New Hampshire, famously known as the “Granite State” for its prolific production of the igneous rock, is home to some of the top nursing schools in the region. With RN salaries in New Hampshire averaging $78,270 annually and an anticipated demand for 880 new registered nurses per year by 2030, the Granite State offers competitive pay and job stability for nursing professionals.
As the number of nurses in the state approaches 15,000 by 2030, identifying top nursing programs in New Hampshire can launch aspiring nursing professionals into stable, meaningful careers. We will list some of the top nursing schools in New Hampshire that will help you become a healthcare professional. With expanding jobs, competitive salaries, and nursing schools providing skilled training, New Hampshire continues to be an ideal environment to enter the rewarding nursing profession.
- There are 17 nursing schools in New Hampshire.
- The CCNE accredits 8 nursing school(s)
- The ACEN accredits 10 nursing school(s).
- The NCLEX passing rate for BSN students in New Hampshire is between 77.59% and 100.00%.
- The NCLEX passing rate for ADN students in New Hampshire is between 86.60% and 100.00%.
- RNs currently employed in New Hampshire are 12,890.
- RNs in New Hampshire earn an average of $78,270 per year or $37.63per hour.
- New Hampshire needs 15,240 new RNs by 2030 or 880new nurses per year.
Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
Overview of Nursing Programs in New Hampshire
Pursuing a career in nursing can be an extremely rewarding path. New Hampshire offers a robust job market for nurses, competitive salaries, and a variety of quality nursing programs to equip you with the education and training to thrive.
Nursing Degree Programs
New Hampshire has over 15 colleges and universities offering nursing degrees, from diplomas up to a PhD. Some of the most common program types include:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Usually takes 2 years and prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-RN exam and become RNs. Offered at community colleges statewide.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Traditional 4-year degree for RNs, covers more advanced topics versus the ADN. Graduates still take the NCLEX-RN. Offered at universities and colleges.
- RN to BSN programs – For current RNs with an associate’s degree to bridge to the bachelor’s level. Expanding leadership skills and career options. Can often be completed online in 1-2 years.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Intensive 12-18 month bachelor’s degree for those who already have a bachelors in another field. Coursework plus hundreds of clinical hours prepare graduates to be RNs.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Graduate-level degree for advanced specialty nursing careers like nurse practitioner or educator roles. Usually takes 2+ years.
- DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) – Designed for very high level nursing practice in a chosen specialty, with more clinical hours and residency components. Leads to titles like DNP or DrNP.
- PhD in Nursing – Focused on nursing research and academia. 4+ year program typically requires a dissertation and specializations are available.
New Hampshire Board of Nursing
The New Hampshire Board of Nursing regulates licensing and practice protocols for nurses within the state. To become licensed as an RN you must graduate from an approved RN program, pass the NCLEX-RN exam, and submit an application with the required materials and fees. Other common nursing certifications overseen by the Board include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA)
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
It’s advisable to review detailed requirements on the Board of Nursing’s website and connect with the program advisor or a practicing nurse mentor when charting your educational path. Investing this time on the front-end will pay dividends for years to come.
With New Hampshire projecting over 13,000 new nursing job openings by 2028 – the 4th highest rate in the nation – embarking on a nursing career can lead to incredible opportunities. Identifying the nursing degree that matches your career ambitions and locating accredited, reputable nursing schools in NH ahead of time will position you to realize your dreams of impacting lives through skilled, compassionate care.
When researching nursing schools in New Hampshire, it’s important to consider key factors like:
- Accreditation status – Ensure the program is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- NCLEX pass rates – Programs with higher pass rates produce better-prepared nursing graduates
- Program types and delivery formats – Options like online RN to BSN help working nurses progress
- Cost and financial aid – In-state tuition averages $10,000-$15,000 annually for New Hampshire nursing students
- Program outcomes – High graduate satisfaction, employment rates
Nursing graduates must understand New Hampshire Board of Nursing standards and pass the NCLEX-RN exam to earn a registered nurse (RN) license. Certain advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner also require national certification and state approval.
Online Nursing Programs for New Hampshire Students
Working nurses and remote students can progress their education through online nursing programs offered by schools statewide and beyond. Courses are completed online while arrangements are made for in-person clinical training requirements.
Many out-of-state schools accept New Hampshire nursing students into online ABSN, RN to BSN, MSN, DNP and certificate programs. Always confirm the school pursues proper approvals so program completion meets New Hampshire nursing licensure and advanced certification eligibility.
What Are the Best Nursing Schools in New Hampshire?
