The Top New Hampshire Nursing Schools and Programs

In 2020, New Hampshire saw an impressive 96% success rate for nursing students passing the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) on their first attempt.
This highlights the excellence of New Hampshire nursing schools, which are dedicated to offering high-quality nursing education.
With competitive salaries and strong job growth projections, New Hampshire is a prime destination for nursing professionals.
Here’s a closer look at the best nursing programs in the state, along with essential details about nursing licensure and job opportunities in New Hampshire.

The Best Nursing Schools in New Hampshire

This section highlights top New Hampshire nursing schools and the variety of nursing programs they offer, from Registered Nurse programs to advanced nursing certifications and degrees. These schools equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful nurses. Whether you’re interested in ADN programs, BSN programs, or pursuing an RN to BSN, New Hampshire has multiple options.

Our Ranking Method: We use a data-driven approach to rank the best nursing schools in New Hampshire. Factors like academic quality, affordability, reputation, and NCLEX-RN pass rates are considered when evaluating nursing programs. We also take into account the availability of online and hybrid nursing degrees for those seeking flexible learning options.

How to Choose a Nursing Program in New Hampshire

When looking for the best nursing programs in New Hampshire, it’s important to consider factors like the program’s duration, tuition rates, and potential financial aid opportunities. You may want to explore accredited nursing programs that offer RN to BSN programs, MSN nursing programs, or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) options. Also, take note of the NCLEX pass rates, which reflect the program’s success in preparing students for licensure and careers in nursing.

Nursing programs in New Hampshire offer various specializations, including Nurse Practitioner programs, which prepare graduates for roles as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs). If you prefer flexibility, consider online nursing programs or hybrid nursing degrees that blend online coursework with clinical practice.

The Top New Hampshire Nursing Schools and Programs

1. Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine
Location: Lebanon, NH
Website: https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu
Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine offers a comprehensive nursing program through its Graduate Program in Nursing, providing education for those seeking a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). Geisel School is renowned for its strong academic reputation and clinical partnerships, ensuring that students receive cutting-edge training in both primary and acute care settings.

The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership in healthcare, and a deep understanding of clinical decision-making. Students can specialize in several nurse practitioner tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), to address the evolving needs of healthcare systems in New Hampshire and beyond.

Dartmouth’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring students receive a high-quality education that prepares them to meet the demands of advanced practice roles. Graduates are eligible for certification exams and are positioned to take on leadership roles in healthcare.

Campus: Lebanon, NH
Type: Private
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $1,400 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: No
Degree Requirements: MSN or DNP
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner

2. University of New Hampshire School of Nursing
Location: Durham, NH
Website: https://chhs.unh.edu/nursing
The University of New Hampshire (UNH) School of Nursing offers several well-regarded nursing programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and post-master’s certificates. UNH is known for its strong commitment to providing quality clinical experiences in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community health centers.

The MSN program at UNH offers advanced practice nurse (APN) tracks, including Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP), and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), preparing students for leadership roles in patient care across the state and beyond.

The nursing programs at UNH are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Students can complete most coursework online, with required in-person clinical rotations providing valuable hands-on experience. The university offers a supportive learning environment and emphasizes student success and career development.

Campus: Durham, NH
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $700 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: BSN, MSN
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

3. Franklin Pierce University School of Nursing
Location: Rindge, NH
Website: https://www.franklinpierce.edu
Franklin Pierce University offers a dynamic nursing program with options for undergraduate and graduate studies. The University provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for aspiring nurses and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with specialized tracks for Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioners (AGNPs).

The MSN program at Franklin Pierce University is designed to be flexible, allowing working professionals to complete their coursework primarily online while fulfilling clinical requirements in nearby healthcare facilities. This format is perfect for those balancing work and study, and the clinical rotations ensure that students gain real-world experience in a variety of settings.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Graduates of the MSN program are eligible to take the certification exams for their respective specialties, including FNP and AGNP. Franklin Pierce is committed to providing a supportive and innovative learning environment that prepares students for leadership in nursing.

Campus: Rindge, NH
Type: Private
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $900 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: BSN, MSN
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

4. Keene State College Department of Nursing
Location: Keene, NH
Website: https://www.keene.edu/academics/programs/nursing/
Keene State College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills to become registered nurses (RNs). The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical training, with a focus on community-based healthcare, nursing leadership, and clinical practice.

