Other Nursing School Requirements
In addition to the pre-reqs for nursing discussed above, students need to meet other nursing school requirements. For instance, most schools require a grade of “C” or better in these general education and science courses. ADN programs usually admit students with an overall high school GPA between 2.5 and 2.75, while BSN degrees require at least a 3.0 GPA. More selective undergraduate programs may require GPAs of 3.25 or higher.
Nursing schools often ask for an essay describing educational and career goals. You can make these stand out from the competition by explaining why you want to attend this particular program, how you became interested in nursing, and what personal or volunteer experiences helped you expand your interest in healthcare.
Although many schools no longer require standardized tests, students who score well on the SAT or ACT may choose to submit these results to boost their chances or offset weaknesses in their academic record. Some nursing schools require entrance exams, such as the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam or the Nursing Entrance Test to determine an applicant’s likelihood of success. Check with your intended schools to learn about any examination requirements.
How Much Will Nursing School Cost
The amount of money you will need for nursing school also depends upon the program you choose. Typically, in-state tuition is cheaper than out-of-state tuition and as a general rule private schools cost more than public schools. You will need to check with the school you are considering to see what it charges per semester. The best nursing schools may cost more than the less-renowned schools.
Become A Certified Nursing Assistant
Becoming a CNA can add valuable work experience to a prospective nursing students resume. CNA education requirements take only several months to complete but can provide a great insight into the healthcare field. Additionally, it also can help pay for nursing school. A lot of people start their nursing practice as CNAs.
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Requirements To Get Into Nursing School
The requirements for getting into nursing school include having a non-nursing bachelors degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0, completing ABSN prerequisite courses within the minimum grade requirements, filling out an ABSN program application, submitting a current resume and personal essay, and passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills .
If youre interested in becoming a nurse, you might be looking for a program where your previous college credits can be applied toward your nursing education. Notre Dame of Maryland Universitys Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing program helps students like you do just that, even if you have no prior health care experience.
Nursing school requirements vary based on the institution, but Notre Dames ABSN program offers a streamlined approach that gets you through the application process and into your nursing courses on an accelerated, 15 month timeline.
In fact, weve boiled down the nursing school admissions process to just six requirements. To be eligible to enroll in our ABSN program, you must first meet Notre Dames accelerated nursing requirements, which are outlined below.
What Is The Acceptance Rate For Nursing School
Each nursing school will have a different acceptance rate. The acceptance rate will depend on how competitive the nursing program is, how many students apply and how many students accept entrance to nursing school.
For my school, which was a big state school that had about 30,000 students in total, our nursing program accepted around 175 students each year. The nursing program had 160 seats for regular applicants, 10 for military applicants and 5 for other special circumstances.
My school was also highly competitive. This meant that there was several hundred applicants competing for the same spot . Our minimum GPA to even apply was 3.0+ in science prerequisites and a 2.75+ overall.
Again, the acceptance rate for nursing school can differ based on what program you apply for , but typically theyre highly competitive.
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Tips For Passing The Nclex
The NCLEX is the licensure examination from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Its a pass or fail exam that every state uses to test your skill level before granting you a nursing license.
Testers are usually allowed 6 hours to complete the NCLEX. The test consists of anywhere from 75 to 265 questions, depending on how quickly you pass or fail. Preparing ahead of time can increase your chances of passing and can make the entire experience a more positive one.
Here are some ways to improve your chances of passing the NCLEX:
The NCLEX is designed to focus on what you were taught in school, and it is purely based on science and deductive reasoning.
Important Things To Remember During The Interview Process
- Be up to date on current health stories
- Prepare by practicing mock interviews
- Know key facts about the nursing program and the university
- Dont lie, evade, or embellish during the interview
While the type of questions asked at nursing school interviews is expansive and differs for every program, most nursing school interview questions fall into one of the following categories:
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Do All These Requirements Feel Overwhelming
This was an exhaustive list of requirements, and it may feel like a lot. Just remember, we are here to help with every step of the process. One of the qualities of Concordia St. Paul that sets us apart from other programs is our commitment to your success. We will help you through the entire journey of transitioning from your past field into the new and exciting path of nursing.
Ive gone through enrollment processes at other schools, and you dont talk to anybody you just submit paperwork and wait, says Vickie Waadevig, a Concordia Accelerated BSN graduate.
As your academic plan unfolds, your admissions counselor will do everything in their power to keep you informed and up-to-date on all requirements needed to submit the best application possible. You are not in this alone, and we are always just a call away.
