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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 5/27/24
Nurses are in high demand right now, showing just how crucial their role is in healthcare.
In fact, nursing is one of the most popular fields in the United States, with nearly 4.2 million individuals identifying as registered nurses. The field, which is expected to grow by 6% each year, is a safe bet for those looking for a challenging role with job stability and a comfortable salary.
If you know that becoming a nurse is your calling, know that there are many steps to take on your path. Keep reading to learn how to gain admission to nursing school.
There are many different pathways to becoming a nurse, but the first step always starts with nursing school. Before you make your decision to go to nursing school, you should ask yourself questions like:
Asking yourself these questions will ensure that you are on the right path to becoming the type of nurse you want to become. It will also prevent you from making any changes to your education path down the line.
One of the fundamental prerequisites for pursuing a career in nursing is completing your high school education.
To gain admission to nursing school, you typically need to have a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Completing high school or obtaining a GED is the first step on your journey to becoming a nurse.
Keep reading to learn how to secure a nursing degree.
Ready to nail the NCLEX exam? Dive into Inspira's collection of free practice questions. Each question is like a mini confidence boost, helping you get familiar with the exam's ins and outs. These questions are designed to prepare you effectively; they are your secret weapon for mastering the NCLEX.
When looking into nursing schools, focus on what matters most to you. Check if the program is accredited and if the faculty have solid experience.
Think about where the school is located and what kind of support services they offer. Make sure the curriculum matches your interests and career goals. By picking a school that ticks these boxes, you'll be well-prepared for a rewarding journey into the nursing field.
Each nursing school may have specific prerequisites and admission requirements. These can include completing certain high school courses, meeting a minimum GPA, or taking standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. Some nursing programs also require the GRE for admission.
Additionally, some schools may require you to complete certain prerequisite courses, such as biology or chemistry, before applying to their nursing program. Ensure you fulfill all the necessary prerequisites and requirements for the nursing schools you're interested in.
Once you've selected the nursing schools that suit your aspirations, it's time to start the application process. Gather all the required documents, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and an application fee.
Pay close attention to application deadlines, as missing them can jeopardize your chances of admission. Carefully complete all application materials and submit them to your chosen nursing schools.
Some nursing programs may require you to pass an admission interview as part of the application process. The interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know you better and assess your suitability for the nursing program.
Prepare for the interview by practicing common interview questions, researching the school, and showcasing your passion for nursing. A successful interview can greatly enhance your chances of gaining admission to your desired nursing school.
By following these steps and carefully planning your educational path, you can embark on your journey toward becoming a nurse and achieving your career goals.
Nursing School Consultant Lauren offers this advice for getting into nursing school:
"No matter what your experiences or background, if you want to make a career shift into medicine in whatever capacity best interests and suits you, it is absolutely within the realm of possibility. Do as much as you can to get an idea of what you're interested in by looking into different programs and talking with people in those career fields."
"Do your research into what programs best interest you and think about your long-term goals. Do you want to be working with families, children, in acute care settings, or in a clinic? Get a picture of what you see yourself doing."
"Align your extracurricular activities in a way that best meets your long-term goals. For example, if you want to be a pediatric nurse practitioner, try to volunteer at a children's hospital. If you want to work in an acute care setting, consider becoming a volunteer EMT."
The prerequisites for nursing school differ greatly depending on the stream of nursing that you want to pursue. Regardless, you’ll have to have written your SAT or ACT before you apply.
Nursing schools also consider your high school GPA during admissions. The average GPA required for nursing school is 2.5-3.0, but this may change depending on the program and school you apply for.
In addition to your GPA and SAT scores, aspiring nurses should consider taking courses recommended for nursing school. These courses include advanced math and science courses in high school or a high school-equivalent secondary education.
To enroll in a nursing degree program, you must have graduated from high school or earned your GED. This initial requirement applies whether you're aiming for a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) or an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing).
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is one of the quickest ways to become a registered nurse. Schooling for an ADN only lasts about 18 months to 2 years and is usually done at a community college.
