Top Nursing Schools & Programs in New Hampshire

Top Nursing Schools in New Hampshire
Olivia Chen, NP

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.

 

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2026 Top Nursing Programs in New Hampshire

Nursing education in New Hampshire offers aspiring healthcare professionals exceptional opportunities for academic growth and professional development. TopNursing.org has carefully evaluated and ranked the state's top nursing programs based on comprehensive criteria including faculty expertise, clinical training, student outcomes, and academic rigor. Our rankings provide valuable insights for students seeking high-quality nursing education across various degree levels, from associate's to doctoral programs. New Hampshire's nursing schools stand out for their innovative curriculum, strong partnerships with healthcare institutions, and commitment to preparing skilled nurses who can excel in today's complex healthcare environment. These programs not only meet but often exceed national standards for nursing education. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
#1

River Valley Community College

Claremont, NH - Public 2-Year - rivervalley.edu

Associate - Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN-RN)

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.

  • Affordable $21,000 in-state tuition.
  • Hybrid learning format.
  • High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
  • Accredited by ACEN.
  • Low faculty-to-student ratios.
  • Clinical placements at top hospitals.
  • TEAS test score requirement 66.0.
  • Pathways for LPNs available.
  • 64-66 total credits required.
  • Includes clinical and lab components.

Associate - Accelerated ASN-RN Program

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.

  • Hybrid program format
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Full ACEN accreditation
  • Requires NH Nursing Assistant licensure
  • ATI TEAS score required
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Focus on holistic care
  • Accelerated path to nursing
  • Diverse healthcare settings
  • Immediate employment readiness

Associate - LPN-RN Bridge Program

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.

  • Hybrid learning format
  • Affordable in-state tuition
  • TEAS score requirement 66.0
  • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
  • Clinical placement opportunities
  • Designed for LPN advancement
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam
  • Hands-on learning experience
  • Cost-effective RN path
Show 2 More Programs ˅
#2

Colby-Sawyer College

New London, NH - Private 4-year - colby-sawyer.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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.

  • Accredited by CCNE.
  • Approved by NH Board of Nursing.
  • Clinical work at Dartmouth Hitchcock.
  • Small class sizes.
  • State-of-the-art facilities.
  • Liberal arts education.
  • Close faculty relationships.
  • Leadership opportunities.
  • Hands-on training.
  • Well-rounded college experience.
#3

Saint Anselm College

Manchester, NH - Private 4-year - anselm.edu

Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

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.

  • 99% NCLEX pass rate
  • Hands-on clinical experiences
  • Simulation technology training
  • Liberal arts foundation
  • Ethical decision-making focus
  • Effective communication skills
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Prepares for diverse healthcare settings
  • Located in Manchester, NH
#4

White Mountains Community College

Berlin, NH - Public 2-Year - wmcc.edu

Associate - Nursing

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.

  • ACEN-accredited program
  • Two-year degree
  • Campus-based learning
  • Simulation lab practice
  • Clinical rotations in NH
  • Flexible full-time/part-time
  • C+ minimum in major courses
  • Pass clinical practicums required
  • ATI TEAS test for admission
  • Science courses within five years
#5

Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH - Public 4-Year - plymouth.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing (BS)

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.

  • Accredited by CCNE
  • B- or higher required
  • Includes clinical experiences
  • Competitive admission
  • 100% employment rate
  • Focus on holistic care
  • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
  • Diverse career opportunities
  • Strong science foundation
  • Leadership and quality care focus

Bachelor's - Nursing (BS)

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.

  • RN-BSN concentration available
  • Accredited by CCNE
  • Minimum B- grade required
  • Includes clinical components
  • Competitive admission
  • 3.0 GPA prerequisite
  • Courses in pharmacology
  • Health assessment included
  • Global health focus
  • Leadership training
Show 1 More Programs ˅
*IPEDS 2023 data, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education.

New Hampshire LPN Program Overview

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 CNA Program Overview

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 RN to BSN Program Overview

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 Nurse Practitioner (NP) Program Overview

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.

Traditional RN Degree Types

DegreeTypical LengthPrerequisitesOutcome / Notes
Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN)~2 yearsHigh school diploma or GEDStill common in rural towns, BSN strongly preferred by hospitals statewide
RN Diploma2-3 yearsHigh school diploma or GEDNo longer offered in New Hampshire
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)4 years (12-18 months accelerated)High school diploma or ADN transferBSN-in-10 state, BSN-prepared nurses strongly preferred, especially in large systems
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)2 years (post-BSN)BSN + RN licensePrepares 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 licenseHighest degree, DNP-prepared NPs practice independently statewide

List of RN Programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire offers diverse nursing education opportunities for aspiring registered nurses across the state. From community colleges to prestigious universities, these RN programs prepare students for rewarding healthcare careers. Explore the comprehensive list below to discover nursing programs in various New Hampshire cities, each offering unique curriculum strengths and pathways to professional nursing certification.
Jump to City:

