Choosing the right college is a significant first step for anyone aspiring to become a registered nurse, and it’s particularly crucial if you’re aiming for a dynamic career as a travel nurse. While the demand for nurses is high nationwide, travel nursing introduces unique considerations when selecting your educational path. The good news is that a fulfilling and successful travel nursing career begins with a solid educational foundation from an accredited nursing program.
The fundamental requirement to become a travel nurse is graduating from an accredited nursing school with either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and passing the NCLEX-RN exam to become a Registered Nurse (RN). Employers, especially travel nursing agencies and healthcare facilities, prioritize candidates from accredited institutions because accreditation ensures a certain standard of education and quality in nursing programs. Whether you attend a private or public institution, the accreditation of your nursing program is paramount.
However, beyond basic accreditation, there are factors that can make certain colleges stand out as particularly good choices for aspiring travel nurses. Here’s what to consider:
Key Considerations When Choosing a College for Travel Nursing
When evaluating nursing colleges with a travel nursing career in mind, consider these points:
- Accreditation is Non-Negotiable: Always verify that any nursing program you are considering is accredited by either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation is the baseline and ensures your education meets recognized standards.
- BSN vs. ADN: While both ADN and BSN degrees can lead to travel nursing, a BSN is increasingly preferred by employers and is often necessary for career advancement and entry into magnet hospitals, which are frequently sought after for travel assignments. A BSN program offers a more comprehensive education, including leadership, research, and community health aspects, which are valuable in the diverse environments travel nurses encounter.
- Program Reputation and NCLEX Pass Rates: A college with a strong reputation within the nursing community often indicates a robust program. Equally important is the program’s NCLEX pass rate. High pass rates suggest effective teaching and student preparedness for licensure, a critical step to becoming a travel nurse.
- Clinical Experience Opportunities: Travel nursing is all about adaptability in different clinical settings. Colleges that offer diverse and extensive clinical rotations in various healthcare environments (hospitals, clinics, community health centers) provide a significant advantage. Look for programs that emphasize hands-on experience and expose you to a range of patient populations and healthcare systems.
- Location and Networking: While seemingly less direct, attending a college in a region with a strong healthcare network can provide better clinical opportunities and potential networking connections. These connections can be beneficial when starting your career and exploring travel nursing agencies or initial staff nursing positions which are prerequisites for travel nursing.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Nursing programs can be expensive. Consider the overall cost, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. Explore scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial aid options to make your education affordable. Public universities are generally less expensive than private ones, especially for in-state residents.
Examples of Reputable Nursing Schools
While the “best” college is subjective and depends on individual needs and preferences, here are examples of well-regarded nursing schools, categorized by public and private institutions, that offer strong foundations for a nursing career, including travel nursing. These are drawn from institutions recognized for their nursing programs, but it’s crucial to research programs that specifically meet your needs.
Private Universities
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Johns Hopkins School of Nursing (Baltimore, Maryland): Consistently ranked among the top nursing schools, Johns Hopkins is known for its rigorous programs and strong clinical placements within the prestigious Johns Hopkins healthcare system. The intensive education and high placement rate into a top-tier facility can provide a strong launchpad for a nursing career, including travel nursing down the line.
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Duke University School of Nursing (Durham, North Carolina): Duke is another nationally recognized nursing school, lauded for its accelerated BSN programs and high retention rates. A demanding program like Duke’s can equip graduates with the resilience and adaptability needed for the travel nursing profession.
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University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania): As an Ivy League institution with a top-ranked nursing program, UPenn offers exceptional resources and a competitive academic environment. The emphasis on research and advanced practice nursing prepares graduates for leadership roles and complex healthcare settings, skills that are valuable in travel nursing.
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Emory University Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing (Atlanta, Georgia): Emory boasts a high placement rate and offers diverse clinical site opportunities in a major metropolitan area. Exposure to varied patient populations and healthcare settings during your education is beneficial for a travel nursing career.
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Samuel Merritt University College of Nursing (Oakland, California): Located in California, a state with high demand for nurses, Samuel Merritt is known for its strong retention rates and focus on nursing excellence. Graduating from a respected California nursing school can open doors to travel nursing opportunities across the West Coast and beyond.
Public Universities
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University of Washington School of Nursing (Seattle, Washington): The University of Washington is a leading public institution with a highly ranked nursing program. Its diverse program offerings, including advanced practice specializations, and strong graduation rates, make it a solid choice for aspiring nurses.
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University of Maryland School of Nursing (Baltimore & Rockville, Maryland): With a strong BSN program and significant research funding, the University of Maryland provides a comprehensive nursing education within a well-regarded public university system.
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Louisiana State University School of Nursing (Baton Rouge, Louisiana): LSU’s nursing program is noted for its high NCLEX pass rates and offers options like the CARE BSN for career changers. A program with a proven track record of licensure success is a reliable starting point for any nursing career path.
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University of Michigan School of Nursing (Ann Arbor, Michigan): The University of Michigan stands out with its Global Health Concentration in addition to a strong nursing program. For nurses interested in international travel nursing assignments or global health perspectives, this program offers unique advantages.
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing (Chapel Hill, North Carolina): UNC-Chapel Hill offers a respected public university option in a thriving research and healthcare region. Its consistent NCLEX pass rates and established BSN program make it a dependable choice.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the “best” college for travel nursing is the one that provides you with a strong, accredited nursing education, robust clinical experiences, and prepares you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Focus on programs that align with your learning style, career goals, and financial situation. Remember, your journey into travel nursing begins with a solid educational foundation. Research programs thoroughly, consider the factors outlined, and choose the college that best sets you up for success in this exciting and in-demand nursing specialty.
