Top 5 Nursing School Coaches & Tutors (2026)
Explore the top 5 Nursing Career Coaches in 2026. Find the best mentor to prepare you for a career in nursing.
Posted January 19, 2026
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A nursing career is one of the hardest and most rewarding careers. With more nurses needed than ever before, proper mentorship can help you get into a top nursing school and land your dream job.
Between maintaining high grades, studying for the nclex exam, asking the right mentors for letters of recommendation, and preparing for nursing interviews, it can be challenging to manage the entire nursing school application process without knowing what programs are really looking for. This is where having the coaching of an experienced nurse mentor can be so important.
In this guide, we have hand-picked the 5 best Nursing Coaches of 2026 to help mentor you to achieve your professional goals. With a mix of coaches who have experience teaching hundreds of other nurses to coaches who have worked in the most difficult careers, this list has the perfect nurse coach for what you are looking for.
| Physician Assistant Mentor | Leland Outcome Rating | Number of successful students | Specialities |
| Melissa A. | 9.9 | 100+ | BSN and direct-entry MSN coaching, Building competitive healthcare resumes |
| Liz C. | 9.9 | 10+ | Personal statement development, Interview prep for BSN admissions |
| Catherine L. | 9.7 | 10+ | Supporting non-traditional applicants, Choosing the right nursing program |
| Lorena H. | 9.5 | 20+ | Guidance for first-gen nursing applicants, Strengthening clinical exposure before applying |
| Samantha K. | 9.5 | 15+ | Helping navigate prerequisites and excel in exams |
Melissa A.
Former Director of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing | Former Admissions Director at Princeton and Villanova University | 2 decades of experience in higher education admissions
Melissa A. has spent more than two decades on the inside of higher education admissions. Previously, she served as Director of Admissions at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, reading thousands of nursing applications and learning exactly what traits and experiences lead to admission. In addition to overseeing admissions strategy, she worked with graduate nurses across 11 MSN specialties to help them translate their degrees into their intended career fit within the nursing field.
Melissa’s coaching is especially powerful because her insights draw direction from what she has actually done at the decision-making table. She will help bring clarity to what nursing schools look for beyond grades and test scores, helping prospective nursing students understand how to package their experiences and highlight the skills programs seek, such as hard work in the classroom and dedication to helping others outside of academics. After reviewing thousands of applications, Melissa will help steer you towards the right direction in your nursing journey, providing you with helpful tips that’ll allow you to succeed in your path toward nursing school.
"During my Penn Nursing graduate application process, Melissa Lee was truly exceptional. When COVID-related challenges left me doubting my potential to pursue a doctoral degree, Melissa stepped in with both practical guidance and ample support that made all the difference. Her attention to detail ensured my application materials were complete, while her genuine compassion helped ease my anxiety during that stressful period. What impressed me most was how Melissa took time to understand my unique circumstances, helping me recognize and articulate strengths I hadn't fully appreciated. Melissa was remarkably responsive and accessible, providing clear guidance on requirements and deadlines while creating a judgement-free space to voice my concerns. Through her support, I felt connected to the Penn Nursing community before joining it. More than an admissions representative, Melissa is a compassionate leader who ensures prospective students navigate the admissions process with confidence. Her dedication transforms what could be an overwhelming experience into one where applicants feel truly valued and supported."
- Coached by Melissa
Liz C.
Manager at Veterans Affairs | Former Consultant at WHO | BYU BSN Graduate and Duke MBA
Liz C.'s nursing journey helped her understand how to navigate nontraditional paths, and she uses that understanding to help coach candidates who feel like underdogs. Initially, Liz graduated with a BSN from BYU, but she later returned to school to earn her MBA from Duke. Throughout her nursing career, she has worked at the World Health Organization and now serves as a Manager at Veterans Affairs. Her journey proves that a nursing degree opens various career paths, and she's dedicated to being a career coach who helps candidates find the right nursing school for their dream job.