Berlin, NH

White Mountains Community College

  • Associate - Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • ACEN-accredited program
    • Two-year degree
    • Campus-based learning
    • Simulation lab practice
    • Clinical rotations in NH
    • Flexible full-time/part-time
    • C+ minimum in major courses
    • Pass clinical practicums required

Claremont, NH

River Valley Community College

  • Associate - Accelerated ASN-RN Program

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid program format
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Full ACEN accreditation
    • Requires NH Nursing Assistant licensure
    • ATI TEAS score required
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Focus on holistic care
    • Accelerated path to nursing
  • Associate - Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN-RN)

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Affordable $21,000 in-state tuition.
    • Hybrid learning format.
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Low faculty-to-student ratios.
    • Clinical placements at top hospitals.
    • TEAS test score requirement 66.0.
    • Pathways for LPNs available.
  • Associate - LPN-RN Bridge Program

    Concentration: LPN to RN - Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning format
    • Affordable in-state tuition
    • TEAS score requirement 66.0
    • High NCLEX-RN pass rates
    • Clinical placement opportunities
    • Designed for LPN advancement
    • Flexible scheduling
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam

Concord, NH

NHTI-Concord's Community College

  • Associate - Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN exam.
    • Requires biology, chemistry, algebra.
    • TEAS exam score of 66%.
    • Hands-on learning in healthcare settings.
    • Innovative teaching methods.
    • Focus on student development.
    • Civic engagement emphasis.

Durham, NH

University of New Hampshire

  • Bachelor's - Nursing Major (B.S.)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Emphasizes evidence-based practices.
    • Includes 814 clinical hours.
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs.
    • Prepares for diverse nursing roles.
    • Requires minimum GPA of 2.5.
    • Prerequisite courses need C or better.
    • Offers Honors-in-Major Program.

Henniker, NH

New England College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online & Campus Based - Website

    • Hybrid learning model.
    • Complete in 32 months.
    • Paid clinical experiences.
    • 12-month academic calendar.
    • 124 credit hours.
    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN.
    • Holistic admission review.

Keene, NH

Keene State College

  • Bachelor's - Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • BS in Nursing degree.
    • 100% RN employment post-NCLEX.
    • State-of-the-art simulation lab.
    • Small class sizes.
    • Hands-on learning experiences.
    • Close faculty mentorship.
    • 3.25 high school GPA required.
    • 'B' grades in math/science.

Manchester, NH

Saint Anselm College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • 99% NCLEX pass rate
    • Ranked #133 in BSN programs
    • Hands-on clinical experiences
    • Simulation technology training
    • Liberal arts foundation
    • Ethical decision-making focus
    • Effective communication skills
    • Accredited by CCNE

Nashua, NH

Nashua Community College

  • Associate - Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN)

    Campus Based - Website

    • 69 total credits.
    • Small class sizes.
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs.
    • Clinical placements included.
    • TEAS score requirement.
    • C+ in prerequisites.
    • Personalized attention.
    • Diverse healthcare settings.

Rivier University

  • Associate - A.S. in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Ranked #1 in NH
    • Evening and weekend options
    • Extensive clinical experience
    • State-of-the-art simulation labs
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Partnerships with healthcare orgs
    • Focus on critical thinking
    • Effective communication skills

New London, NH

Colby-Sawyer College

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by CCNE.
    • Approved by NH Board of Nursing.
    • Clinical work at Dartmouth Hitchcock.
    • Small class sizes.
    • State-of-the-art facilities.
    • Liberal arts education.
    • Close faculty relationships.
    • Leadership opportunities.

Plymouth, NH

Plymouth State University

  • Bachelor's - Nursing (BS)

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by CCNE
    • B- or higher required
    • Includes clinical experiences
    • Competitive admission
    • 100% employment rate
    • Focus on holistic care
    • Prepares for NCLEX-RN
    • Diverse career opportunities
  • Bachelor's - Nursing (BS)

    Concentration: RN-BSN - Campus Based - Website

    • RN-BSN concentration available
    • Accredited by CCNE
    • Minimum B- grade required
    • Includes clinical components
    • Competitive admission
    • 3.0 GPA prerequisite
    • Courses in pharmacology
    • Health assessment included

Portsmouth, NH

Great Bay Community College

  • Associate - Associate Degree Nursing Program

    Campus Based - Website

    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Approved by NHBON.
    • High NCLEX pass rates.
    • Full-time or part-time options.
    • Clinical rotations in diverse settings.
    • Requires CPR certification.
    • Background check mandatory.
    • Drug testing required.

Rindge, NH

Franklin Pierce University

  • Bachelor's - Bachelor of Science in Nursing

    Online Learning - Website

    • Online program flexibility.
    • Accredited by ACEN.
    • Focus on leadership and ethics.
    • Courses in holistic health.
    • Community health nursing included.
    • Financial aid available.
    • Prepares for advanced roles.
    • Designed for working nurses.
*Dataset: IPEDS 2023, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics.