Pursuing a nursing career is a worthwhile commitment, but it requires hard work and dedication to see it through. Earning your nursing degree, especially a master’s-level offering like Marquette University’s Second Degree Direct Entry Master of Science in Nursing program, is a challenging process that can set you up for future career success.

Starting a conversation with an admissions adviser can help you learn what is in store for you within a specific program, from what they can offer to what they will require from you. But what are the best questions to ask nursing school admissions advisers when you are speaking with them? In this post, we will share what you can ask to get as much information about nursing education as possible.

1. Is the program accredited?

Choosing a nursing school that is accredited is extremely important because it can affect your job prospects once you earn your degree and pass your NCLEX exam. Employers usually prefer to hire nurses from accredited schools. Plus, if you plan to continue your education, you will need an education from an accredited school.

Marquette University’s DE-MSN program is fully accredited and able to deliver a best-in-class nursing education. Let’s take a closer look at accreditation on the national, regional and state levels.

Regional Accreditation

You want to make sure the university you choose is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Founded in 1895, HLC is an independent corporation that serves as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

National Accreditation

Accreditation for a college of nursing is granted on the national level by a handful of organizations. The two most well-known accreditation bodies in nursing are the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Marquette is accredited through the CCNE. Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education, CCNE is a national, autonomous accrediting agency that contributes to the improvement of public health by confirming the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate and residency programs in nursing.

State Approval

Each state has a board of nursing that helps to ensure public safety by regulating nursing licensure and monitoring the quality of nursing programs in each state.

2. What Is the NCLEX pass rate?

The NCLEX-RN is a national exam every nursing school graduate is required to take to become licensed to practice. Knowing a school’s first-time NCLEX pass rate can give you an idea of how well the institution prepares its students. Marquette University DE-MSN students can thrive while taking on the challenge of nurse licensure, achieving a 94.8% NCLEX pass rate in 2023.

We infuse NCLEX preparation into our curriculum from day one, ensuring that students will have the necessary grounding to approach the exam confidently after graduation.

3. What are the prerequisites for the program?

Before you can begin an accelerated nursing program, you may need to complete a number of prerequisite courses. While you may hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, your existing education may not have covered certain courses that are important to complete before beginning nursing school.

Most prerequisites consist of science courses that help provide you with the foundation needed before starting your accelerated nursing program. How many prerequisites you will have to take depends on your previous academic history, specifically within the past five years.

4. How much of the program is online vs hands-on?

Accelerated nursing programs offer different pathways to complete coursework: online or on campus. If the program you are considering includes online coursework, an important question to ask your nursing school adviser is what percentage of the program in online, so you can plan accordingly.

For example, Marquette’s Direct Entry MSN program is offered in two formats and lengths: a 5-semester curriculum delivered in a predominantly hybrid format at our Pleasant Prairie program site, and a 5-semester or 8-semester predominantly campus-based format on the main campus in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

5. What opportunities are there for clinical placements?

Clinical placements, or clinical rotations, provide nursing students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Understanding the range of clinical opportunities available and how they fit into a nursing program can help you gain the practical skills and confidence needed to succeed in your nursing career.

In Marquette’s case, students enrolled in our 5-semester program will begin their clinical rotations in their second semester. This experience will build on classroom knowledge and simulation lab experiences in our state-of-the art facilities, administering care under supervision to real patients in health care facilities throughout metro-Milwaukee, southern Wisconsin, and northern Illinois near Chicago.

6. How much clinical experience do students gain?

Clinical experience is what provides nursing students with the hands-on experience they need. It allows them to practice the skills they have learned online or in labs, putting them to use in the real world on real patients.

In our Direct Entry MSN program, students gain hundreds of hours of clinical and simulation experience. The hours you spend on clinical rotations can touch on a variety of practice areas, building up your foundation of nursing skills and connecting you with potential career contacts through networking. Your admissions adviser can provide more information on what clinical rotations might look like for you.

7. What will my admissions adviser expect from me?

Collecting your required materials is important, but that’s not the only thing your adviser will want to discuss. Admissions advisers ask so many questions so that they can know what inspired you to change directions and become a nurse. After all, everyone has a different story for pursuing a nursing degree.

