letter to get into nursing school

Published in

Letter Templates

Letter of Intent for Nursing School (With Samples)

A letter of intent for nursing school is written to explain your goals qualifications and interest in a nursing school. When writing a letter of interest for nursing school, you should focus on explaining why you are interested in nursing school and what parts of your background make you a suitable candidate for nursing school as well as your ambitions after you graduate. With a high-quality letter of intent, you can get accepted into a nursing school that will start off your nursing admission and help you pursue your career goals.

Download Templates

The quality and content of your Letter of intent for nursing school will determine your chances of getting selected as a student in any nursing school, hence it is important that you ensure that your letter of intent for nursing school provides a clear representation of you, your accomplishments and your passion for the nursing profession. Download our well-researched, impeccable written, and proven templates today to give yourself an edge in the selection process.

How to Write a Letter of Intent for Nursing School

A letter of intent for nursing school should be well-written and highlight all the reasons you should be considered as a candidate. Here are some steps to guide you through the process of writing a letter of intent for nursing school to kick-start your nursing school application process:

Address the letter to the head

When addressing the letter, it is important to include the full address of the nursing school to which you are applying. However, if you are submitting an online letter of intent for nursing school, this step may be unnecessary. You should only mention the school.

Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself with your full name and state your reason for writing the letter of intent. Mention how the school suits your educational and career goals.

Analyze your reasons for choosing nursing

Nursing is a noble profession, and you need to identify why you are interested in being a nurse. List your reasons for wanting to be a nurse first before you start writing the later of intent.

Refer to the list you wrote before starting the letter. Briefly mention and explain your reasons for being passionate about nursing. You may employ the use of a short anecdote for your main reason. You may choose to refer to a childhood memory of your first encounter with a nurse, you may refer to a past experience with a loved one and how you developed a passion for helping patients.

Be sure to relate your reasons to basic nursing skills like maintaining patient charts, monitoring vital signs, bedside monitoring, patient and family education, etc. be sure to mention your good qualities such as your patience, compassion, adaptability, and other character-related qualities that will make you a good nurse.

Mention your qualifications and achievements

Mention the qualifications and achievements that make you a suitable candidate for the nursing school. You may also mention how you intend to maintain or improve upon your academic performance if you are admitted into the nursing school.

Add a professional closing

Round off your letter of intent for nursing school by expressing your gratitude for the consideration and your eagerness to hear from the reader. Finally use a professional closing and your name and signature (physical or email signature).

Template for a Letter of Intent for Nursing School

Dear selection committee,

I am writing to you to indicate my interest in admission into the nursing program. I am very interested in enrolling in your nursing program because (give specific details about the nursing school and why you want to enroll). Furthermore, I am confident in my passion for nursing, motivation, and previous accomplishments, and my prospects as a student nurse in your nursing program.

From an early age, I have developed a passion for the healthcare profession because (discuss reasons why you are interested in nursing school). My passion for the nursing profession will motivate me to become a dedicated and determined student in your nursing program.

My previous accomplishments also show my qualification to enroll in your nursing program. In the past, I have accomplished quite a few things (list accomplishments here). I am convinced that these experiences will help me succeed in your nursing program because (establish a connection between your accomplishments and the nursing program)

In conclusion, I intend to utilize my passion for nursing and previous accomplishments in my service of patients as I pursue my goals in the nursing profession.

During my course in your nursing program, I intend to (discuss a nursing school goal). After graduation, I plan to (briefly explain your professional goals).

For the reasons given above, I am certain that your nursing program will be a good fit for my studies and ambition as a nurse. I have the dedication to achieve success in your nursing program and I will be grateful for the opportunities the school provides.

I appreciate your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely, (Your name)

Sample Letter of Intent for Nursing School

Dear selection committee

I am writing to you to indicate my interest in admission into the nursing program. I am very interested in enrolling in your nursing program because the Santa Barbara school of nursing is one of the leading nursing schools in the country, and I believe the quality education your school provides will make me the best professional nurse I can be. Furthermore, I am confident in my passion for nursing, motivation, and previous accomplishments will aid my prospects as a student nurse in your nursing program.

From an early age, I have developed a passion for the healthcare profession because as a child, I was hospitalized for a fractured femur, and I fell in love with the nursing profession as I watched the dedicated nurses that provided care as I healed. My passion for the nursing profession will motivate me to become a dedicated and determined student in your nursing program.

My previous accomplishments also show my qualification to enroll in your nursing program. In the past, I have accomplished quite a few things like;

● Leading the red cross club in high school.

● Organizing CPR training for the students in the school

● Volunteering at the community clinic where I live.

I am convinced that these experiences will help me succeed in your nursing program because I have harnessed my passion for the nursing profession, and I have used it to gain a wealth of experience in healthcare.

In conclusion, I intend to utilize my passion for nursing and previous accomplishments in my service of patients as I pursue my goals in the nursing profession. During my course in your nursing program, I intend to achieve academic excellence while striving to improve student participation in humanitarian endeavors. After graduation, I plan to establish a Non-profit humanitarian clinic to provide health care for the many who desperately need it the most.

Sheila Gomez

Related: Nursing Job Letter of Intent (Samples & Examples)

Important Tips to Remember

When writing a letter of intent for nursing school, it is important that you consider the following guidelines to avoid certain mistakes and make your letter of intent for nursing school as attractive to the reader as possible;

Make a plan

The first step is to think about the time and space available for the writing process. You should be able to identify your peak productivity period and schedule that time to write your letter of intent for nursing school making sure that you do not get outside interruptions. If you have to work with a deadline, try deciding how many days you have left and then break the letter down into milestones.

Brainstorm ideas

Start by writing down a list of everything you find exciting about the nursing profession. Also, note the things that you think will make you successful in nursing school and the things you want to accomplish both in nursing school and as a professional nurse. Not all your ideas will make it into the letter of intent and that’s fine. The brainstorming process is for you to notice some details you may not have noticed before and then selectively choose which information you want to include in your letter.

Outline your thoughts

Outline the ideas you got from the brainstorming process and see which ones fall into meaningful categories. Use the categories to decide what you want the main point of each paragraph in your letter to be.

Write a rough draft

It is unrealistic to expect to write the perfect letter of intent for nursing school on the first trial. You will most likely have to go through a couple of rough drafts. Focus on making sure that the contents of your letter flow correctly, and you include all your ideas logically. Also, ensure that you communicate your thoughts clearly. So, use professional but relatable language. If you are submitting the letter electronically, you may not need to include the traditional business header. However, if you need to submit a letter of intent physically, you should include the traditional business header.

Revise your letter of intent

Go over your rough draft until you have a well-polished and persuasive letter of intent for nursing school. Make sure you have not left out any important information and remove all unnecessary words and sentences. Finally, proofread to eliminate grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Whoever reads the letter will pay attention to the way you communicate yourself with writing, and they might judge you based on how well your letter is written.

A great letter of intent for nursing school will give you an added advantage as you seek to get admitted into any nursing program of your choice, hence it is important that you ensure that your letter of intent for nursing school is of the best possible quality. We have provided the best templates to give you the advantage you need to pursue your nursing ambition.

Keep reading

10 editable retirement letter templates, 20 sample inquiry letters | free templates, cease and desist letter (30+ free templates), 10 free follow-up email / letter (with templates), 6 best welcome letter samples – tips, 20 free transmittal letter templates [how to draft].

Documents , Letter Templates

Similar Letters

Application letter for a nursing school. sample letter, letter of application for graduate school. sample letter, application letter for high school. sample letter, application letter for school admission. sample letter, letter example inquiring about a program for foreign nurses, sample letter to ask about a program at a university abroad, letter to ask about an international exchange program, letter of application for a nanny job in a foreign country, application letter for teaching. sample letter, sample letter to apply to an excavation department abroad, loan application letter. sample letter, motivational letter sample for job application, reference letter for a student applying for a school transfer, letter of applying for a position. sample letter, letter of application for employment. sample letter, application letter for an internship. sample letter, application for leave from work sample letter, sample letter for work visa application for a job abroad, example letter of family visa application for wife, letter of application for a teaching position. sample letter, letter categories, application letter for nursing school. sample letter.

• Express your desire to apply for a nursing school.
• List down the qualifications and or requirements which you have and which make you eligible.
• End on a good note.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Letter Date]

[Subject: Normally bold, summarizes the intention of the letter] -Optional-

Dear [Recipients Name],

I am writing to you to express my interest in applying to your prestigious school for nursing. I believe that my skills, passion, and interest in the field of nursing will be an asset to your honorable school. Please find attached a list of my qualifications which you can peruse. I look forward to being a part of your school this coming school year.

Sincerely, [Senders Name] [Senders Title] -Optional-

[Enclosures: number] - Optional - cc: [Name of copy recipient] - Optional -

Application letter for nursing school. Sample letter.

Further things to consider when writing application letters to schools

Application Letters

Application letters are letters that you write to formally request for something from authority, apply for a job, or join an institution. Effective application letters will give a detailed explanation for your interest in the specific item, company, or institution. They showcase your abilities and strengths and illustrate your experience. In most cases, people write application letters to express their interest in receiving a position, attending an institution, or when applying for a visa, for instance. In all scenarios, application letters must be accompanied by the relevant documents. Application letters are the perfect tool to demonstrate something of your personality. Therefore, you should write in a professional tone setting a clear outline that allows the reader to scan the primary data quickly. Introduce yourself and briefly explain your intent and reason for the application. Address the letter with a title or name of the recipient. If your application is for a job or to join an institution, for example, you need to highlight your experience and qualification; if you are applying for a travel visa, make sure to state a clear intention for your travel. End with a positive tone and invite the recipient to contact you.

Letters to Schools

Letters to schools are letters written to institutions designed to provide learning environment and spaces to pupils and students. There are many times when you may feel the need to write to a school administration. Maybe you want to recommend a student or employee or want to apply for an academic program. Perhaps your child has a disability, and you want to make sure that he/she is receiving special education services. Whatever the issue, putting your thoughts in writing avoids confusion since it provides you and the recipient with a record of your request. It is, therefore, crucial to keep a copy of any letter you send. All letters to schools must use the standard business letter style. Start your letter with the proper address and salutation. Introduce yourself and explain the reason for your letter clearly and concisely. Depending on the content of your letter, provide any documentation that gives the recipient reference to the case or clarifies your concerns. Keep the tone polite, respectful, and professional. Close by thanking the recipient for his/her time and with a note of anticipation of positive feedback. Sign off and proofread the final draft before sending it.

These articles may interest you

• Application
• application letter for nursing school
• application letters
• school application

Business , Letter of Intent

Nursing School Letter of Intent

Nursing schools are institutions that specialize in providing registered nursing students with training and education. The demand for registered nurses is in high demand in medical offices, healthcare facilities, clinics, hospitals, insurance companies, among several other institutions. But before becoming a registered nurse, you’ll need to gain entry into a nursing school. Doing this requires you to write a nursing school letter of intent.

The main reason for writing this letter is to prove to the admissions committee that you want to pursue a nursing program. This letter also includes particulars such as any experience, positions, character traits, skills, and stories that made you passionate about gaining admission to the specific school or program. Moreover, state why the admissions committee should consider you rather than other applicants.

What Is a Nursing School Letter of Intent?

The nursing school letter of intent, which is also referred to as the personal, purpose, or admission essay, is where you try and show to the board why you’re best suited for the nursing program. When writing one, it’s recommended you observe the laid down formatting guidelines, which have become a requirement by many nursing schools.

Other than stating your qualifications, goals, and interests that drove you to wish to pursue nursing, don’t forget to mention what you intend to do after graduating as a registered nurse. Including such details will increase your chances of being admitted into your dream nursing school. Consequently, you’ll be able to achieve both your educational and career goals.

How to Write The Nursing School Letter Of Intent?

When writing the nursing school letter of intent, there are steps you need to observe. Here’s an overview of the steps to follow when writing this letter.

Create A Plan

You shouldn’t jump ahead and write the nursing school letter of intent. Instead, set aside space and time to when you’ll entirely focus on writing the letter. After all, you don’t want any distractions that might affect how well you write the letter, thereby impacting your chances of getting admitted into the nursing school.

Think Of Ideas

This involves writing everything that made you interested in writing in the first place. Highlighting these things will better explain what you’re hoping to achieve while in nursing school and during your career as a nurse. Before writing the ideas in the letter, it’s best you first list them and choose only those that you feel will fit best in the letter.

Share Your Thoughts

After you’re done making a list of things that fascinate you about getting admitted into nursing school and a nurse, later on, classify these ideas into relevant categories. Using these categories, you’ll be in a position to decide where to place the points in the different paragraphs.

Write A Rough Draft

Having a draft is essential to ensure all the facts in the nursing school letter of intent are flowing well by confirming the ideas flow sensibly. The language you use should also be professional as you’ll be addressing the admission committee. In addition, try your best to express your thoughts well.

It’s while writing the draft that you should choose to either send the letter physically or electronically. Nowadays, many nursing schools expect you to submit an electronic application, so adding the traditional business header won’t be necessary.

Read Through The Letter of Intent

You shouldn’t send your nursing school letter of intent without carefully revising all the content included. This includes making sure you’ve used persuasive language and that the formatting is well done. When editing the letter, you’ll detect errors such as spelling and grammatical mistakes, remove unnecessary words, and add any information you might have forgotten.

Sample Of Nursing School Letter Of Intent

Dear (Name),

I am first thankful for looking at my admission and reading through my letter. I appreciate this a lot as I’m interested in joining the nursing graduate program that Columbia University is offering. This program, I believe, will be best-suited to me as I’m a hardworking and passionate individual with a great interest in nursing. Therefore, I’m confident to quickly become an incredible nursing student.

The first time I got interested in nursing was after volunteering to offer my services to a nursing home close to home. This was five years ago, and attending to the older people at this nursing home made me feel the good I was doing to society. My desire to one day become a nurse grew from here, and from then have volunteered for similar causes whenever I get an opportunity.

This nursing school offers my preferred course that will be perfectly aligned with my goals, hence why I’ve decided to apply here. This institution also boasts an excellent reputation nurturing great nursing professionals who establish a name for themselves. Knowing this, I firmly believe this community will provide me with everything I need to achieve my long-term goals.

Thanks for this considering me, and looking forward to representing Columbia University.

Emily Ramsay

Nursing School Letter Of Intent (Word Template)

The nursing school letter of intent is vital to increase the likelihood of getting admitted into nursing school. Highlighted above are what you should do to write one and increase your chances of getting your desired admission. If you had no clue how to write the nursing school letter of intent, this guide has highlighted everything you need to know.

How did our templates helped you today?

Opps what went wrong, related posts.

23+ Business Travel Itinerary Templates

Restaurant Employee Evaluation Form

Peer Evaluation Form: Templates and Examples

Free Newspaper Templates

40 Free Event Program Templates

44 Open House Sign in Sheet Templates

22+ Free Packing Slip Templates

40+ Free Christmas Wish List Templates

Thank you for your feedback.

WTO / Letters and Emails / Cover Letters / Letter of Intent for Nursing School (Examples & Tips)

Letter of Intent for Nursing School (Examples & Tips)

This letter of intent is a letter written by an applicant looking to attend a particular nursing school/program or get a job in a nursing institution.

It provides an applicant with an opportunity to convince the nursing school’s admissions board that they are a suitable candidate for the nursing program.

Letter of Intent Templates

Writing a Letter of Intent for Nursing Job

It can make or break an applicant’s chances of getting accepted to study or get a job in a nursing institution. This letter can set one up as a strong candidate for the nursing position and significantly increase their chances of being selected.

Here is how to properly craft it for the nursing job:

Step 1: Make a plan

Planning helps one assess their objectives critically, facilitates decision-making , and allows one to set a timeframe by predicting when and how one would like to achieve such objectives.

Before writing it, one needs to determine the amount of time they have before submitting the letter. Then, with enough time dedicated to crafting it, one will write efficiently without interruptions.

Proper planning will also ensure that all critical components are captured in the letter and help avoid typos and minor mistakes that may lower their chances of being selected for the nursing job.

Step 2: Outline the thoughts

Before writing it, the applicant should list all the things that they would like to include in the letter and only include those that will make them stand out from other applicants. To get a better overview of what to include in it, one should brainstorm ideas and note everything that excites them about the nursing profession.

To do this, the applicant should start by categorizing their ideas into categories and then decide on what to pick from each category to include in the letter. Next, one should outline some of the things they are fascinated about, including what they aim to achieve while in school and their careers as nurses.