While Keene State does not currently offer graduate-level nursing programs, its strong undergraduate nursing program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and provides excellent preparation for future graduate study in nursing. The college is committed to community engagement and offers opportunities for nursing students to gain experience in various healthcare settings throughout New Hampshire.

Keene State’s Department of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets national standards. The college offers a supportive environment with small class sizes and personalized attention.

Campus: Keene, NH
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $15,000 per year (in-state)
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
Online Available: No
Degree Requirements: BSN
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

5. New England College of Nursing
Location: Concord, NH
Website: https://www.necn.edu
New England College of Nursing offers both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs with a focus on developing highly skilled and compassionate nurses. The school’s nursing programs prepare students to become leaders in the healthcare industry, providing strong academic instruction and hands-on clinical experiences.

For graduate students, New England College of Nursing offers an advanced practice program with a focus on Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP) tracks. These programs are designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to serve diverse patient populations in a variety of healthcare settings.

The graduate programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), and the college offers a hybrid learning format, which combines online coursework with in-person clinical experiences. Graduates are well-prepared for national certification exams and to take on leadership roles in healthcare settings.

Campus: Concord, NH
Type: Private
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $950 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: MSN
Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

6. Plymouth State University Department of Nursing
Location: Plymouth, NH
Website: https://www.plymouth.edu/academics/
Plymouth State University offers a strong nursing program for students pursuing their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The program prepares students for initial licensure as registered nurses (RNs) and offers comprehensive training in the clinical, theoretical, and practical aspects of nursing care. The university places emphasis on providing high-quality patient care, health promotion, and leadership.

The BSN program includes clinical experiences at local hospitals and clinics, helping students gain valuable hands-on practice in healthcare settings. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and to transition into the workforce as skilled nurses.

Plymouth State’s nursing department is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The college also provides students with a supportive learning environment and opportunities to engage in research and community service projects.

Campus: Plymouth, NH
Type: Public
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $14,000 per year (in-state)
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
Online Available: No
Degree Requirements: BSN
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

7. Saint Anselm College Nursing Program
Location: Manchester, NH
Website: https://www.anselm.edu
Saint Anselm College offers a comprehensive nursing program, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) designed to prepare students for licensure as registered nurses. The program focuses on both clinical knowledge and compassionate care, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered practice and health promotion.

Saint Anselm’s nursing program is well-known for its clinical partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, offering students hands-on training in a variety of clinical settings. The program prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and provides a strong foundation for those wishing to pursue advanced practice nursing at the graduate level.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Saint Anselm is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive learning environment and ensuring that nursing students are equipped with the skills to provide high-quality care.

Campus: Manchester, NH
Type: Private
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $43,000 per year
Minimum Time Commitment: 4 years
Online Available: No
Degree Requirements: BSN
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

8. Nashua Community College Nursing Program
Location: Nashua, NH
Website: https://www.nashuacc.edu
Nashua Community College (NCC) offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program that provides students with a solid foundation for becoming registered nurses (RNs). The ASN program is designed to prepare students for licensure by combining theoretical instruction with practical clinical experience in local healthcare settings.

The program provides an affordable, accessible pathway to a nursing career, and graduates are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and individualized instruction, as well as hands-on experience in nearby hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

NCC’s nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets national standards.

Campus: Nashua, NH
Type: Public
Accreditation: ACEN
Tuition: Approx. $200 per credit hour (in-state)
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: No
Degree Requirements: ASN
Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing

9. River Valley Community College Nursing Program
Location: Claremont, NH
Website: https://www.rivervalley.edu
River Valley Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program for individuals looking to start their careers as registered nurses. The program is designed to provide students with essential clinical and nursing knowledge while ensuring that graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN exam.

The ASN program at River Valley focuses on nursing fundamentals, patient care, and medical technology. Students benefit from clinical placements in hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout the region, gaining valuable hands-on experience in real-world settings.

The program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), ensuring a quality education for students pursuing a nursing career.

Campus: Claremont, NH
Type: Public
Accreditation: ACEN
Tuition: Approx. $200 per credit hour (in-state)
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: No
Degree Requirements: ASN
Programs: Associate of Science in Nursing

10. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Nursing Program
Location: Manchester, NH
Website: https://www.snhu.edu
Southern New Hampshire University offers a unique Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program designed for both traditional undergraduate students and registered nurses seeking to complete their degrees. The program combines academic coursework with hands-on clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings.