Besides questions and background information, admissions advisers also go over the commitments that prospective students will need to consider before enrolling. They want to make sure potential students know what to expect regarding time commitment and costs and ensure that a student has the finances, support structure and available time to be successful.

8. What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

The student-to-faculty ratio, which indicates the number of students assigned to each faculty member, is more than just a number; it reflects the learning environment you'll experience. A lower ratio often means smaller class sizes, which can enhance your educational experience in ways which include:

• Personalized attention
• Active class participation
• Better student access to faculty
• An enhanced overall learning environment

While there is no universally accepted ideal student-to-faculty ratio, a lower ratio generally allows for effective interaction without overwhelming faculty members, ensuring they can meet students' diverse needs. Marquette can offer DE-MSN students a balanced ratio aligned with best practices, with instructors who support their education. Your online asynchronous courses will likely take place with a class size of no more than 24, with approximately half as many (or fewer) students during skills labs and an even lower ratio during clinicals.

9. What financial aid options and scholarships are available?

While a nursing career can be financially rewarding, the cost of nursing education remains a significant up-front investment. As such, researching financial aid and scholarships is a crucial help in the decision-making process for prospective students. Understanding the types of financial assistance available and how to access them can help alleviate the financial burden and make your nursing education more affordable.

An admissions adviser will be able to help you find solutions specific to your own situation. In the meanwhile our DE-MSN program’s Tuition and Fees page can connect you with information on FAFSA and financial aid information, including additional costs.

10. What career services does the program offer?

Choosing a nursing program is a significant decision that extends beyond academic offerings. Understanding the range of career support services available can help you make an informed decision and maximize your career potential. From career planning and counseling to NCLEX prep assistance, and even networking opportunities, career services can make all the difference in applying your education to a thriving future career.

Ask questions to learn more about your access to workshops and seminars, clinical placements, and professional networking organizations at the institution you are considering.

11. What is the faculty’s experience and background?

The level of experience and overall background of the faculty play a key role in the quality of education you will receive. Faculty members are not only educators, but also mentors who shape your professional development and understanding of the nursing field. Assessing their qualifications, experience and teaching approach can help you choose a program that aligns with your educational goals and career aspirations.

Marquette stands apart in this regard, as our College of Nursing faculty is filled with leaders, researchers and expert clinicians. You will learn from the best, ready to take on a nursing career at a high standard of practice and professionalism.

12. How does the program support student well-being and work-life balance?

Nursing education can be demanding, requiring students to balance rigorous academic coursework with clinical placements and personal commitments. Programs that prioritize student well-being and work-life balance foster a supportive learning environment that promotes success and reduces burnout.

Ask how a nursing program supports these aspects, as they can significantly impact your educational experience and overall health. Marquette DE-MSN instructors are always ready to talk if a student is encountering difficulty, and a support network of family, friends and fellow cohort members can allow you to overcome obstacles while taking on your studies in an organized manner. All students enrolled in either program location will have full access to all of the on-campus student resources that Marquette has to offer, including centers for counseling, wellness and student resources. Earning an MSN degree is still a challenge, but an achievable one with the right support.

13. How quickly can I start?

If you have spoken with a nursing admissions adviser and pursuing a nursing degree seems like the right option for you, ask about their start date options to begin planning your prerequisite timeline and shaping an admissions strategy. Marquette DE-MSN students who want to complete our 5-semester offering can target spring or fall start dates at our Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin program site, or a summer start from our Milwaukee campus. Our 8-semester option is available exclusively as a summer-start option in Pleasant Prairie.

Feeling Prepared to Pursue Your Nursing Education?

With more context of some of the most valuable questions to ask nursing school admissions advisers, you can feel confident and prepared for a meeting about your future nursing education. Marquette’s DE-MSN program is designed around meeting student needs, and our faculty and staff work to facilitate each student’s success. If you’re ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in nursing, contact us today. During your conversation with a Marquette admissions adviser, you can ask these questions and more to be sure that nursing is the path for you.