
Olivia Chen, NP
June 26, 2025
New Hampshire’s nursing education offerings feature comprehensive pathways for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners aiming to advance their careers. Whether you’re earning your first credential as a CNA, transitioning from RN to BSN, seeking LPN licensure, or preparing for NP practice, the state’s colleges and health systems combine rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical experiences. With opportunities for practicums at regional medical centers and community health settings, alongside flexible online coursework, New Hampshire’s nursing programs equip graduates with the skills, credentials, and competitive compensation required to excel in a variety of healthcare environments.
Claremont, NH - Public 2-Year - rivervalley.edu
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
River Valley Community College's Associate in Science in Nursing program provides a comprehensive pathway to becoming a registered nurse. Uniquely positioned with an impressive 97.96% NCLEX-RN pass rate, the program offers a hybrid learning format that balances theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students must achieve a TEAS test score of 66.0 or higher for admission, ensuring a rigorous selection process. With affordable in-state tuition of $21,000, the program features low faculty-to-student ratios and clinical placements at top hospitals. ACEN accreditation guarantees high-quality education, while specialized pathways for LPNs create additional opportunities for nursing professionals seeking advancement.
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
River Valley Community College's Accelerated ASN-RN Program delivers an expedited route to nursing careers, targeting motivated students with strong academic backgrounds. Designed for rapid professional entry, the program requires a high school chemistry foundation and current NH Nursing Assistant licensure. Prospective students must pass the ATI TEAS examination, demonstrating commitment to academic excellence. The hybrid curriculum emphasizes holistic patient care across diverse healthcare environments, ensuring graduates are immediately employable. ACEN accreditation validates the program's comprehensive approach, blending rigorous classroom instruction with extensive clinical experiences that prepare students for complex healthcare challenges.
Concentration: LPN to RN - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
River Valley Community College's LPN to RN Bridge Program offers licensed practical nurses a strategic pathway to advanced nursing credentials. This innovative hybrid program provides flexible scheduling and cost-effective progression, with in-state tuition of $21,000. Candidates must successfully complete the TEAS examination with a minimum score of 66.0, ensuring academic readiness. The curriculum is meticulously designed to build upon existing practical nursing knowledge, facilitating a smooth transition to registered nurse status. Clinical placement opportunities and a focus on NCLEX-RN exam preparation distinguish this program, enabling LPNs to efficiently expand their professional capabilities and increase their healthcare career potential.
New London, NH - Private 4-year - colby-sawyer.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Colby-Sawyer College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program stands out for its comprehensive and innovative approach to nursing education. Students gain exceptional clinical experience through rotations at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, complemented by advanced campus facilities. The program's CCNE accreditation and NH Board of Nursing approval ensure high-quality training. Small class sizes foster intimate learning environments where students develop close mentorship relationships with faculty. Integrating liberal arts principles with rigorous nursing curriculum, graduates emerge as well-rounded healthcare professionals prepared for diverse clinical settings and leadership roles.
Manchester, NH - Private 4-year - anselm.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Saint Anselm College's Bachelor of Science in Nursing program delivers a robust educational experience combining rigorous liberal arts training with comprehensive nursing education. Located in Manchester, NH, the program distinguishes itself with an impressive 99% NCLEX pass rate and cutting-edge simulation technology. Students benefit from extensive clinical placements at premier regional hospitals, developing critical thinking and communication skills essential for modern healthcare professionals. The program requires standard entrance exams and provides a strong ethical decision-making framework. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, graduates are thoroughly prepared for diverse healthcare environments and professional nursing roles.
Berlin, NH - Public 2-Year - wmcc.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
White Mountains Community College's nursing program provides a robust two-year Associate in Science pathway for aspiring registered nurses. Distinguished by its ACEN accreditation, the curriculum blends rigorous classroom instruction with immersive simulation lab experiences and comprehensive clinical rotations throughout New Hampshire. Students must maintain a C+ grade in core nursing courses and successfully complete clinical practicums. The program strategically prepares candidates for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination, offering flexible full-time and part-time enrollment options. Unique admission requirements include passing the ATI TEAS test with a 60% score, submitting recent science course transcripts, and providing two professional references. The program particularly accommodates Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) seeking advanced standing through specialized transfer pathways.
