
One of the most in-demand careers in today’s job market, nursing is a very popular career choice. Thanks to the disproportionate ratio of qualified graduates to job opportunities, most graduates from nursing programs enjoy near-immediate employment which is typically quite secure.
Deciding on the Right HBCU Nursing Programs
There are several different levels of HBCU nursing programs. Understanding these levels will help you make the best decision regarding your career. Remember that many students begin with a lower-level degree and, as finances allow, later advance their career by obtaining a higher degree.
Nursing degrees are available at Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Masters’ and Doctorate levels. While there are twelve-month courses available which qualify graduates to become Licensed Practical Nurses, these are generally regarded as stepping-stones toward a higher degree. In addition, more hospitals, clinics, and doctors are choosing to only hire nurses with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, making it a smart career choice to enroll in the highest level of the nursing program available. If finances are an issue, meet with a guidance or career counselor to learn about grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid.
Highest-Paid Nursing Degrees
According to recent salary studies, the highest-paid nursing position is Head of Nursing (at a hospital or large clinic). This position requires an RN degree, at least 15 years of experience and, depending on the hiring company, potentially an MBA. Nurse Anesthetists, Nursing Directors, Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Nurse Practitioners (specialized) are also among the current highest-paid nursing positions. These positions all require some degree of specialization, whether in a particular field of medicine or in business, in addition to years of relevant experience and, in most cases, specialized certification testing.
The following is a state-by-state list of HBCU nursing programs available. Remember that requirements, accreditation and offered programs are always changing; check with each individual school before applying.
Alabama:
- Bishop State Community College
- Lawson State Community College
- Oakwood University
- Tuskegee University
Arkansas:
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
California:
- Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science
Delaware:
- Delaware State University
Florida:
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Florida State A&M University
Georgia:
- Albany State University
Kentucky:
- Kentucky State University
Louisiana:
- Dillard University
- Grambling State University
- Southern University A&M College
Maryland:
- Bowie State University
- Coppin State University
- Morgan State University
Mississippi:
- Alcorn State University
- Coahoma Community College
Missouri:
- Lincoln University
North Carolina:
- Fayetteville State University
- North Carolina A&T State University
- North Carolina Central University
- Winston-Salem State University
Oklahoma:
- Langston University
Pennsylvania:
- Lincoln University (PA)
South Carolina:
- Claflin University
- South Carolina State University
Tennessee:
- Fisk University
- Tennessee State University
Texas:
- Prairie View A&M University
- St. Philip’s College
Virginia:
- Hampton University
- Norfolk State University
- Virginia State University
Virgin Islands (St. Thomas):
- University of the Virgin Islands
Washington, D.C.:
- Howard University
- University of the District of Columbia
West Virginia:
- Bluefield State College
Thanks for sharing this list! My daughter wanted to be a nurse, and she’s struggling to decide where she wants to go to school for it. I definitely will be showing her this article.
Thanks for the list, it help a lot. I want to become a CRNA ( critical registered nurse anesthetist).
thank for the list. Your forgot North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
It’s certified, not critical.