How can career changers best prepare to get into the top 10% of nursing programs in America?

Career changers can frequently get admitted to nursing programs with advanced standing, since they probably already have at least a bachelor's degree in another field. Many of the liberal arts requirements are waived. Some nursing schools have programs, called Nursing Doctorate programs, designed just for career changers. Or the career changer can go to any nursing program. Most nursing schools are local or regional – their students are drawn from the region, and their graduates stay in the region. The "top tier" schools are very research-oriented, and do draw students from national and international areas.  more