Getting into nursing school is a dream come true for most prospective nurses, but the process can be daunting. Nurse.org has broken down the entire process of how to get into nursing school, from the prerequisites and the requirements to the process you'll take. Read on to learn how to secure a spot in your first-choice nursing program.
To get into a nursing degree program, you must be a high school graduate or have earned your GED. Regardless of which type of nursing program you plan on applying to (BSN or ADN), this first step is required.
Whether you apply for an ADN or BSN nursing program, all schools require specific prerequisite courses. These are classes generally taken in high school and are used as the foundation that is built upon in advanced, college-level classes.
Specific nursing school requirements will vary based on the program, so it is very important to check with an admissions counselor prior to applying. Typically, BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs will require more perquisites than an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program.
Moreover, some universities will require a minimum high school GPA of 3.2. The GPA required to get into an Ivy League nursing program, such as the University of Pennsylvania, may differ from the GPA needed to get into the University of Florida’s nursing program.
Finally, many nursing programs also have entrance exam requirements. Though no entrance exam nursing schools exist, most require passing scores on the TEAS, HESI, or both exams for admissions.
It’s important to decide what kind of nursing program you are interested in. Ask yourself the following questions as you compare accredited institutions:
One of the biggest decisions is choosing between an ADN program and a BSN program. With the increase in BSN programs and the ongoing push for all new graduates to have a bachelor’s degree, associate degree nursing programs are becoming less and less popular.
In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report. This report strongly recommended that 80% of Registered Nurses should have their bachelor’s degree by 2020.
The nursing field didn’t meet this goal, but it made a lot of progress. About 60% of registered nurses have baccalaureate degrees, and the number continues to rise.
The report also informed the need for change in nursing education to meet the changes in healthcare. This recommendation was made for a few key reasons, including the increasing complexity of care and hospital magnet status.
Advantages of an Associate Degree in Nursing
Disadvantages of an Associate Degree in Nursing
College isn’t cheap. Nursing programs are not cheap. Most students require financial assistance, so it is important to speak to a financial aid representative at the university or community college to understand your options.
Not everyone will qualify for all the different types of aid that are available but scholarships, grants, and federal loans help make the cost of nursing school more manageable for many students. Read our in-depth guide on how to pay for nursing school for more information.
Each nursing program will have its own admission packets and information that must be submitted. Universities across the country accept the Common Application or Universal College Application. Check with an admissions counselor as utilizing these forms can save an applicant time and money.
We recommend applying to multiple nursing programs as these programs are highly competitive. If accepted to several programs, you can then decide which school of nursing is the best fit academically and financially.
Applying early reinforces the applicant's commitment, as well as his or her eagerness to enter the program. Furthermore, early application gives admission counselors time to contact you if there is a need for supplemental information. Some major universities offer early acceptance to the nursing program and others offer rolling admission.
The interview is a chance for the applicant to sell themselves. Nursing program committee members want to know why a student would make a good nurse and be a positive representative of the program.
Get used to this kind of pressure because you’ll face it again after you’ve earned your RN license if you apply for nurse practitioner programs or other advanced degree programs.
While the type of questions asked at nursing school interviews is expansive and differs for every program, most nursing school interview questions fall into one of the following categories:
This is the hardest part of the application process. You’ve researched, applied, and now all you do is wait. Some nursing programs will have rolling admissions and others will send out acceptance or rejection letters at specific times.
The competition for nursing schools is tough, but there are ways to increase your chances and make yourself stand out amongst the other applications. Here are 3 ways to set yourself apart and set yourself up for success.
Not all universities require volunteer work; however, it is encouraged by college admission counselors. Ideal prospective students should volunteer at a community clinic or hospital.
Volunteering not only gives an applicant experience and a view into the nursing profession, but it also looks good on an application. It allows students to know if nursing is the right career path, with ample time to change their plans if need be.
It’s important to show nursing programs that you are invested in the healthcare industry and have the initiative to expand your knowledge even prior to nursing school. This will make your application for enrollment more competitive amongst hundreds of other applications.
Students who wish to expand their volunteer resumes can also join an organization such as the American Red Cross. While the majority of volunteers are needed internationally, the Red Cross does have local chapters with numerous volunteer opportunities.
One benefit of volunteering with the Red Cross is that they allow volunteers to tailor their experience toward their nursing career goals. For example, if a volunteer is interested in child health, there are opportunities to work in daycare and school settings. According to the American Red Cross website, additional opportunities for nursing students include teaching first aid, assisting with local blood drives, and providing disaster response.
Becoming a CNA can add valuable work experience to a prospective nursing student’s resume. CNA education requirements take only several months to complete but can provide great insight into the healthcare field. Additionally, it also can help pay for nursing school. A lot of people start their nursing practice as CNAs.
This may sound basic, but it’s extremely important. Most nurses can describe the moment they realized they wanted to be a nurse and specifically why. It’s important to know, fundamentally, why nursing is your passion or at least why you think it is.
During the interview process, application committees will want to know why you are interested in the nursing profession. Have a clear and concise answer.
Knowing why you want to become a nurse will also help motivate you when you’re bogged down in microbiology, human anatomy, and general education coursework that seems to go on forever.
The nursing school application process can be competitive and stressful, but stay positive! If you know nursing is what you want to do with your life, you’ll make it happen.