Nursing Programs in Manchester, NH

Last Updated On Feb 19, 2026

Expert Verified: Melanie Shaw, MSN, RN, CCRN

3 Min Read

2026 Best Nursing Schools in Manchester

Choosing the right nursing program is crucial for future success, and rankings provide valuable guidance by highlighting top-performing schools. Registerednursing.org is creating the "Best Nursing Schools in Manchester" rankings to help students make informed decisions. Our rankings are based solely on NCLEX pass rates, ensuring an objective evaluation of program effectiveness. For more details on our methodology, visit https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/.

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

Comparing pass rates by program type reveals differences in performance across nursing education pathways in Manchester.

BSN programs show the highest average pass rate at 94.59%.
ADN programs have an average pass rate of 87.74%.
MSN programs average 87.5% pass rates.

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

Examining annual trends helps identify patterns in nursing education outcomes over time.

In 2022, the average pass rate was 88.84%.

Yearly Nursing Graduates

Tracking the number of graduates provides insight into the scale of nursing education programs.

In 2022, there were 0 graduates recorded in the dataset.

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 (BSN) program in Manchester, NH, combines a liberal arts foundation with rigorous nursing education, emphasizing critical thinking and ethical practice. Students develop clinical skills through simulation technology and rotations at regional hospitals. The program requires ACT or SAT scores for admission and maintains a strong NCLEX pass rate—96.55% in 2022 and 99% for the Class of 2024—preparing graduates for diverse healthcare roles. Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and ranked #133 in BSN programs by U.S. News and World Report, it offers a selective, hands-on curriculum rooted in Roman Catholic values.

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

University of New Hampshire

Durham, NH - Public 4-Year - unh.edu

Bachelor's - Nursing Major (B.S.)

Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of New Hampshire-Main Campus offers a Nursing Major (B.S.) that provides a comprehensive foundation in patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. This CCNE-accredited program emphasizes evidence-based practices and critical thinking through 814 clinical hours in diverse healthcare settings. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation labs while covering biological, social sciences, and humanities. Admission requires a minimum GPA of 2.5 with prerequisite courses at C or better. For bachelor's level programs, ACT or SAT entrance exams are typically required. The 2022 NCLEX pass rate for UNH's BSN program was 94.59%, indicating strong preparation for nursing licensure. Graduates are prepared for clinical nursing, community health roles, or advanced studies.

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.
Covers biological, social sciences, humanities.
Direct clinical experiences included.

Nashua Community College

Nashua, NH - Public 2-Year - nashuacc.edu

Associate - Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN)

Campus Based - Visit Website

Nashua Community College's Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN) program prepares students for nursing careers through comprehensive classroom instruction, state-of-the-art simulation labs, and clinical placements in diverse healthcare settings. The program requires a C+ or higher in prerequisite courses and a TEAS score of 66% or higher, with no ACT or SAT exam needed for this associate-level program. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention in a supportive learning environment. According to 2022 NCLEX data for New Hampshire, the program achieved a 90% pass rate, indicating strong preparation for licensure.

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.
Comprehensive instruction.
Supportive learning environment.

NHTI-Concord's Community College

Concord, NH - Public 2-Year - nhti.edu

Associate - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

NHTI-Concord's Community College's campus-based Nursing program prepares students for RN licensure through ACEN-accredited education. Admission requires specific prerequisites in biology, chemistry, and algebra with C or higher grades, plus a TEAS exam score of at least 66%. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical learning across healthcare settings while fostering civic engagement and innovative teaching methods. In 2022, the ADN program achieved an 87.72% NCLEX pass rate in New Hampshire, demonstrating effective preparation for the RN licensing exam. This comprehensive approach integrates clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and cultural sensitivity training for diverse community healthcare needs.

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.
Diverse community focus.
Accreditation ensures quality.

Rivier University

Nashua, NH - Private 4-year - rivier.edu

Associate - A.S. in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Rivier University's A.S. in Nursing program in Nashua, NH, ranked #1 in the state, prepares students for registered nursing careers through experiential learning and extensive clinical rotations. The campus-based program offers evening classes and weekend clinicals to accommodate working students, featuring state-of-the-art simulation labs and partnerships with leading healthcare organizations for real-world experience. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam and entry-level nursing positions. As an associate degree program, it may require ACT or SAT entrance exams. The program's 2022 NCLEX pass rate was 83.78% for New Hampshire ADN programs.