Step 3: Make a rough draft

Getting the words to include in the letter and making it perfect is very important when writing it. When preparing the letter, one should think of it as their first impression of the school’s board and keep in mind that they can never make a first impression twice. To ensure that the first impression goes the right way, it is essential to practice drafts to make the perfect letter. Creating a draft will help one view the letter from different perspectives and help them make changes, such as style and tone of writing when writing the final version.

Step 4: Add details

When writing it, one may think of other essential details, such as work experience or other unique achievements that they may have received in school or at work, that they may have left out when preparing their draft of listing their ideas. It is imperative to add these details to make the letter stand out from other applicants.

Step 5: Proofread and send the letter

After preparing the draft, it is essential to go through it several times or have a friend or colleague go through it to ensure that it is free of any errors and is well-formatted and persuasive. Go through each sentence to make sure that there are no typos or grammar mistakes. Also, check that the format used is correct.

The format used will be determined by the mode of submission of the letter. Make sure to check the instructions on how, when, and where to submit the letter.

After going through the draft and ensuring that important information has been captured, prepare a final version and send it after proofreading to ensure that it meets the standards required.

Letter of Intent for Nursing Job Template

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Your Phone Number]

[Admissions Office Address]

[Nursing School/University Name]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the [specific nursing program name] at [Nursing School/University Name], starting in [semester/year]. After thorough research and reflection on my career aspirations and values, I am convinced that your program offers the ideal environment and resources to advance my ambition of becoming a dedicated and skilled nurse.

My passion for nursing stems from [a personal story/experience that sparked your interest in nursing], which highlighted the critical role nurses play in healthcare and patient advocacy. This experience not only solidified my desire to pursue nursing but also motivated me to engage in [volunteer work, healthcare-related job, or relevant experience], where I developed [mention specific skills or qualities, e.g., compassion, teamwork, communication skills].

In my pursuit of a nursing career, I have completed [mention any relevant coursework, certifications, or training] and have been actively involved in [community service, healthcare projects, or extracurricular activities related to healthcare], furthering my understanding of the nursing profession and healthcare challenges. These experiences have equipped me with a solid foundation in [mention any relevant skills, knowledge, or attributes], which I am eager to build upon in your program.

I am particularly drawn to [Nursing School/University Name] because of [mention specific aspects of the program or school, such as its curriculum, faculty, clinical opportunities, or values that align with your goals or interests]. I am confident that your program’s emphasis on [mention any specific focus of the program, e.g., community health, leadership in nursing, research opportunities] aligns perfectly with my career goals of [state your career goals, e.g., working in underserved communities, advancing nursing practices through research].

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to and learn from the diverse and talented community at [Nursing School/University Name]. I am committed to fully engaging in the academic and clinical opportunities provided by your program to develop the competencies and professional demeanor essential for effective nursing practice.

Enclosed are my application, transcripts, resume, and [mention any other documents, e.g., recommendation letters, certification copies]. I hope to bring my unique perspectives and dedication to the [specific nursing program name], and I am eager to advance my journey in nursing through the comprehensive education and experiences offered at [Nursing School/University Name].

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to and grow within the nursing profession through your esteemed program. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you require any further information or clarification.

Nursing Job Sample Letter of Intent

I am writing with great enthusiasm to express my interest in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Sunrise Nursing School for the Fall 20XX semester. My aspiration to become a nurse is deeply rooted in my personal journey, which has instilled in me a profound commitment to pursuing a career where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

My passion for nursing ignited at a young age when my grandmother was diagnosed with chronic heart disease. Witnessing the compassionate care she received from nurses inspired me to advocate for and support others in their times of need. This experience motivated me to volunteer at Careville Community Hospital, where I have spent over 200 hours assisting in the pediatrics department. Through this, I gained invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of nursing, solidifying my decision to pursue a career in this noble field.

To prepare for a rigorous academic and professional journey, I have taken courses in biology, chemistry, and health sciences, achieving a GPA of 3.8. Additionally, my role as president of the Health Science Club at my community college has allowed me to develop leadership skills and a collaborative spirit, qualities I understand are crucial for success in nursing.

I am particularly drawn to the BSN program at Sunrise Nursing School due to its comprehensive curriculum and the emphasis on hands-on clinical experience. I am impressed by the school’s state-of-the-art simulation labs and its partnerships with leading healthcare facilities in Careville, offering students unparalleled opportunities to apply their learning in real-world settings. Furthermore, your commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment resonates with my belief in the importance of understanding diverse patient backgrounds to provide empathetic and effective care.

I am eager to contribute my energy, empathy, and dedication to the Sunrise Nursing School community, and I am committed to taking full advantage of the educational and professional development opportunities your program offers. I am confident that my background, skills, and enthusiasm for nursing will allow me to succeed in your program and ultimately in my career as a nurse dedicated to improving patient care and outcomes.

Enclosed, please find my application, transcripts, resume, and letters of recommendation. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to the Sunrise Nursing School. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 234-5678 or via email at [email protected] for any additional information.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining the Sunrise Nursing School and advancing towards my goal of becoming a nurse who makes a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Anna Johnson

This letter to the Admissions Committee of Sunrise Nursing School is a compelling example of an effective application letter for several reasons.

The applicant begins by sharing a personal story that ignited their passion for nursing, providing a heartfelt and authentic foundation for their career aspirations. This personal touch helps the committee understand the depth of the applicant’s commitment to the field. The letter details the applicant’s volunteer experience and academic achievements, demonstrating both a practical understanding of nursing and a strong academic foundation. Highlighting over 200 hours of volunteer work in a hospital setting showcases their dedication and provides tangible evidence of their commitment and interest in healthcare.

Mentioning leadership experience as the president of a Health Science Club illustrates the applicant’s ability to take initiative, work collaboratively, and develop skills important for nursing, such as teamwork and leadership. The applicant clearly articulates why they are drawn to Sunrise Nursing School, citing the program’s comprehensive curriculum, hands-on clinical experience, state-of-the-art facilities, and commitment to diversity and inclusion. This shows they have researched the school and found a genuine alignment with their own values and educational needs. The letter is well-organized, professional, and free of jargon, making it accessible and engaging. It concludes with a polite thank you, an expression of eagerness about the possibility of joining the program, and a prompt for further contact, demonstrating good manners and effective communication skills .

Overall, the letter effectively communicates the applicant’s passion for nursing, readiness for the academic challenges of a BSN program, and specific interest in Sunrise Nursing School, making a strong case for their admission.

Writing a letter of intent for a nursing school can be challenging, especially if it’s the first time doing so. We hope that this guide has provided you with all the information you need to develop a great letter to help you get selected for the job/program. Make sure to go through your work to filter out any typos and mistakes before sending the letter. Good luck!

About This Article

Was this helpful?

Great! Tell us more about your experience

Not up to par help us fix it, keep reading.

Letters and Emails

Sample letter of intent to hire (from employer).

Employment , Letters and Emails

Best nursing job letter of intent examples.

Cover Letters , Letters and Emails

How to write a letter of intent for a job (with examples).

Letters and Emails , Request

Sample teacher letter of intent to return (free templates).

Maternity Leave Letter of Intent Examples

Letter of Intent to Purchase Business (Templates, Guide, Tips)

Transfer Department/Job Letter of Intent Examples

Demand , Letters and Emails

8 strong demand letter for payment templates.

63+ Job Winning Cover Letter Examples

Introduction , Letters and Emails

New landlord introduction letter (free templates).

Appointment , Letters and Emails

Sample contractor appointment letters, thank you for your feedback.

Your Voice, Our Progress. Your feedback matters a lot to us.

How to Get Into Nursing School

• Creating a Stand-Out Application

Related Articles

Getting into nursing school is a dream come true for most prospective nurses, but the process can be daunting. Nurse.org has broken down the entire process of how to get into nursing school, from the prerequisites and the requirements to the process you'll take. Read on to learn how to secure a spot in your first-choice nursing program.

• Graduate high school or earn your GED
• Get your prerequisites
• Research nursing programs
• Make a plan for paying for nursing school
• Complete the application  
• Apply early
• Nail the admissions interview
• Wait for the acceptance letters

1. Graduate High School or Earn Your GED

To get into a nursing degree program, you must be a high school graduate or have earned your GED . Regardless of which type of nursing program you plan on applying to ( BSN or ADN ), this first step is required.

2. Make Sure You Meet all Nursing School Requirements

Whether you apply for an ADN or BSN nursing program, all schools require specific prerequisite courses. These are classes generally taken in high school and are used as the foundation that is built upon in advanced, college-level classes.

Nursing School Prerequisites

• One year of high school biology with a C or better
• One year of high school chemistry with a C or better
• Two years of college-preparatory math with a C or better
• GPA of 2.75 or higher for ADN program or GPA of 3.0 or higher for BSN program

SATs or TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)

Specific nursing school requirements will vary based on the program, so it is very important to check with an admissions counselor prior to applying. Typically, BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) programs will require more perquisites than an ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) program.

Moreover, some universities will require a minimum high school GPA of 3.2. The GPA required to get into an Ivy League nursing program, such as the University of Pennsylvania, may differ from the GPA needed to get into the University of Florida’s nursing program.

Finally, many nursing programs also have entrance exam requirements. Though no entrance exam nursing schools exist, most require passing scores on the TEAS, HESI, or both exams for admissions.

>> Related: The Top Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program in Every State

3. Research Nursing Programs

It’s important to decide what kind of nursing program you are interested in. Ask yourself the following questions as you compare accredited institutions:

• Are you interested in a large public university in a major city or a small private college in a rural setting?
• Do you have the ability to live on campus or do you have to commute?
• Are you planning on going to an ADN or BSN nursing program?
• How will you pay for school?
• Do you want to move away from home?
• Do you already have an LPN or LVN license?

Do you prefer an online program vs an in-person program?

One of the biggest decisions is choosing between an ADN program and a BSN program. With the increase in BSN programs and the ongoing push for all new graduates to have a bachelor’s degree , associate degree nursing programs are becoming less and less popular.

In 2010, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health report . This report strongly recommended that 80% of Registered Nurses should have their bachelor’s degree by 2020.

The nursing field didn’t meet this goal, but it made a lot of progress. About 60% of registered nurses have baccalaureate degrees, and the number continues to rise.

The report also informed the need for change in nursing education to meet the changes in healthcare. This recommendation was made for a few key reasons, including the increasing complexity of care and hospital  magnet status.

Differences Between ADN and BSN Nursing Programs

4. Determine How You are Going to Pay for Nursing School

College isn’t cheap. Nursing programs are not cheap. Most students require financial assistance, so it is important to speak to a financial aid representative at the university or community college to understand your options.

Not everyone will qualify for all the different types of aid that are available but scholarships, grants, and federal loans help make the cost of nursing school more manageable for many students. Read our in-depth guide on how to pay for nursing school for more information. 

5. Complete the Application 

Each nursing program will have its own admission packets and information that must be submitted. Universities across the country accept the Common Application or Universal College Application . Check with an admissions counselor as utilizing these forms can save an applicant time and money.

Nursing School Application Requirements

• Official transcript from high school and other college-level coursework
• Standardized test scores
• Admission application
• Personal essay or statement letter
• Letters of recommendation
• Volunteer experience (preferably in healthcare; ideally with duties connected to patient care)
• Application fee 
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) if applicable

We recommend applying to multiple nursing programs as these programs are highly competitive. If accepted to several programs, you can then decide which school of nursing is the best fit academically and financially.

7. Apply Early

Applying early reinforces the applicant's commitment, as well as his or her eagerness to enter the program. Furthermore, early application gives admission counselors time to contact you if there is a need for supplemental information. Some major universities offer early acceptance to the nursing program and others offer rolling admission.

>> Show Me Online RN-to-BSN Programs

8. Nail Your Admission Interview

The interview is a chance for the applicant to sell themselves. Nursing program committee members want to know why a student would make a good nurse and be a positive representative of the program.  

Get used to this kind of pressure because you’ll face it again after you’ve earned your RN license if you apply for nurse practitioner programs or other advanced degree programs.

Important things to remember during the interview process

• Be up to date on current health stories
• Prepare by practicing mock interviews
• Know key facts about the nursing program and the university
• Don’t lie, evade, or embellish during the interview

While the type of questions asked at nursing school interviews is expansive and differs for every program, most nursing school interview questions fall into one of the following categories:

• Traditional, open-ended
• Personality and involvement
• Situational or ethical dilemma
• Current affair

9. Wait for the Acceptance Letters to Roll In

This is the hardest part of the application process. You’ve researched, applied, and now all you do is wait. Some nursing programs will have rolling admissions and others will send out acceptance or rejection letters at specific times. 

How to Make Your Nursing School Application Stand Out

The competition for nursing schools is tough, but there are ways to increase your chances and make yourself stand out amongst the other applications. Here are 3 ways to set yourself apart and set yourself up for success. 

1. Volunteer!

Not all universities require volunteer work; however, it is encouraged by college admission counselors. Ideal prospective students should volunteer at a community clinic or hospital.

Volunteering not only gives an applicant experience and a view into the nursing profession, but it also looks good on an application. It allows students to know if nursing is the right career path, with ample time to change their plans if need be.

It’s important to show nursing programs that you are invested in the healthcare industry and have the initiative to expand your knowledge even prior to nursing school. This will make your application for enrollment more competitive amongst hundreds of other applications. 

Students who wish to expand their volunteer resumes can also join an organization such as the American Red Cross. While the majority of volunteers are needed internationally, the Red Cross does have local chapters with numerous volunteer opportunities.

One benefit of volunteering with the Red Cross is that they allow volunteers to tailor their experience toward their nursing career goals. For example, if a volunteer is interested in child health, there are opportunities to work in daycare and school settings. According to the American Red Cross website, additional opportunities for nursing students include teaching first aid, assisting with local blood drives, and providing disaster response. 

2. Become a Certified Nursing Assistant 

Becoming a CNA can add valuable work experience to a prospective nursing student’s resume. CNA education requirements take only several months to complete but can provide great insight into the healthcare field. Additionally, it also can help pay for nursing school. A lot of people start their nursing practice as CNAs. 

3.  Know Why You Want to Be a Nurse 

This may sound basic, but it’s extremely important. Most nurses can describe the moment they realized they wanted to be a nurse and specifically why. It’s important to know, fundamentally, why nursing is your passion or at least why you think it is.

During the interview process, application committees will want to know why you are interested in the nursing profession. Have a clear and concise answer.

Knowing why you want to become a nurse will also help motivate you when you’re bogged down in microbiology, human anatomy, and general education coursework that seems to go on forever.

The nursing school application process can be competitive and stressful, but stay positive! If you know nursing is what you want to do with your life, you’ll make it happen. 

Find Nursing Programs

How can i get into nursing school .

• You can get into nursing school as a direct entrant from high school by having a strong GPA and meeting the prereqs or by joining a wait list program. 

How can I increase my chances of getting into nursing school? 

• Have a strong GPA and demonstrated experience in the medical field, such as through volunteer or paid work. 

Is it hard to get into nursing school?

• Nursing school can be competitive, but some schools also offer waitlist entries that may not have as stringent requirements. 

What is a good GPA for nursing school?

• Every school will have their own prerequisites, but in general, most schools will require at least a 3.0 GPA. 
• 5 Things You Need to Know About Nursing School
• How to Prepare for Nursing School: Real Nurses Share Their Top Tips

Nursing During COVID-19: 7 Reasons Now is Still a Great Time to Become a Nurse

Kathleen Gaines (nee Colduvell) is a nationally published writer turned Pediatric ICU nurse from Philadelphia with over 13 years of ICU experience. She has an extensive ICU background having formerly worked in the CICU and NICU at several major hospitals in the Philadelphia region. After earning her MSN in Education from Loyola University of New Orleans, she currently also teaches for several prominent Universities making sure the next generation is ready for the bedside. As a certified breastfeeding counselor and trauma certified nurse, she is always ready for the next nursing challenge.

Plus, get exclusive access to discounts for nurses, stay informed on the latest nurse news, and learn how to take the next steps in your career.

By clicking “Join Now”, you agree to receive email newsletters and special offers from Nurse.org. You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link, found at the bottom of every email.

Letter of Intent for Nursing School (How to Write and Examples)

A letter of intent for nursing school can make or break an applicant’s chances of getting accepted to study or get a job in a nursing institution. A well-crafted letter of intent can set one up as a strong candidate for the nursing position and significantly increase their chances of being selected.

Read on to learn how to properly craft the letter of intent for nursing school and get a higher chance of getting admitted.