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of New Hampshire (DEMN), Durham
105 Main St., Thompson Hall, Durham, NH - 03824-3547
(603) 862-1234
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University of New Hampshire is located in Durham, New Hampshire. UNH offers a BSN program. Their nursing department has a simulation laboratory that offers its students a clinical experience; the sim lab has mannequins, task trainers and other clinical equipment. Nursing students who excel and maintain a high GPA are considered "honors in major" students and graduate with Honors in Nursing on their diploma.
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Saint Anselm College
- 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH - 03102-1310
- (603) 641-7000
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
Located in Manchester, Saint Anselm College is a Catholic, liberal arts educational institution. It was founded in 1889 by the Order of Saint Benedict in New Hampshire. Its Nursing department places emphasis on hands-on experiences through nursing labs activities prior to actual patient care in clinical settings. In terms of clinical experiences, these are conducted in various settings including clinics, hospitals and schools. With a student to instructor clinical ratio of 8:1 or less, individualized attention is ensured. Its Department of Nursing is a member of the National League for Nursing and the American Association of Colleges and Nursing. It is also approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Meanwhile, its baccalaureate in nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing - Students seeking a baccalaureate degree in nursing at Saint Anselm College can do so through the four-year pre-licensure program or the hybrid post-licensure RN to BSN program. The latter is designed for registered nurses. A humanistic approach to patient care is emphasized in the curriculum, made possible through the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. In terms of hands-on experiences, students will begin their clinical rotations in the sophomore year. Aside from clinical experiences and preceptorships, students also gain access to the latest simulation technology. Program completion leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Plymouth State University
- 17 High Street, Plymouth, NH - 03264-1595
- (603) 535-5000
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Colby-Sawyer College
- 541 Main St, New London, NH - 03257-7835
- (603) 526-3000
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
Colby-Sawyer College is a private liberal arts and sciences educational institution in New London. This independent college was founded in 1837 and presently holds an accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The college has a student to faculty ratio of 8:1. Moreover, its nursing programs under the School of Nursing & Health Sciences have approvals and accreditations from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, New Hampshire Board of Nursing, and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
BS with a Major in Nursing - Students in this program will gain hands-on experiences from the college’s nursing simulation labs and at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Being a comprehensive program, coursework not only includes nursing education but with liberal arts and sciences as well. Program graduates are prepared for well-rounded patient-care provision.
Accelerated BS in Nursing - Individuals with baccalaureate or graduate degrees in fields other than nursing can obtain a BSN degree through this accelerated program. This ABSN program builds on the student’s undergraduate courses. The curriculum is taught in a student-centered approach. Moreover, clinical placements will be at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health.
RN to BS in Nursing Online - Associate- and diploma-prepared nurses can obtain their BSN degree in as few as 16 months through this RN to BSN program. Coursework is delivered completely online in the duration of 8 weeks. Up to 90 credits out of the required 120 credits can be transferred for completion.
Master of Science in Nursing - This MSN program is designed for baccalaureate-prepared RNs seeking advanced nursing roles. Depending on the student's goals and interests, they can choose from any of these tracks: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management and Executive Leadership. Coursework delivery is through an online asynchronous format.
Nursing Post-Master’s Certificate Program - Master’s-prepared nurses can acquire other specialized skills that have not been offered in their MSN degree through this Post-Master’s Certificate Program. With completely online coursework delivery, this certificate program equips students for certification for their respective tracks. The certificate tracks are similar to that of the MSN program: Clinical Nurse Leader, Nursing Education, and Nursing Management & Executive Leadership.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs provide a fast-track into nursing for those having earned a prior bachelor’s degree in another field. The intensive curriculum lasts 12-18 months fulll-time consisting of nursing coursework and hands-on clinical rotations.
Admission requirements typically include:
- Bachelor’s degree with 3.0 minimum GPA
- Prerequisite courses completed
- Competitive GRE/ACT scores
- Healthcare experience
Maintaining life balance with ABSN program demands is vital for success. Savvy time management navigating rigorous course loads and completing over 500 clinical nursing hours is also essential.
Compare program NCLEX pass rates, graduate satisfaction surveys and job placement rates. Many grads obtain RN licensure and rewarding nursing jobs within a year.
RN to BSN Programs
Licensed RNs having earned an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) tap into RN to BSN programs to enhance careers with broader nursing knowledge. The versatile online format suits working nurses through personalized pace options.
