Nursing Programs in Manchester, NH

2027 Best Nursing Schools in Manchester

Rankings serve as a vital tool for prospective nursing students, allowing them to compare programs based on objective outcomes. For our Best Nursing Schools in Manchester list, Registerednursing.org has analyzed nursing program performance using NCLEX pass rates as the sole ranking criterion. By focusing on this key metric, we help you identify schools that effectively prepare graduates for licensure. https://www.registerednursing.org/rn-ranking-methodology/

Yearly Pass Rate Trends

In 2022, the average pass rate for Manchester nursing programs was 88.84%, demonstrating consistent preparation of students for licensure.

• 2022 average pass rate: 88.84%

BSN vs ADN Pass Rate Comparison

BSN programs led with a 94.59% average pass rate, followed by ADN programs at 87.74% and MSN programs at 87.5%. This data highlights the strong performance of bachelor's degree programs in the Manchester region on the NCLEX.

• BSN: 94.59% pass rate
• ADN: 87.74% pass rate
• MSN: 87.5% pass rate

#1

Saint Anselm College

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

Bachelor's - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

The Nursing B.S. at Saint Anselm College is a highly selective, rigorous program grounded in hands-on training. Using advanced simulation labs, students gain essential nursing skills and start clinicals during sophomore year, with an impressive 7:1 student-to-instructor ratio. A standout 195-hour preceptorship provides individualized mentoring across New England hospitals. Unique offerings include a Spanish minor for healthcare and a global clinical rotation in Costa Rica. Many graduates secure positions at top facilities such as Massachusetts General Hospital or pursue further education at Boston College and Yale. In 2022, the NCLEX first-time pass rate was 96.55%. This campus-based program does not publicly specify SAT/ACT requirements for admission; applicants should confirm with the university.

• 195 clinical hours
• Clinicals start spring sophomore year
• Student to instructor clinical ratio 7:1
• Spanish minor for nursing majors
• Global clinical rotation in Costa Rica
• Simulation labs with advanced patient simulators
• Preceptorship in New England states
• Recent employer: Massachusetts General Hospital
• Graduate school: Boston College

#2

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's four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) integrates biological and social sciences with nursing theory, emphasizing evidence-based care, critical thinking, and patient-centered approaches. Students gain hands-on experience through clinical placements in acute care, community health, and mental health, plus high-fidelity simulation in a state-of-the-art lab. The curriculum includes a senior capstone and offers honors research, study abroad, and part-time enrollment. CCNE-accredited, the program requires a 2.5 GPA and 128 credit hours, preparing graduates for the NCLEX-RN. The 2022 NCLEX pass rate was 94.59%. No SAT or ACT entrance exam is required for admission.

• CCNE accredited
• 4-Year program
• 128 total credit hours
• Full-time and part-time options
• 2.5 GPA minimum
• Capstone required
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Financial aid available
• Scholarships available
• Innovative nursing lab

#3

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 offers a campus-based pathway to registered nursing licensure. Applicants must pass the TEAS entrance exam and complete prerequisite courses before admission. The 69-credit curriculum integrates classroom instruction, simulation lab practice, and clinical rotations across settings like ER, ICU, and pediatrics. With a small cohort of 32, students receive personalized support from experienced faculty. A capstone project emphasizes community health and leadership. The program maintains transfer agreements with four-year institutions for BSN advancement. According to 2022 NCLEX-RN data, graduates achieved a 90% first-time pass rate, and the program reports strong job placement. This ASN provides a solid foundation for careers in diverse healthcare environments.

• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 69 total credit hours
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• Prerequisite courses required
• Capstone required
• Small class size of 32 students
• State-of-the-art simulation lab
• Diverse career settings: ER, ICU, pediatrics

#4

NHTI-Concord's Community College

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

Associate - Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

NHTI-Concord's Community College offers an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) for entry-level registered nursing roles. This four-semester, full-time program integrates theory, simulation, and clinical experience at affiliates like Concord Hospital. Coursework includes anatomy, physiology, and nursing practice. Applicants need a TEAS score of 66% or better, two references, and prerequisite courses. ACEN-accredited and approved by the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, the program prepares graduates for the NCLEX-RN; its 2022 first-time pass rate was 87.72%. RN-to-BSN articulation agreements enable continued education. Financial aid, background checks, health clearance, and BLS certification are required. Readmission is allowed once.

• ACEN, New Hampshire Board of Nursing accredited
• Entrance exam required
• Exams: TEAS
• 4-Semester program
• Complete in full-time, four-semester curriculum
• Apply by 2026-02-01
• Full-time enrollment
• 100% licensure pass rate
• 100% job placement rate
• 2 letters of recommendation (minimum)

#5

Rivier University

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

Associate - A.S. in Nursing

Campus Based - Visit Website

Rivier University's AS in Nursing program is ACEN accredited and spans five semesters (42 credits), combining theory with extensive hands-on clinicals. Evening classes and weekend rotations support working students, while simulation labs updated in 2022 cover med/surg, pediatrics, and telehealth. Clinical placements at Lowell General Hospital and Catholic Medical Center offer diverse experiences. The 2022 ADN NCLEX-RN pass rate was 83.78%. Graduates pursue careers in acute care, extended care, school nursing, and public health. Rivier is ranked #1 nursing school in NH by Nursing Schools Almanac, features a Roman Catholic affiliation, and provides LPN advanced placement options.

• ACEN accredited
• 5-Semester program
• 42 total credit hours
• Apply by 2026-06-15
• Full-time and part-time options
• 86% licensure pass rate
• Prepares for NCLEX-RN
• Evening classes and weekend clinical rotations
• State-of-the-art simulation labs
• Clinical partnerships with major hospitals

*Citation: IPEDS 2025, National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. DOE.

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.

APRN & Nurse Practitioner Programs in Manchester, NH

Advanced practice nursing degrees provide nurses with a competitive edge, the opportunity for a wider range of career opportunities and higher salaries. Nurses with master’s degrees and higher go on to become nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, nurse educators and administrators earning salaries much higher than their ADN and BSN-educated counterparts. Because APRN programs are designed for experienced working RNs, often these programs are available on a part-time basis or in an online format, which offers RNs the flexibility to complete their degree while continuing to work.

MSN Programs

The traditional MSN program at Franklin Pierce University offers two professional concentrations for nursing students to choose from: a nursing education track and a nursing leadership track. Designed with working nurses in mind, the coursework of these programs, which includes clinical research, legal and ethical issues, teaching theories and leadership principles, presents concepts in practical terms so they can be applied in the workplace immediately.

Find out more about New Hampshire Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Post-Master’s Certificate Programs

Post-master’s certificate programs are designed for RNs with master’s degrees who wish to learn a new nursing specialty and/or change degree pathways. Many of these programs are also available on a part-time basis or in an online format to accommodate working nurses. For example, the post-master’s certificate program in Patient Safety & Quality program at Southern New Hampshire University is an online 12-credit hour program designed to teach nurses strategies for improving patient safety and quality policies and practices.

Find out more about New Hampshire Post-Master's Certificate Programs.

DNP Programs

Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are terminal degrees in nursing that prepare RNs with their master’s degrees for leadership positions in nursing practice. The DNP program at the University of New Hampshire allows students to complete readings and coursework on their own schedules in a fully online format that is designed to be completed in 18 – 28 months of study.

Find out more about New Hampshire DNP Programs.