What sets Liz apart in her tutoring sessions is her ability to tailor strategies to each client's specific needs. From the first meeting, Liz is a dedicated and passionate nurse coach who will help you develop a narrative you're confident in sharing with schools. She understands how hard it can be to balance life and outside jobs during undergrad while meeting all nursing requirements, so she works with students to uncover transferable skills they can highlight in their writing. Past nursing students have emphasized how Liz teaches aspiring nurses to gain confidence and helps them to successfully graduate into career paths that truly align with who they are.
"Working with Liz was the best decision we made with college applications. Her expertise 100% aided in my child’s acceptance to BYU. She has this rare talent for taking all your experiences, ideas, and personality and shaping them into a story that’s not only compelling but truly *you*. Liz pushed my son to think more deeply, helped him highlight his strengths in a meaningful way, and made the entire process feel less overwhelming and more empowering. But what really sets Liz apart is how much she genuinely cares. She’s not just helping you get into college—she’s helping you tell your story in the most authentic and powerful way. She’s part strategist, part coach, part cheerleader, and 100% invested in your success. If you're even thinking about applying to college, do yourself a favor and work with Liz. It was one of the best decisions we’ve made."
- Coached by Liz
Catherine L.
Professor at Vanderbilt, Emory University, and Reinhardt University | Certified Nurse Practitioner at Veterans Affairs and Vanderbilt University Medical Center | 20 years of experience as an NP
Catherine L. is a Nurse Practitioner and professor with over 20 years of experience in lecturing at top institutions such as Vanderbilt, Emory, and Reinhardt University. Having taught new nurses everything from foundational counseling classes to advanced clinical subjects, she offers a deep understanding of how to help students succeed academically, both in getting into nursing school and within it. She's supported students in challenging nursing classes and tutored others through the most difficult nursing exams, like the NCLEX. Whether you're struggling with specific subjects or want structured academic support, Catherine is a professor who knows how to help you build study strategies that'll improve performance and confidence on exam day.
Catherine has a unique ability to blend that academic expertise with real-world clinical knowledge to provide practical support to nursing students. She's helped coach nursing students through testing anxiety and given them the tools to lead in hospital environments, teaching them to speak with confidence during rotations. Her tutoring sessions are personalized, offering not just immediate answers but structured frameworks and approaches that build long-term success. If you're looking for someone who truly understands the academic demands of nursing education, Catherine will provide the structure and support you need to thrive.
"Dr. Lucid is a wonderful and approachable person. She truly cares about her students and wants us to succeed. She is an amazing coach because she is very experienced and has a lot of advice and guidance to provide. I plan to continue working with her during my future nursing career."
- Coached by Catherine, landed a role at Emory Healthcare
Lorena H.
RN at Huntsman Cancer Institute in the Melanoma and Cutaneous Cancer Clinic | Experience in Ortho, Trauma, and Surgery Units | University of Utah BSN Graduate
Lorena H. is a practicing RN at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, where she works in the Melanoma and Cutaneous Cancer Clinic and collaborates closely with top oncology professionals. She's also rotated through specialties such as orthopedics, trauma, and surgery, giving her a top foundation in critical care and an understanding of transferable skills across clinical settings. Having just recently graduated from the University of Utah's BSN program, Lorena combines that clinical knowledge with firsthand experience in navigating the nursing journey, from getting into nursing school to landing that first job after graduation. For new grads who feel unsure about their next step, Lorena is the kind of mentor who was just living life in your shoes, taking the same classes and juggling the same clinical hours at hospitals, and knows how to guide you towards the right career path.
What makes Lorena's coaching especially impactful is how she blends real-world RN experience with practical tools to help you stand out in today's competitive job market. She's worked with aspiring and experienced nurses to build resumes and cover letters that will help your application stand out. If you're looking for a coach who will give you the additional resources and extra time to help you showcase your skills, Lorena is the perfect fit. Whether you're looking to enter a BSN program and work in a hospital as a nurse in any department, from counseling to pediatrics, Lorena will help you identify your strengths and feel more confident as you take the next step in your professional nursing career.
