How to Get into a Nursing School
The first step to becoming a licensed nurse is to attend nursing school. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about applying and getting into nursing school, including how to pay for it and what to expect. This post will tell you how to apply to nursing schools so you can apply for an online RN to BSN program today.
Complete the Prerequisites for Nursing School
There are some broad criteria that you must meet for virtually all programs, although the exact requirements vary from program to program. These include:
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Hold a GED or high school certificate.
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Have TEAS and SAT certificate
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Passed required high school biology, chemistry, and math courses with a grade of C or better.
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Achieved a GPA of at least 2.0 to 2.75 for the ADN program and achieved 3.0 and more for the BSN program.
Explore a Suitable Program
There are various ways to become a nurse and different levels of nursing. The following are the four most popular paths to becoming a nurse or nursing assistant in the United States:
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Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate or diploma
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certificate or diploma
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Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Prepare Your Application Documents
There are several components to an application that you should consider completing promptly:
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Letters of Recommendation: Many universities ask for two to three recommendation letters, so ensure to ask your instructor three to six weeks before the deadline.
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School Transcripts: Ensure to contact your school at least three weeks before the deadline to send your high school or GED transcript to your chosen program.
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Test Scores: You should send a copy of your SAT or TEAS score at least two weeks before the deadline to guarantee that the tests arrive on time for your program.
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Essays and Other Written Material: Make sure you have enough time to complete these essential application components before the deadline, as they can take a surprising amount of time.
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Prepare For Your Interview: Prepare in advance by preparing answers to common interview questions and practicing with a friend or family member instead of just taking the test.
Create a Plan
How you will pay for your higher education is an essential factor. There are many ways to pay for college, including private loans, government loans, grants or scholarships, and tuition reimbursement from employers.
Select a Suitable Program
Consider the following factors when choosing the program.
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Attendance costs, especially with financial aid, grants, and scholarships
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A school setting, whether in person or online
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Program completion time
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Program flexibility, especially if you have to work during school
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Extracurricular or vocational activities in school
Be sure to take the time to explore what each school has to offer, as nursing degrees can sometimes overwhelm a student if they are not enjoying the experience.
Qualifying for nursing school can be difficult. However, with some preparation and consideration, you can focus your search on the ideal program.
