Dr. LaTashia Kiel, DNP, RN, CEN is a Doctor of Nursing Practice prepared registered nurse who has an interest in cancer care, acute nursing care, and community advocacy. A three-time graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Kiel received a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and went on to further her nursing education with a Master’s degree in Adult Health with a Focus on Teaching, and eventually her doctorate in nursing. She currently teaches a Professional Nursing Management course at UT-Austin where she helps students prepare for careers in nursing.
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Updated: 06/09/2023Whether you want to be a practical nurse or an advanced practice RN, nursing school is your first step. This guide walks future nurses like you through the admissions process so you canpass rate maximize your chances of getting into your dream program.
Nurses are needed now more than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects close to 200,000 new nurses joining the profession between 2021 and 2031. Every day, nurses make decisions that can forever impact the lives of their patients, and they care for our communities and step up in times of crisis.
Because nursing is so demanding, nursing schools look for candidates that are certain to rise to the challenge of finding the best and brightest to fill the nursing ranks. Whether you’ve always wanted to be a nurse or you’re just beginning to explore the possibility, you should know that applying to nursing school is a serious undertaking.
Choosing the right school increases your chances of admission. Even if you already have a dream school in mind, getting admitted is going to take everything you’ve got. This guide walks you through the steps to applying and offers concrete, actionable advice as you make your way through the process.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
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Before beginning the application process, narrowing down your list of potential nursing schools is crucial. Many institutions use NursingCAS, a common application system for nursing programs. Despite this streamlined approach, the process can still be intense and expensive.
Identifying the type of nursing career you aspire to pursue is a vital initial step. Although you’ll likely encounter diverse clinical experiences, certain programs may be better suited for specific nursing styles. For those aiming for advanced practice nursing, ensuring that your entry-level degree aligns with your future educational goals is essential.
By matching your learnin
g style and academic achievements to the right school, you’ll become a more attractive candidate and increase your likelihood of success within the program. As you begin to build your list of schools, consider these questions.
Where do you see yourself in five years? It’s a common question for prospective nursing students because the answer matters, especially for nurses. There are so many directions you can take. You need to think beyond simply getting into a program. Ask yourself what kind of nurse you want to be.
Nursing isn’t a one-size-fits-all profession. The job of a pediatric ICU nurse is very different from the job of a physician assistant at a community clinic. The education you will need, bachelor’s or master’s, and training certifications vary accordingly. Here are some common and not-so-common career paths to think about:
Still not 100% sure? Check out EduMed’s Nursing Degree Pathfinder
Here again, you need to do some soul searching. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can devote to nursing school. If, realistically, your answer is not much, are you willing to go back to school once you have started working to achieve your goals? Figure you where you want to start your career and where you want it to go.
Start by asking yourself the questions to find out what you need from your nursing program:
Degree or certificate?
Your answer will depend on 2 things—your time and your goals.
Online or in person?
Can you commit to attending classes on campus? If you opt for an online nursing program do you prefer synchronous or asynchronous courses? Do you want all in-person clinicals or a hybrid of online simulation and hands-on practice?
Does accreditation matter?
Accreditation is crucial, and your entire career relies on it. Your school should be specifically accredited for your nursing program. Here are some places you can check for a school’s accreditations:
What about certification?
Nurses must pass the NCLEX to practice. An easy way to see if the school’s curriculum is up to snuff is to check it’s NCLEX pass rate.
Remember your nursing program is part of a larger school and community. Here are some things you need to consider:
Here are five tips for building your list of schools:
Apply to multiple schools. Admissions are very selective. Applying to multiple programs increases your chance of acceptance.
Match your needs to your goals. Choose schools that meet your financial needs, your time constraints, and your career goals. Don’t sacrifice one for the other.
Be realistic. Put some “reach” schools on your list, but take care to include schools in which you clearly meet or exceed all admissions criteria.
Use the common app. Nursing school applications are notoriously complex. Use NursingCAS to streamline the process for participating schools.
Show up. Some schools require attendance at an informational session. Others will require interviews.
You’ll be juggling multiple deadlines and application materials, so you need to be strategic when you apply. Create a system to keep track of what you have and what you still need to do:
Once your system is set up, you are ready to get started.
