace University
- 275 Eastland Rd. Berea, Ohio 44017
Other institutions in the United States offering the cheapest nursing programs are;
- Husson University
- Baptist Health Sciences University
- Abilene Christian University
- The University of Nevada
- Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College School of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Ball State University
- Illinois Eastern Community College
- Houston Baptist University
- Firelands Regional Medical Center
- Utah Tech University
Requirements Needed To Study Nursing In US As An International Student
As an international student, you need to meet the following basic requirements to study nursing in the USA;
- Completion of high school education with courses in English, Math, Social Studies, Academic Electives, and a Science course with lab, e.g. Chemistry.
- For MSN applicants, a valid nursing license is required.
- Official high school transcripts.
- English language proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo) if your first language is not English.
- Entrance examinations e.g SAT, ACT.
- Proof of financial resources.
- Letter of recommendation.
- Statement of purpose.
- An essay and/or interview may be conducted.
Things To Consider Before Selecting A School For Your Nursing Program
Before you decide on the choice of institution to enroll in your nursing program, it is essential to consider the following;
- Accreditation of the institution offering the Nursing Program.
- Tuition costs.
- Financial aid is offered by the institution.
- Accommodation; on-campus or off-campus.
- Provision for clinical placements.
Written By; Mayowa Racheal Popoola
RN, Content Writer
