What Should You Ask During a BSN Information Session?
Choosing a nursing program is an important decision. A school tour or information session can help you better understand the learning environment, program structure, and support services available to you.
Knowing what questions to ask during a nursing school tour may help you compare programs more effectively as well as determine which option aligns with your educational goals.
Additionally, students researching nursing programs may also benefit from reviewing How to Compare Nursing Programs in California: What You Should Look For, which outlines additional factors to consider when evaluating nursing schools.
Why School Tours and Information Sessions Matter
A nursing school tour gives you the opportunity to:
- Learn about program structure
- View classrooms and nursing simulation laboratories
- Meet admissions representatives or faculty
- Understand student support resources
Information sessions may also help you understand expectations related to coursework, attendance, and clinical experiences.
Questions to Ask During a Nursing School Tour or Info Session
Preparing questions beforehand can help you gather useful information and compare nursing programs more confidently.
Is the Nursing Program Accredited?
One of the first questions to ask is whether the nursing program is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses (CCNE).¹
Program accreditation is important because it ensures eligibility requirements are met for licensure in California.
You can review approved nursing programs through the CCNE website.¹
What Is the Program Timeline Like?
Program timelines can vary significantly among nursing programs.
Questions to ask may include:
- How long does the program typically take to complete?²
- What does a typical academic schedule look like?
- Are there daytime, evening, or hybrid options available?
- How are clinical experiences scheduled?
Understanding program timelines may help students determine how a nursing program fits with personal, work, or family commitments.
What Student Support Services Are Available?
Student support services play a pivotal role in the success of your nursing education.
During a school tour or information session, prospective students may want to ask about:
- Academic advising
- Tutoring services
- NCLEX-RN preparation resources
- Technical support
- Career services
Support resources may vary by institution and program structure.
What Learning Technology and Training Tools Are Used?
Nursing programs may use a variety of educational tools and healthcare simulation technologies to support learning.
Questions may include:
- Are nursing simulation laboratories available?
- Does the program use clinical simulation technology?
- Are students exposed to electronic health records training?
- What types of interactive learning modules are included?
- What resources are available to help students prepare for the NCLEX examination?
Learning environments and technology resources can differ between programs.
How Are Students Prepared for the NCLEX-RN Examination?
Prospective nursing students often want to understand how programs support preparation for licensure examinations.
Questions to ask include:
- What NCLEX-RN preparation resources are available?
- How is licensure preparation integrated into coursework?
- Are practice assessments incorporated into the curriculum?
- What academic support resources are available?
These conversations may help students better understand how nursing programs support exam readiness.
What Should You Observe During the Tour?
In addition to asking questions, observing the learning environment may help you evaluate a nursing program.
Consider paying attention to:
- Classroom and laboratory environments
- Student engagement
- Professionalism and communication
- Available learning resources
- Campus support services
Additionally, you may also benefit from asking how the program supports preparation for nursing practice and future educational pathways.
How Can You Compare Nursing Programs?
Comparing nursing programs involves more than reviewing schedules or locations.
Students may consider:
- Program approval status
- Acceptance rates
- GPA requirements
- Student support services
- Learning technology and facilities
- Program structure and scheduling
Reviewing multiple factors may help students make a more informed decision.
Exploring Nursing Education Pathways
Students interested in learning more about nursing education pathways can explore the Vocational Nursing program or the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Stanbridge University.
To attend an info session, please check our upcoming events.
What Does the Stanbridge University BSN Program Offer?
The Stanbridge University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is designed to combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences in healthcare settings. Stanbridge University was ranked #1 Best Colleges for Nursing in California. 3
Program components include:
- Nursing simulation laboratories and clinical simulation technology
- Hands-on clinical training experiences
- Interactive Learning Modules and healthcare technology integration
- Preparation for the NCLEX-RN licensing examination
- Student support resources and structured learning environments
Furthermore, the program also incorporates simulation-based learning experiences designed to help students practice clinical and patient care skills in controlled educational settings.
The Stanbridge University Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is offered at the Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Diego campuses. The program at the San Diego, San Marcos campus is pending BRN approval. The BSN program is 180 quarter credit hours and takes approximately 36–37 months to complete depending on cohort scheduling and individual progression. 2
Recent NCLEX-RN licensure pass rates for the Orange County and Los Angeles campuses were reported as 100% for 2023–2024.4 These figures reflect reported first-time licensure pass rate data within one year of graduation.
Students interested in learning more about nursing education pathways can also contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions to ask during a nursing school tour may include topics related to program schedules, student support services, acceptance rate, GPA requirements, learning technology, and program approval status. Asking detailed questions may help students compare nursing programs more effectively.
CCNE approval is important because nursing programs in California must meet state requirements related to licensure eligibility and educational standards.¹
Students visiting a nursing program may want to observe classrooms, nursing simulation laboratories, learning technology, student engagement, and available support services.
Nursing program timelines vary depending on scheduling structure, cohort progression, and institutional requirements. Stanbridge University’s BSN program takes approximately 36–37 months to complete.2
Footnotes
1The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is approved by the California Board of Registered Nurses at the Orange County, Los Angeles, and Riverside Campuses. The program at the San Diego, San Marcos campus is pending BRN approval. Their website is http://www.rn.ca.gov/education/rnprograms.shtml.
2 Program duration is subject to change, and completion times may vary based on cohort start and end dates and individual circumstances that may impact progression. Program schedules are also subject to change.
3 Source: Niche.com, 2026 Best Colleges for Nursing in California. https://www.niche.com/colleges/search/best-colleges-for-nursing/s/california/.
4 Source: The California Board of Registered Nursing, NCLEX-RN pass rate, NCLEX-RN, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, 2023/2024; http://www.rn.ca.gov/education/passrates.shtml. As viewed on January 10, 2025. The program at the San Diego campus is pending BRN approval and does not have current graduates yet and therefore, no annual licensure pass rates.