What Is A Letter Of Intent For Nursing School?

A letter of intent for nursing school is a document that explains why you want to enroll in a nursing program and what makes you a good fit for the program. It is essentially a personal statement that outlines your motivations, goals, and qualifications for pursuing a career in nursing.

It’s important to approach your letter of intent as an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and unique qualities that make you a great candidate for the nursing program. A strong letter of intent can help you stand out among other applicants and increase your chances of being accepted into the program.

What To Include In A Letter Of Intent For Nursing School? 

When writing a letter of intent for nursing school, it is important to include the following information:

• Introduction: Begin your letter by introducing yourself and stating your purpose for writing the letter. You should also mention the nursing program you are applying to.
• Motivations and Goals: Explain why you are interested in nursing and what motivates you to pursue a career in this field. You should also mention your long-term career goals and how the nursing program will help you achieve them.
• Educational Background: Discuss your educational background, including any degrees or certifications you have earned. You should also mention any coursework or training that is relevant to nursing.
• Work Experience: If you have any work experience in healthcare or related fields, describe your responsibilities and accomplishments. Highlight any experience that demonstrates your skills and abilities related to nursing.
• Personal Attributes: Discuss any personal attributes that make you a strong candidate for the nursing program, such as strong communication skills, attention to detail, and empathy.
• Research: Mention any research you have conducted or participated in that is relevant to nursing. This can include academic research or clinical research.
• Conclusion: Summarize your interest in the nursing program and restate your goals. Thank the reader for considering your application and expressing your enthusiasm for the program.

How to Write A Letter Of Intent For Nursing School

Writing a strong letter of intent for nursing school can help you stand out among other applicants and increase your chances of being accepted into the program. Here are some tips to help you write a strong letter of intent:

• Start strong: Begin your letter with a strong opening that grabs the reader’s attention and clearly states your purpose for writing. You might begin with a personal story or a statement that highlights your passion for nursing.
• Show your motivation: Explain why you are interested in nursing and what motivates you to pursue a career in this field. You might discuss a particular experience that inspired you, or describe how you see nursing as a way to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
• Highlight your qualifications: Discuss your educational background, work experience, and any relevant skills or accomplishments that make you a strong candidate for the nursing program. Be specific and provide examples to illustrate your points.
• Tailor your letter to the program: Research the nursing program you are applying to and tailor your letter to the program’s goals, requirements, and mission. Show that you have a strong understanding of what the program entails and how it fits with your goals and motivations.
• Showcase your personality: A letter of intent is an opportunity to showcase your personality and personal qualities. Highlight your communication skills, attention to detail, empathy, and other attributes that make you a good fit for nursing.
• Be concise and clear: Keep your letter concise and clear, avoiding jargon or overly technical language. Use simple, straightforward language to communicate your ideas effectively.
• Proofread and edit: Once you have finished writing your letter, proofread it carefully for spelling and grammatical errors. Edit it to make sure it is clear, concise, and well-organized.

By following these tips, you can write a strong letter of intent for nursing school that showcases your qualifications and highlights your passion for nursing.

Sample and Template

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Admissions Committee Name]

[Nursing School Name]

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the nursing program at [Nursing School Name]. As someone who has always been drawn to healthcare and helping others, I am confident that this program will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to pursue a successful career in nursing.

My interest in nursing began when I was a teenager, volunteering at a local hospital. There, I saw firsthand the compassionate care and support that nurses provide to patients and their families. I knew then that nursing was the career for me.

Since then, I have pursued opportunities to gain experience in the healthcare field. I completed a nursing assistant training program, where I worked with patients in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities and hospitals. This experience taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and attention to detail in providing high-quality patient care.

I also completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, where I gained a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and other relevant subjects. This degree has given me a strong scientific background that I believe will be essential in understanding the complex healthcare challenges that nurses face.

In addition to my qualifications, I am committed to making a positive impact in the healthcare field. I have volunteered with several healthcare organizations, including a free clinic that serves low-income and underserved populations. Through these experiences, I have developed strong communication and teamwork skills, which I believe are essential in nursing.

I am excited about the prospect of studying nursing at [Nursing School Name], and I am confident that this program will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to achieve my career goals. Thank you for considering my application.

I am excited to apply for the nursing program at [Nursing School Name]. As someone who has always been passionate about healthcare and helping others, I believe that nursing is the perfect career for me.

My interest in nursing began when I was a teenager, volunteering at a local hospital. There, I was inspired by the dedication and compassion of the nurses who worked tirelessly to care for their patients. Since then, I have pursued opportunities to gain experience in the healthcare field, including shadowing nurses in a variety of settings.

In addition to my passion for nursing, I have the qualifications necessary to succeed in the program. I have completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, where I gained a solid foundation in anatomy, physiology, and other relevant subjects. I have also worked as a nursing assistant, where I honed my skills in patient care, communication, and teamwork.

I am particularly interested in the nursing program at [Nursing School Name] because of its focus on holistic, patient-centered care. I believe that nursing is about more than just administering medications and treatments; it is about building relationships with patients, understanding their unique needs and concerns, and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.

I am confident that the nursing program at [Nursing School Name] will provide me with the knowledge, skills, and experience I need to achieve my career goals. I am excited about the prospect of studying with such a prestigious institution and contributing to the nursing profession.

Thank you for considering my application.

Key Takeaways

• A letter of intent for nursing school is a document that explains why you want to enroll in a nursing program and what makes you a good fit for the program. 
• It’s important to approach your letter of intent as an opportunity to showcase your personality, passion, and unique qualities that make you a great candidate for the nursing program. 

Letter of Intent For Different Scenarios

• Letter of Intent: Everything You Need To Know
• Letter of Intent For Internship
• Letter of Intent For A Leadership Position
• Letter of Intent For Promotion
• Letter of Intent For University/College Admission
• Letter of Intent For Masters Program
• Letter of Intent For Nursing School
• Letter of Intent For Medical School
• Letter of Intent For Buying A Business
• Letter of Intent For Asset Purchase
• Letter of Intent To Sell
• Letter of Intent For Construction Project
• Letter of Intent To Buy/Sell Commercial Real Estate
• Letter of Intent For Tourist Visa Application
• Letter of Intent For K1 Visa

Other Types of Letters

• Letter of Introduction
• Letter of Invitation
• Letter of Interest
• Letter of Resignation
• Letter of Intent
• Letter of Recommendation
• Cover Letter
• Letter of Acceptance
• Proof of Employment Letter
• Leave of Absence Letter
• Letter of Agreement
• Announcement Letter
• Apology Letter
• Letter of Appeal

How to Write the Nursing School Personal Statement: Steps, Tips, And Samples

Introduction

A nursing career allows individuals to help patients in a nurturing environment, and to find their existential fulfillment. As a result, many learners decide to pursue a career in the field, and you are one of these individuals!

Eager to receive an acceptance letter? You know that you’ll need to submit the application material in a timely fashion, and part of that process involves crafting a stellar personal statement for nursing school.

According to a  report by CNN , many applicants are rejected from nursing schools, unfortunately. Even when you feel that you have solid writing skills, you must hone these talents and gear them specifically toward that nursing school personal statement.

After all, you are looking to boost your chances of acceptance. Following a process and learning key pointers about this essay will help you to succeed.

Preparatory Work

Don’t simply sit down at the computer and start clicking away on the keyboard. Crafting a compelling personal statement for your target nursing school involves a significant amount of preparatory work. As seasoned writers know, the art of writing is a process.

Step 1: Research the Schools

Each school is going to have its unique requirements, and you want to know what those requirements are. Researching different programs serves multiple purposes. For example, you can start to rank the programs in order of your preference. Secondly, you get to determine what schools are reach schools and which institutions are your safety schools.

This process will also help you to get a sense of how competitive your personal statement should be. The best According to a ranking of  2023 Best Colleges for Nursing in America , the University of Pennsylvania, Emory University, and Duke University are listed as the top three.

If you’re applying to one of those institutions, you should go through your personal statement with a fine-tooth comb!

Step 2: Write Freely

At some point in your educational career, you’ve likely been asked to write freely about a topic. As you start seeing the prompts from different nursing programs, feel free to type your ideas, preferably, in a word-processing program on your computer.

You could challenge yourself to address one or more of the following prompts:

• What was your reason for choosing nursing as a career? Do you have any additional information that you would like the admissions committee to know about you that has not been previously considered in the application? (2000 characters)
• Discuss your interest and understanding of the clinical nurse leader role.   What experiences have contributed to your interest?  (2000 characters)
• The goal of the Doctor of Nursing Program is to prepare nurse leaders at the highest level of nursing practice to improve patient outcomes and translate research into practice.  Describe experiences that exhibit your leadership skills. (2000 characters)
• Discuss the clinical specialty area you are interested in pursuing. What experiences have contributed to your interest? (2000 characters)
• Discuss a population of interest in your work setting. What experiences have you had with this population? What health care needs do you see in this target group? (2000 characters)

Check out more  nursing school personal statement questions .

While the schools to which you are applying might not ask the exact questions, you have at least started to get your creativity flowing in terms of what you might write.

Step 3: Talk to an Admissions Counselor

As you’re narrowing down your choice of nursing schools, consider scheduling an appointment with an admissions counselor. Aim to schedule an on-campus appointment if possible as this gives you a real feel of the school environment. Where it is impossible to get one, as with the current Covid-19 pandemic, consider a virtual or telephone appointment.

An admissions counselor will provide you with guidance that is specific to their nursing school’s acceptable personal statement. In other words, different schools have varying expectations. While the admissions counselor may not answer all your questions, you still have a chance to receive valuable insight.

Step 4: Review Genre Conventions

Whether you applying at the undergraduate level or graduate level, you are already familiar with certain genre conventions. What you must recognize is that a personal statement can be quite different from other academic pieces that you have done. Penn State offers some great pointers on  elements that characterize a personal statement .

For example, you might think that a personal statement needs to follow a five-paragraph format with a thesis statement as the last sentence of the introduction. While some personal statements take on this format, others employ a more reflective structure.

Step 5: Thoroughly Check Requirements

You want to make sure you know exactly how many nursing school personal statements you have to write for your application and what the requirements are for each one. Take an example from medical school. When students apply to medical school, they typically have to write one larger essay followed by several shorter ones.

Knowing the expectations of the specific programs to which you are applying can help you budget your time appropriately. Pay close attention to deadlines as well. Submitting an application after the posted deadline is a sure way to seriously lower your odds of getting admitted.

The Writing Process

Once you have completed the research phase and gathered preliminary information, you may think that you’re ready to craft the final version of your essay. However, writing is an intricate process. Allowing yourself adequate time to go through this process will heighten your chances of drafting a captivating essay.

Step 1: Print or Write down the Prompt

You must adhere to the prompt. Period. Keep in mind how crucial it is to follow protocols in the field of nursing. If you cannot follow the guidelines for a nursing school personal statement, the admissions committee may doubt your abilities in the field.

Printing out the prompt or jotting it down is quite useful because you can visually assess if you have checked off all of the requirements. Pay attention to how the prompt is worded. Further, note any length requirements; you may have to write at least a certain number of words or ensure that your essay does not exceed a specified number of characters.

When essays have character limits, make sure to find out if the character limit includes or excludes spaces. As you go through the writing process, you can check off each requirement on the prompt.

Step 2: Use a Brainstorming Strategy

I am confident you have great brainstorming techniques up your sleeves. If not, The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers some very handy  brainstorming techniques  that you could use.

Try to resist the urge to skip right ahead to the full first draft. Brainstorming allows you to get your ideas out. For example, you might look at the prompt and make a list of whatever ideas comes to your mind. You don’t need to worry about organizing them or fully developing the content yet. You could also craft a formal outline as you brainstorm ideas. See which strategy works best for you.

Some writers like to use the actual writing out of sentences as a brainstorming technique. With this approach, you could just write or type whatever ideas come to mind. Setting a timer for this activity is useful. Then, you can go back in to shape your ideas.

Step 3: Craft the First Draft

Writing can be intimidating. You might feel as though you are totally committing to whatever words you put on paper. But the drafting process helps to overcome this anxiety. Sitting down to write the first draft means that you know you will make changes. As a result, you do not feel as pressured.

For some, writing is an enjoyable process; for others, just the thought alone is enough stress and a nuisance. If you fall into the latter group, budget your time. You could allocate an hour each day for a week to put together the first draft. This strategy works even when you love writing.

Step 4: Start with What You Know

Many writers become so concerned with the first sentence of their introduction that they end up losing valuable ideas for the rest of the essay. For example, imagine that you have four main ideas that you would like to explore in your nursing school personal statement. Your natural inclination might be to write about the experience that happened earliest chronologically before you tackle the others.

Consider the fact that you might feel more comfortable writing about the second or third chronological experience instead. Start with those paragraphs. You can then build the essay around them. Getting started is often the most difficult part of a writing project, so starting with what you know can help to inspire the rest of the piece.

Step 5: Prioritize Higher-Order Issues

In writing, topics such as organization, addressing the prompt, and developing ideas are often considered more important than issues like grammar and spelling. Of course, you want to present polished grammar and proper sentence structure in your nursing personal statement, but these issues are less important in your first draft.

When you are creating your first draft, pay attention to the content. Work to get the paragraphs into reasonable order, and aim to develop your ideas as much as you can. You will worry about the grammar, sentence structure, and proofreading issues when you go to revise.

Step 6: Put the Essay Aside

As mentioned earlier, planning your time is vital when it comes to the writing process. Therefore, as unorthodox as it may sound, you need to disconnect yourself from the work for quite some time before reviewing. Putting your work away for at least a day is a smart move. By doing so, you have the proper amount of time to really assess the changes that you want to make.

It’s tempting to immediately go into your paper to revise after writing the first draft, and this urge is particularly strong when the deadline is soon. You might miss important information though. Waiting allows you to recall more important details that you want to be included in the essay. Taking a break from your personal statement allows you that necessary mental space to potentially come up with fresh ideas.

Removing yourself from the project for some time also helps with editing. When you are first writing, you may include some unnecessary details about events related to nursing or your reasons for becoming a nurse. These details may be important to you, but they might not be important for your essay. Putting your work aside for some time will help you gain that perspective.

Besides, picking up on proofreading and editing errors is difficult when you have just written the paper. Your mind is likely to read the work as though it is correct because you just wrote it and you know what the text is supposed to say.

When you come back to read the text later, you are likely to catch these mistakes. For some, printing out the essay and editing it by hand seems to work great. Make sure to read the text out loud to catch errors. In other words, you may hear issues more readily than you see them.

Step 7: Visit a Writing Center

If available to you, a writing center is extremely valuable. Ben Rafoth in  Writing Spaces: Readings on Writing  explains  why writing centers are so valuable.  The main idea here is that you get the chance to review the work with a tutor. Having the insight of a professional or a peer on your work is crucial.

Writing centers function in a variety of ways. Some tutors may require students to read their papers aloud while others might make markings on the student’s paper. If you are already a student at a college, you likely have access to a writing center right on campus.

If you do not, ask a few people to read over and review your essay ( me shamelessly plugging in our services page here 🤦). Sharing your work with others might feel frightening, but keep in mind that an outside reader can offer you important insights.

Step 8: Revise and Revise Some More

One round of revisions is typically not enough for an important piece of writing. You want to make sure that your personal statement for your target nursing school is as polished as it gets. Now you will have to decide how many times is enough revision.

But as a rule of thumb, aim for at least 3 rounds of revisions. As you go through each essay each round, you will likely notice grammar and sentence-level issues that need fixing. At some point, however, you will feel confident with your paper. Then, you are ready to submit the document.

Related: 8 Best TEAS Prep Courses Today, According to Nursing Students

Topics and Approaches to Consider

In addition to allowing your writing to develop over time, you also need to make sure you are selecting appropriate content. But remember, you must always strive to address the specific prompt from your target nursing program. Consider the following clever tips to make your writing shine:

Tip 1: Start with an Anecdote

You want to grab the attention of your readers at the beginning of your nursing school personal statement. Beginning with an authentic anecdote is one way to do so. For example, you might bring in a specific experience that encouraged you to want to become a nurse or a situation that had a profound influence on your life.

Remember the importance of authenticity when taking this approach. You might feel like you need to manipulate the experience to make it sound more dramatic than it was. However, bear in mind that a commitment to honesty is imperative to your nursing goals.

As a word of caution, the admissions team has quite possibly read numerous nursing personal statements in the past, which means they can sniff out your inauthenticity from a mile away! You do not want that, now do you?

