Northwestern State University – College of Nursing

About Northwestern State University – College of Nursing

Northwestern State University – College of Nursing is an accredited institution offering nursing education programs designed to prepare graduates for licensure and professional practice. The nursing profession continues to experience significant demand nationwide. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 3.1 million registered nurses were employed across the United States as of 2022, with the field projected to add roughly 193,100 openings per year through 2032 due to retirements, population growth, and an aging patient population requiring increasingly complex care.

Choosing a nursing school is one of the most consequential decisions in a healthcare career. Factors such as programmatic accreditation, NCLEX-RN examination pass rates, clinical partnership networks, faculty expertise, and total cost of attendance all play a role in program quality and student outcomes. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports that the national average first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate is approximately 87–89 percent — a useful benchmark when comparing schools.

Northwestern State University – College of Nursing holds accreditation from ACEN. Programmatic accreditation from agencies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) ensures that the curriculum meets nationally recognized standards, that graduates are eligible for professional licensure, and that credits are transferable to graduate programs. Employers — particularly hospitals pursuing Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) — strongly prefer graduates from accredited programs.

The median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 as of May 2024 (BLS), with salaries varying by specialization, experience level, and geographic location. Nurses who hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) typically earn 10–20 percent more than those with an associate degree, and the BSN is the required foundation for advanced practice roles such as nurse practitioner (median salary $129,210), clinical nurse specialist, and nurse anesthetist (median salary $223,210). The National Academy of Medicine has recommended that 80 percent of the nursing workforce hold a BSN or higher to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the healthcare system.

Admissions at Northwestern State University – College of Nursing

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Why Choose Northwestern State University – College of Nursing for Nursing?

Selecting the right nursing school is one of the most important decisions in a nursing career. Key factors to evaluate include accreditation status, NCLEX-RN pass rates, clinical placement availability, faculty credentials, and total cost of attendance. Northwestern State University – College of Nursing holds accreditation from ACEN, which signals that the institution meets nationally recognized standards for nursing education quality as evaluated by independent professional reviewers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for registered nurses was $93,600 as of May 2024, with approximately 189,100 RN job openings projected each year through 2034. Graduating from an accredited nursing program positions you to enter this high-demand profession with strong career prospects and competitive compensation.

Northwestern State University – College of Nursing currently offers 5 nursing programs. Prospective students should review each program's degree level, delivery format, tuition, and duration in the comparison table above to identify the best fit for their educational and career goals.

Schedule & Format Flexibility at Northwestern State University – College of Nursing

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Program-Specific Details

What to Consider When Evaluating a Nursing School

• Accreditation: Ensure the program holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), in addition to regional institutional accreditation.
• NCLEX Pass Rates: First-time NCLEX-RN pass rates are a key indicator of program quality. The national average is approximately 87–89 percent, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Look for programs that consistently meet or exceed this benchmark.
• Clinical Partnerships: Strong clinical partnerships with hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations ensure students get diverse, high-quality hands-on experience during their training.
• Student Support Services: Academic advising, tutoring, career counseling, and NCLEX preparation resources contribute to student success and licensure exam readiness.
• Career Placement: Some schools maintain partnerships with healthcare employers that facilitate hiring of new graduates, which can ease the transition from education to practice.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — May 2024; National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), NCLEX Examination Statistics.