Best RN to BSN Schools in New Hampshire
Advancing to the baccalaureate-level equips RNs for wider roles through honing skills in:
- Patient-centered care coordination
- Evidence-based practice
- Informatics/technology
- Teamwork and leadership
- Quality improvement
Evaluate each RN to BSN program on cost per credit, transfer credit policy and availability of academic advisors experienced in navigating nurses through. Many offer generous transfer for prior nursing diplomas, clinical hours and certain co-requisite general courses.
Master’s in Nursing (MSN) Programs
Driven bachelor-prepared RNs pursue MSN programs in specialties like:
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Clinical Nurse Leader
- Nurse Educator
- Nursing and Health Care Administration
- Nursing Informatics
Compare program formats blends online coursework with local clinical training for relevant patient exposure. Generally 30 credits completed over 2 years full-time, working RNs often move through programs slower.
For competitive admissions, hone academic profile through maintaining sound nursing GPA, securing strong letters of recommendation from nursing supervisors and acing the GRE. Programs may require undergraduate statistics coursework.
Upon MSN program completion, nurse practitioner graduates take national certification exams through ANCC or AANP enabling APRN licensure and prescription writing capabilities after approval. Most MSN-prepared nurses can take specialty certification exams shortly after graduation.
Nurse Practitioner (NP) Programs
Nurse practitioners provide comprehensive primary and specialty care services through NP programs focused on patient populations by degree. RNs commit 1-3 years mastering advanced assessments, diagnosis, treatment planning skills via defined clinical hour requirements while collaborating with medical providers.
Full-time students tackle intense didactic and clinical rotations early before choosing specialization courses and preceptorships. Licensed RNs often continue working while progressing through programs with personalized part-time options by leveraging nursing skills into new arenas toward rendering independent care.
All NP graduates take national certification exams in specialized areas of practice like adult-gerontology or pediatrics after completing accredited college nursing programs. Certification permits APRN licensure granting RNs federal authority to prescribe medication in providing complete healthcare. NPs epitomize forward career advancement for RNs seeking to fully maximize education.
Best Nurse Practitioner Schools in New Hampshire
Doctoral Nursing Programs (DNP & PhD)
Doctoral programs represent the pinnacle of nursing education through developing top research scholars and nursing leaders equipped to guide healthcare improvements. The University of New Hampshire and other statewide schools offer multiple accredited doctoral pathways catering to ambitious registered nurses seeking to specialize care or instruct future nurses.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree centers on bolstering clinical excellence and systems management prowess to amplify patient outcomes. The 3-4 year doctoral nursing program blends online course delivery with rigorous immersive training requiring 1,000 supervised clinical hours.
DNP students conclude their focused care studies by designing and executing a process-enhancing capstone project addressing a critical applied problem in current practice. Through partnerships with area medical facilities, nursing students receive abundant mentorship opportunities to grow leadership capabilities under seasoned professionals.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) pathway focuses intensely on research methodology, statistics and scholarly inquiry. The 6-year investment prepares RNs to conduct original scientific investigations furthering nursing care models, education paradigms and best practices.
Residency programs affiliated with doctoral studies provide up to a year of practical training following graduation to smoothly bridge academics into specialized nursing roles. These placements located at major New Hampshire hospitals facilitate building professional networks and refining capabilities before entering the workforce.
Both DNP and PhD nursing graduates can pursue academic appointments with nursing schools seeking to transmit expert insights to aspiring nurses. Their elevated perspectives grounded in evidence-based training, leadership experience and immersive education make these ideal candidates for instructing subsequent nursing generations.
Between implementing healthcare improvements through advanced DNP training or generating field-advancing research through a PhD, New Hampshire offers multiple avenues to address the complex 21st century medical challenges requiring diverse nursing competencies and specializations.
RNs looking to maximize their impact and earn seats at executive decision-making tables choose these selective terminal degree programs for advancing from bedside care into guiding the overall progression of modern nursing itself in all its scientific and humanistic power.
Benefits of Becoming a Nurse in New Hampshire
Exceptional employment demand and competitive pay make New Hampshire an ideal locale to launch one’s nursing career. The state expects over 500 average annual openings for RNs through 2029 – a rate faster than average careers. New RN graduates earn approximately $60,000 while seasoned nurses outearn most other professions.
Nurses constitute New Hampshire’s largest healthcare field profession with over 26,000 members statewide working in diverse settings like hospitals, clinics, schools and home care. This variety sustains many jobs while allowing specialized nursing routes. Nurses also benefit through professional flexibility with full-time, part-time, per diem and travel options.