Receiving your ADN is a fantastic introduction to the nursing field. Given the relatively short training period, it's also a cost-effective and time-effective solution.
Throughout their workday, ADNs can expect to complete tasks like:
The downside? Many hospitals prefer applicants to have a BSN, so hiring for ADNs is becoming less common. However, there are many "bridge" programs that allow you to fast-track your studies to receive a BSN or other nursing degrees if you already have an ADN.
If you're looking for a quick and cost-effective pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse, going for an ADN could be a great option!
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the most common schooling route for prospective nurses—after all, 65.2% of all nurses in the United States have a BSN degree. Alongside the ADN, it's an alternative option for those who want to become registered nurses.
Compared to the ADN, the BSN is more comprehensive. It consists of four years of education instead of two and focuses on theory-based learning and critical thinking skills. Receiving a BSN allows for more opportunities within the nursing field, which can result in a higher-paying starting wage compared to those with an ADN.
It can also lead to more leadership opportunities and is the most common first step of schooling for those who want to pursue a master's or a Ph.D. in nursing.
Those with a BSN are responsible for tasks such as:
Those who enroll in and complete a BSN program can look forward to a more comprehensive education and a high starting wage.
Looking for the perfect BSN program can be a bit of a puzzle, right? Well, don't worry—our BSN Program Selection Quiz is here to simplify the process. All you have to do is answer a few easy questions.
First, you'll pick your preferences like where you'd like to study and how long you want the program to be. Then, just share some academic info, and we'll do the rest, suggesting BSN programs that match your profile.
Once you're done, you'll get a list of BSN options, complete with school names, locations, and key stats to help you compare them. If you need more help, you can retake the quiz or chat with one of our nursing admissions experts. We're here to make finding the right BSN program a breeze!
Becoming an LPN, otherwise known as a Licensed Practical Nurse, is a fantastic introduction to the nursing field and an easy way to test the waters to see if nursing is a good fit for you.
LPNs are responsible for essential healthcare tasks, ensuring patients are comfortable. They are usually supervised by RNs and often work to assist them and other medical professionals with everyday tasks.
Schooling for LPN programs usually takes around a year to complete, so it's an ideal way to break into the field without breaking the bank on tuition. Once you've become an LPN, it's easy to receive more schooling, as there are many LPN—RN accelerated programs to consider.
A great way to gain practical experience in the nursing field is by completing a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program. A CNA provides medical care while working under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
To become a CNA, you must have a high school education and attend CNA training at a community college. Most state-regulated programs take 4 to 12 weeks and combine classroom learning with hands-on learning.
Should you want to continue your nursing education, many ADN or BSN programs fast-track you through the program if you already have certain credits or experience in the field.
If you’re looking for a more advanced nursing degree, consider pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing program (MSN).
A Master of Science in Nursing awards students with an even more comprehensive nursing education and higher pay. Pursuing an MSN can lead to more advanced careers within the field, such as:
While many different bridge programs allow you to complete an MSN in less time, the most common applicants are those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Obtaining an MSN will take around two years with a full course load and often comes with hefty tuition fees. However, there are many flexible options for schooling, such as part-time course offerings, which can allow you to juggle work and school if needed.
There are also various nursing scholarships available if a financial investment is holding you back from pursuing an advanced nursing degree.
Not 100% sold yet? According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, only 14.9% of nurses nationwide held master’s degrees in 2020, and the demand for those with an MSN far outweighs the supply. Receiving an MSN will ensure job security and a very comfortable salary.
Ready to take your nursing career to the next level? A Doctoral degree in Nursing awards you the highest advanced nursing education possible.
There are two pathways to receiving a doctoral degree in Nursing:
Both programs require applicants to have a BSN, at minimum, and many require an MSN. Each program can take 4 to 6 years to complete, but those passionate and dedicated to the field of nursing will find the experience worth the investment.
Once you’ve decided that a career in nursing is in the cards for you, you may be wondering about what nursing school requirements you need to adhere to.
