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Best Nursing Schools

Nurses are more than caregivers. They are often educators, mentors, leaders and advocates for both their patients and colleagues. Very often it is the nurse who the patient first interacts with in an emergency and, in many cases, nurses provide the ongoing care and support as patients recover. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this growing health care field, knowing the best nursing schools to consider can give you a competitive edge after graduation.

The healthcare field is one of the most rapidly growing sectors in today's economy, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). One field in particular, nursing, is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018--much faster than the average for all occupations, the BLS reports. If you are already a licensed nurse and have considered pursuing a career in this growing field or furthering your education, online education may be the key to reaching your goals. With countless schools to choose from, it may be tough to narrow down the best online nursing schools. Following is a list of the top online nursing schools, in no particular order, to help you get started.

Best Nursing Schools in the United States

Following is a list, in no particular order, of the top 6 nursing schools in the United States.

University of Phoenix Nursing

Institutional Accrediting Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

Geographic Location: University of Phoenix has nearly 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. While widely available, all programs may not be available in all locations.

Delivery Format: Online and/or On-Campus

On our list of the best nursing schools, University of Phoenix is an expansive university featuring more than 200 U.S. campuses. Programs include LPN/LVN to bachelor's of science in nursing and a master's of science in nursing.

Nursing Programs Offered:

Chamberlain College of Nursing

Institutional Accrediting Agency: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Delivery Format: Online

Course Calendar: January, March, April, July, September and November enrollments.

The Chamberlain College of Nursing allows students currently working in the healthcare field to earn their degree without disrupting their work schedule or family life. Students learn theory and academics that aid their on-the-job skills and prepare them to advance their careers or acquire a specialty.

Herzing University

Institutional Accrediting Agency: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission

Delivery Format: Online

Course Calendar: Classes start every 4 weeks. Classes are 8 weeks in length to allow maximum subject coverage. Full-time or part-time schedules available.

With various campuses throughout the United States, Herzing University offers a nursing education to students nationwide. Graduates praise real-world scenarios taught in classes and personal attention from credentialed faculty.

Nursing Programs Offered:

Keiser University Nursing

Institutional Accrediting Agency: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges

If you are currently a registered nurse and want to train for your bachelor's of science degree in nursing, this university with multiple campuses in Florida can help you achieve your goals. Proof of current, active and non-restricted professional licensure as a registered nurse in the United States is required for admission.

Nursing Programs Offered:

South University Nursing

Institutional Accrediting Agency: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges

Delivery Format: Online

Course Calendar: Classes start 8 times a year

Eleven campuses make up South University and feature bachelor's and master's of science degrees in nursing. An accelerated RN to MSN program is also available.

Nursing Programs Offered:

RN to BSN Online - Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Accelerated RN to MSN Online
Nursing (Master's)
Nursing - Nurse Educator (Master's)
Allied Health Science (Associate's)
Business Administration - Healthcare Admin (MBA)
Healthcare Management (Bachelor's)

Medical Careers Institute

Geographic region: Southeast

Address: 1001 Omni Blvd, Newport News, Virginia 23606

Telephone numbers:
General: (757) 873-2423
Financial Aid: (757) 873-2423
Admissions Office: (757) 873-2423

With multiple campus locations along the East Coast, Medical Careers Institute offers a number of programs in nursing, from a four-year bachelor's degree program to a focused diploma program in practical nursing for those who want to enter the career field faster.

Nursing Programs Offered:

If you have considered pursuing a career in nursing, online education can offer the flexibility and convenience you need to balance the demands of daily living. Choosing the right online school can be the key to reaching your goals.

How to Choose a Nursing School