How to Earn Your New Hampshire Nursing License
Prospective nurses must follow these education and examination steps towards earning a nursing license in New Hampshire.
1. Graduate from a Board-approved nursing diploma, ADN or BSN degree program
2. Pass NCLEX-RN Exam with minimum cut score
3. Apply for RN licensure through the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
4. Renew license through online process every 2 years to remain active
In-demand specialties – ICU/trauma, oncology, OB/GYN, ER – require subsequent RN experience and/or graduate nursing education in the form of certifications or advanced nursing degrees.
Nursing permits flexible crossover opportunities between diverse healthcare settings to broaden capabilities and seek new challenges. Top reason RNs change specializations is seeking higher compensation and career advancement.
Finding the Right Nursing Program in New Hampshire
Myriad accredited nursing schools in New Hampshire offer quality pathways to launch healthcare careers. Prospective students should evaluate key indicators when identifying programs matching ambitions:
Accreditation
Seeking accredited nursing programs confirms educational standards compliance toward licensing and school financial aid. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing fully endorses candidates graduating CCNE or ACEN-accredited programs.
NCLEX Pass Rates
The minimum NCLEX passing score differs slightly annually but averages around 87%. Graduating an accredited program alone does not guarantee licensure. Scrutinize prospective schools’ most recent graduate cohort scores to ascertain programs excelling in exam preparation.
Affordability
Inquire about available tuition reductions and external paid scholarships for nursing students when researching schools to lower out-of-pocket costs. Also investigate student loan forgiveness programs tied to working in facilities with great need.
Clinical Opportunities
Consider the school’s relationships with hospitals, clinics and population health groups that could enable valuable practical training through rotations. Possibly bridge education into employment through making professional connections.
Student Support
Smaller cohort sizes and faculty-student ratios indicate more personalized guidance. Evaluate advising resources helping students fulfill curricular obligations, networking events and assorted assistance that comforting nurse educators provide.
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Getting Licensed as an RN in New Hampshire
After passing the rigorous NCLEX-RN exam, nursing graduates obtain an initial New Hampshire registered nursing license. Maintaining licensure through license renewal every 2 years enables legal practice according to NHBON statutes and job setting policies. Consider the following areas:
In-Demand Specializations
Critical care, oncology and emergency nursing lead New Hampshire RN specialization growth due to our aging population’s mounting complex needs. Obtain ACLS, PALS advanced qualifications to demonstrate higher proficiency caring for high-risk populations.
Job Outlook
Pursue a nursing degree in New Hampshire to benefit from high local demand without placement restrictions. The state projects hiring over 500 new RN annually averaging $75,000 through 2029. Nursing salaries continue rising with experience and specialization.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
Does New Hampshire have nursing schools with online programs?
Yes, schools like Southern New Hampshire University, Granite State College, and others offer online nursing programs at various degree levels. These flexible programs provide statewide access to nursing education for working nurses.
What types of nursing programs are offered in the state?
New Hampshire nursing schools offer diverse programs including Bachelor’s degrees (BSN), RN-to-BSN, Master’s degrees (MSN), and Doctoral degrees (DNP/PhD). Some colleges also offer shorter certificate programs to become licensed practical nurses (LPN) or nursing assistants (CNA).
Is New Hampshire home to accredited nursing schools?
Many excellent nursing schools statewide hold specialty accreditation from either the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). This approved accreditation confirms New Hampshire schools meet national nursing education standards.
What nursing jobs are available in New Hampshire after graduation?
There is a strong demand for registered nurses to fill roles in hospitals, nursing homes, physicians’ offices, community health centers, and other healthcare settings across New Hampshire.
Where do many nursing graduates find jobs?
With over 120 hospitals and numerous clinics statewide, most graduates readily find nursing jobs within the Granite State. Major employers include Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital System.
What is the average RN salary for New Hampshire nurses?
The average annual salary for RNs in New Hampshire surpasses $75,000 reflecting the high regional demand. Salaries escalate with specialization and supervisory roles, stretching past $120,000.
We hoped this complete guide to registered nursing programs in offered informative insights helpful weighing educational options – whether researching local campus colleges or reputable online RN degrees. Reach out with any other questions!
More of the Best New Hampshire Nursing Schools
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Ranking Methodology and Data Sources
- Ranking Methodology
- University Webpages
- New Hampshire Board of Nursing
- Department of Education’s College Scorecard
- American Association of Colleges of Nursing
- Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings
- Bureau of Labor Statistics Salary Data
- Department of Labor Projected Employment
- Bureau of Economic Analysis Cost of Living Data