Tip 2: Talk about Yourself

Many students fall into the trap of talking about other people more than they discuss themselves. You might have a profound story about how a medical situation with one of your grandparents inspired you to become a nurse, or you might want to share details about an internship that you had with a particular nurse.

What you do not want to do is end up writing more about your grandparent or the nurse with whom you worked than you do about yourself.

While these individuals may very well have played a crucial role in your decision to pursue a nursing career, they are not the ones applying to a nursing school. You are essentially trying to sell yourself to the admissions committee. Talk about how these experiences shaped you and what you learned from the situations. Keep the focus on yourself.

Tip 3: Discuss the Target School

Chances are that you are applying to multiple nursing programs. If you are thinking of applying to only one program, casting your net wider is definitely wiser. After all, you don’t know for certain that you will gain admittance into your program of choice. When you apply to different schools, you should tailor the personal statement to each institution.

It’s quite possible that each school will ask you a similar question or that the prompts will resemble each other. While you might be compelled to do a one-size-fits-all personal statement for each of the nursing schools, that would be a sure recipe to get a rejection letter. The writing will sound as though it has been repurposed.

The admissions committee wants to see why you are a good fit for that specific school, not simply nursing schools in general. Now, of course, you can potentially use the same base. For example, you might want to share the same volunteer experiences or internship experiences with each school. However, you should have a section that is thoughtfully tailored to the individual school.

Incorporate specific details about the school that show why you want to go there. You could highlight particular classes that interest you or discuss a few of your role models who are that school’s alumni- basically, anything that, without a doubt, demonstrates that your essay is intended for the specific school.

Take a look at the following excerpt from an actual personal statement. While it is not for a nursing application, it should elaborate on the point.

“RIT is an excellent choice for me because it has successfully carved out a reputation for itself as a leading technology university. The availability of top-notch facilities, like the Simone Center for Student Innovation and RIT Venture creations Incubator, continue to set the university apart from its peers. As a result, the university sports a vibrant entrepreneurial culture that is leveraged on technology to inspire learners to identify problems that require innovative solutions. Importantly, I believe the MS TIME program will enable me to experience entrepreneurship in a reimagined way, like never before.”

Tip 4: Know What to Avoid

You already know that you should avoid manipulating personal stories and writing generic essays. You should also avoid begging for admission into the school. Further, avoid integrating clichés into your writing. Instead, look for personal ways to convey your ideas instead of simply regurgitating.

Avoid plagiarism as it can affect you professionally. Running your work through a  plagiarism checker  will weed out accidental plagiarism. When you read samples, you absolutely must not copy them.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

How about we examine (and comment on) some excerpts from samples of personal statements- to give you a general idea and hopefully get you started. Ready? Let’s go!

“Nursing is a very versatile field and the subjects I am currently studying have many links with adult nursing. Studying psychology has made me aware that the mental health of a patient is just as important as their physical well-being. I have learnt that the brain and the body are never in harmony, which can explain why we are such a diverse species in the way we act, or the beliefs we hold…”

– Read the rest  here

Commentary : The student does a splendid job of connecting his educational experience to the nursing field. He might want to watch for absolutes, such as the word “never.” But as long as you can back up your assertion, you are free to say what’s on your mind. The student should, however, break down this wall of text into two separate paragraphs, for readability purposes.

“After a series of illnesses and injuries during my early childhood, I was introduced to the role and care of Nurses. It was from here I became fascinated and realised this could be a satisfying future outlet for my empathetic self. I feel that nurses are truly inspirational professionals. They provide an inestimable service to society whilst working in a highly demanding and very challenging career, assisting individuals and their families through difficult times when they are at their most vulnerable. I feel I am ready to embark on this career and start to fulfill this ambition of mine to become a children’s nurse.

I believe nursing is a career in which I will excel because of my compassion for those who are at their most vulnerable. My ability to empathise with individuals would provide a positive nurse and patient relationship, putting the child and family at ease, allowing the family to approach me for support and guidance and therefore meet specific needs of the child and their family. Self-confidence is something I consider to be highly important within a nursing career. Having self-belief when working under pressure and in stressful situations is crucial when ensuring high quality care is delivered. Nursing can be a stressful career where traumatic situations are common…”

Commentary : This is an excellent example of how to start a personal statement for nursing school, and transition effortlessly from the introductory paragraph to the next. The student here clearly connects her experiences as a child to her desire to be a children’s nurse. And just from reading this sample, you feel she is well qualified for admission!

“I want to be a nurse to do something worthwhile with my career, I don’t want to waste my days working behind a computer, I want to be a nurse to utilise all of the best parts of my character…”

– Read the rest  here

Commentary : What’s useful here is that the student speaks with confidence. He seems to have a pretty clear direction from the start. However, the writing does contain comma splices, which is a grammar mistake. While the word “something” is vague, it wouldn’t be if the student elaborated on the same paragraph or the next one.

Also, the student here could better consider the audience. In this case, the audience might consist of admission committee members who work on a computer all day, and they might feel a little offended from reading the first line. Even if their personal feelings aren’t supposed to come into play when assessing the essay, the readers are likely not going into the rest of the essay brimming with enthusiasm.

In addition, the student should consider improving the opening line by focusing more on his specific goals and by eliminating information that could potentially alienate the audience.

“My motivation towards nursing did not emanate from anywhere. I relate it to the experiences that I have had since I was young. As I reflect on my life back, I remember that I grew in a family where my father and mother were nurses in the nearby hospital. I witnessed the care and love they extended to the infirm, some of who came to the hospital in dire conditions. As we lived in the staff quarters, I got a chance to sneak to my father’s office and saw how he handled the patients of different ages. I was encouraged to see him listen and take the history of every patient, something that enabled him to make an accurate treatment decision. since then, I wanted to extend the good works that I witnessed with my immediate parents…”

Commentary : This student does not have very advanced writing skills, which is why you can see her commit some grammar mistakes. For example, she ought to write “sneak into” instead of “sneak to”. However, she does a great job demonstrating how her past has led her to want to pursue a career in nursing. Do not be afraid to tell such a story on your nursing school personal statement. Just don’t dwell too much on it. And ensure the story is legit.

Writing a personal statement might seem like an overwhelming endeavor. After all, you do have to take several steps before you are ready to submit a polished essay and hopefully get accepted into your program of choice.

Keep in mind that your efforts will be worth it. Obviously, other aspects of your application come into play- Factors such as your GPA, recommendation letter, etc.

However, it is on your nursing school personal statement that you have the chance to really  craft your story how you deem fit  and showcase yourself in the best possible light. By putting the necessary time and effort into it, you could find yourself studying to become a nurse when the next semester begins.

Related Nursing Readings: 

13 Best Books for Nursing Students to Read- Reviewed

Is a Nursing Degree Worth it? Explore the Benefits

13 Best Online Nursing Programs for Non-Nurses

The 5 Absolute Best NCLEX Prep Books

Best NCLEX Prep Courses, According to Nurses

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Advertise With Us

Advertising Disclosure

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

As an Amazon Associate (and a participant of other affiliate programs), this site earns from qualifying purchases.

© 2024 TheCollegeApplication.com, a Delicto Holdings Company | All Rights Reserved

How to Get into Nursing School: Your 10-Step Guide

What are you struggling with in nursing school?

NURSING.com is the BEST place to learn nursing. With over 2,000+ clear, concise, and visual lessons, there is something for you!

So You Are Thinking About Becoming a Nurse?

In a world where healthcare heroes are in high demand, the need for more nurses has never been more critical. Every day, nurses make a difference in the lives of patients, providing comfort, care, and hope. If you've ever considered joining this noble profession, now is the time to embark on the journey that will not only transform your life but also touch the lives of countless others.

Before we dive into this blog post any further, I want to stress the importance of your test-taking skills.   Nursing school exams aren't like any other.  You probably are used to answering "the correct answer" on your exams, but in nursing school, they want to "select all that apply"

Getting into nursing school requires you to master your test-taking and critical-thinking skills.  But I do not want you to stress too much about it because I have created this completely free webinar for you " 9 Test-Taking Tips for Nursing Students (you can start using today ) .  Just click below to register 👇👇

How to Get into Nursing School: 10 Steps Towards Your Dream Career

Nursing is a noble profession that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. But how do you turn that dream into a reality?  I am going to guide you through the exciting and challenging journey of getting into nursing school.  

Getting into nursing school requires careful planning and preparation.  I want you to remember that everyone's journey may look a bit different. 

Research Nursing School Programs

Fulfill nursing school prerequisites, maintain a competitive gpa for nursing school, gain healthcare experience for nursing school, prepare for nursing school entrance exams, write a compelling personal statement for nursing school application, secure strong letters of recommendation for nursing school.

• Submit a Complete Application to Nursing School

Prepare for Interviews for Nursing School (if applicable)

Stay persistent and flexible in finding the right nursing school.

When embarking on the journey to become a nurse, one of the most crucial steps is researching nursing programs. The choices may seem overwhelming at first, but this is your opportunity to find a program that aligns with your goals, values, and aspirations.

Researching nursing programs allows you to gather vital information that will shape your future education and career. Here are a few key aspects to consider during your research:

• Nursing School Accreditation: Ensure that the nursing programs you're interested in are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies. Accreditation ensures that the program meets specific standards of quality and will provide you with the education and training needed to excel in your nursing career.
• Nursing School's Curriculum and Courses: Look into the curriculum and course offerings of each nursing program. Consider the balance between theory and practical experiences, as well as the range of clinical rotations available. Look for programs that provide a well-rounded education that prepares you for the challenges and demands of nursing practice.
• Clinical Partnerships: Explore the clinical partnerships that the nursing program has established. Strong collaborations with healthcare institutions can provide you with a diverse range of clinical experiences and potential employment opportunities upon graduation.
• Student Support: Investigate the support systems in place for nursing students. This can include academic advising, mentoring programs, tutoring services, and career counseling. A supportive environment can enhance your learning experience and help you navigate the challenges of nursing school.
• Graduation and Licensure Rates: Review the program's graduation and licensure rates. These statistics reflect the program's success in preparing students for licensure exams and subsequent professional practice. High graduation and licensure rates indicate a strong and effective nursing program.

Remember, researching nursing programs is not just about finding the "best" program, but finding the program that is the best fit for you. Consider your personal goals, learning preferences, and lifestyle when evaluating different options. Take the time to visit program websites, attend information sessions, and reach out to current students or alumni to gain a deeper understanding of each program's culture and community.

Fulfilling nursing school prerequisites is a vital step on your journey to becoming a nurse. These prerequisite courses serve as the building blocks for your nursing education, providing you with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field.

Let's explore the importance of meeting these requirements and how you can navigate this essential phase of your nursing school preparation.

Nursing school prerequisites typically include a range of science and general education courses. These courses lay the foundation for your understanding of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, psychology, and other relevant subjects. They provide the necessary academic groundwork upon which your nursing education will be built.

Why are these prerequisites so important?

• They equip you with a solid understanding of the human body, its functions, and the principles that underpin healthcare. This knowledge will serve as the bedrock of your nursing practice, enabling you to make informed clinical decisions and provide safe and effective care to patients.
• Fulfilling nursing prerequisites demonstrates your commitment and dedication to the field. Nursing programs are highly competitive, and admissions committees often consider your performance in these prerequisite courses when evaluating your application. 

To fulfill nursing school prerequisites , you'll need to plan your academic journey strategically.

• Research the specific prerequisites required by the nursing programs you're interested in. Take note of the required courses their credit hours, and any additional specifications. This information will help you map out your academic schedule and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements.
• When selecting prerequisite courses, consider your strengths and interests, but also be open to challenging yourself. These courses may seem demanding, but they are designed to prepare you for the complexities of nursing practice. 

As you embark on fulfilling nursing school prerequisites, it's essential to approach your studies with diligence and discipline. Create a study schedule, seek additional resources if needed.

Remember, these prerequisites are not just boxes to check; they are valuable opportunities to expand your knowledge and become a well-rounded nurse.

If you need some help with any of your nursing school prerequisites, come check us out at NURSING.com.  We have an entire pre-nursing course with lessons ranging from anatomy and physiology to Chemisty.  Click here now to view our pre-nursing course!  

Fulfilling nursing school prerequisites is an essential step on your path to becoming a nurse. It lays the groundwork for your nursing education, shapes your understanding of the human body and healthcare principles.

Maintaining a competitive GPA is a crucial aspect of preparing for nursing school. Your Grade Point Average (GPA) reflects your academic performance and is often considered by nursing programs during the admission process. Achieving and sustaining a strong GPA increases your chances of getting accepted into your desired nursing program.  

A competitive GPA can open doors to various opportunities within nursing. Scholarships, grants, and honors programs often consider GPA as a criterion for eligibility. Achieving a high GPA can make you eligible for financial assistance, recognition, and additional learning experiences that can enrich your education and set you apart from other candidates.

So, how can you maintain a competitive GPA in your journey towards nursing school? Here are a few strategies to help you succeed:

• Prioritize Time Management: Nursing school requires a significant time commitment, and managing your time effectively is essential. Create a study schedule that allows for dedicated study hours, breaks, and leisure time. Stay organized, set goals, and be disciplined in following your study plan.
• Actively Engage in Class: Attend classes regularly and actively participate in discussions and activities. Take thorough notes, ask questions, and seek clarification when needed.
• Develop Effective Study Habits: Find study techniques that work best for you. Experiment with different methods such as flashcards, concept mapping, or group study sessions. Practice active learning strategies, review your notes regularly, and seek opportunities to apply your knowledge through practice questions or real-life scenarios.
• Seek Academic Support: If you're facing challenges in specific subjects or need additional guidance, don't hesitate to seek academic support. Take advantage of tutoring services, study groups, or seek help from professors during office hours. Recognize that asking for help is a sign of strength and a commitment to your academic success.
• Stay Motivated and Persistent: Nursing school can be demanding and challenging at times. It's crucial to stay motivated and maintain a positive mindset throughout your academic journey. Set realistic goals, celebrate small achievements, and remember your ultimate purpose of becoming a nurse. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors who can provide encouragement and motivation when needed.

By prioritizing time management, actively engaging in class, developing effective study habits, seeking academic support, and staying motivated, you'll position yourself for success in nursing school and beyond. 

Gaining healthcare experience is a valuable step on your path to nursing school. It provide you with firsthand exposure to the healthcare field.  Whether you're considering becoming a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, or pursuing another nursing specialization, having healthcare experience can enhance your nursing school application and set you apart from other candidates.

How can you gain healthcare experience to bolster your nursing school application? 

• Volunteer at Healthcare Facilities: Contact local hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or community health centers to inquire about volunteer opportunities. These settings often welcome volunteers who can provide support to patients, assist with administrative tasks, or contribute to community outreach programs. Volunteering allows you to interact with patients, observe healthcare professionals in action, and gain exposure to different aspects of healthcare.
• Work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Becoming a CNA offers a direct patient care experience and is highly regarded by nursing programs. As a CNA, you'll assist patients with daily activities, take vital signs, provide basic care, and work alongside nurses and other healthcare professionals. This role provides valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the nursing profession.
• Shadowing Opportunities: Reach out to healthcare professionals, such as nurses or nurse practitioners, and request to shadow them. Shadowing allows you to observe their daily responsibilities, ask questions, and gain insight into their roles and responsibilities. This firsthand experience offers valuable exposure to the nursing profession and can provide you with valuable mentorship and guidance.
• Research or Internship Programs: Explore research or internship programs offered by universities, healthcare organizations, or research institutions. These programs provide opportunities to engage in healthcare-related research projects, work alongside researchers, or contribute to healthcare initiatives.
• Community Service in Healthcare: Engage in community service initiatives that are healthcare-related. This can include volunteering at health fairs, participating in medical mission trips, or supporting local healthcare advocacy organizations. Community service not only demonstrates your commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes but also allows you to interact with diverse populations and gain a broader perspective on healthcare issues.

Remember, gaining healthcare experiences is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the healthcare field, gain insight into the realities of patient care, and cultivate the skills and attributes necessary for success in nursing.

Preparing for nursing school entrance exams is a crucial step on your journey to becoming a nurse. These exams, such as the HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) and TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), assess your knowledge and skills in various academic areas relevant to nursing. Success on these exams can significantly impact your chances of getting accepted into your desired nursing program.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the content and format of the specific entrance exam you'll be taking. Each exam has its own unique sections, such as English language proficiency, math, science, and reading comprehension. Review the exam guidelines, understand the scoring system, and identify the areas where you may need additional preparation.

