Many universities in the state of New Hampshire offer RN and BSN programs that offer flexible options to busy, working nurses. Nurses who are interested in expanding their knowledge base, refining patient care skills, and developing professional practice are encouraged to pursue higher education. There are currently 20,548 registered nurses in New Hampshire. In addition, New Hampshire is a member of the nurse license compact. This means a candidate will be awarded a multi-state license and be allowed to work in another compact state.
In our New Hampshire RN program guide, find rankings for both ADN and BSN Degree programs, tuition costs, NCLEX passing rates, and more. Research key New Hampshire RN Program information to help you compare program metrics and to apply to best RN program for your career in nursing.
In the State of New Hampshire, nurses are helping to change the face of healthcare. To ensure that they have the best education and preparation for future health care challenges, registered nurses need to graduate from a state-approved associate's degree in nursing program or a BSN degree program.
Nurses who graduate from an RN program can obtain certification in over 100 nursing specialties, go on to earn an RN to BSN or RN to MSN degree.
BSN degree holders have options to earn an Advance Practice Register Nursing (APRN) degree and become a Nurse Practitioner (NP), or earn an advanced degree for a career in any number of nursing leadership roles such Nurse Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist.
New Hampshire RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 9 | 6 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 90.71% | 90.17% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 66.70% to 100.00% | 66.03% to 99.01% |
| Average Net Price | $16,954.00 | $20,918.83 |
| Average Net Price Range | $13,154.00 to $26,072.00 | $14,025.00 to $30,469.00 |
| Average Student Loan | $11,937.44 | $23,412.17 |
| Average Student Loan Range | $8,250.00 to $26,250.00 | $11,478.00 to $27,000.00 |
| See Additional Detail | ADN Rankings for New Hampshire State | BSN Rankings for New Hampshire State |
Best Ranked RN Programs in New Hampshire
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both New Hampshire and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 9 ADN degree programs and 5 BSN degree programs in New Hampshire. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in New Hampshire to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.
Lakes Region Community College
Pass Rate
379 Belmont Road, Laconia, NH - 03246
(603) 524-3207
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 100.00%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 24
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,720
Book and Supplies: $1,400
Percent Received Aid: 89%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,739
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 38%
Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) is a non-profit community college in Laconia. It was originally known as “the Tech College” and “the College on the Hill” way back 1967. In the present, LRCC continues to become one of the educationally and technologically advanced educational institutions in the region. In fact, it received an accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), an agency formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Associate of Science Degree in Nursing - This Associate Degree in Nursing Program prepares students for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN®) and for their roles as registered nurses. Students are fully-equipped for holistic, scientifically-based and technically-competent nursing care provision. With a total of 70 credits needed to graduate, this program is designed for two-year completion with 36 credits in the first year and 34 in the second year. Graduates are conferred an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing and are eligible to sit in the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. This program received an approval from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (NHBON) and an accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Nursing-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) - This LPN program is offered in partnership between LRCC and River Valley Community College. This is designed for a one-year completion. Classroom learning is reinforced by simulation activities conducted in the laboratory. Program completers are expected to be fully-equipped for a fast-paced healthcare environment. Moreover, upon completion, students can pursue an associate degree in nursing through LRCC’s LPN to RN track.
University of New Hampshire (DEMN), Durham
Pass Rate
- 105 Main St., Thompson Hall, Durham, NH - 03824-3547
- (603) 862-1234
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 99.01%
- Programs: CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated MSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 834
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $18,962
- Book and Supplies: $1,000
- Percent Received Aid: 95%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $11,531
- Percent Admitted: 85%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 16%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
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.
Colby-Sawyer College
Pass Rate
- 541 Main St, New London, NH - 03257-7835
- (603) 526-3000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.99%
- Programs: CNL, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 46
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $32,955
- Percent Admitted: 91%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 65%
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.
Saint Anselm College
Pass Rate
- 100 Saint Anselm Drive, Manchester, NH - 03102-1310
- (603) 641-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 98.99%
- Programs: Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursingg, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 147
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $26,914
- Percent Admitted: 76%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
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.
