What Are the Top Schools for an Associate's Degree in Nursing?
An associate's degree in nursing prepares students to take the NCLEX-RN exam, apply for state licensure and become a registered nurse. Learn about the three top schools for earning an associate's degree in nursing based on national rankings and program offerings.
<h2 id="section---HowToSelectATopSchoolWithAnAssociateSDegreeInNursing">How to Select a Top School with an Associate's Degree in Nursing</h2>
<p>When looking for a top school offering associate's degrees in nursing, choose a school with an accredited program that is approved by the state board. You should also consider schools that offer ranked programs. When looking for a fast-track program, consider schools that offer accelerated nursing degree programs.
</p>
<h2 id="section---ThreeTopSchoolsWithAssociateDegreesInNursing">Three Top Schools with Associate Degrees in Nursing</h2>
<h3 id="section---NorthFloridaCommunityCollegeInMadison"> North Florida Community College in Madison</h3>
<p>North Florida Community College (NFCC) offers an Associate in Science in Registered Nursing and an Accelerated Associate in Science in Registered Nursing. The Associate in Science 2-year program includes courses in nutrition, human growth and development and pharmacology. Additionally, students complete four clinical rotations. The accelerated program is a 1-year fast track program reserved specifically for a prospective student who hold a current degree and is already licensed as a practical nurse. Programs offered that result in an associate's degree in nursing are:
</p>
<ul><li>Associate in Science Degree in Registered Nursing (RN)
</li><li>Associate in Science Degree: Accelerated Registered Nursing (RN)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WisconsinIndianheadTechnicalCollegeInShellLake"> Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Shell Lake</h3>
<p>Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (WITC) offers an associate degree in Nursing that prepare students to become RNs or to continue their studies. Students take courses in anatomy and physiology, nursing skills, pharmacology and clinical care across the lifespan, while completing significant clinical practice. This program, which is offered at WITC's Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake and Superior campuses, is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc., formerly called the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and is approved by the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing. Programs offered in this field include:
</p>
<ul><li>Nursing - Associate Degree
</li></ul><h3 id="section---SouthwesternCommunityCollegeInSylvaNorthCarolina"> Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina</h3>
<p>Southwestern Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Nursing. Students who complete this degree program are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN. Additionally, through SCC's transfer agreements with the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, students can apply their credits towards a 4-year degree in nursing or public health education. Students who pass the NCLEX-RN may become licensed and work as registered nurses. Programs available in this field of study are:
</p>
<ul><li>Nursing Associate, (AAS)
</li></ul><h2 id="section---TenNursingSchools">Ten Nursing Schools</h2>
<p />
<table border="1"><tr><th> College/University </th><th> Institution Type </th><th> Location</th><th>Estimated Undergrad In-State Tuition*</th></tr>
<tr><td> Houston Community College </td><td> 2-year, Public</td><td> Houston, TX</td><td>$3,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Salt Lake City Community College </td><td>2-year, Public</td><td> Salt Lake City, UT</td><td>N/A</td></tr>
<tr><td> Tidewater Community College</td><td> 2-year, Public</td><td> Norfolk,VA</td><td>$5,500</td></tr>
<tr><td> Santa Ana College</td><td>2-year, Public </td><td> Santa Ana, CA</td><td>$1,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Macomb Community College </td><td> 2-year, Public</td><td> Warren, MI</td><td>$6,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Sinclair Community College </td><td>2-year, Public </td><td> Dayton, OH</td><td>$4,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Delgado Community College </td><td> 2-year, Public</td><td> New Orleans, LA</td><td>$4,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Trident Technical College</td><td>2-year, Public </td><td> Charleston, SC</td><td>$5,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Grand Rapids Community College </td><td> 2-year, Public</td><td> Grand Rapids, MI</td><td>$8,000</td></tr>
<tr><td> Stark State College </td><td>2-year, Public</td><td> North Canton, OH</td><td>$4,000</td></tr>
</table><p><i>*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education</i></p>