To help you in your exam preparation journey, NURSING.com offers comprehensive HESI and TEAS prep courses and practice exams. Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence you need to succeed. Whether you're looking to brush up on specific subject areas or seeking a comprehensive review, our resources can be tailored to your individual needs.

NURSING.com's HESI and TEAS prep courses cover all the essential topics tested on the exams, including anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, math, reading comprehension, grammar, and more. Our expert instructors provide engaging video lessons, detailed explanations, and practice questions to reinforce your understanding of the material.

Practice exams are invaluable tools to assess your readiness and identify areas where you need further improvement. NURSING.com offers realistic HESI and TEAS practice exams that simulate the actual testing experience. By practicing with these exams, you'll become familiar with the question formats, manage your time effectively, and develop test-taking strategies that can enhance your performance on exam day.

Preparing for nursing school entrance exams can be a challenging task, but with the right resources and strategies, you can feel confident and well-prepared. Visit NURSING.com today to explore our HESI and TEAS prep courses and practice exams. 

Click Here to Start Your Nursing School Entrance Exams Prep

Crafting a compelling personal statement is an essential part of your nursing school application. It's your opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, motivations, and qualities that make you an ideal candidate for nursing school. Your personal statement allows admissions committees to get to know you on a deeper level and understand why you're passionate about pursuing a career in nursing.

Start by reflecting on your journey and experiences that have led you to pursue nursing.

• What sparked your interest in healthcare?
• Have you had any impactful personal encounters with nurses or healthcare professionals?
• Think about the moments that ignited your passion and shaped your desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Next, highlight your unique qualities, skills, and attributes that align with the values and expectations of the nursing profession.

• Are you a compassionate and empathetic individual?
• Do you possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills?
• Have you demonstrated leadership abilities or a commitment to serving others?

Use specific examples from your life experiences, volunteer work, or academic pursuits to illustrate these qualities and show how they make you well-suited for a career in nursing.

Share your relevant experiences in healthcare or any exposure you've had to the nursing field.

• Describe any internships, shadowing opportunities, or volunteer work you've undertaken.
• Discuss the lessons you've learned, the impact these experiences had on your understanding of nursing, and how they have shaped your goals and aspirations. 

When writing your personal statement, be authentic and genuine in expressing your passion for nursing.  Avoid generic statements and clichés. Instead, focus on conveying your personal story, using vivid language and descriptive narratives to captivate the reader's attention. Share your personal motivations, the challenges you've overcome, and how your unique background has shaped your perspective on healthcare.

Remember, your personal statement is your chance to make a lasting impression and convince admissions committees that you have the drive, dedication, and potential to succeed in nursing school.

These letters provide valuable insight into your character, abilities, and potential as a nursing student. They serve as endorsements from individuals who have witnessed your dedication, work ethic, and interpersonal skills.

Consider who you will ask to write your letters of recommendation. Ideally, you should choose individuals who know you well and can speak to your qualifications for nursing school. 

Provide your letter writers with a clear understanding of your goals and aspirations in nursing. Discuss your reasons for pursuing a nursing career, the specific nursing programs you are applying to, and why you believe you would be a great fit. This information will enable your letter writers to tailor their recommendations to align with your chosen nursing program's values and expectations.

 Submit a Complete Application to Nursing School

Submitting a complete and well-prepared application is a crucial step towards gaining admission to nursing school. The application serves as your first impression and provides an opportunity to showcase your qualifications, experiences, and passion for the nursing profession. 

To ensure your application stands out among the competition, follow these essential tips for submitting a complete and compelling application.

• Carefully review the application requirements and instructions provided by the nursing schools you're applying to. Take note of any specific documents, essays, or forms that need to be submitted . Create a checklist to keep track of the required materials, ensuring that nothing is overlooked or missed. Pay close attention to deadlines and give yourself ample time to gather all the necessary information.
• One of the most critical components of your application is your personal statement or essay.  If you skipped over that section in the blog post, scroll back up!
• Obtaining transcripts from your previous educational institutions are an essential part of the application process.  Double-check that these transcripts are sent directly to the nursing schools or centralized application services as per their instructions. Keep in mind that some institutions may require additional steps, such as filling out transcript request forms or paying fees, so plan accordingly and give yourself enough time to complete these tasks.
• Don't forget to thoroughly complete the application forms themselves. Provide accurate and up-to-date information about your personal details, educational history, employment or volunteer experiences, and any other relevant information requested.
• Proofread your application multiple times to catch any errors or typos. Pay attention to formatting and ensure that your application is neat, organized, and easy to read.
• Submit your application ahead of the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues or delays.
• Keep copies of all the materials you submit for your records, including confirmation emails or receipts if applicable.
• Stay in communication with the nursing schools to ensure that all components of your application have been received and are complete.

A well-prepared application showcases your qualifications and increases your chances of being accepted into nursing school. Take the time to present your best self on paper, and remember to stay positive and confident throughout the application process.

While not all nursing schools require interviews, if you find yourself in this situation, it's crucial to be well-prepared. Here are some valuable tips to help you effectively prepare for interviews and increase your chances of success.

• Research the nursing school: Take the time to thoroughly research the nursing school where you will be interviewing. Familiarize yourself with its mission, values, and curriculum.
• Reflect on your experiences: Think about your previous experiences, both academic and personal, that have shaped your desire to pursue nursing. 
• Prepare responses to common interview questions: Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful, concise responses. Practice articulating your experiences, motivations, and aspirations in a clear and confident manner.
• Be prepared to discuss why you are passionate about nursing, how you handle stress or challenging situations, and your understanding of the nursing profession.
• Showcase your knowledge : Demonstrate your understanding of current healthcare issues, nursing trends, and the role of a nurse in various healthcare settings. 
• Practice, practice, practice: Conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or mentor. Practice answering questions and receive constructive feedback on your responses, body language, and overall presentation.
• Dress professionally: Dress appropriately for the interview, opting for professional attire that reflects your commitment to the nursing profession.
• Ask questions : Towards the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the nursing program, clinical experiences, faculty, or any other relevant topic.

Remember, the interview is your chance to make a lasting impression and showcase your suitability for nursing school.

When it comes to pursuing your dream of becoming a nurse, finding the right nursing school is a crucial step on your journey. It may require persistence and flexibility as you navigate through the various options available to you.

• Expand your search: Cast a wide net when researching nursing schools. Look beyond the well-known institutions and explore other options that may offer excellent nursing programs. Consider both local and out-of-state schools, as well as online programs that provide flexibility in scheduling and location.
• Prioritize your preferences: Consider your personal preferences and priorities when evaluating nursing schools. Think about factors such as location, program length, class size, clinical opportunities, resources, and support services. Determine what aspects are most important to you and use them as criteria for comparing different schools.
• Reach out to nursing school advisors: Don't hesitate to contact nursing school advisors or admissions representatives. They can provide valuable information about the program, answer any questions you may have, and offer guidance on the application process. 
• Attend nursing school fairs and open houses: Take advantage of nursing school fairs and open houses to learn more about different programs. These events often provide an opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and current students, allowing you to ask questions and get a feel for the campus culture.
• Stay persistent: Finding the right nursing school may require persistence. It's possible that you may face rejections or encounter challenges along the way. Don't let setbacks discourage you.
• Be flexible: Flexibility is key when it comes to finding the right nursing school. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt your plans if necessary.
• Trust your instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when making your final decision. 

Remember, finding the right nursing school is a process that requires persistence and flexibility.

As you embark on your journey towards nursing school, remember that the path to success begins with proper preparation and a solid foundation.

Tests and exams are a fundamental part of nursing school admissions, with exams like the HESI and TEAS playing a significant role . That's why we invite you to join my free test-taking webinar.  Just click below 👇👇👇

Investing time in honing your test-taking skills early on can make a significant difference in your journey towards nursing school. By attending our webinar, you'll gain the tools and knowledge necessary to approach exams with confidence and achieve your desired results.

YOU CAN DO THIS!

Happy Nursing!

10 Normal Lab Values For Nursing School and The NextGen NCLEX

Complete guide to blood urea nitrogen (bun) lab values: nursing lab values, similar blog posts, welcome to the nursing family | nursing.com.

Finding Balance in Nursing School | NURSING.com

St. Paul's School of Nursing Review | NURSING.com

Registered Nurse RN

Registered Nurse, Free Care Plans, Free NCLEX Review, Nurse Salary, and much more. Join the nursing revolution.

Tips on Writing a Nursing School Admission Essay

When it comes to getting into nursing school, a good admission essay is at the center of the decision. An admission essay can help or hurt students who wish to get into nursing school. The essay is not only about the content but about other important components that let the admission board know that students are serious about entering their programs and that they will be valuable assets as well. It is important for potential nursing students to know that there are important elements needed to write the perfect admission essay to get into nursing school.

How to Write a Nursing School Application Essay

The application essay is a requirement that applicants must complete as a part of the admission packet. Some call this essay the personal essay, letter of intent, or statements of purpose. In essence, the application essay is the applicant’s chance to plea with the admission board for admission into their nursing program. Applicants explain their reasons for becoming nurses and explain why this program can help them achieve their dreams.

It is important to know what elements are needed to write a successful application essay. One of the most important things that applicants need to remember is to plan the essay carefully. Making an outline of important items to include is very important to the success of the essay. It is important to adhere to the length of the essay so that the board does not throw it out. If the application says 500 to 1000 words, it means just that and nothing more or less. The applicant should include information about accomplishments in the applicant’s life and the hopeful accomplishments for the future.

Applicants should only include a short personal statement about them and reserve the majority of the essay for information about experiences that have shaped them. They should use other parts of the application to cover information that does not make the applicant stand out from other applicants. Remember, admission officers read numerous essays so it is important to stand out from other applicants.

Provide a structurally sound application. Make sure that the application essay has the proper spelling, format, and grammatical structure before turning in the finished product. An essay with errors will make the officers believe that the applicant may not be a desirable nurse. Keep the paragraphs short so that they are easy to read for the officers.

What to Include in a Nursing School Essay

A nursing school applicant should include the following in the nursing school essay:

• Things that interest the applicant about the nursing industry
• Reasons for choosing the specific nursing program
• A clear view of the future vision of the applicant
• Previous preparation to become a successful nurse
• Superior personal accomplishments and standouts (test scores, transcripts, etc.)
• Experience with medical training and patient care (volunteer opportunities, internships, etc.)
• Academic interests
• Character traits that focus on desires and strengths to become a nurse
• Reasons the officers should accept the application

Tips on How to Write a Nursing School Application Essay

The purpose of the admissions essay is to prove that the application is a worthy selection for the nursing program. Applicants are only allowed a few words to tell their personal stories, but their rejection or acceptance depends on it. The following tips will help applicants write a successful nursing school application essay:

• Choose information wisely. Make sure that the information included paints a vivid picture of past and future accomplishments so that the admissions officers are impressed.
• Select a strong essay topic. Applicants want to be remembered for their essay well after the officers have read it. Make sure to stay on the topic and provide strong supporting information within the paragraphs.
• Provide a glimpse of the applicant’s life. The admissions officers do not want to be bored with the mundane details but rather the important things that make the applicant unique.
• Intrigue the reading in the first few lines. Capture the essay reader within the first few lines so that they want to continue reading.
• Make sure the essay has structure. The essay should include an introduction, body, and conclusion that is easy to read and understand. Make sure to add a memorable statement to the conclusion so that the essay readers do not forget the essay.

The application essay is a very important aspect of the nursing school application process. It can make or break the chance that an applicant gets into nursing school. The applicant should plan accordingly before writing the essay and make sure that it is rich with intriguing information. It is important to make sure that the essay is error free. This is the only chance that an applicant has to impress the admission board.

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:

Please Share:

• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)

Disclosure and Privacy Policy

Important links, follow us on social media.

• Facebook Nursing
• Instagram Nursing
• TikTok Nurse
• Twitter Nursing
• YouTube Nursing

Copyright Notice

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Into Nursing School

How to get into nursing school

• Graduate high school or earn your GED
• Research nursing programs
• Complete the prerequisites
• Take nursing entrance exams
• Make a plan to pay for nursing school
• Complete the Nursing School application   
• Wait for your acceptance letter from Admissions!

Nursing is more than holding a person’s hand when they are sick or in pain; it’s an art. You help save lives and make patients feel better. 

Nursing careers are diverse and complex, which makes the preparation of nursing school quite challenging. Even getting into nursing school can be a long and difficult process. 

From meeting the prerequisites to completing the application process, we’re here to help. This ultimate guide to getting into nursing school will take you through each step. We’ll even cover what to do if you don’t get into nursing school on your first try. 

Are you ready to feel more confident about getting into your first-choice nursing program? Let’s get started!

1. Graduate high school or earn your GED

For all nursing programs, the first step is to finish high school or pass the General Educational Development (GED) Test . Either option demonstrates that you have achieved a high school-level education. Nursing school requires a copy of your diploma or your GED test results with your application. Most schools also require students to be 18 years old. 

Your nursing school will also require transcripts from schools you’ve attended. This is to show what courses you’ve taken and what your grades were. Schools often consider an applicant’s grade point average (GPA) in the selection process. 

Colleges with a lot of competition may only accept students with high grades and GPAs. However, less competitive schools may take students with lower scores. That’s one of the reasons it helps to research different nursing programs.

2. Research nursing programs

You can research nursing schools by reading about programs online. Also, talk to people you know and visit local schools. Find the best academic, social, and financial fit for you! 

Here are some questions to think about as you research and explore your options. 

• Where do I see myself spending the next two to four years? Would I prefer a small college in a rural setting or a large public university in a big city?
• Do I want or need to live on-campus, or can I commute? 
• What type of program (licensed practical nurse, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree) do I want, and how many months or years can I dedicate to the program?
• What is the nursing program’s acceptance rate? (A lower acceptance rate means that it is more competitive and, therefore, harder to get into.)
• How do I prefer to learn, virtually or in-person? (Many schools offer online options, except for clinicals and labs being face-to-face.)
• What programs are available to help students?
• What is the student-to-faculty ratio? (In general, students in smaller class sizes outperform students in large classes.)
• What is the school’s pass rate for the nursing board exam? (Graduates must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) test to become licensed nurses, so knowing what percent of students pass the NCLEX can give you an idea of how strong the program is.)

Think about these questions and write down your answers. Putting pen to paper when you think about your requirements and goals will help you see which schools will be right for you.

3. Complete the prerequisites

Next, students must complete the prerequisite courses, called “pre-reqs.” Some students start these before they choose a nursing school. That’s because many schools have the same requirements. 

Still, to save time and money, you should know what type of nursing license or degree you’ll pursue before beginning prereqs. There are three main types of nursing programs for students who want to become nurses, which are:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) 
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become an RN

LPN/LVN Prerequisites

An LPN or LVN license is the most basic entry level for nursing. The title varies by state — in Texas and California, these nurses are called LVNs, and in all other states, they are called LPNs. 

Students graduate from LPN/LVN nursing school in about 12 months. The LPN/LVN schools do not award graduates with a college degree. Rather, they grant students a diploma or certificate in nursing. 

The prerequisites for LPN and LVN nursing schools may include:

• College-level English
• College-level Math
• Anatomy and Physiology (A&P)
• Microbiology
• Certified Nurse’s Aide(CNA) certificate
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification

Some community college LPN/LVN programs only require an application and placement test.

ADN Prerequisites

Students who complete an ADN program are prepared to take the NCLEX-RN test for an RN license. They also earn an associate’s degree, which takes two years to complete. 

Here is a sample of courses required to start an ADN program. Most nursing schools require these classes, although they might go by different names in different schools or states. 

• Anatomy & Physiology I 4 credit hours
• Anatomy & Physiology II 4 credit hours
• Psychology 3 credit hours
• Human Development 3 credit hours
• Nutrition 3 credit hours
• English College Composition I 3 credit hours
• College Algebra 3 credit hours
• Introductory Statistics 3 credit hours

The list of courses above is 26 credit hours, which equals two full-time semesters of pre-nursing coursework. As you can see, an ADN may take three years or more because of the heavy load of prerequisite courses you must complete before starting nursing school. 

Some nursing programs allow students to complete certain “prereqs” after admission or during their nursing program. 

BSN Prerequisites

Graduates from a BSN program can take the NCLEX-RN test to earn an RN license. They also earn a bachelor’s degree in approximately four years. 

Here is a sample of courses required for a BSN program. 

