You should have a strong background in human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and microbiology. Other courses would include psychology, good communication skills (both written and oral), and development of good critical thinking skills. While math may not be at a high level, you should have math competency up to at least college algebra.
Cameron University's nursing program is in cooperation with the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, so you may want to look into what people think about that program.
For me, and my nursing school, our nursing school is the same thing as the nursing program...the program is the curriculum...the actual classes that we take...and the school is just another name. For example I applied to the Presbyterian School of Nursing at Queens University of Charlotte, in Charlotte, NC and when I got in they said "Welcome to our nursing program." Its the same thing.
If you take the program through a college or university, there will be general education course requirements. I do not recommend you take the program through a hospital based program especially if you do not already had an existing degree.
There are a number of US schools that have a Masters program for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. They include the NYU College of Nursing and the Columbia University School of Nursing.
Many schools offer great nursing programs in Maryland. Colleges and Universities offering programs in nursing include the Chamberlain College of Nursing, John Hopkins University, Lancaster General College of Nursing and Health Sciences, The Community College of Baltimore County, and Towson University to name a few. If looking for a graduate program the Uniform Services University of the Health Sciences offers a graduate program in nursing.
Chamberlain College of Nursing is a great online nursing program that also allows you to get hands-on experience at a local site. Also, the University of Phoenix has a good online nursing program.
The college of nursing has a Master's program, the school of nursing does't
Certified Nursing Assistant classes can vary from weeks to a few months depending on the facility providing the program and how good or thorough the program is. Check with your local college or with your state certification board.
You can either do nursing school in person and attend courses in a college or university; you can do an accelerated nursing program online, which takes about 1/3 the time.
The University of Alabama is home to a nursing school with a great nursing program.
There are several schools and nursing homes in the Palatine area for training. I would suggest Harper College, Palatine, IL they have a great program.
If you completed the RN program through a regionally accredited college or university, your credits will be transferable.