Hospital-Based Nursing Schools and Training Programs
Find out how a training program based at a hospital can prepare you for a nursing career. Get information about the salary, outlook and licensure requirements for nurses.
What You Need to Know
Hospital-based nursing programs typically offer undergraduate programs that lead to work as a registered nurse or practical nurse. These programs include both clinical and didactic components, and graduates are prepared for professional licensure.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Schools</b></td><td> Colleges and universities with nursing programs may partner with a hospital where students can apply what they have learned, sometimes in a simulation lab</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Training Programs</b></td><td> Hospitals with nursing programs may use their own training center</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Credentials</b></td><td> Certificate, diploma or associate's degree in nursing options are available; there are also RN-to-BSN opportunities</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Licensing</b></td><td> National Council Licensure Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN); National Council Licensure Exam for vocational and practical nurses (NCLEX-PN)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearnInAHospitalBasedNursingProgram">What Will I Learn in a Hospital-Based Nursing Program?</h3><p>You must take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses in order to become licensed as a registered nurse. Vocational and licensed practical nurses must pass the NCLEX-PN to earn this designation. One of the ways to meet the educational requirements to become eligible to sit for these examinations is to enroll in a program at a hospital-based school of nursing.
</p><p>Typically, private educational institutions have partnered with a hospital, so you can train and perform clinical work as part of the hospital team. Classroom courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biology, psychology, English and nursing form part of the program at a hospital-based nursing school. You may also take courses like ethics, sociology and adult health.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatDegreeOptionsAreAvailable">What Degree Options Are Available?</h3><p>Options are available to pursue a certificate, diploma or associate's degree in nursing. Many programs offer you the choice between a traditional, full-time schedule or evening and weekend classes. The type of program determines the amount of time needed to finish the program. Hospital-based nursing schools sometimes offer an RN-to-BSN program as well, which allows registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; this program will take full-time students an additional two years to complete.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreExamplesOfHospitalBasedNursingPrograms">What Are Examples of Hospital-Based Nursing Programs?</h3><p>There are many hospital-based nursing programs offered by hospitals, as well as colleges and universities that partner with hospitals. Several examples are listed below:
</p><ul><li>Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing
</li><li>Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson College of Nursing
</li><li>Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing
</li><li>Graham Hospital School of Nursing
</li><li>Huntsville Memorial Hospital
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatKindOfWorkWillIDo">What Kind of Work Will I Do?</h3><p>Registered nurses administer treatment to patients with different medical conditions, in addition to performing diagnostic tests, analyzing results and operating medical machinery. Licensed practical nurses provide basic care to patients and work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. All nurses educate their patients and offer emotional support to family members. In some instances, registered nurses are responsible for overseeing the work of licensed practical nurses. Registered nurses also partner with physicians and healthcare specialist to care for patients.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreNursingEmploymentOptions">What Are Nursing Employment Options?</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment for registered nurses is expected to grow 6% from 2021-2031. Employment for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is expected to grow 6% during that same timeframe. Registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $77,600 in 2021, while licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses earned a median of $48,070 per year, according to the BLS.</p>