• Sociology 3 credit hours
• English Composition I 3 credit hours
• English Composition II 3 credit hours
• Biology I 3 credit hours
• Biology II 4 credit hours
• Chemistry I 3 credit hours
• History 6 credit hours
• Government or Political Science 6 credit hours
• Philosophy 3 credit hours
• Speech 3 credit hours
• Art 3 credit hours

The list of courses above is 60 credit hours, which equals approximately two years of college “pre-reqs.” Many schools give extra weight to your GPA in science and math classes during the application process. The higher your grades, the better your chances of getting in. 

In addition to certifications or classes, some schools have prerequisite entrance exams. 

4. Take nursing entrance exams 

While not every nursing school has an entrance exam, those that do usually require one of three tests: 

Wonderlic SLE

Hesi a2 .

The Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) A2 Assessment is a common entrance exam for nursing schools. You can take it in person at your school, at an alternate site, or online through ProctorU. Test results are available within 48-72 hours after testing. 

The HESI A2 is divided into nine subjects, but your school will tell you which sections to take. 

Appointments are necessary to test, and you must pay a testing fee to your school. The exact price depends on your school, but may range from $35–50. Reach out to your school for more information about the cost and any other fees. 

You’ll also need a photo ID and your receipt to test at your testing center.

NurseHub gives users access to over 7,500 practice questions , detailed answer explanations, and a pass guarantee with premium. You can also access timed practice tests and Math, Grammar, ELU, and A&P video courses. Head over and try the free practice tests now!

The ATI TEAS 7 test has four subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, and English. Each test site, including schools and testing centers, sets the exam price. In general, ATI costs around $115 . Read more about what types of questions you will see on the ATI TEAS 7 in this blog post !

NurseHub helps students pass the TEAS tests on the first try. Watch free ATI TEAS test prep videos with tons of questions and in-depth answer explanations from experts. When you’re ready to test your knowledge, try NurseHub’s free ATI TEAS 7 practice tests here . You can also join the ATI TEAS 7 Study Group on Facebook !

The Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE) is a cognitive ability test. It tests students in language, logic, and numeric reasoning — with 50 questions in 12 minutes! Most nursing schools require you to score at least 16 correct, but some schools set the bar as high as 30. 

Test yourself with a free Wonderlic practice test here .

5. Make a plan to pay for nursing school

Another factor to consider when getting into nursing school is how to pay for your program. Nursing school costs vary dramatically — from a few thousand dollars to over $100,000 when you factor in fees and books! It all depends on where you enroll.

As an example, the ADN program at Oklahoma City Community College costs between $1500 and $4000 per semester in Fall 2022 . Over two years, the price for this program would be less than $10,000.

On the other hand, tuition and fees for a BSN from the Meyer School of Nursing at New York University were around $29,084 for the Fall 2022 semester. Over four years, the total out-of-pocket to become an RN would be in the six figures!

When planning your career, keep these points in mind:

• LVNs and LPNs programs are the least expensive and take about one year to complete. 
• ADN programs are moderately priced and take at least two years to complete. 
• BSN programs take around four years and are the most expensive.

As a rule, state schools cost more than community colleges. Private colleges and universities are more expensive than both of them.

Other costs that future nurses must think about include the following:

• Housing if you are going to live on-campus
• Nursing textbooks
• Required health insurance
• Scrubs, shoes, stethoscope, and other supplies

Don’t panic. There are tons of resources to help you pay for your nursing program. We’ve compiled a list for you. With some planning, you can confidently apply and get into the nursing school of your dreams. 

Unless you have a trust fund or savings account somewhere, you can pay for school with help from these three types of financial aid :

Scholarships

• Loans 

You can also check with the Financial Aid office at the school you plan to attend for more help.

Scholarships are financial awards that you must apply for. Your school can provide a list you may qualify for. But did you know that you can also find hundreds of scholarship opportunities through various organizations online?

Each scholarship has unique conditions, from GPA minimums to organization membership. Many require you to write an essay or submit a resume. Create a scholarship file in your home or computer to track your applications.

Hint : You can use parts of your application for multiple scholarships if you stay organized. Work smarter, not harder — am I right?

Here are a few other links for nursing scholarships once you get accepted into your dream nursing school:

• American Association of Colleges of Nursing scholarships
• Foundation of National Student Nurses’ Association scholarships
• J&J Nursing Scholarships
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses scholarships
• National Black Nurses Association, Inc scholarships
• Oncology Nursing Society Foundation scholarships

And here are a few more scholarship databases (not nursing-specific, but still helpful):

• CareerOneStop
• Scholarship Experts

You may have heard that grants are like “free money.” And it’s true! If you meet the criteria to qualify, a grant is a sum of money paid to you while you attend school. Pay your tuition first. Then you can use any leftover funds for expenses related to school, including transportation, room and board, and even childcare. 

Two federal grants that you may qualify for are the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) . Both are based on financial needs. 

In addition to national programs, many states also offer state-funded grants for nursing students. Maryland’s grant programs for nursing students and Oregon are two examples.

You must complete the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and check with your school’s financial aid office to see if you qualify.

The last option if you cannot pay for school with money from other sources is loans. When it comes to loans for nursing school, there are two types: federal and private. 

Federal student loans are the better choice out of the two because they offer students the following:

• Lower interest rates
• Long deferment periods
• Better repayment options

Students with financial needs will also qualify for Federal Subsidized Loans, in which the government helps with some of the interest, so your payments are lower. 

Another federal resource to look into is the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This agency works directly with schools to fund students in medicine and nursing. Ask your school’s financial aid office for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

6. Complete the Nursing School Application

When you have a solid plan for nursing school, it’s time to complete the application. In many cases, there are two applications. You must apply to the school you want to attend and then the school of nursing (nursing program). 

Know your deadlines! Plan to complete and send in your requirements before the deadlines to be safe.

Remember, procedures vary from one school to another. However, we will explain the general application, or petition, process here.

You will need to gather and submit the following:

• Admission/Petition application 
• An official transcript from high school and any college courses you’ve taken
• Standardized test scores (ACT, SAT, etc.)
• Essay, letter, or personal statement 
• Letters of recommendation
• Documentation of volunteer experience (may not be required but may strengthen your nursing school application)
• International students may need to provide documentation for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or undergo a transcript evaluation.

There is usually an application fee. However, some schools waive this if you attend on-campus activities like orientation, if you demonstrate financial need or for other reasons. 

Nursing school admissions interviews

Some colleges and programs may require an admissions interview, although this has become less common since the pandemic. If your school requires a virtual or face-to-face meeting, here are a few pointers:

• Let your passion for nursing as a professional shine through!
• Don’t be shy about your achievements and accomplishments in school — now’s the time to toot your own horn!
• Have a “study plan” for how you plan to be successful as a nursing student. Share details!
• Never lie during an interview. 
• Prepare by staying up on current events in nursing and healthcare. 
• Practice beforehand by asking a trusted friend to participate in a mock interview, so you get comfortable answering questions about yourself and your nursing dreams.
• Be ready for difficult questions such as “ how would you deal with this conflict? ” or “ describe an ethical dilemma you’ve faced and how you dealt with it. ” Jot down a couple of scenarios for examples to bring to mind.

Getting into Nursing School

After you’ve applied, your student file goes through a selection process. Many schools use a point system. They assign a certain number of points to each candidate according to the application criteria. The students with the most points are offered admission. 

Here is an example of one school’s petition (application) process :

• Students who are ready to begin the core nursing courses inform the Nursing Program through a process known as petitioning. This happens one semester before they desire to start the core courses. 
• To petition, the student meets with their Academic Advisor to discuss questions and submit a form online.
• The process is competitive. The Nursing Program verifies that all requirements have been met and scores applicants according to a rubric.

7. Wait for your acceptance letter from Admissions!

After you’ve applied to your first-choice nursing program, the final step is to wait for acceptance. 

Enjoy your brief reprieve. When you receive your acceptance letter, there may be more conditions! 

Most acceptance letters are contingent upon meeting additional requirements before starting the program. Here is a list of additional pre-nursing requirements.

• Tuberculin (TB) skin test
• Criminal background check
• Fingerprinting
• Drug screening
• Immunization documentation (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Flu)
• Health Physical

Your acceptance letter or email will be followed by an orientation packet explaining what to do next and key dates such as orientation to plan for.

What if you don’t get into nursing school?

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Do not be discouraged if you do not get in right away. Often, there are many applicants and few seats. Your application just wasn’t strong enough for that round. 

You can strengthen your application and reapply. For ADN and BSN programs, you can retake some of your non-nursing courses (“basics”) to boost your GPA. If your entrance exam scores were low, see if your school allows you to retest and increase your scores.

If you’re missing “pre-reqs”, continue working on pre-nursing courses to strengthen your transcript. 

Your first option is to retake some of the non-nursing courses required for the program to improve your grade and, in turn, your overall GPA. Alternatively, if you’re missing some of the prerequisite courses, this is an opportunity to bring up your average by doing well in these courses.

You can also apply to other schools. Applying to more than one school increases your chances of getting into nursing school. Then, you’re more likely to start in the semester you’d hoped.

The road to getting into nursing school isn’t always a straightforward one. And it’s never too early to start preparing. Now that you know what to do, go ahead and get started today!

We hope this post helps you along the way. And if you find it helpful, don’t forget to share.

• Nursing School

Nursing School Application Cover Letter Example

Need a nursing school application cover letter example? Look no further. Nursing school applications can be tough and writing a formal cover letter requires a bit of guidance. Nursing school application cover letters can be a great way to emphasize your professional work experience or volunteer work as you apply for nursing school. But unlike a personal statement, cover letters are bit more structured and formal writing. Nursing admissions consulting services can certainly help coach students on writing cover letters but reading nursing school application cover letter examples is a good place to start, too! In this blog, we’ll look at what a nursing school cover letter is and how to write a strong cover letter. At the bottom, we’ve also included some samples of nursing cover letters.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Article Contents 6 min read

What is a nursing school application cover letter.

A nursing school application cover letter works almost the same as a cover letter for any job application. For prospective nursing school students, a cover letter is the introduction to your application package, and a way of introducing yourself on paper to the admissions committee of a school. It is similar to a nursing school letter of intent or nursing school personal statement , but there are some key differences.

Firstly, a cover letter is typically shorter and more formal than a personal statement. It also tends to focus on your professional work experience, volunteer experience and skillset. A nursing school cover letter is designed to demonstrate why you are a good fit for a nursing program and how you will be an excellent future medical professional. A letter of intent or personal statement usually examines your personal motivations, experiences and reasons for wanting to become a nurse. It’s your way of answering the question ‘ why do you want to be a nurse ?’.

A nursing school application cover letter is a formal letter, typically no more than one page long. Or about 200-400 words maximum. Since the word count is low, you’ll need to be fairly concise and get to your point. You’ll also need to limit yourself to only a few points and keep things relevant. Like other formal letters, such as letters of intent, they include several important sections, which we’ve outlined below.

Restate why you are an ideal choice for the program and what you bring to the table. Invite them to get in touch if they have any questions about your application. Use a formal, polite salutation to close your letter. "}]">

Writing a good cover letter means convincing the admissions committee that you are a prime candidate or a nursing program and to give you a chance to interview with them. To do so, you want to provide evidence of your candidacy by sharing key experiences or skills you have. Then align those experiences to the nursing school’s program values. The cover letter allows you an opportunity to highlight the most important sections of your application package and demonstrate how you will become an excellent future nursing professional. There are many different kinds of experiences you can emphasize in your cover letter, even if you don’t have much work experience in health care or related jobs. Read some physician cover letter examples or MBA cover letter examples to get a better idea of what kind of experiences to include. You can also look at some ERAS experience section examples to see what kind of professional and personal experiences admissions committees like to see.

Next we’ll look at what kind of experiences to include in your nursing school cover letter—and what to leave out!

If you have any nursing certifications such as a CPR course, or have achieved anything noteworthy in your academic or personal life, such as a lifeguarding save at the community pool, definitely include these in your cover letter! These can be excellent examples of what you have to offer the nursing profession, and your dedication to living by the values of the profession. ","label":"Certifications or achievements","title":"Certifications or achievements"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

What not to include

Your cover letter is relatively short, so avoid using too many details or launching into extensive personal anecdotes or stories. Avoid getting lost in the weeds or using irrelevant examples. Be sure to show why your chosen examples are relevant to the nursing school’s values or the nursing profession. It’s also important not to repeat too much information from your resume or other parts of your application. Elaborate and expand, but don’t just rehash old information.

Here we’ve included some samples of nursing school cover letters for your reference. Use these examples to help you write your own cover letter for nursing school!

Dear Director Higgins,

I am writing today as part of my application to your program at [Nursing School]. I am a recent graduate of [Pre-med university] and I am excited to take this next step in becoming a nursing professional. In my application you will see that I exceed the stated qualifications for your program intake, but first allow me to share with you why I believe I will be an excellent nursing student.

Throughout my undergraduate years, I have worked as a server at a family restaurant. In my years of working there, I have cultivated many desirable soft skills that make a good professional nurse, such as strong communication skills, diplomacy and conflict management. In interacting with the customers and other staff, I have developed an ease in managing all kinds of different individuals. Working alongside a restaurant team has also been very rewarding for my personal skill development, as it is a fast-paced and sometimes chaotic environment. It is challenging, but strong teamwork and collaboration is essential, and I have learned effective ways to work as part of the team.

I am also proud to have some experience in caring for patients. Although I have not had the opportunity to provide for human patients, I volunteer my free hours at an animal shelter, helping to care for sick animals, do routine cleaning and medication administration. I am consistently recognized for my strong work ethic, my compassion for the animals we help and my steady hands when helping the staff vet administer injectable medications. I have found working with these animals to be incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to an opportunity to work with human patients as a professional nurse.

I believe my experiences have give me a solid introduction to the work of a nurse, and I am excited to continue my education in health care. I will be an enthusiastic student in the classroom and no doubt an excellent example of the kind of nurse [Nursing School] can produce. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding my application. I look forward to your reply.

Sanjay Deepa

  Writing a letter of intent instead? Read this infographic.

Free Webinar: How to Make Your Nursing School Application Stand Out ","buttonText":"Register Now!","buttonColor":"#ffffff","bannerUnderText":" Limited Spots Available ","trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/bemoacademicconsulting.com\/nursing-app-webinar-registration"" code="banner2" background-color="#000066" button-color="#ffffff" banner-image> Sample #2

Dear Admissions Committee,

I am writing this letter to share my qualifications for admission at [Nursing School] in this application cycle. I am a graduate of [University] and I have dedicated myself to gaining the needed experience in healthcare for the past several summers. My goal is to enter a career as a nurse in a women’s health centre or health clinic.

In pursuit of this goal, I have been gaining shadowing experience with several nurses at the [Name] Women’s Health Clinic in [City]. It was important to me to have multiple shadowing experiences so I could get some insight into my future career from actual practicing nurses and see firsthand what treating patients was like. I have found these experiences incredibly rewarding, as I have been able to assist with patients and earn valuable experience interacting with them in a clinical setting. Shadowing has shown me what I can realistically expect from a career in women’s health, and it has solidified my decision to enter this field of medicine. I have also been fortunate to meet a team of dedicated and talented nurses who have shared with me their insights on working in women’s health. Their advice and guidance on my burgeoning clinical skills has been a valuable teaching experience for me. Several of these nurses have also agreed to write letters of recommendation for me which you will find in my application package.

My shadowing experiences have given me a solid foundation of nursing and I am looking forward to starting my journey to becoming a women’s health care nurse. Please feel free to contact me at the email address or phone number on my application. I look forward to enrolling in the fall semester.

Kind Regards,

Alexandra Clopin

To write a cover letter for nursing school, use a formal letter format with the addressee’s name and title, an introduction, body and conclusion, followed by a formal salutation and closing. You should also include your contact information and details. 

While a cover letter for nursing school is not always required, it can be a good idea to include one anyways. A good cover letter can help your application by providing some context or expanding on the information in your application.

To write a strong cover letter for nursing school, include the best and most meaningful of your professional or volunteer work experiences. Highlight the skills and abilities you have that relate to the nursing profession and provide clear, relevant examples.

Cover letters use a formal letter structure, as well as the familiar introduction, body and conclusion for the main sections of the letter. 

A nursing school cover letter might include examples of your work experience, any skills, achievements or certifications you have that relate to your ability to become a good nursing professional, or how your personal values and commitment align with the nursing school’s mission and values. 

No, a cover letter is not always a requirement for nursing school applications. Some nursing programs may ask for one, or they may state it as an optional part of your application. 

