Nursing school preparation can be a bit overwhelming for some people. That’s why we’ve created this section to help pre-nursing students find the resources, tips, and tools they need so that they can successfully apply to nursing school. Whether you are a high school student looking to apply to nursing school once you graduate, or if you are a 40-year-old mother looking to get a degree in nursing–these tips can help you start the necessary process of getting things in order so you can be accepted into an accredited program.
Most nursing schools will have certain requirements that must be met before you can apply or be accepted into the nursing program. It is important to complete all of the necessary requirements to increase your chances of being accepted. Some nursing schools are so busy (due to the high demand), that there are waiting lists.
While each nursing school may be different, most programs will require at least the following things:
- ACT/SAT Test Completion–Many nursing schools will require completion of SAT and or ACT tests in order to apply. Some may require a certain score to be accepted. Check with the admissions office of the school you hope to attend to learn more.
- High School GPA–Some nursing schools may require or prefer a certain GPA (grade point average). If you can maintain good grades in high school, you stand a better chance of getting accepted into a college or university program.
- Graduate High School or Get a GED–Nearly every nursing school will require a high school diploma or GED equivalent education. So if you do not have these yet, it is important to finish this step first. Also, make sure to speak with a guidance counsellor or university nursing school advisor about any courses you may need to have completed prior to attending nursing school (or general college).
- Volunteer or Work in Nursing Fields–A great way to build your college application (and future resume) is to volunteer or work in the field. Hospitals, schools, businesses, and other organizations often provide many opportunities to gain experience.
- Find a College or School with an Accredited Nursing Program & Apply–It is important to find an accredited nursing school so you can practice legally as a nurse and get the necessary licensing. Once you locate a nursing program you’d like to attend, the next step is to send in an application.
- Nursing School Interview–If your application is selected, then you may have to attend an interview session. Don’t worry, we have tips to help you pass your nursing school interview as well. These are generally simple, and they help nursing schools identify students who are serious about becoming a nurse.
- Apply for Financial Aid, School Loans, etc.– Getting an education isn’t cheap. So if you cannot afford to finance your education with savings, it is a great idea to go ahead and apply for financial aid, scholarships, and loans as needed once you get accepted into a program. While most grants, scholarships, and financial aid do not have to be paid back, loans do. So it is a good idea to only borrow what you absolutely need to survive and pass.
- Get the Necessary Tools to Succeed–Make sure to get the textbooks, nursing tools, study guides, and required materials so that you can successfully study and pass. Remember, you get out of it what you put into it. Things like study guides, flash cards, and similar tools can be a great way to study and learn material.
- Bookmark This Site–Bookmark this site and sign up for our free newsletter so you can stay up-to-date with nursing. This site’s goal is to provide tips before, during, and after life in nursing school. We want to help you every step of the way, even after graduation. So make sure to stay involved, and keep coming back for more tips and help. Also, please help share this with others interested in nursing.
Questions About Preparing for Nursing Schools
Keep this page bookmarked for more great articles on how to prepare for nursing school, as well as answers to commonly asked questions below.
- Scholarships for Nursing Students | Grants Versus Loans
- How to Afford Nursing School
- Nursing School Interview & Application Tips
- Can I Become a Nurse with a Misdemeanor
- What Are Nursing School Clinicals?
- Can I Become a Nurse If I’m Afraid of Blood?
- How Long Did It Take to Get Into Nursing School?
- Is Nursing School Really Bad?
- Am I Meant for Nursing School?
- Do’s and Dont’s of Nursing Programs
- Does Nursing School Destroy Your Personal Life?
- Nursing School Waiting List of 1 Year: What to Do?
- Nursing School Acceptance Tips
- Can You Get Into Nursing School with a D?
Thinking about going to Nursing School?
Are you contemplating going to nursing school, or are you actually in nursing school right now? Nursing school can be challenging, especially if you do not know what to expect. Here is a great guide by S. L. Page BSN, RN called “How to Pass Nursing School“. This book gives you detailed information about how to pass nursing school from beginning to end. S.L. Page, the creator of this website, complied all the information students what to know about nursing school into one easy to read guide. She gives in depth information on how to succeed in nursing school.
S.L. Page graduated from nursing school with honors and passed the NCLEX-RN on her first try. In this eBook, she reveals the strategies she used to help her succeed.
Here is what the book looks like: