Learning how to get into nursing school starts with understanding what makes the process challenging. To help ease the challenges, find the right program for you by considering degree paths, accreditations, and more. Finally, review the admissions steps, such as carefully choosing references and writing a thoughtful personal statement.
Applying to nursing school can be competitive. Many factors affect admission, from your GPA to the program’s seat availability. Learning how to get into nursing school helps set you up for success by choosing the right program that meets your needs and academic background.
At Felician University, our team of admissions counselors is available to help students navigate the admissions process for the hybrid or on-ground Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in New Jersey. They will help make getting into nursing school easier by supporting and guiding you through every step.
In the meantime, understanding what makes getting into nursing school challenging, what to look for in a nursing program, and the steps for admission will prepare you to meet the challenges of the admissions process.
How Hard Is It to Get into Nursing School?
Getting into nursing school can be challenging at times. Nursing programs and clinical placements can only accommodate a limited number of students each year, making the application process competitive for many students. The advanced coursework and rigorous curriculum also set a high standard for applicants.
While the process can be challenging, understanding the requirements to get into nursing school and finding the right program that meets your specific needs and career goals can ease the process. Additionally, many programs offer admissions support to help guide applicants throughout the process, like Felician’s ABSN admissions counselors.
What Kind of GPA Do You Need to Get into Nursing School?
While not the defining factor in your nursing school application, your GPA is important. There is no standard for GPA admission requirements across schools, so the answer depends heavily on your program of interest. Felician University’s ABSN program requires applicants to have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in all undergraduate work.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Nursing Program
The first step in learning how to get into nursing school is finding the right program. You must consider several factors, such as which degree you want to earn and the quality of the nursing program. Consider the following factors to help you find the right program for you.
Degree Paths
To become a nurse, you must first earn either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Both degrees make you eligible to take the NCLEX-RN, the nationally recognized licensing exam for registered nurses; however, there are distinct benefits to earning a BSN.
BSN-educated nurses are highly sought after for their critical thinking, case management skills, and ability to practice in diverse healthcare settings. Earning a BSN can also help you find employment faster after graduation. According to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 96% of BSN graduates found employment within four to six months of graduation.
Accreditation
Nursing school accreditation signifies that the institution and nursing program meet professional standards. Your nursing program must be regionally accredited and approved by your state board of nursing. This ensures you will receive a quality education that qualifies you for the NCLEX once you graduate with a nursing degree.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
NCLEX-RN pass rates are another way to gauge a program’s quality. Nursing programs with high NCLEX pass rates indicate that students receive a comprehensive and high-quality education that prepares them with the skills and knowledge needed to become practice-ready nurses.
Program Length
You should also consider program length when looking for a nursing program. While the time to graduation depends heavily on your chosen degree and educational background, there is some variation across programs.
If you do not have any college experience or a bachelor’s degree, you would need to enroll in an ADN or traditional BSN program. ADN programs typically take two years to complete, while traditional BSN programs typically take four years.
An accelerated BSN program might be right for you if you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or some non-nursing college credits. These programs leverage your previous education so you can fast-track the time to graduation. ABSNs vary in length but can typically be completed in less than two years.
At Felician University, the hybrid and on-ground accelerated BSN program can be completed in as few as 16 months, so you can graduate with a quality BSN, become licensed, and start working as a nurse sooner.
Program Delivery Options
As you review nursing programs, you’ll notice that there are a few program delivery options. Because nursing is a hands-on profession, a nursing degree cannot be earned entirely online; however, many schools offer a hybrid program that combines online coursework with in-person nursing labs and clinicals.
At Felician, ABSN students can choose between a hybrid or an on-ground, entirely in-person option. Regardless of your chosen program delivery option, you will receive a well-rounded education that prepares you to take the NCLEX confidently and become a competent and skilled registered nurse.
Read more to learn how an online nursing education prepares you for your nursing career.
Steps for Getting into Nursing School
To understand how to get into a nursing program, you must consider each step in the admission process. These steps vary across programs, so carefully review the admission requirements for each of your programs of interest.