Begin a cover letter for nursing school with a “Dear [Name and Title]. Try to address your letter to a specific person. If you’re not sure who will be reading the letter, use “Dear Admissions Committee” or similar. Avoid using “To Whom it May Concern.”

Cover letters are used to “pitch yourself” and secure an interview opportunity. They are an admission committee’s first impression of who you are and what you bring to the table. To pitch yourself in a cover letter means convincing the admissions committee that you have the experience, drive and skills to succeed in a nursing program. Essentially, you sell them on the idea that you are a prime candidate.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webclass: 

How to make your nursing school application stand out, and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected.

Sign up to our Newsletter

How to write a personal statement for nursing school.

Reviewed by:

Jonathan Preminger

Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine

Reviewed: 6/19/23

Writing a personal statement for nursing school can be a daunting task, but we’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school.

Writing your personal statement is a nerve-wracking experience, no matter what program you’re applying for . You may be wondering: “what are nursing schools looking for in a personal statement?” or, “how can I make my personal statement for nursing school stand out?” Lucky for you, we’ve got some answers. 

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about writing a personal statement for nursing school. We’ve included a breakdown of the components to include, examples of nursing school personal statements, and tips to improve your own. 

Let’s get started!

Get The Ultimate Guide on Writing an Unforgettable Personal Statement

What Is a Nursing School Personal Statement?

When applying to nursing schools , you’ll most likely notice that most applications require a personal statement. A personal statement is a short essay, typically no longer than two pages, that tells your target schools a little bit about who you are. 

Each school has different expectations for the length and contents of your personal statement, so make sure to check the specific requirements of your target schools. Some common topics include your personal goals for nursing school and why you want to become a nurse.

Nursing School Personal Statement Format

Before writing your personal statement for nursing school, you should plan out what you want to include. If your school does not ask you to answer a specific question with your essay, here is a list of what you should include in your nursing school personal statement.

An Introduction

The introductory paragraph should focus on what brought you to this point. Your school primarily wants to get to know you as a candidate through your personal statement. Your intro should include things like:

• How you first became interested in nursing
• What inspires you about becoming a nurse
• What you intend to achieve through a nursing degree

In this paragraph, your main goal is to introduce yourself and give the admissions committee a bit of background on your passion for nursing. Perhaps you have a family member who inspired you to pursue nursing, you grew up near a hospital, or you’ve struggled with health issues yourself - these are all great examples of an origin story. 

Think to yourself: “If my journey into nursing school was a movie, how would it begin?”

Body Paragraph(s)

In the body paragraph(s) of your nursing school personal statement, you can include a bit about your achievements. However, this isn’t the place to simply list your achievements. 

Think about how your experiences helped you to develop skills for nursing school . Include things like:

• How you’ve furthered your interest in nursing through experience (both in and out of school)
• How your achievements make you a good fit for the program
• Specific things about the program that interests you

The body portion of your essay should contain the majority of the information you want to include. Make sure to only include accomplishments if they help to explain how you’ll contribute to the program. Your CV will list any other achievements that don’t come into play here.

A Strong Conclusion

Your personal statement should end on a positive note. Think about summarizing your statement by looking toward the future. Include things like:

• Your future ambitions following nursing school
• What you’ll be able to contribute to the program 

The end of your body paragraph(s) should mention what you hope to achieve in the future with your nursing degree and lead into your conclusion. The final sentences of your personal statement should further state your passion for your program and how you’ll be a great fit at your target school. 

What Not to Write in a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Before getting into our tips and examples, let’s go over what not to include in your personal statement for nursing school. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when crafting your personal statement. 

Keep it Simple

Your personal statement should be authentic and genuine, but make sure to keep the brief in mind while you’re writing. As mentioned above, a personal statement is typically no longer than two pages in length. 

You should absolutely include some personal anecdotes; in fact, we encourage it! Just make sure to stick to the relevant parts of your story and not to elaborate too much on areas that are not relevant to your application. 

Do Not Reiterate Your CV

Your personal statement is an essay, not a resume. Keep in mind that your application already contains all of your achievements on your CV, transcripts, and other application materials. 

Your personal statement is about understanding your passion and motivations. You can use examples from your CV to further assert your interest in the program, but only if you can elaborate on how they’ve specifically helped you on your journey to nursing school. 

Tips for Writing a Stellar Nursing Personal Statement

Let’s go over a few tips on how you can improve your personal statement. Using these tips can help to make your personal statement and essays for your nursing school application stand out while remaining authentic and genuine. 

Create A Timeline

When writing your personal statement, your focus should be on telling your story. Creating a clear timeline of events can help to effectively tell the story of how you decided to apply for nursing. 

Start with how you became interested in nursing, develop your story with experiences that have cultivated your knowledge, and conclude by talking about your program and your future goals. A timeline will make your essay easy to read and give the admissions committee a good idea of your journey so far.

Stick To the Brief

If your target school(s) give you a specific prompt for your personal statement, make sure to refer back to the prompt while writing your essay to ensure you’re staying on track. 

For example, if your prompt asks you a question, be sure to answer the question at the beginning, the end, and throughout your essay. Your personal statement shouldn’t be vague or veer too far off course. 

Speak From the Heart

It is crucial in your nursing personal statement to share what makes you unique . This is your chance to show the admissions committee why you’d be a perfect fit in their program and demonstrate what you bring to the table. 

Include genuine experiences that have pushed you toward nursing throughout your life. Conveying your passions and motivations is critical in your personal statement for nursing school.

Do Your Research 

One great way to make your nursing personal statement stand out is to do thorough research on your program and include it in your piece. Showing your passion for the specific program. you’re applying to can give you an edge over others and impress the admissions committee. 

When you include your research, be sure to add it organically into your writing. Use your research as a way to connect your personal experiences to the program rather than simply listing information.

Nursing School Personal Statement Examples

Here are two nursing personal statement examples that were written successfully. We’ve also included explanations of how they are good examples to help you improve your own personal statement. 

*Important note: Do not use our samples in your nursing school application. These examples are meant to serve as a guide when crafting your own original personal statement for nursing school. 

Example #1: Indeed ’s Nursing School Personal Statement Sample

“I walked backward down the hill, my arms supporting the weight of the wheelchair as its wheels rolled slowly in reverse. Sunlight danced through the trees around us and shone in my grandmother's hair as she sat inside the wheelchair. I couldn't see my grandmother's face from that angle, but I could hear her laughing with joy as she enjoyed the outdoors for the first time in weeks. My grandmother came to live with my family two years ago after breaking her hip. Although she completed much of her recovery at our home, Nurse George came by every day to perform my grandmother's personal care tasks, monitor her vital signs and assist with her physical therapy exercises. George also taught me some basic patient care practices, such as how to support a wheelchair correctly while going downhill. I had never considered a career in nursing before, but George helped me see the rewards of helping people with their medical conditions and injuries. I am excited by this opportunity to apply to Fern Hill's College of Nursing because I appreciate your program's specialization in rehabilitation nursing. Being a part of my grandmother's recovery team has inspired me to pursue a nursing career that helps patients recover from injuries or medical conditions. I believe that your school's emphasis on assisting patients in regaining their independent skills can help me achieve these professional aspirations. Since realizing that I want to become a nurse, I have become a regular volunteer at Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. I mentor young people struggling with drug addictions and provide childcare for the children of rehabilitation patients. There is no feeling comparable to when a mentee or outgoing patient offers you a sincere "thank you." I can no longer imagine pursuing a career where I do not get to help people overcome their challenges and navigate their way to recovery. My experiences helping my grandmother and patients at Jefferson have taught me the value of empathy and communication. Frequently, my mentees simply want someone to listen to them. I do my best to give them a judgment-free space in which to share their stories. Whether the medical issue is emotional or physical, patients appreciate working with flexible and considerate people. I believe I embody these qualities by actively listening and letting patients talk at their own pace. I am ready to pursue a nursing career and learn about helping patients in a more professional and technical capacity. Fern Hill's College of Nursing is the ideal place to prepare for my future nursing career.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer has done an excellent job of telling the story of how they became interested in nursing. They also develop a clear timeline of events from when they first thought about nursing to how they began developing their skills through volunteering. 

Most importantly, the candidate mentions specific reasons why they’re interested in the program and how they feel they can contribute to the school and field. 

Example #2: Johns Hopkins University Nursing Personal Statement Sample

“I grew up close to a hospital, where I watched patients go through the double doors for a variety of ailments. From a young age, this drove me to develop a strong interest in the field of medicine. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the future that would allow me to take care of those in need. Through my courses in the natural sciences as well as social studies, I have continued to develop my knowledge in the field in order to be ready to continue my education. Now, I am ready to take the next step in my education by applying for the Nursing program at Johns Hopkins University.  Three years ago I completed a nursing shadowing internship that opened my eyes to many of the daily struggles of being a nurse. During my time in the clinic and on the wards, I had the opportunity to work In the critical care and trauma ward as well as In obstetrics and geriatrics. These various experiences showed me the diverse role that nurses play in a healthcare setting, and emphasized the importance of empathy and dedication to patient care.  Johns Hopkins University Is known worldwide for its focus on patient wellness and medical research. As a nursing student at Hopkins, I hope to not only further the institution's goal of providing exceptional patient care, but also to assist with the many clinical trials ongoing at the hospital that pave the way for new treatments. Through hands-on training with knowledgeable staff, I know that I will be able to make the most of my nursing training at Johns Hopkins and become a nursing professional that is capable of enhancing patient wellness in a healthcare setting.”

Why this is a good example: In this example, the writer develops a clear timeline and clearly defines their relevant information. The writer covers when they first became interested in nursing, courses they’ve taken, and what experiences have made them get serious about the profession. 

Finally, they include why they are specifically interested in the program at Johns Hopkins and conclude by adding what they will add to the program as a student.

FAQs: How to Write a Personal Statement for Nursing School

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about nursing school personal statements. 

1. Do All Nursing Schools Require A Personal Statement?

Almost all nursing schools require a personal statement, which can typically be described as a short essay (2 pages or less) that explains who you are and why you want to attend the school’s nursing program.

2. Is a Personal Statement for Nursing School an Essay?

Yes, a personal statement is a short essay that briefly describes your past, present, and future experiences in relation to nursing.

3. How Long Should A Nursing Personal Statement Be?

Each nursing school has different length requirements, which can typically be found in the prompt. If no length is specified, two pages or less is recommended. 

4. What Should I Include In My Nursing School Personal Statement?

Your nursing personal statement should include:

• Why you want to become a nurse
• What inspires you about nursing
• Elaborate on the experiences you’ve had that have taught you about nursing
• Program-specific reasons for your interest in the school
• How you intend to contribute to the program and the field of nursing

If your school’s personal statement asks a specific question, that question should be answered throughout your essay. 

5. Does Nursing Require Essays?

Yes, most nursing program applications require personal statement essays, and some require secondary (or supplemental) essays as well.

6. When Should I Write My Personal Statement for Nursing School?

You should begin writing your personal statement(s) for nursing school as soon as you receive the prompt. Make sure to give yourself an adequate amount of time to complete all sections of your application before the deadline.

7. How do you Start a Personal Statement for Nursing School?

To start a compelling nursing personal statement, there are a few different writing techniques you can use. You can start by introducing yourself, start by talking about how you became interested in nursing, or you can start “in the action” by cutting right into your story. 

Final Thoughts

Your personal statement for nursing school should be genuine, heartfelt, and express how you will make an excellent addition to your target school’s nursing program through a series of examples. 

Each personal statement you write should be adjusted to suit the individual program you are applying for. Sending a general personal statement with every application you submit is impersonal and not recommended. Make sure to follow your brief closely and map out your essay before writing it to ensure you include all of the relevant information. 

Schedule A Free Consultation

You may also like.

The 9 Best Colleges For Nutrition

Best Medical Schools in Colorado - Complete List (2024)

• Skip to main content
• Skip to footer

Incredible Health

Empowering healthcare professionals to find and do their best work.

How to Get Into Nursing School: A Step-by-Step Guide

Nov 18 2022

Career Resources / How to Get Into Nursing School

Pursuing a career that allows you to help others in a medical setting can naturally lead you to consider nursing. Whether you want to work as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) or become a registered nurse (RN), nursing school is the first step in your journey.

Accredited nursing programs give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your nursing role. If you’re wondering how you find the right nursing school and meet the prerequisites for admission, this article includes the following information:

What are the steps for getting into nursing school?

How do you find the right nursing school, what are the most common nursing degrees, what are the most common career paths, how do you pay for nursing school, what are the salary and job outlooks for nurses, get job matches in your area + answers to all your nursing career questions.

Let's get started

What's your current role?

There are six steps for preparing to get into nursing school. From earning your high school diploma (or GED) to researching the best schools that fit your budget, each step gets you closer to your goal of becoming a nurse.

Step 1 – Graduate high school or obtain your GED

Before you can apply for nursing school, you must first graduate from high school or obtain your General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Nursing schools may have a minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, which can vary between programs.

Most CNA programs don’t have minimum GPA requirements. However, you can expect them from LPN and RN programs.

Step 2 – Determine if nursing school is right for you

Nursing school may not be the best option for you if you want to work in a healthcare career but not as a nurse. Nursing students must work hard and commit time and effort to their studies. Later, they must apply what they’ve learned during clinical rotations.

Ask yourself some tough questions before you decide to apply to nursing school:

• Do I really care about other people?
• Do I have the desire to help other people become healthy?
• Am I committed to continuing education to advance my skills and stay current in nursing best practices?
• Can I remove my ego from the situation to improve patient outcomes?
• Can I endure the long hours that often come with nursing?

Step 3 – Research schools

One of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process is choosing the best nursing school. There are many good nursing programs available. Finding one that suits your career goals, and your budget is important.

Before you can choose a school, you need to decide what nursing degree you plan to pursue. Not all nursing programs offer every nursing degree. Consider the following when researching nursing schools:

• Does this nursing program provide the resources I need to succeed?
• Is this nursing program accredited?
• How long does the program take to complete?
• What specialties are offered?
• How much time is spent on clinical rotations?

Step 4 – Complete prerequisites

Nursing schools have different prerequisites depending on the type of degree you plan to pursue. Lower-level nursing degree programs usually expect applicants to complete general education courses like English and math, plus some science-based courses like anatomy and biology.

More advanced degree programs have specific requirements that depend on your nursing specialty. Prerequisites could include courses such as microbiology and physiology.  If you don’t already meet the nursing prerequisites, you must earn the credits before you can apply to nursing school.

Step 5 – Fill out an application

Once you know where you want to attend and you’ve verified you meet all criteria, the next step is to fill out an application. You may want to speak with an admissions adviser before you apply to make sure you’ve met all prerequisites.

Most nursing school applications require the following:

• Official transcripts from your high school and any other college-level programs you’ve completed.
• A persuasive resume and statement of professional goals.
• Letters of recommendation (usually 2-3) from professional referrals.

Step 6 – Prepare for the interview

The final step is to prepare for your admissions interview . Nursing schools include interviews with prospective students to identify whether they are a good fit for the program.

You can best prepare for this part of the admissions process by doing the following:

• Be honest about your academic record. Grades aren’t the full picture of your ability to become a competent nurse. Don’t try to embellish your academic achievements. Just stick to the facts and be prepared to answer any questions the interviewer has about your past academic performance.
• Copy all important documents. Bring a copy of every required document to your interview. Having extra copies on hand can help if the interviewer doesn’t have access or for you to verify facts before you speak.
• Research the school thoroughly. Know what kinds of nursing programs and specialties they offer students so you can speak intelligently about how their school matches your nursing career goals.
• Sell yourself. No one knows your skills and strengths better than you. Don’t be afraid to toot your own horn during the interview and share evidence of why you’re the perfect fit for their program.

There are some basic things to consider about nursing programs before applying. One of the most important factors is location. Nursing programs include academic courses and hands-on clinicals. Find one near your ideal location to make hands-on learning more convenient. You may want to look for hybrid programs that include some classes online. 

In your research, you can also verify the program’s accreditation status. A few agencies include:

• National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA)
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) 
• Accreditation Committee for Education in Nursing (ACEN)

Available degree programs

Make sure the schools you’re considering offer the nursing degree you want to earn. Some nursing programs are geared toward training CNAs and may not offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). If you want to advance your nursing career, you may want to see if the school offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

You can earn a basic nursing diploma or go all the way to a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. Your choice depends on your nursing career goals. Here are the three most common nursing degrees and what you can do with them.

