Nursing is one of the most rewarding careers out there. You get an opportunity to directly impact lives and help people heal and recover. Nursing continues to be a coveted field of study in the United States, with current predictions from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showing a projected rise in the number of Registered Nurse positions by a solid 6% between 2022 and 2032.
Whether you are someone looking for a career switch or fresh out of high school looking to embark upon your career, this article will help you navigate the journey of joining a nursing school.
Basic Requirements to Apply to Nursing School
While none of the items below are anything out of the ordinary, they are a good checklist of the usual things that nursing schools ask for in their application process:
High School Diploma or GED
This is a basic qualification that is needed across the board for all pathways.
Prerequisite Courses
An applicant might be expected to complete courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry in their school curriculum or electives, especially for the BSN and MSN programs.
Minimum GPA
While this depends on the university and program you are applying for, most of them have an ideal range of at least 2.5–3.0 GPA. This can increase when applying for more prestigious or competitive programs.
Standardized Tests
Some programs may also ask for ACT/SAT scores or require the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) as a basis for admission.
Letters of Recommendation (LOR) & Personal Statement
Personal statements help admissions officers gauge your motivation and suitability for nursing. A strong and relevant LOR can be a great differentiator in a large pile of applicants.
What if you’re switching careers?
You don’t need to start from scratch if you already have a Bachelor’s degree and wish to enter the nursing field. Some nursing schools have launched direct entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors designed for applicants who wish to enter the field without any work experience and a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
The curriculum of such programs usually blends foundational nursing theory with practical exposure to real-life clinical work. The aim is to prepare you to sit for the NCLEX-RN (an exam you need to pass to get a license and begin practice as a registered nurse). Such programs can make career pivots easier and allow you to chase your ideal job.
Tips To Strengthen Your Application
Whatever the path you choose, these tips will help you prepare a solid application that will tick the right boxes:
1. Gain Healthcare work experience
This would be a strong starting point in your application. Going for volunteer opportunities or bagging an opportunity to work as a medical assistant would show a strong interest and passion in the field.
2. Write a strong personal statement
Express your passion for the field. Draw on past experiences, if any. Explain why nursing piques your interest and how your background supports your future success.
3. Demonstrate soft skill proficiency
Strong soft skills are highly sought after in the nursing profession. Good communication is needed to communicate well with patients. Resilience and empathy are also needed to survive the day-to-day challenges of the job.
4. Get good recommendations
Well-written LORs from relevant people can be the icing on the cake for a great application. People who can vouch for your communication skills, leadership, and work ethic are usually a good fit.
What To Expect In Nursing School
Getting in is just the start of a challenging but exciting journey. Enrolled students should be ready for an intense and rewarding student experience. Coursework will be a good mix of different (but interlinked) aspects of the job, like anatomy, pharmacology, mental health, nursing ethics, and in some cases, also the soft skills. You will be expected to master both the technical and the interpersonal facets of the job.
In addition to classroom learning, clinical rotations will place you in real-world healthcare settings under the supervision of licensed nurses. This would be a brilliant opportunity to hone your skills and learn on the job. Doing things out there in the real world would also build your confidence and make you more employable. You would be expected to juggle classes, shifts, assignments, and other external responsibilities, so time management is critical. While the program may seem intense, it is usually designed like this to help students cope better with the challenges of their future role.
Getting into nursing school is competitive. But the right preparation and a positive mindset will allow you to fulfill your ambitions. Even if you are pivoting from a different background, the right degree would enable a smooth transition into the profession. While the journey is not the easiest, the positive impact on patients, families, and communities will make the hustle worth it.
