How to Get Into Nursing School

Nursing brings together patient care and teamwork, but it starts with the right education. Preparing before you apply leads to better decisions later. There are five main steps to getting into nursing school, plus a few moves that help you stand out and pay for it.

Step 1: Pick a career path

Decide what kind of nursing you want first. The field runs from entry-level assisting to executive roles, with a long list of specialties and a range of settings to work in. Those choices shape which programs you pursue.

Step 2: Choose a degree

Every nursing role has a minimum education level for licensing. Entry-level paths get you working faster, while advanced degrees open up more opportunity and significantly higher pay. The right level depends on your goals and your state's requirements.

• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate or diploma: The fastest way in. CNA programs can take weeks and prepare you for entry-level duties.
• Licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate or diploma: Trains you to work under RN supervision, providing much of the same care as a CNA plus some added duties.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): The fastest track to becoming a registered nurse. An associate's is all you currently need for an RN license, though many employers prefer a bachelor's.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): Makes you more competitive than an ADN. Some states require RNs to eventually earn it. If you already hold a bachelor's in another field, a second-degree BSN takes less time.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Built for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), including nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists, plus RNs moving into leadership and administration.
• Doctoral degree: For teaching at the university level, nursing research, or executive roles. Options include the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Nursing Science, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Education in Nursing.

Step 3: Find the right programs

Before you apply, get clear on what you want. Ask whether the program is accredited, offers the degree your career needs, includes the specialties you care about, and gives you enough clinical rotation time. Look at the quality of its equipment, how students do on licensing exams, whether it runs career placement, and whether you can afford the tuition. Attending information sessions gives you a real feel for a program, and some schools let you sit in on a class or meet professors.

If an online format fits your life, those programs exist in a hybrid setup. The clinical portion has to be done in person, but most of your nonclinical classes can be online.

Step 4: Meet the prerequisites and admission requirements

Once you've narrowed your list, confirm you meet each program's requirements.

GPA. Requirements vary by school and degree. Expect to need an acceptable high school GPA or GED equivalent, or solid grades from prior college work. CNA and LPN programs may not set a minimum, many associate's programs want at least a 2.5, and bachelor's and graduate programs often require a 3.0 or higher. The more advanced and competitive the program, the higher your GPA needs to be.

Prerequisites. Lower-level degrees usually require general education courses like English and math plus sciences such as anatomy, chemistry, and biology. Advanced degrees carry more specific requirements tied to your concentration. If you're missing courses, earn those credits before applying.

Entrance exams. Most programs require a general test like the SAT or ACT, a nursing-specific exam, or sometimes one of each. These assess reading and math and help schools gauge your potential. Common nursing exams include the NLN Pre-Admission Exam (PAX), the Kaplan Admissions Test, the Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) aptitude exams, the ATI Test of Academic Skills (TEAS), and the HESI exam. Each has its own format and scoring, so research what you're walking into and use practice exams to sharpen your score.

Additional requirements. Because you'll work in healthcare, you'll need proof of current immunizations and CPR certification. Essays, letters of recommendation, a career statement, and an in-person interview may also be part of the process, especially for graduate school. Once you've gathered everything, submit your application and pay any fees.

Step 5: Apply

Put the final touches on your application and send it. If your school offers early acceptance, take it. It signals your interest and improves your odds.

How to stand out

Beyond the standard requirements, a few things raise your chances:

• Volunteer, especially in healthcare. Hospitals run volunteer roles from the emergency department to childcare. The experience builds your candidacy and connects you with professionals who become resources later.
• Visit every school you're considering. Talking to advisors, students, and professors tells you what the admissions committee wants and how competitive the program really is.
• Submit a letter of recommendation, even when it's optional. Volunteer supervisors and former health or science teachers make strong references.

Worried about weak grades or test scores? Start smaller and work up. If your goal is RN or higher, finishing a CNA program first looks good on later applications, and hands-on experience can matter more than past grades.

How to pay for it

Start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on your financial situation, it determines which government assistance you qualify for, including loans, grants, and work-study. Scholarships fill the remaining gaps, and you'll find awards for all kinds of students as well as ones tied to specialties, backgrounds, and cultural identities.

Nursing also opens the door to student loan forgiveness. Nurses have more of these resources than most, with federal programs that grant up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to get into nursing school? Pick a career path, choose a degree level, find accredited programs that fit, meet the prerequisites and admission requirements, and apply. A few extras help you stand out, like healthcare volunteering, school visits, and a strong letter of recommendation.

What GPA do I need for nursing school? It varies by level. CNA and LPN programs may set no minimum, many associate's programs want at least a 2.5, and bachelor's and graduate programs often require a 3.0 or higher (AACN). The more competitive the program, the higher the bar.

What entrance exam do nursing schools require? Most require a general test like the SAT or ACT, a nursing-specific exam, or both. Common nursing exams include the ATI TEAS, the HESI A2, the NLN PAX, the Kaplan Admissions Test, and the PSB exams. Each has its own format, so use practice tests.

Which nursing degree should I choose? It depends on your goals. CNA and LPN get you working fastest, an ADN is the quickest route to RN licensure, and a BSN is more competitive and increasingly preferred by employers. MSN and doctoral degrees open advanced practice, leadership, teaching, and research.

How do I pay for nursing school? Start with the FAFSA, which determines your eligibility for federal loans, grants, and work-study. Scholarships fill the gaps, and many nurses later qualify for loan forgiveness through federal health-workforce programs.

Is nursing a good career to get into? The outlook is strong. RN employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 189,100 openings each year (BLS).