Complete Many Volunteer Hours Or Get A Job In Healthcare
Most, if not all, nursing schools now require volunteer hours. While there is no set amount required by colleges it can be anywhere from one hundred to multiple hundreds of volunteer hours. These are required to be in some healthcare capacity. Working in healthcare is a way to make your name stand-out among those who do not.
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What Gpa Do You Need To Get Into Nursing School
The GPA that you need for nursing school depends on the program you apply for. Quite honestly, most programs require you to have a 3.0 or higher, but there are some programs that are lower. If youre applying for a private school , they will have lower GPA requirements.
Even if these requirements are met, you could still possibly be wait-listed. A lot of nursing schools can only accept a certain amount of students .
You can read more about requirements and how to know what to expect here.
Develop A Tuition Payment Strategy
One of the most important considerations when obtaining a higher education degree is how you will pay for it. There are several ways to pay for school, including private loans, government loans, scholarships or grants, and employer tuition reimbursement.
You can learn more about financial aid in our Financial Resources Guide.
Nursing-specific scholarships
Many institutions award scholarships to eligible applicants in order to assist them financially in their studies. While some scholarships can only be used for specific purposes, many can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses accrued during your time of study.
Overall, there are a wide variety of scholarships available to nursing students. Here are just a few to consider as you are applying to nursing programs:
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The is available to both undergraduate and graduate nursing students âwho have contributed volunteer service to or are employees of an American Red Cross Unit.
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The National Black Nurses Association , Inc. award various scholarships each year to current NBNA members ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
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American Association Colleges of Nursing awards a wide variety of scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students.
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Cherokee Uniformâs A Nurse I Am scholarship offers ten recipients currently enrolled in nursing courses scholarships worth $3,000.
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The Foundation of the National Student Nursesâ Association , Inc. awards scholarships up to $10,000 to undergraduates in eligible nursing programs.
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High School Classes To Take To Prepare For Nursing School
What classes should you take in high school if you plan on going to nursing school? Thats a common question were asked by aspiring nurses who are still in high school. Its never too early to start preparing for nursing school, and in this article, Ill give you some tips on how you can prepare right now.
Before we get started, Ill just say that its always a good idea to make an appointment with your schools guidance counselor to discuss your future plans. He or she will work to ensure that youre taking all of the classes you need to take to prepare you for your nursing school journey. He or she will also ensure that you take necessary exams such as the ACT or SAT.
How To Apply For Nursing School
When youre looking to apply for nursing school you should know which schools you want to apply for and what their requirements are. Because each school is different, you need to know what their expectations are and how to cater for them.
Before even beginning to apply for nursing school, you need to have a plan in place outlining which nursing program you want to attend,which college you want to attend, and what your GPA and attributes are. As a result of having a strong plan in place, it can greatly increase your chances of being accepted to nursing school.
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Program Details & Curriculum
General Education Requirements: 60 Credits
Lower Division Nursing*: 47 Credits
Major ConcentrationUpper Division Nursing: 15 Credits
Total: 122 Credits
The B.S. in nursing program is designed to prepare students to:
- Be accountable for professional nursing care
- Collaborate in leadership roles within the changing health care delivery system
- Participate in the process of inquiry
- Prepare for graduate study
Admission Criteria for Acceptance into the Nursing Program:
- High School GPA of 85*
- Grade of 80 in all math and science classes taken in 9th-11th grades
- Math- three years including algebra
- Science- three years including biology and chemistry
- Average grade of 78 in all English classes taken in 9th-11th grades
*Students with a GPA of 85 will be reviewed for acceptance into the nursing program when the application is complete. Students with a GPA between 80 and 84, may be reviewed for acceptance into the nursing program if there is space available and other admission criteria is met.
Going To Nursing School
There is more than one educational pathway leading to eligibility to take the standardized National Council Licensure Examination .
As someone thinking about a nursing career, youll want to decide whether to pursue an associate or a bachelors degree before you can figure out what you need to enroll in school.
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What Do Nursing Schools Look For In Applicants
Most nursing schools want to know that you have the desire and ability to learn. Their admission requirements, such as your GPA, personal essay, and test scores, are designed to give them a good sense of this.
They likely want to see that you have good communication skills. Nurses are expected to be able to communicate both verbally and in written form. The medical field is continuing to go digital as well, so you may need to demonstrate that you are comfortable with technology.
Research Different Nursing Programs
Some contend that narrowing down the nursing programs youd like to attend can be even more nerve-wracking than the application process itself. The more research you do, the more youll realize that nursing programs are not one-size-fits-all.
