How To Become a Nurse in New Hampshire 2025

If you're looking for an exciting and rewarding career in healthcare, becoming a registered nurse (RN) might be the right choice for you. While the path to get there in New Hampshire may be challenging, know that there are specific steps you can take to prepare yourself to ensure success. Read on to learn how to become a nurse and what you can expect when you earn your RN license.

What Does an RN Do?

Certified registered nurses are vital members of healthcare teams. They provide patient care, coordinate with other medical professionals to create treatment plans, and educate patients and their families along the way. Whether working in clinics, hospitals, or in-home healthcare, responsibilities generally include:

• conducting patient assessments
• administering medications
• coordinating care with physicians and therapists
• education
• maintaining medical records

How Long Does It Take To Become a Nurse in New Hampshire?

The amount of time it takes to become a nurse in New Hampshire largely depends on the nursing school program you choose. Most aspiring nurses complete a two-year Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), depending on their career goals. There may be 12-month accelerated nursing programs available, so be sure to do your research.

After earning your degree, you'll have to prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). After passing your exam, you'll apply for RN licensure, which may take a few weeks to receive.

5 Steps To Become a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire

Becoming a nurse in New Hampshire takes time and dedication. In addition to strict educational requirements for nurses, you'll have to meet professional and other licensing requirements. Unlike a licensed practical nurse (LPN), who only requires a certificate, RNs must complete degree programs. Below are five steps you'll have to take on your way to becoming an RN.

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Before you can really get started on your journey to becoming a nurse, you'll have to earn your high school diploma or GED. These are typically required for college admission, and your grades will impact what financial aid options are available to you.

Step 2: Complete an Accredited Nursing Program

To become a registered nurse in New Hampshire, you'll need to graduate from a program accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

An ADN will generally take two years to complete, while a BSN typically takes four years. There may be bridge or accelerated programs as well.

Step 3: Complete Clinical Rotations

While earning your degree, you'll have to complete clinical rotations in a healthcare setting under the supervision of an RN or LPN, depending on the position. Clinical rotations give students the opportunity to gain real-world, hands-on experience.

Step 4: Prepare for and Pass the NCLEX-RN

After graduation, you'll apply and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam. This test evaluates your ability to safely practice as a nurse and perform patient care. There are various online resources to help you study, including study guides and practice tests.

Step 5: Obtain Your License and Apply for a Job

After passing the NCLEX, you'll apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for licensure. You'll have to submit your college transcripts and NCLEX scores and pass a criminal background check. Once you receive your nursing license, it's time to start looking for a job. You can lean on the connections you made during your clinical rotations to find work.

Keep in mind, you'll need to complete continuing education courses to maintain your license.

Top Nursing Degree Programs in New Hampshire

If you're considering a career as an RN, you want to find the best programs in the state. Below are the top nursing degree programs in New Hampshire.

1. Saint Anselm College

Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH, offers one of the most selective nursing programs in New England. This bachelor's degree program emphasizes critical thinking alongside hands-on experience, ensuring student success in their future careers.

• Estimated tuition cost: $24,500 per semester (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BSN as well as several Master's of Science in Nursing degrees. As an online nursing program, students can complete a majority of their coursework remotely, making SNHU's programs especially convenient. You can also transfer in up to 90 credits, which can help you earn this degree quickly.

• Estimated tuition cost: $342 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. New Hampshire University

The BSN program at New Hampshire University emphasizes real-world clinical experience alongside top-notch classroom instruction. The school has partnerships with local hospitals and public health agencies, ensuring students have numerous options when it comes time for clinical rotations.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,908 per semester (in-state); $37,070 per semester (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. Plymouth State University

Plymouth State University's BSN program boasts an outstanding 100% NCLEX pass rate, ranking it among the top programs in the state. The school also offers an accelerated path, allowing students to transfer in up to 90 credits toward their degrees.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,068 (in-state); $26,218 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. Keene State College

Keene State College's nursing program boasts small class sizes, allowing students to form close relationships with faculty. As another school with a 100% NCLEX pass rate, acceptance to the BSN program is quite competitive. Applicants must have a 3.25 GPA for admission, and students must maintain a 3.4 GPA to stay in the program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $12,048 per semester (in-state); $24,406 per semester (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: CCNE

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Hampshire

The salary and job outlook for nurses in New Hampshire are quite good. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for RNs is $93,600. What's more, the industry is expected to grow by 6% in the next ten years, ensuring there will be no shortage of nursing jobs.

FAQs About How To Become a Nurse in New Hampshire

It's common to have questions when you're considering a nursing career. Read below for answers to some frequently asked questions about becoming a nurse in New Hampshire.

How Much Does a Nursing Degree Cost in New Hampshire?

The cost of a nursing degree depends on the program you enroll in. ADN programs can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 per year. BSN programs range from $11,000 to $34,000. There may be aid options available to reduce these costs. Online colleges that accept FAFSA can ensure that a degree is affordable for you.

What Are the Prerequisites for a Nursing Degree?

Before beginning a nursing degree program, you'll have to earn your high school diploma or GED. Some schools may also require Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) scores for admission. Master's degree programs may have additional prerequisites.

Depending on the program, there may also be self-paced nursing prerequisites online. Be sure to confirm your program's requirements prior to enrolling.

What Is the Fastest Way To Become a Nurse?

The fastest way to become a nurse is typically an ADN program, which takes about two years to complete. You can find accelerated programs that accept transfer credits or allow students to take on increased course loads. These degrees are perfect for entry-level nursing positions.

What Is the Easiest Nursing Degree?

ADNs typically require fewer credits than BSN programs, which could mean they're the easiest nursing degrees. However, BSNs generally open the doors to greater career opportunities, so the increased difficulty of earning one is offset by its benefits.

Students looking to pursue further career advancement can consider Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs to become a nurse practitioner. It's helpful to have the best laptop for nursing students to make earning a degree as easy as possible.

Find a Nursing Degree

A degree in nursing can put you on a path toward a rewarding and fruitful career as an RN. However, becoming a nurse takes time and dedication, so it's important to know what to expect as you look for degree programs. Keep exploring Learn.org to find the right nursing program for you.