Despite the differences, you can expect to need to connect with an admissions counselor, create a plan to meet requirements, complete prerequisite courses, and prepare admission materials for your application.
Connect with an Admissions Counselor
The first key step in learning how to get into nursing school is connecting with your admissions counselor. Though your counselor is not a member of the decision committee, they are your advocate and supporter throughout the application process.
If you show your admissions counselor how passionate you are about caring for patients, they will work hard to ensure you submit the most competitive application possible. So, when interacting with your admissions counselor, show respect, kindness, and gratitude.
When applying to the Felician ABSN, you will be assigned a dedicated admissions counselor who will guide and support you through every step of the admissions process.
Create an Academic Plan
Every nursing program has its own set of admission requirements you must meet. While specifics vary, you will need to create an academic plan to help you meet the requirements. Your plan can include retaking a course to raise your GPA, completing prerequisites, or taking a challenge exam for a science course completed over 10 years ago.
If you are applying to the ABSN at Felician, your admissions counselor will review your transcripts and help you develop a plan to meet the requirements before your target start date.
Some nursing programs also require you to pass an entrance exam, though Felician does not. Every school is different, so pay attention to your target school’s requirements to ensure you meet them before submitting your application.
Complete Prerequisite Courses
Depending on the program, you might need to meet prerequisite requirements to get into nursing school. Prerequisites are common requirements for accelerated BSN programs. They help ensure that all students enter the program with a foundation in science, math, and general education, so they’re ready for nursing courses.
At Felician, our ABSN prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C+ or higher and science courses must be completed within 10 years of your application date.
Choose Great Professional or Academic References
For most accelerated nursing programs, you’ll need to provide recommendation letters, so carefully choose who should write these letters. Think about individuals who know you well from an academic or professional setting.
You can ask a professor, coach, manager, or coworker to write your letter, as long as they are not family or personal friends. Give them plenty of time to write the letter and provide details about your intentions for nursing school and what type of insight you’d like them to provide to the admissions committee.
Write a Thoughtful Personal Statement
Your personal statement is your time to let your personality and heart come through on your nursing school application. You can use this essay to show the committee who you are and what inspires you.
Focus on the qualities and experiences that make you unique. Maybe your grandmother inspired you to become a nurse because she cared for people in her community, or perhaps you or a family member faced a health hardship that caused you to feel called to patient care. Share your story, and the admissions committee will see the unique perspective you’ll bring to the class.
Before you submit your personal statement, have someone read through it and provide edits and feedback. Taking the time to edit and proofread your work will help you submit a polished and cohesive essay.
Prepare Financial Aid
Higher education is an investment and requires careful financial planning. As you prepare to start nursing school, you must consider the best way to pay for tuition and other fees. Many options are available to you: federal grants and loans, scholarships, and private student loans.
At Felician University, we’re ready to help you put together a plan. When you apply to the ABSN program, our ABSN enrollment team can connect you to a financial aid counselor who can answer your questions and guide you through the financial aid process, so you can confidently start your nursing school journey.
Is nursing school a good career for you? Here are some of the reasons to become a nurse.
Begin the ABSN Admissions Process at Felician
Now that you understand how to get into nursing school, it’s time to put your knowledge to use. At Felician, applying to the ABSN program does not need to be complicated, thanks to the guidance of our dedicated admissions counselors.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits, you might be eligible to earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. Felician’s hybrid ABSN program in Parsippany, New Jersey, and on-ground program in Rutherford, New Jersey, will help set you on the path toward becoming a practice-ready nurse.
Contact an admissions counselor today to take the first steps toward enrollment.
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible for the accelerated nursing program. Felician offers two formats for the program: the 16-month Hybrid ABSN, blending online courses, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations, and the 18-month On-Ground ABSN, which follows a similar structure except that all courses take place in person.
Contact us today to learn more about applying to the ABSN program at Felician.