Best Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
Whether you’re originally from New Hampshire or you’re looking to relocate to this idyllic Northeastern state, one of the fastest-growing careers that many students have considered since COVID-19 spurred a nursing shortage that is projected to last for over the next decade. Within the next ten years, New Hampshire is expecting a 9% growth in nursing positions which is frustrating for those seeking timely and effective medical care but is a great opportunity for those who want to capitalize on an opportunity for a rewarding career serving their community.
Jump to:
- New Hampshire RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
- Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
- Getting an RN License in New Hampshire
For RN bridge programs visit:
Cities in New Hampshire
Best RN Programs in New Hampshire
Selecting the best nursing school in New Hampshire can be difficult. To make the process easier first look for a school that supports students towards licensure and beyond. A great way to measure this is through NCLEX-RN "pass rates." We have ranked the top 5 nursing schools in New Hampshire by analyzing current and historical NCLEX-RN "pass rates", meaning the percentage of graduates who pass the exam, out of the 15 RN programs in the state. Programs reviewed include schools that offer an Associate in Nursing (ADN/ASN), BSN, or Direct-Entry MSN Degree.
For more information on our top nursing school rankings, see our Methodology Page (https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/).
Plymouth State University
Score: 98.80
Plymouth State University is home to a BSN program that fully prepares students for patient care. The goal of the program is to equip students with the clinical judgment and leadership to care for patients in diverse populations.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (603) 535-5000
St. Anselm College
Score: 98.23
St. Anselm College in Manchester has experienced nursing faculty that provide undergraduates with exceptional clinical skills through a 4-year pre-licensure BSN program. The curriculum includes courses such as Adult Medical Surgical Nursing, Critical Care Nursing, Medical Ethics, and much more.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (603) 641-7000
University of New Hampshire
Score: 95.03
The University of New Hampshire in Durham has an excellent BSN pathway in the College of Nursing. Graduates are prepared to assume their professional role as a responsible and driven member of the nursing vocation through a curriculum that utilizes innovative labs and simulated clinical experiences.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN, MSN
- Phone: (603) 862-1177
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Score: 94.36
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, a private institution, excels in healthcare education. Located in Boston, it upholds a mission to advance health and patient care. With a commitment to excellence, the college offers a distinguished registered nursing program, preparing compassionate professionals for impactful roles in the dynamic healthcare field.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (603) 314-0210
Colby-Sawyer College
Score: 93.57
Colby-Sawyer College's New London campus molds nursing students into high-quality nurses who are committed to improving the quality of care throughout the profession and judiciously use their leadership and communication skills to improve community health. In addition to their top tier BSN program, Colby-Sawyer offers MSN and RN to BSN programs.
Program Details
- Programs: BSN
- Phone: (603) 526-3000
New Hampshire Nursing RN Programs – Diploma, ADN, and BSN Degrees
Obtaining a degree is a necessary step before you can obtain your RN license. You can choose from several entry-level educational paths, including an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), a nursing diploma, or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Each option offers distinct benefits and requirements. Below, we'll explore the differences between them to help you determine the best fit for your career goals.
Comparing RN Diploma vs. LPN-to-RN vs. ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is one of the quickest ways to become a registered nurse, typically requiring about two years of study. Another option is an RN diploma, which is often offered by certain nursing schools or hospitals and can be completed in 1 to 2 years. While ADN programs include a broader range of general education courses, RN diploma programs focus more on core nursing skills. For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) looking to advance, an LPN to RN bridge program is available, allowing you to earn either an ADN or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). These pathways provide affordable and efficient routes into nursing, as long as you choose an accredited program to ensure your credentials are recognized.
Common admissions requirements for ADN and diploma programs in New Hampshire include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA, typically 2.5 or higher
- Some programs require scores from the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI Admission Assessment
For further admissions requirements and more information, check out our page on ADN degree programs.
More information on RN diplomas, LPN to RN, and ADN programs:
| Program | Estimated Tuition | Estimated Credits | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADN | $6,000 – $15,000 | 60-72 credits | Limited online courses, primarily on-campus |
| LPN to RN | $4,000 – $10,000 | 30-45 credits | Often hybrid; some online courses |
| RN Diploma | $5,000 – $12,000 | 40-60 credits | Rarely online; primarily on-campus |
ADN, LPN to RN, and nursing diploma programs require hands-on clinical training hours under supervision in order to be eligible for RN licensure. These will need to be completed in person, even if you opt for an online or hybrid program. Not sure if you’re ready for an RN career? Consider an LPN or CNA program in New Hampshire.
Comparing Traditional BSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ABSN Programs
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is considered the most sought-after degree for aspiring nurses. Offered in online, on-campus, and hybrid formats, BSN programs are available through colleges and universities throughout the state. Many healthcare employers in New Hampshire prioritize hiring nurses with a BSN for entry-level RN roles. These programs typically provide both full-time and part-time study options, combining general education courses with specialized nursing curriculum. Regardless of whether you pursue the program online or in a hybrid format, in-person clinical training hours are a mandatory component of the BSN program to ensure hands-on experience.