Manchester Community College
Pass Rate
- 1066 Front St, Manchester, NH - 03102-8518
- (603) 206-8000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 49
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,090
- Book and Supplies: $1,750
- Percent Received Aid: 80%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,361
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 33%
Manchester Community College is located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Their nursing program has a variety of options - there is both full-time and part-time ADN programs. There is also a practical nursing program and an LPN to RN program, which is a hybrid program, meaning that it utilizes both online and on-campus courses.
NHTI-Concord's Community College
Pass Rate
- 31 College Drive, Concord, NH - 03301-7412
- (603) 271-6484
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 76
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,200
- Book and Supplies: $1,400
- Percent Received Aid: 82%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,795
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 30%
NHTI - Concord's Community College is located in Concord, New Hampshire. They offer an ADN degree (generic) and an LPN to RN option. They also offer an RN to BSN Public Pathway (with Granite State College) and an RN to BSN Pathway with Saint Anselm College; both pathways allow ADN graduates to complete their third year towards a BSN degree at NHTI before transferring to their chosen school to complete the program.
River Valley Community College
Pass Rate
- 1 College Place, Claremont, NH - 03743-9707
- (603) 542-7744
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 97.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 27
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $6,940
- Book and Supplies: $1,600
- Percent Received Aid: 84%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,398
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 37%
Great Bay Community College
Pass Rate
- 320 Corporate Drive, Portsmouth, NH - 03801-2879
- (603) 427-7600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 34
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $7,200
- Book and Supplies: $1,400
- Percent Received Aid: 78%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $3,432
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 30%
Great Bay Community College is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. GBCC offers an associate degree RN program. Their program is unique in that it allows students to earn certification for licensed nursing assistant (LNA) after Nursing I course and to take the NCLEX-PN to earn their LPN after the Nursing III course.
|
Grade
|
University
|
New Hampshire Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 86.30 | St Joseph School of Nursing | 9 | ADN |
| 66.70 | White Mountains Community College | 2 | ADN |
| 88.00 | Keene State College | 5 | BSN |
Become an Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in New Hampshire
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in New Hampshire
Learn how to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) and research schools in New Hampshire offering the following high paying nurse practitioner specialties:
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
Online NP Programs Liked by New Hampshire Nurses
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
New Hampshire RN Licensing Requirements
New Hampshire State Board of Nursing
21 South Fruit Street, Suite 16
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2323
Fees:
Initial licensing fee, RN: $120
License renewal (every two years), RN: $80
Continuing Education Requirements:
All nurses: 30 contact hours every renewal period
RN Licensure by Exam
When the candidate has completed, graduates should apply for permanent licensure. A temporary license may be issued if the candidate has completed 1,080 hours of nursing education. In addition, the candidate must submit a fingerprint based criminal background check. There will be a $120 application fee required for candidates applying for licensure by examination. Following this, the candidate must register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX and pay the $200 fee. The test can only be scheduled when the candidate received the official Authorization to Test. There are limits of how many times a nurse can attempt the NCLEX. An unsuccessful candidate may apply for a lover level of nursing if he/she prefers.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
RNs who are licensed in one of the other 50 states may apply for licensure by endorsement. The application fees are the same of those who apply by examination. However, there is a continuing competency requirement. Nurses who have not practiced the minimum number of hours will need to complete a refresher course or retake the NCLEX. The Board site lists approved courses, all of which include 40 hours of instruction and 80 hours of clinical.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
Canadian nurses may be licensed by endorsement without having to take the NCLEX. The exemption applies to those nurses who took the exam in English prior to July 31, 1995. Registered nurses who were educated in foreign countries other than Canada must be certified through CGNFS or have a course-by-course evaluation of their credentials.
RN Salaries in New Hampshire
The global healthcare environment is constantly evolving and becoming more complex. The American Nurses Association (ANA) recommends that nurses pursue higher education. The New Hampshire Nurse’s Association works closely with the American Nurses Association works closely with the ANA in the advocacy of nurses and patients in becoming a united voice. Registered nurses in New Hampshire enjoy a slightly higher average salary earning $67,930. Experience and education level help to determine the salary a nurse will make.
New Hampshire Registered Nursing Salaries
Manchester has the highest employment rate for registered nurses in the state of New Hampshire. The Western nonmetropolitan area of New Hampshire has highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
Source: BLS, Department of Education, State Board of Nursing, Nursing School Websites.
Take the next step toward your healthcare future with online learning.
Discover schools with the programs and courses you're interested in, and start learning today.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
[/one_half_last]
