Diploma Nursing Programs

Diploma programs prepare students to become registered nurses. The programs are typically associated with a hospital, but more recently are affiliated with a college or university. The programs prepare graduates for technical nursing practice.

Diploma schools of nursing were the primary educational agency for educating nurses during the 1800s and early and mid-1900s. The schools were patterned after the Florence Nightingale training school model. The first school in the United States was the New England Hospital for Women and Children. Linda Richards was its first graduate in 1873.

As a result of studies, commissions, and position papers, the setting fornursing education programs shifted to colleges and universities. The number of diploma schools and entrants in diploma schools has steadily declined since 1960. As of 1988 there were 177 diploma schools accredited by the NLN, with 21 scheduled to close.

Educational Setting

The hospital is the educational setting for the diploma program. Cooperative arrangements may be established with a community college or university to provide general education courses in biological and social sciences. The focus of the diploma program shifted from using students for service to the hospital to establishing a learning environment for the student and preparation for nursing practice in a variety of health care agencies.

Entry Requirements

A high school diploma is required for entry into a diploma school. Some schools use scholastic aptitude tests such as the SAT and nursing aptitude tests as admission guidelines.

Educational Base

The diploma program is based on a foundation of general education courses in the biological and social sciences. Generally, these courses are offered by a college or university with credit transfer arrangements with baccalaureate or masters degree programs.

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