"Lorena gave so much of her time and energy into helping me through my application process and was instrumental in my acceptance into nursing school. She read over my essays and gave me very useful ideas and advise on how I could add to or improve my application to showcase my knowledge and skills. She also spent hours practicing interview questions with me, which made a world of a difference in my preparation. Lorena was so encouraging, and helped me feel prepared, calm and confident on the day of my interview. Because of this incredible experience I had with Lorena, I highly recommend her for this role."
- Coached by Lorena, accepted to University of Utah
Samantha K.
Regional Care Coordinator Nurse at Western Health Alliance | Nursing Instructor at Colorado Northwestern Community College and Nightingale Education Group | Certified RN, CNEn, CCHC, and CLC
Samantha K. is a Certified RN and Regional Care Coordinator who now coaches aspiring nurses to explore the full range of paths a nursing degree can open. As an instructor at both Colorado Northwestern Community College and Nightingale Education Group, Samantha has worked with a range of nursing students, from those earning their first RN license to those adding certifications to move into new specialties like pediatrics or public health. Her coaching is especially valuable for students considering multiple degrees or licenses, helping them confidently plan and choose the right path that aligns with their career and life goals.
Samantha's coaching combines real-world nursing experience with individualized teaching support. She offers 1:1 nursing tutor sessions where students can prepare their answers for new job interviews or build the confidence to apply to more competitive programs. Other professionals often come to her for guidance when pivoting specialties or returning to school. If you're an RN exploring your next step, or just someone trying to enter the field, Samantha will help you build a nursing career that aligns with your goals.
"Sam created a thorough study plan for the NCLEX that allowed me time to figure out my needs. I passed in 75!"
- Coached by Samantha
Finding the best Nursing Tutor to get into the Nursing School Program of your dreams
Choosing the right Nursing Tutor can help you reach your career goals. Whether you're looking to learn more about what jobs a nursing degree opens or want help with studying for the NCLEX, the right coach will meet your needs.
When looking for which mentors to use, focus on:
- Coaching Expertise: Each Nursing Coach has specialized in something different. Some have worked as admission counselors who can answer questions about different outcomes for new graduate nurses, while others understand the skills you need to learn to succeed in nursing school. Seek out the coaches whose expertise matches the niche you're looking for mentorship in.
- Past Outcomes: Take advantage of past reviews. They can help you understand what Nursing Coaches have helped other candidates with in the past. They might also give you insight into the types of nursing jobs these mentors have helped candidates get into. If a coach doesn't have many reviews, book a free first call to speak with them.
FAQs about Career Coaches
How can a nursing coach help me get into nursing school?
- Nursing coaches offer support throughout the entire application process. They’ll help you with everything from picking the right programs to reviewing your personal statement. They can also help you prep for interviews and figure out how to position your strengths based on what schools are actually looking for.
Do I need a coach even if I already have strong grades and clinical experience?
- Yes, nursing schools care about more than just GPA. Coaches help you present your story in the best possible light and help you avoid common mistakes that hold back qualified applicants. Even strong students benefit from guidance around writing and interview prep.
I’m already an RN, can a coach still help me figure out my next step?
- Absolutely. Several coaches work with licensed nurses who are looking to pivot into new specialties or explore leadership or public health roles. Coaches can also help answer questions about resume building and how to make your transferable skills stand out when applying for a new role.
Interested in a Nursing Career or a Nursing Career Path? Check out these articles
- Online Nursing Degrees — Comprehensive List of Programs (2026)
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- BSN Programs: What You Need to Know About Bachelor of Science in Nursing Programs
- Nursing School Cost – How Much is Nursing School
- Online Nursing Degrees - Comprehensive List of Programs
- Nursing Prerequisites: What You Need to Become a Nurse
- List of Master's in Nursing Programs (MSN) in the US
- Nursing Internships, Externships, & Fellowships – The Ultimate Guide
- 50 Nursing Interview Questions (With Sample Answers)
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