You can never start preparing for nursing school too early, especially while you are in high school. High school is a great place to start prepping and planning yourself for attending nursing school.
You will want to start asking yourself “Where do I want to go to nursing school?” and “What are the educational requirements for nursing school?”
In this article, I am going to discuss some steps that you can take when preparing for nursing school. I have made a video on this topic if you want to watch it. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and check out my other Nursing School Tips videos.
Steps to Take When Preparing for Nursing School as a High School Student
- Keep that GPA high! I listed this first because this is one of the most important things you can do. When you apply to a university with a nursing program they will look at your grade point average (GPA), so it is essential you study hard and keep good grades in high school.
Try to aim for a 3.0 or higher. The reason why is because it will help you secure scholarships, prepare you for college courses (if you learn how to study hard in high school it will be an easier transition in nursing school), and increase your chances of getting into a nursing school you desire.
- Be on the college path! Many high schools allow you to pick a “path” (technical, dual, or college path) in high school. These paths are guides in helping you take the right classes that compliment your career goals. In order to get into some universities, you have to take college prep courses in high school like: Geometry, foreign language, English, chemistry etc., and if you haven’t taken these classes while in high school you will have to take them in college. This will add extra time it takes to graduate and cost you more money. So, make sure you are taking the required courses in high school and speaking with your guidance counselor is the best place to start.
- Prepare for the ACT/SAT (which ever one you are required to take)! Don’t be like me and not study for this exam. I foolishly thought, “Oh, I will take this exam and not study…I should know the material, I’ve made it this far in high school”. I was wrong and scored poorly on it. I ended up taking it several times until I got a score I needed to get into my university of choice. Buy an ACT or SAT prep book
and don’t wait until your senior year to take this exam.
In addition, see what the ACT or SAT score requirements are for the university you plan to attend. Do they require a composite score of at least a 21 or higher?
- Join HOSA-Future Health Professions! This is a high school club formerly called; Health Occupation Students of America, for students who plan on entering the healthcare field. It is a great club for future nurses (and other healthcare professions) because you get to compete in healthcare type competitions and network with others. It will help expose you to the healthcare profession and let you decide if this is something you want to do in the future.
- Shadow a Nurse! You will get to work side-by-side a nurse and observe what they do daily on the job. This will help you decide if nursing is for you. If you are interested in this, I would contact your local hospitals human resource department and see if they have these opportunities available.
- Volunteer in a hospital! These will expose you to different areas of the hospital and look great on your college application.
Take the quiz “Will I make a Good Nurse?” or “Will I succeed in Nursing School”.
*Disclosure: The ACT/SAT book I recommended in this article are recommendations based on our own honest personal opinion and experience. We are an affiliate with Amazon.com, and when you buy the products recommended by us, you help support this site.