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
Accommodates working students
Experiential learning approach

*Source: U.S. DOE National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS 2024 collection.

Entry Level ADN, BSN, & MSN Programs in Manchester, NH

The first step to begin a career as an RN is an entry-level training program that teaches the fundamentals of nursing practice and prepares students for the NCLEX certification exam. In the Manchester area, there are associate’s degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, as well as accelerated programs designed for experienced licensed practical nurses (LPNs) who want to expand their skills and become RNs. Whichever program you choose, these entry-level programs will prepare you for your first job as an RN.

LPN to RN Programs

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are skilled at providing basic care to patients including feeding and dressing, taking vital signs and sanitizing patient rooms. Many LPNs use their experience as practical nurses as a jumping-off point to a career as an RN, which offers additional job opportunities and higher pay. LPN to RN bridge programs provide a pathway for experienced LPNs to earn their associate’s degree and prepare for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam. Manchester Community College allows LPNs to enter an accelerated ADN program that helps them attain their associate’s degree in a shorter amount of time than the traditional program.

ADN Programs

Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs teach aspiring nurses without prior professional experience about the fundamentals of nursing practice via classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice hours. ADN programs include coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology and nursing skills and are generally completed in around two years. Manchester Community College offers a 70-credit hour ADN program that is designed to be completed in two years of study.

Direct-Entry BSN Programs

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees are becoming more desirable to top hospitals and healthcare employers, as research shows that nurses with bachelor’s degrees improve patient outcomes. BSN programs are generally four-year degree programs that include additional coursework beyond what is offered in an associate’s degree program including nursing research, public health/community nursing, pediatric and maternal/newborn nursing, and critical care nursing. St. Anselm College in Manchester offers a four-year BSN program that prepares nurses for the NCLEX licensing exam.

Find out more about Accelerated BSN Programs.

Direct-Entry MSN Programs

Another option for entering the nursing profession is a direct-entry Master of Science in Nursing program. These programs are designed for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing subject who would like to become an advanced practice nurse. The University of New Hampshire offers one of these academically rigorous programs, which prepares students for careers as Clinical Nurse Leaders. An accelerated, full-time five-semester program, the direct-entry MSN program at the University of New Hampshire includes a clinical immersion experience with 300 clinical practice hours and a capstone project that includes 200 clinical hours.

Find out more about New Hampshire Accelerated MSN Programs.

RN to BSN/MSN Programs in Manchester, NH

Many nurses with their associate’s degree decide to go back to school to earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree, which opens the door to additional career opportunities and higher pay. For these nurses, specialized bridge programs are designed to build upon their existing nursing education and experience to help them earn a higher degree in a shorter timeframe. Many of these programs are available on flexible schedules or in an online format, which allows nurses to continue working while taking classes.

RN to BSN Programs

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online RN to BSN program that provides 45 credits for an unencumbered RN license and the opportunity to transfer an additional 45 additional credits. Students can take courses online as their schedules allow, with the opportunity to complete the program in as little as one year of full-time study.

Find out more about New Hampshire RN to BSN Programs.

RN to MSN Programs

For nurses who are interested in pursuing a leadership position in nursing, such as a nurse practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader or nurse educator position, a master’s degree is a necessary next step. For nurses with an ADN RN to MSN programs provide a pathway from the associate’s degree to a master’s degree in an accelerated time frame. The RN to MSN program at Southern New Hampshire University allows AND-educated nurses to earn their BSN and then MSN in a shorter time-frame, saving students up to 20 weeks of study and tuition.

Find out more about New Hampshire RN to MSN Programs.

List of RN to BSN/MSN Programs

If you're a registered nurse looking to advance your career, exploring RN to BSN or MSN programs can open new doors. This table lists schools with these programs, showing their city and state locations, key features, and direct links to program pages. You can easily compare options and find details that fit your goals, helping you take the next step in your nursing education and professional growth.

Jump to City:

Durham, NH

University of New Hampshire

RN to BSN - Nursing (RN to BSN)
Online Learning - Website
- Fully online RN to BSN program
- Up to 90 transfer credits
- 120 total credit requirement
- Accredited by CCNE
- Active RN license required
- Designed for working nurses
- Collaborative, evidence-based curriculum
- Flexible course options