As you begin digging into the details of the programs that pique your interest, there are a few key things you can be looking for that often signify a high-quality nursing program:
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Top 11 Requirements To Get Into Nursing School
If youre thinking about applying to accelerated nursing school, youve probably experienced how complicated the admissions process can become. With the educational requirements, entrance exams, interviews and applications, it can be hard to navigate. Thats where we come in. Were going to clarify the main points for you, so the requirements to get into nursing school become clear.
At Concordia University, St. Pauls 16-month Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, we are committed to making your journey to a nursing career smoother. Our admissions counselors will work one-on-one with you to help you create a plan for completing the requirements to get into nursing school.
Whether you plan on applying to nursing school now or in the future, its important to know what will be asked of you when applying. Here are the 11 key requirements to get into nursing school at an accelerated program.
Related Programs And Courses
Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.
Health Career Training ProgramsStudents have the opportunity to learn an entry level skill in the field of health sciences such as dialysis, EKG, phlebotomy, pharmacy technician, or medical assistant. We also offer wellness training and TEAS test preparation. Learn more about Health Career Training Programs.
Nursing Related CoursesNursing related courses include certified nursing assistant , certified geriatric assistant , and CPR and first aid training. We also offer nursing refresher classes for nurses wishing to reenter the field, as well as NCLEX RN review. Learn more about Nursing Related Courses.
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How To Become An Lpn
An LPN is responsible for providing patients with essential care, which includes helping them to eat, dress, bathe, etc. They also assist Registered Nurses and doctors in keeping detailed records, maintaining clear communication between the entire care team and working with patients and their families.
This degree is good for individuals that were waitlisted to a nursing program, did not get into an accredited nursing program, need to work throughout nursing school, or do not have the ability to pay for a nursing program.
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Education: LPN/LVN program + NCLEX-PN completion
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Program Length: 2-3 years
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Salary: $48,070 per year via BLS
Education That Leads To An In
After the work and time you put in to become the best possible nurse, you want to know your effort will pay off. In nursing, it will. The more experience and education you have, the better your career choices can be.
Build On Your Ivy Tech Credential
Career Goal
Certified Nursing Assistant
Monitor vital signs, bathe and dress patients, assist with repositioning and walking.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Change bandages, monitor blood pressure, collect blood and urine samples and address patient concerns to RNs and doctors.
Registered Nurse
Assess patients, administer medications and treatments, assist in diagnostic testing, provide emotional support and health education to patients and families.
Registered Nurse
Positions such as infection control nurse, case management nurse, Informatics nurse, nurse managers, and hospital nurse educators.
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Us Top 10 Online Nursing Schools
The US News & World Report ranks the best online graduate nursing schools based on factors like student engagement, selectivity of engagement, credentials, and training of faculty, peer reputation, and student services including technology. Listed below are the top 10 online nursing programs, followed by profiles of each.
See the rest of the list at US News & World Report.
Submission Of Official Transcripts
The official transcripts for your past college courses or degree are a vital piece to applying to an ABSN program. Some nursing schools do not require transcripts until later in the application process. At CSP, youll need to submit your official transcript along with your nursing application, so make sure to get it in before the application deadline.
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Attend An Accredited Nursing Program
Whatever route you choose – be it CNA, LPN, ADN, BSN, or anything else – you want to make sure your program is accredited. If you don’t go with an accredited program, it can impact your job prospects and your ability to transfer your credits down the road.
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Choosing The Right Nursing School For You
There are many factors to consider when choosing which nursing schools to apply to. When researching potential programs, think about the following:
LOCATION
Are you interested in relocating and living on campus, or do you want to go to a local commuter school? Having the ability to move locations offers a wider variety of schools to consider while choosing a program close to home may be more affordable.
MODALITY
Are you interested solely in an on-campus experience? Do you want the flexibility of taking some or all of your courses virtually? Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible to attend nursing school online, such as earning your BSN degree through an online BSN program. However, you will be required to complete a preceptorship in a clinical setting where you are located.
SCHOOL AND CLASS SIZES
Do you want to attend a larger university with a recognized brand? Do you want smaller classes and more face-time with professors? When researching programs, be sure to look at the population of the university, as well as the number of nursing students in the program and average class sizes.
COST AND FINANCIAL AID
Affordability is another important factor to consider. In addition to looking at tuition costs, see what grant and scholarship opportunities are available through the nursing school.
PROGRAM QUALITY
RELATIONSHIPS AND CONNECTIONS
PREVIOUS EDUCATION
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