Learn · Schools & education
Find the right healthcare program
What each program involves, how to check accreditation and state approval, and how to pay for school. Official sources only.
Program finder: search approved programs by type, state and city. Coming soon.
Program types
CNA (nurse aide) training programsFederal minimum 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more (California: 160 hours).Approved by your stateHome health aide training programsAt least 75 hours for aides in Medicare-certified home health agencies, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 484.80). Some states add more.Approved by your statePractical / vocational nursing (LPN/LVN) programsAbout 1 yearAccreditation: ACEN, NLN CNEAAssociate degree in nursing (ADN)Associate degree, then the NCLEX-RNAccreditation: ACEN, NLN CNEABachelor of science in nursing (BSN)Typically 4 yearsAccreditation: CCNE, ACEN, NLN CNEAMedical assisting programsAbout 1 to 2 yearsAccreditation: CAAHEP, ABHESDental assisting programsMany programs take about 1 year; 2-year associate programs are less commonAccreditation: CODADental hygiene programsUsually 3 yearsAccreditation: CODARespiratory therapy programsAssociate degree or higherAccreditation: CoARCPhlebotomy programsUsually less than 1 yearAccreditation: NAACLSDoctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programsTypically 3 yearsAccreditation: CAPTEOccupational therapy programs (master's or doctorate)Master's programs usually take 2 to 3 yearsAccreditation: ACOTESpeech-language pathology graduate programsUsually 2 years after a bachelor'sAccreditation: CAA
Guides for students
- Schools & EducationHow to choose a healthcare programSeven questions to ask before you enroll in a nursing, dental or allied health program, and where to check each answer officially.1 min read · Fact-checked
- Schools & EducationAccreditation and state approval, explainedThe difference between state approval and accreditation for healthcare programs, why both matter for licensing, and how to check them yourself.1 min read · Fact-checked
- Schools & Education · NursingADN vs. BSN: which nursing degree?An associate degree and a bachelor's degree both lead to the NCLEX-RN and an RN license. How they differ, and how to choose.1 min read · Fact-checked
- Schools & EducationPaying for healthcare schoolStart with the FAFSA, then look at Pell Grants, school aid, employer tuition help and the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship. Official sources for each.1 min read · Fact-checked
Official tools
- College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
- FAFSA (Federal Student Aid)
- HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program
- Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (U.S. Department of Education)
- NCSBN: Why boards of nursing approve nursing programs
Already in a program? Clinical rotation resources