5 steps you should take to get into nursing school

Step 1
Pick a career path

Before anything else, you’ll need to decide on the kind of nursing career you want. There are many ways to work in the field, from entry-level assisting to top-tier executive roles. Beyond that, there’s a seemingly endless list of specialties to choose from, along with a variety of medical facilities in which you can work. Together, these factors will affect the kinds of nursing programs you pursue.

Step 2
Choose a degree

Every role within nursing requires a minimum level of education for licensing. While entry-level nurses can enter the field more quickly, those with more advanced degrees can often find greater opportunities and earn significantly larger salaries. The level of degree you choose depends on your career goals and the licensing requirements of your state.

Step 3
Find the right programs

Before you even begin applying, it’s crucial to decide what you’re looking for. Picking the right nursing programs to apply for involves asking yourself questions such as:

Something to consider is attending information sessions at the various schools you might be interested in. This can give you a better feel for the specifics of the program and help you decide if it’s the right fit. Some schools may even let you sit in on certain classes or meet with professors.

What about online nursing school?

Another thing to ask yourself is whether the format of a program fits into your life. While many students still attend traditional on-campus programs, an increasing number of people are looking for online options that let them pursue higher education while balancing other responsibilities in their lives. The good news is that these programs do exist in a hybrid format. In these, the hands-on, clinical portion of your coursework will need to be done in person, but most of your nonclinical classes can be taken online.

Step 4
Meet the prerequisite and admission requirements

Once you’ve decided which schools and programs could be right for you, the next step is to make sure you meet their requirements for prerequisites and admission.

Is there a GPA requirement?

Requirements vary by school and level of degree, but in most cases, you can expect to need an acceptable high school GPA (or equivalent score on the GED) or have good grades from any postsecondary education you’ve already completed. CNA and LPN programs might not have a minimum GPA, while many associate’s programs require at least a 2.5. College and universities offering bachelor’s and graduate degrees often require a 3.0 or higher. The more advanced the degree and prestigious the program, the better your GPA will need to be.

What are the prerequisites for nursing school?

You’ll also need to verify what prerequisites your programs require. Lower-level degrees will likely need you to have completed general education courses such as English and math, as well as a few science-focused studies like anatomy, chemistry, and biology. Advanced degrees will have more specific requirements depending on your concentration. If you don’t already have the necessary courses under your belt, you’ll need to earn those credits before you can apply.

Entrance exams

Most programs require you to take entrance exams—general tests like the SAT or ACT, exams designed specifically for nurses, and sometimes 1 of each. These are meant to assess your ability in areas such as reading and math, and help schools determine a nursing candidate’s potential to succeed in school. There are many different tests that are available, but some commonly used exams include:

Each exam has its own format, subject matter, and scoring design, so it’s important to do your research to know what you can expect for any test you need to take. Practice exams are incredibly useful for helping you achieve your best score and getting accepted into your school of choice.

Additional requirements

As you’ll be working in the healthcare field, you need to provide proof that you’re up to date on your immunizations and have CPR certification. Beyond that, essays, letters of recommendation, a career statement, and an in-person interview might also be a part of the process, particularly if you’re applying to graduate school.

When you’ve gotten all of these materials together, you can submit your application and pay any necessary fees.

Now that you’ve done the hard parts, it’s time to put the final touches on your application and send it to your dream school.

If the university or college you’re applying to offers early acceptance, consider it. Doing so demonstrates your interest in the program and increases your chances of acceptance.