The BSN program prepares students for the NCLEX-RN exam and provides a strong foundation for those pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. SNHU’s nursing program is offered in a flexible format with online options, allowing working professionals to complete their coursework while gaining clinical experience locally.

SNHU’s program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and offers a supportive environment that emphasizes both academic rigor and personalized learning.

Campus: Manchester, NH
Type: Private
Accreditation: CCNE
Tuition: Approx. $320 per credit hour
Minimum Time Commitment: 2-3 years
Online Available: Yes
Degree Requirements: BSN
Programs: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Why Become a Nurse in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an attractive option for aspiring nurses, offering a variety of Registered Nurse programs and a high NCLEX pass rate. The state’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) makes it easier for nurses licensed in New Hampshire to work in other compact states, offering greater job mobility. Additionally, New Hampshire has a strong healthcare infrastructure, making it an excellent choice for those seeking stable and rewarding nursing career opportunities.

Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in New Hampshire

In terms of average annual salaries, New Hampshire ranks between 11th and 23rd, depending on the nursing role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), certified nursing assistants earn $34,500, licensed practical nurses earn $56,400, registered nurses (RNs) earn $75,970, and nurse practitioners earn $112,460 annually.

The job outlook for registered nurses in New Hampshire is promising, with an estimated 12.7% growth rate from 2018 to 2028, slightly surpassing the national rate. Notably, the highest paying metropolitan areas for nurses in the state are Portsmouth, Manchester, and Dover-Durham.

Highest Paying Cities for Nurses in New Hampshire

Top Paying Metropolitan Areas	Median Salary for RNs
Portsmouth	$79,270
Manchester	$75,910
Dover-Durham	$72,420

Source: BLS

Steps to Becoming a Nurse in New Hampshire

Prospective nurses in New Hampshire must follow a series of steps to embark on their nursing careers approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and pass the NCLEX-RN exam after graduation:

RN Requirements

1. Attend a nursing program accredited by the New Hampshire Nursing Board, earning either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).
2. Take the NCLEX-RN after graduation.
3. Apply for state licensure, which involves submitting to a criminal background check.
4. Complete 400 working hours within four years of applying for license renewal and undertake 30 hours of continuing education in the preceding two years.

APRN Requirements

1. Earn an MSN or a doctor of nursing practice from an accredited nursing program.
2. Pass a national certification exam in a state-recognized specialty.
3. Renew the license by completing 30 continuing education hours in the specialty and an additional 30 hours to maintain the RN license.
4. Include five hours in pharmacology, with three related to opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance abuse.

Other Top Nursing Programs in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to many RN to BSN programs, and some schools also offer MSN nursing programs and Nurse Practitioner programs. These programs are designed for nurses who want to advance their education and skills. Many schools offer online nursing programs and hybrid nursing degrees, making it easier to balance work and studies.

Top New Hampshire RN to MSN Programs

Some of the best RN to MSN programs in New Hampshire provide nurses with the opportunity to earn both their BSN and MSN in one streamlined program. These programs are ideal for nurses aiming to take on leadership or specialized roles, such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Educators, or Nurse Administrators.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in New Hampshire

Is New Hampshire a compact state for nursing?

Yes, New Hampshire participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses licensed in New Hampshire can practice in other compact states without needing additional licensure.

How long does it take to get a nursing license in New Hampshire?

The licensing process typically takes up to eight weeks after graduation. This includes submitting fingerprints, completing a criminal background check, and verifying your nursing school transcripts.

What are financial aid opportunities for nursing students in New Hampshire?

New Hampshire offers various financial aid opportunities through state programs like the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation and the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation. Nursing scholarships are also available to help offset tuition costs.

How do you renew your nursing license in New Hampshire?

To renew your RN license, you must complete 400 hours of clinical practice over the past four years and 30 hours of continuing education in the last two years. APRNs must also meet additional requirements, including continuing education in pharmacology and opioid prescribing.

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring nurses, with top-rated nursing schools, high NCLEX pass rates, and a solid job outlook. Whether you’re just starting your nursing education with ADN or BSN programs or advancing your career with MSN programs or Nurse Practitioner certifications, New Hampshire provides a supportive environment for nurses to grow and thrive in their careers.