Plymouth, NH - Public 4-Year - plymouth.edu
Campus Based - Visit Website
Plymouth State University's comprehensive Nursing (BS) program delivers robust healthcare education with an emphasis on patient-centered, evidence-based practice. Students must maintain a B- minimum in nursing courses and pass rigorous clinical components. The curriculum integrates microbiology, pharmacology, and diverse clinical experiences across multiple healthcare settings. With CCNE accreditation, the program prepares graduates for varied nursing roles in emergency, mental health, and pediatric environments. Strong science prerequisites and competitive admission standards ensure high-quality student selection. Graduates benefit from a remarkable 100% post-graduation employment rate and comprehensive preparation for the NCLEX-RN certification exam, making it an exceptional pathway for aspiring nursing professionals.
Concentration: RN-BSN - Campus Based - Visit Website
Plymouth State University's RN-BSN concentration offers registered nurses an advanced educational pathway emphasizing leadership, evidence-based practice, and comprehensive healthcare systems. Designed for working professionals, this program requires a minimum B- grade in nursing courses and successful clinical component completion. Coursework explores pharmacology, global health perspectives, and advanced health assessment techniques. CCNE-accredited curriculum provides registered nurses opportunities to expand professional competencies and pursue diverse healthcare leadership roles. Competitive admission standards, including a 3.0 GPA requirement, ensure a rigorous academic experience. The program strategically prepares nurses to enhance their clinical knowledge and contribute meaningfully to evolving healthcare environments.
New Hampshire’s LPN programs combine classroom instruction in anatomy, pharmacology, and nursing fundamentals with supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, long‑term care facilities, and community clinics. Students develop hands‑on skills administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing patient support under professional guidance. After passing the NCLEX‑PN exam and obtaining New Hampshire licensure, graduates bolster the practical nursing workforce and help ensure consistent access to quality care across both urban and rural communities.
New Hampshire’s CNA programs generally span six to twelve weeks, blending classroom lessons on safety protocols, infection prevention, and patient observation with hands‑on practicums. Students hone abilities in mobility assistance, personal care, and vital‑sign monitoring, all under professional guidance. After certification, graduates serve as essential support staff in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health centers. Their contributions help ensure consistent, compassionate care across the state.
New Hampshire’s RN to BSN pathways weave comprehensive online learning, covering clinical leadership, population health, healthcare informatics and policy, with hands-on rotations in both urban medical centers and rural health clinics. Available in part-time and accelerated tracks, these bridge programs let registered nurses juggle work commitments while advancing their education. Earning a BSN strengthens analytical and care-coordination skills, meets employer and accreditation benchmarks for degree-prepared nurses, and unlocks roles in specialty certification, management and community health initiatives. By pursuing these programs, New Hampshire’s nursing workforce becomes better equipped to serve diverse patient populations across the Granite State.
New Hampshire’s Nurse Practitioner programs elevate BSN-prepared nurses through specialized graduate study and hands-on clinical residencies, often completed in two to four years, in fields such as family practice, pediatric health, and psychiatric-mental health. Delivered via on-campus cohorts, blended-learning models, and fully online tracks at institutions like the University of New Hampshire and Dartmouth Health, these MSN and DNP pathways guide candidates toward APRN credentialing and New Hampshire licensure. Graduates emerge ready to serve as primary care clinicians, chronic disease managers, and telehealth providers in Manchester and Portsmouth medical centers, rural community health clinics, and northern-woodlands practices. By broadening the pool of expert practitioners and extending advanced care into underserved regions, NP programs are essential to fortifying New Hampshire’s healthcare landscape.
| Degree | Typical Length | Prerequisites | Outcome / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) | ~2 years | High school diploma or GED | Still common in rural towns, BSN strongly preferred by hospitals statewide |
| RN Diploma | 2-3 years | High school diploma or GED | No longer offered in New Hampshire |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | 4 years (12-18 months accelerated) | High school diploma or ADN transfer | BSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred, especially in large systems |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) | 2 years (post-BSN) | BSN + RN license | Prepares for advanced roles, NPs have full practice authority |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | 3-6 years (post-BSN or post-MSN) | BSN or MSN + RN license | Highest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide |
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Concentration: LPN to RN - Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online & Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Concentration: RN-BSN - Campus Based - Website
Campus Based - Website
Online Learning - Website