STEP 1
Nursing school applications can be extremely specific. Reaching out for help can make you more successful. Here are some ways to get help:
Here are 5 things to ask of any potential program.
A: The overall NCLEX pass rate for first time exam takers hovers over 85% for RNs and PNs. Repeat takers’ pass rates are roughly 40% or lower. Choosing a school with a proven track record of NCLEX preparation clearly matters.
A: The National Council of State Boards of Nursing identifies face-to-face practice as a key component in nursing education. However, the specific requirements can vary by school and some schools may integrate simulations with boots-on-the-ground practice. While all accredited schools will meet minimum state standards, it’s important to find out if the school’s requirements and delivery match your needs.
A: It may seem like it’s far off in the future, but at some point in your nursing career you may want to return to school. This is especially true if you want to pursue advanced practice nursing. It is important to know how this program prepares you for an RN-to-BSN or a BSN-to-MSN, for example.
A: It’s no secret that nursing school is hard. This is as true for traditional students as it is for those making a mid-career change. What support systems are in place? Does the school use a cohort model? Are students matched up with mentors? Is academic tutoring available? In short, is the school invested in helping you succeed?
A: A rewarding job makes the expense and commitment of nursing school worth the effort. Make sure your school has a solid post-graduation employment rate and offers help with your future job search.
STEP 2
Do you meet or exceed the basic admissions standards to be accepted into a nursing program? Go through this checklist to see if you have what it takes to get in.
A high school diploma is a baseline requirement for admission to most nursing programs. Without a diploma, a GED is an internationally recognized alternative.
The GED is a test that covers four core subject areas—math, language arts, social studies, and science. Prospective nursing students will want to focus on math and science. To take the test, you must sign up on the GED site. It is a one-stop shop complete with study materials and test tips. However, some students benefit from separate prep courses. Check your state eligibility rules for age requirements.
To pass the GED, you need to score 145 in each of the test areas. Scoring above 165 shows that you are ready for college. Scoring over 175 can earn you up to 10 hours of college credit.
Some technical or trade schools may allow you to enroll without a high school diploma or GED. Often, they include GED courses in their program. Others may require proficiency testing.
Nursing programs often have higher requirements than other programs at the same school and this extends to testing. Even associate degree programs may require ACTs or SATs. Graduate degree programs may require the GRE.
Nursing-specific exams include:
Tests are administered at schools or testing sites. Testing companies offer test prep materials and strategies. Additional help can be found through test prep and tutorial services. Contact your school for specific requirements and testing sites.
The GPA requirements for nursing programs tend to be on the higher side. Most BSN and MSN programs require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. While associate degree programs typically have lower requirements, it’s vital to note that meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission.
To enhance your chances, consider boosting your GPA by pacing yourself. Taking advanced placement courses that convert to college credit can make you a more appealing candidate, but you need to avoid overwhelming yourself. Overloading your high school schedule with an excessive number of AP courses may negatively impact your GPA if you’re unable to manage the workload.
If your GPA is closer to the lower end of the requirements, concentrate on improving your math and science prerequisites. Seek assistance from teachers or tutors to bolster your skills in these areas. Online tutorials from Khan Academy are another excellent resource for students in math and science courses.
In addition to general education requirements, prospective nurses are expected to have a solid science background. This includes courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and biology. Math proficiency is required. Bachelor’s degree programs may look for additional elective coursework such as psychology, nutrition, physics, or statistics. RN-to-BSN programs require the full slate of ADN or ASN coursework completed.
Students who want to set themselves apart should seek out elective and advanced courses that directly pertain to nursing, such as advanced placement anatomy and physiology. Pre-nursing and allied health courses offered through vocational and technical colleges can also help you stand out.
Nurses are required to have CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certifications. You can find CPR and BLS courses through:
STEP 3
Once you understand the requirements for entering a nursing program, you’ll need to determine how to gain admission to the specific program you wish to attend. For high school students, planning should ideally start by their junior year. If you’re returning to school to earn your RN, staying mindful of admission deadlines is crucial. Create a plan and be pragmatic about your schedule.
College counselors frequently advise selecting at least one school that may be a reach based on your GPA, test scores, and other qualifications. Additionally, identify at least one school that serves as a realistic option and another that is highly likely to accept you. This approach ensures a balanced selection of schools for application.
