How to Get Into Nursing School?

Photo Credits: Jane Carmona 

    Nurses, Registered Nurses (RN) and License Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs or LVNs) are qualified medical experts who work alongside doctors and other health care professionals to deliver treatment and care in different medical settings. The nursing career is a rewarding profession and the demand continues to increase. 

        Nurses work very hard, and serve a critical role in the healthcare team. Therefore, you should be passionate about choosing a career in nursing. Students who choose to pursue a nursing career need to know about the program prerequisites and requirements. Getting into a nursing program can be challenging as many programs have very high standards and competitive candidates. This information below should help guide and jump-start your process. 

Prerequisites for Nursing Entry Level

      Getting admission into nursing school can be challenging, therefore, students who wish to pursue a nursing career should have at least a high school diploma or GED and attain a high grade point average. The following classes are requirements for admission;

·      Psychology

·      Anatomy and Physiology

·      Microbiology

·      Statistics

     Sociology

·      Chemistry

      Nursing Program Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements are set by the University`s nursing school. Generally, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program will require a GPA minimum of 3.0-3.2 while a program in Associate degree in Nursing (AND) in a community college will require a minimum GPA of 2.7- 3.0.  The GPA requirement will vary based on the University, however, the average nursing student will have a GPA of at least 3.5. The higher the students' GPA is, the more competitive they will be in the selection process. 

      Most nursing programs have a designated number of spots for students. Therefore, candidates are frequently placed on a waitlist due to high numbers of applicants. This is why it is important to be prepared and be competitive. An "ideal nursing candidate will have the following prepared:

·      A high school diploma or GED

·      A high GPA (Preferably 3.5 or over)

·      An complete application

·      Personal essay 

·      Personal interview

·      Recommendations from prior teachers/ professors/ employers

·       Volunteer work experience

·      An application fee

·      English test if English is not the primary language. 

·      High scores on TEAS/HESI/KAPLAN entrance exam

       Note that volunteer work in a hospital is viewed positively by the selection committee. If you are interested in a competitive program, volunteer at the same location for an extended period of time so that you can have strong references that truly reflect your character.

       In addition, these experiences will make you more competitive. Through volunteering, the school will know, at the minimum that you know the expectations and that you are committed to your career. 

        Hopefully, this guide can alleviate any stress you have about starting the nursing journey. Remember, getting into any nursing program is challenging. Just take it one day at a time, and stay the course. Best wishes! 

    Have any tips on how to get into Nursing School? Let us know below in the comments!