Admissions requirements for BSN programs in New Hampshire typically include:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0
- Completion of prerequisite courses
For more information on BSN admissions requirements and more, see our BSN degrees page.
Several alternative pathways are also available to qualified students who want to pursue a BSN. Compare your options below:
| Program | Length | Estimated Tuition | Entrance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional BSN | 4 years (120-126 credits) | $20,000 – $50,000 | First-time college students |
| RN to BSN | 1-2 years (30-35 credits) | $10,000 – $20,000 | Licensed RNs with an ADN |
| ABSN | 12-18 months (50-60 credits) | $25,000 – $40,000 | Non-nursing bachelor’s degree holders |
RN to BSN
If you’re already a licensed RN with an ADN and some experience, you may be able to earn your BSN more quickly. A New Hampshire RN to BSN typically takes around two years to complete, allowing you to build on your existing nursing knowledge and credentials while advancing your education. This accelerated pathway is a great option for working nurses who want to enhance their qualifications and career prospects.
Accelerated BSN (ABSN)
Some nurses choose to pursue their BSN later in their careers, especially if they are transitioning into nursing from another field. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing discipline, you can earn your BSN in as little as a year through a New HampshireABSN program. This fast-track option allows individuals to leverage their previous education while gaining the necessary nursing qualifications to advance in the healthcare field.
Advanced Practice RN & Nurse Practitioner Programs
For students in New Hampshire aiming to take their nursing education to the next level, there are numerous advanced degree options available. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a Master's of Science in Nursing (MSN), a Nurse Practitioner (NP) program, a bridge program to enter advanced practice, or even a doctorate degree such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you will find a variety of pathways to suit your goals. Keep in mind that most of these programs require applicants to already have a BSN or MSN, possess an active and unencumbered RN license, and meet specific entry criteria set by each program.
Earning a graduate-level degree in nursing opens the door to numerous Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) roles, leadership roles, and even careers in academia or research. Read more about APRN pathways in New Hampshire:
- New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Programs
- New Hampshire MSN Program
- New Hampshire Accelerated MSN Program
- New Hampshire RN to MSN Programs
- New Hampshire Post Master’s Nursing Certificate Programs
- New Hampshire DNP Programs
Getting an RN License in New Hampshire
After graduating from an accredited nursing program, the next step to becoming a registered nurse in New Hampshire is to obtain your RN license. The process is simple: you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam and submit an application to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Once you’re licensed, you'll be required to complete continuing education courses for each license renewal to maintain your credentials and stay current with nursing practices.
Requirements for RN Licensure in New Hampshire
- Completion of an accredited RN program (ADN or BSN)
- Passing the NCLEX-RN exam
- Application to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
- Renewal: 36 hours of CE every three years for license maintenance
Why Choose an Accredited RN Program?
RN program accreditation is a formal process that verifies a nursing school or program meets the necessary standards for licensure as set by the state nursing board. In the United States, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are the primary accrediting bodies. In New Hampshire, nursing programs typically seek accreditation from one or both of these organizations to ensure they meet national educational standards. It’s essential for students to choose an accredited RN program, as this guarantees eligibility for licensure, future educational opportunities, and employment in the nursing field.
Continued List of All RN Programs in New Hampshire
Here is a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs a continued list of all RN Programs.
| Ranked | School | Program | Score | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | Lakes Region Community College Laconia, NH 03246 | Phone: (603) 524-3207 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 93.47 | lrcc.edu |
| 7. | River Valley Community College Claremont, NH 03743 | Phone: (603) 542-7744 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 93.26 | rivervalley.edu |
| 8. | N H T I Concord, NH 03301 | Phone: (603) 271-6484 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to RN | 93.19 | catalog.nhti.edu |
| 9. | Manchester Community College Manchester, NH 03102 | Phone: (603) 206-8000 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 92.80 | mccnh.edu |
| 10. | Great Bay Community College Portsmouth, NH 03801 | Phone: (603) 427-7600 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 92.59 | greatbay.edu |
| 11. | Nashua Community College Nashua, NH 03063 | Phone: (603) 578-8900 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 91.42 | nashuacc.edu |
| 12. | St. Joseph School of Nursing Nashua, NH 03060 | Phone: (603) 594-2567 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, LPN to ASN | 91.30 | sjson.edu |
| 13. | Rivier University Nashua, NH 03060 | Phone: (603) 888-1311 | Programs: Associate in Nursing, BSN | 90.92 | rivier.edu |
| 14. | White Mountains Community College Berlin, NH 03570 | Phone: (603) 752-1113 | Programs: Associate in Nursing | 89.38 | wmcc.edu |
| 15. | Keene State College Keene, NH 03431 | Phone: (603) 352-1909 | Programs: BSN | 81.13 | keene.edu |
Are we missing your school's program or need to update information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.