Undoubtedly, nursing school is very competitive - and you’ll want to give yourself the best possible chance to stand out. Here are some ways to boost your chances of getting accepted:
Put your passion into practice by volunteering in the healthcare field. You can volunteer in healthcare establishments such as nursing homes, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and pop-up clinics. You can also explore any other community service initiatives that are not in the healthcare sector.
Volunteer experience shows the admissions council at your prospective nursing school that you are serious and passionate about the field. It also shows that you care about people and the community, which is an essential quality for nurses.
By putting in a couple of hours a week, you can also gain valuable experience that will supplement your learning while starting nursing school.
Volunteer experience isn’t always one of the prerequisites for nursing school admission for nursing school applicants–for some schools, volunteering is just recommended.
With this said, volunteering will always boost your application regardless of the context. Ensure you research your prospective schools' admissions requirements for more information.
A plus side of volunteering in healthcare is that you build connections, which is excellent when the time comes to ask for letters of recommendation. They are not always required for specific programs, but it's highly recommended and is a great way to make you stand out from other applicants.
Your letter of recommendation should be written by a teacher, employer, mentor, or coach. Having someone in the medical field vouch for your passion and skills can be a significant factor in a successful nursing school application.
While asking for a letter of recommendation can be intimidating, its impact on your application is profound. Its purpose is to attest to your character and share why you would be an ideal candidate for nursing school–so having stellar letters of recommendation can have a meaningful impact on the strength of your application.
Also, check out our Nursing School Admissions Guide. It’s your go-to resource, jam-packed with 60 pages of expert advice and insights to ace your way through the admissions process.
We've cut through the clutter to give you straightforward tips and background info, ensuring you're fully prepared to tackle every step with confidence. Whether it's application dos and don'ts or interview prep, consider this guide your trusty sidekick on your path to nursing school success.
Curious about how much nurses earn in the USA? We'll dive into the factors that impact nursing salaries and provide valuable insights into the earning potential within the field.
Below, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions and answers.
While getting into nursing school can be challenging, it's not impossible. You'll want to give yourself the best possible chance of acceptance by aiming for a high GPA, SAT score, and high grades within the required prerequisite math and science courses.
Volunteering in the healthcare sector may also make you a more competitive applicant while simultaneously allowing you to build relationships in the field. These connections can help give you glowing letters of recommendation and may even benefit you after you graduate.
While each school has different application requirements, the general requirements to study nursing are as follows:
For Master’s and Ph.D. programs, a BSN or MSN may be required.
Navigating nursing school can be challenging, but it's all about finding the right strategies. Being organized is key, as it saves you precious time. Make studying a regular habit to absorb information effectively, and don't forget self-care – it keeps you in top shape to conquer your nursing studies.
To get into a nursing school after high school, you'll want to start by making sure you've excelled in science and math courses during your high school years. Then, research nursing programs to understand their specific admission requirements.
Typically, you'll need to submit your high school transcripts, standardized test scores (like SAT or ACT), and perhaps letters of recommendation. Craft a compelling personal statement to showcase your passion for nursing, and don't forget to apply to multiple nursing schools to maximize your chances of acceptance.
If you're considering nursing after college, your path may vary a bit. Begin by earning a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology or psychology. While in college, maintain a strong GPA, as nursing programs can be competitive.
After graduating, explore accelerated nursing programs designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree in another discipline. These programs often require prerequisite courses like anatomy and physiology.
Apply to your preferred nursing programs and prepare for any necessary interviews. Your college background can be a valuable asset in your nursing school applications.
Getting into nursing school can be challenging but Inspira Advantage is here to help.
With personalized and specific Nursing School Admissions consulting, you’ll be able to smoothly navigate your application for nursing school and get one step closer to making your dreams of becoming an RN a reality.
Once you’ve gone through each of these steps and made your way through nursing school, the NCLEX is your next step. Fortunately, our team of experts can set you up for success with personalized NCLEX test prep.
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