Certificate program

Certificate programs are intended for students who want to become CNAs. You can complete a nursing assistant certificate program in as little as 6 weeks. If the course is college or university-affiliated, you can earn college credits toward an advanced degree.

These programs can be offered as early as high school, but are also offered at the college level. 

This program does not require any prerequisite courses.

Diploma program 

With a nursing diploma you can become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). The courses you study relate directly to nursing. This means less time in school. LPN diploma programs can take less than 18 months to complete.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is the next step in the academic ladder. Associate degrees focus on nursing courses as well as general education such as math and English. ADNs take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Some healthcare employers prefer RNs who have BSNs over ADNs . A BSN takes up to 4 years to complete and provides a more comprehensive education. In addition to learning about nursing best practices and anatomy and physiology, you also gain valuable leadership skills in a bachelor’s program. 

If you already have your RN licensure, but not your bachelor’s degree, think about completing the RN to BSN program to advance your career.

Nursing career paths are personal and depend on several factors. What works best for you may not suit another person. Following is three of the most common nursing career paths to consider.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) complete a certificate program. CNAs do not need to be licensed to practice like some other nursing professionals. However, they must obtain certifications to prove competency.

Some of the tasks CNAs can perform include:

• Bathing and grooming patients
• Changing bed linens and cleaning patient rooms
• Checking vital signs
• Documenting patient information
• Moving or transporting patients

CNAs can work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), complete diplomas or associate’s degrees (depending on school and state of practice) and must pass the NCLEX exam to practice. Some of the tasks LPNs can perform include:

• Changing bandages
• Checking vitals
• Inserting catheters
• Providing basic patient care
• Placing IVs
• Administering medicine
• Obtaining lab specimens

Registered Nurse (RN)

Registered Nurses (RNs) must complete a diploma program or earn either an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing. RNs must pass the NCLEX-RN exam to practice. Some nurses start as CNAs or LPNs and work toward their RN licensure to advance their careers. 

RNs have more responsibilities, including:

• Administering medications
• Assisting with medical procedures
• Drawing blood and other samples for lab testing
• Creating care plans for patients as part of a healthcare team
• Educating patients and caregivers on treatment plans
• Supervising LPNs/LVNs, CNAs, and nursing students

How you pay for nursing school is as important as choosing the right nursing program. You can take out federal and private loans and may qualify for grants and scholarships.

Scholarships

Scholarships are free money you can get to pay for your nursing degree that doesn’t need to be paid back. Some nursing programs award scholarships to students who meet academic criteria.

You can research to find the best scholarships to meet your needs with this tool to quickly identify options.

Grants can be given at the local, state, and federal levels by nonprofit organizations and private institutions. Like scholarships, they are free money you don’t have to repay.

Many grants come with academic or other performance criteria to qualify. Others may be needs-based according to your income.

Student loans (FAFSA/Private)

Student loans and other private loans pay for the bulk of most nursing students’ schooling. To determine how much you qualify for in federal student loans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

When you complete the FAFSA form, you’ll automatically receive information about state and federal grant programs for which you qualify.

Private loans are often obtained through banks. Make sure to pay attention to interest rates so when it comes time to repay the loan, you won’t be paying a hefty fee.

Nursing professionals are in high demand across the board. Nurses with more advanced degrees and licenses earn higher wages and have more opportunities available.

CNAs earn an average annual wage of $30,290 in the U.S. Job growth for this nursing role is expected to grow by 5% between now and 2031.

LPNs earn an average annual wage of $51,850 in the U.S. Job growth for this nursing role is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031.

RNs are the highest in demand of the three common nursing types. They make an average annual wage of $82,750 . Demand for RNs is anticipated at 6% between 2021 and 2031.

Are you ready to apply for nursing school? Make sure you follow the steps outlined in this article to increase your chances of acceptance to the nursing program of your choice. Good luck – you’ve got this!

Getting into nursing school requires meeting all prerequisites for admission. You must complete an admissions interview and submit documents that include transcripts and references.

It depends. Some nursing degree programs have strict requirements for GPAs. Generally, the more advanced the nursing degree, the more difficult it can be to gain admission.

CNA programs generally do not have minimum GPA requirements. For LPN/LVN and RN programs, schools seek between 2.5 and 3.0 GPAs.

CNAs earn $30,290, while LPNs and RNs make $51,850 and $82,750, respectively.

• Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing . acenursing.org. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• CCNE Accredited Programs . aacnnursing.org. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid . studentaid.gov. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• How Do I Get My GED and How Long Does It Take ? ged.com. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses . bls.gov. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• NLN CNEA . cnea.nln.org. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• Nursing Assistants and Orderlies . bls.gov. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• Occupational Employment Wages – Registered Nurses . bls.gov. Accessed October 31, 2022.
• Registered Nurses . bls.gov. Accessed October 25, 2022.
• Image from Canva.com
• Browse jobs
• Nursing CEUs
• Interview questions
• Job search guides
• New nurse graduates
• Nurse advice Q&A
• Nurse specialty quiz
• Nurses blog
• Nursing degree guides
• Personal finance
• Resume Wizard
• Resume guide

BROWSE JOBS

• Los Angeles
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco
• Washington, DC
• Schedule a demo
• Why Incredible Health
• Customer case studies
• Inside Incredible Health
• Contact & support

• Free Career Assessment
• Refer a Friend
• Beckfield Login

GET STARTED TODAY

CALL NOW 859-371-9393

Nursing School 101 – What You Need to Know Before Enrolling

Starting a career in nursing is a noble and rewarding decision. It’s a path that promises both personal fulfillment and professional growth. However, the journey to becoming a nurse begins with understanding the nursing school requirements. These prerequisites are crucial to ensure you’re adequately prepared for the rigors of nursing education.

Different nursing programs have varying requirements. From LPN training to BSN programs, each has its unique set of prerequisites and expectations. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision about your nursing education.

High school math and science courses often form the foundation for nursing school prerequisites. A strong GPA and standardized test scores can also play a significant role in your admission.

Beyond academics, nursing schools also value healthcare experience and volunteer work. These experiences can provide a glimpse into the realities of the nursing profession.

Soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork are equally important. They are essential in delivering quality patient care and working effectively within healthcare teams.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before enrolling in a nursing school. It’s designed to help you navigate the path to becoming a nurse with confidence and clarity.

Understanding Nursing School Requirements

Nursing school requirements are designed to ensure students are prepared for the demands of the profession. They vary depending on the type of program and the specific school.

Here are some common requirements for nursing schools:

• High school diploma or GED
• Prerequisite courses (e.g., biology, chemistry, math)
• Minimum GPA
• Standardized test scores (e.g., TEAS, HESI)
• Healthcare experience or volunteer work
• Personal essay and letters of recommendation

Types of Nursing Programs – Nursing School Requirements

There are several types of nursing programs, each with its own set of requirements. These include Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) programs, Registered Nurse (RN) programs, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs.

• LPN/LVN programs: These are typically one-year programs that prepare students for entry-level nursing positions.
• RN programs: These can be two-year associate degree programs or four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
• BSN programs: These are four-year programs that provide a more in-depth study of nursing and can lead to more advanced nursing roles.

LPN/LVN Training Programs

LPN/LVN training programs are a great starting point for those looking to enter the nursing field quickly. These programs typically require a high school diploma or GED and may require certain prerequisite courses.

LPN/LVN programs focus on basic nursing skills and patient care. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure as an LPN or LVN.

RN Training and Education

RN training programs can be either two-year associate degree programs or four-year bachelor’s degree programs. These programs require a high school diploma or GED, certain prerequisite courses, and often a minimum GPA.

RN programs provide a more comprehensive nursing education than LPN/LVN programs. They cover a broader range of nursing topics and include more extensive clinical experience.

BSN Programs and Advantages

BSN programs are four-year degree programs that provide a comprehensive nursing education. They require a high school diploma or GED, certain prerequisite courses, and often a minimum GPA.

BSN programs offer more in-depth study of nursing topics and prepare graduates for a wider range of nursing roles. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities prefer or require nurses to have a BSN.

High School Prerequisites for Nursing – Nursing School Requirements

High school prerequisites for nursing school typically include courses in math and science. These courses provide a foundation for the nursing coursework you’ll encounter in college.

• Math: Courses like algebra and statistics are often required.
• Science: Biology and chemistry are typically required, and some schools may also require anatomy and physiology.

High School Math Requirements

Math is a crucial part of nursing. Nurses need to calculate medication dosages, interpret patient data, and understand statistical information.

Most nursing schools require high school algebra and may also require statistics. These courses help develop the mathematical skills needed in nursing.

Science and Other Academic Prerequisites

Science courses are a major part of nursing education. Biology and chemistry are typically required, and some schools may also require anatomy and physiology.

Other academic prerequisites may include English and social sciences. These courses help develop the communication and critical thinking skills needed in nursing.

Standardized Testing and GPA Considerations

Many nursing schools require standardized test scores, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems, Inc. Exam (HESI). These tests measure basic academic skills in reading, math, science, and English.

A strong GPA is also important for nursing school admission. Most schools require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 to 3.0, but competitive programs may require a higher GPA.

Healthcare Experience and Volunteer Work

Healthcare experience or volunteer work can strengthen your nursing school application. This experience can provide a glimpse into the realities of the healthcare field and demonstrate your commitment to the nursing profession.

This experience can be gained through part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work in healthcare settings. Some schools may require a certain number of hours of healthcare experience.

Soft Skills and Communication

Soft skills are crucial in nursing. Nurses need to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams. They also need to demonstrate empathy, teamwork, and adaptability.

Nursing schools often look for these skills in applicants. They may be assessed through the application essay, letters of recommendation, or interviews.

Preparing for Nursing School Enrollment

Once you’ve met the nursing school requirements, the next step is to prepare for enrollment. This involves several key steps:

• Financial planning
• Exploring different types of schools
• Navigating the application process

Each of these steps is crucial in ensuring a smooth transition into nursing school.

Financial Planning for Nursing Education

Nursing education can be a significant investment. It’s important to plan ahead and understand the costs involved.

Tuition is the most obvious cost, but there are also costs for books, supplies, and living expenses. Some programs may also have fees for things like lab use or clinical placements.

There are many resources available to help fund your nursing education. These include scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans. It’s worth exploring all of these options to help minimize the financial burden.

Exploring Vocational Schools and Online Options

In addition to traditional nursing programs, there are also vocational schools and online options. These can offer more flexibility and may be more affordable.

Vocational schools offer practical nursing programs that can be completed in a shorter time frame. These programs focus on hands-on skills and prepare students for entry-level nursing roles.

Online nursing programs offer flexibility for those who need to balance school with work or family responsibilities. These programs typically offer the theoretical portion of the coursework online, with clinical placements arranged in the student’s local area.

The Application Process – Nursing School Requirements

The application process for nursing school can be complex. It typically involves several steps:

• Completing the application form
• Submitting transcripts and test scores
• Writing an application essay
• Providing letters of recommendation
• Possibly attending an interview

Each of these steps requires careful attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.

Crafting a Compelling Application Essay

The application essay is your chance to showcase your passion for nursing and your suitability for the program. It’s important to take the time to craft a compelling essay.

Start by brainstorming ideas and experiences that highlight your interest in nursing. Then, organize these ideas into a coherent structure and write a draft. Be sure to revise and edit your essay for clarity, grammar, and punctuation.

Letters of Recommendation and Interviews

Letters of recommendation can provide a valuable perspective on your abilities and character. Choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to your suitability for nursing.

Interviews, if required, are another opportunity to showcase your passion for nursing. Prepare by researching common interview questions and practicing your responses. Remember to dress professionally and arrive on time.

After Acceptance: Preparing for Success in Nursing School

Once you’ve been accepted into a nursing program, the real work begins. This is a time of intense study and practical learning. It’s important to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead.

Nursing school is demanding, both academically and physically. You’ll need to manage your time effectively and take care of your health. It’s also important to build a support network of fellow students, mentors, and family.

Key areas to focus on include:

• Understanding clinical rotations
• Preparing for the NCLEX exam
• Planning for continuing education and specialization

Each of these areas is crucial for success in nursing school and beyond.

Understanding Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are a key part of nursing education. They provide hands-on experience in a variety of healthcare settings.

You’ll have the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. You’ll also learn to work as part of a healthcare team.

Each rotation will focus on a different area of nursing, such as pediatrics, mental health, or surgical care. This variety helps to build a well-rounded set of nursing skills.

The Importance of NCLEX Preparation

The NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) is the exam that all nursing graduates must pass to become licensed nurses. It’s a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and skills in all areas of nursing.

Preparation for the NCLEX should begin early in your nursing education. Many nursing programs incorporate NCLEX prep into their curriculum.

In addition to classroom learning, there are many resources available to help you prepare for the NCLEX. These include study guides, practice tests, and review courses.

Continuing Education and Specialization

Nursing is a field that is constantly evolving. To stay current, nurses must commit to lifelong learning.

Continuing education can take many forms. It might involve attending workshops or conferences, taking additional courses, or pursuing a higher degree.

Specialization is another important aspect of nursing education. As you gain experience, you may choose to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as critical care, oncology, or family practice. Specialization can open up new career opportunities and increase your earning potential.

Conclusion: The Journey to Becoming a Nurse

Embarking on a career in nursing is a journey filled with challenges and rewards. It requires dedication, hard work, and a commitment to lifelong learning. But the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives makes it all worthwhile.

Remember, the journey doesn’t end when you graduate from nursing school. As a nurse, you’ll continue to learn and grow throughout your career. Whether you choose to specialize in a particular area, pursue advanced practice, or take on leadership roles, the possibilities are endless. The world needs compassionate, skilled nurses now more than ever. Your journey is just beginning.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN): https://www.aacnnursing.org/ National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN): https://www.ncsbn.org/ Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/ College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/ Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa American Nurses Association (ANA): https://www.nursingworld.org/ National League for Nursing (NLN): http://www.nln.org/

Request Info

Enroll online.

• Events Calendar
• Strauss Health Sciences Library
• Department A-Z Directory
• Campus Directory
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Supporter & Alumni Resources

Student Resources

• Mental Health Resources
• University Policies
• CU Anschutz Medical Campus
• CU Colorado Springs
• School of Dental Medicine

Graduate School

• School of Medicine

College of Nursing

• Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Colorado School of Public Health
• Student Life
• Clinical Education
• Patient Care

Home News A Desire to Become a Nurse back to News

A Desire to Become a Nurse

Mentors make big impact in student’s path to nursing.

“My mom is one of my biggest inspirations. She, and her nursing friends, have guided me and inspired me to pursue a nursing degree,” says BS in Nursing student Dare Otesanya. “It took quite a lot of steps to get to where my mother is today, so I’m extremely proud of her.”

Originally from Nigeria, his mother emigrated to the US in the early 2000s, leaving him and his brother behind with friends and family.

“She lost her job in Nigeria, and she struggled to care for me and brother,” he says. “She had the opportunity to come to the US, make something out of herself, and make a better life.”

For about seven years, Otesanya and his mother were separated. They were reunited in 2009. His mom had worked several jobs, including working as a CNA and LPN until she earned her nursing degree in 2012.

After graduating from Hinkley High School in Aurora, Otesanya attended Metropolitan State University and earned a BS in Biology. He hoped to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant but was unsure where his path in life was taking him.

“I had to reflect a little bit and decide what my core values were,” he says.

Finding a Mentor

Once Otesanya had that realization, he had a chance encounter with the second person who solidified his desire to become a nurse. Working at a plasma donation center in Lakewood, he met CU Nursing alumnus Chris Battelli .

He and Battelli started talking about nursing and CU Nursing , and Otesanya knew he had found the school for him.

“He mentioned how great the faculty were and how accommodating they were to students and that sealed the deal for me. I’ve always had this dream to attend the University of Colorado and CU Nursing,” he says. “I knew if I got another opportunity to go back to school, I knew CU Nursing would be my number one choice.”

After enrolling in the Accelerated BS in Nursing program, Otesanya continued to reach out to Battelli who helped him through difficult parts of the UCAN program.

“He’s been an amazing mentor. I was struggling with a cardiac lecture in the first month of the UCAN program, and he was in town, so we met for coffee and he explained it to me and gave me tips on how to grasp concepts a little better,” he says.  “I feel comfortable talking to him because he can relate to me. He calls to check up on me.  When we first met, we just clicked, and he’s someone who’s been in my life for such a long time.”

Having a Creative Outlet

According to Otesanya, “The UCAN program is so fast-paced that it really helps to have someone who’s been through it before to guide you.”

Otesanya also relies on creative outlets like photography, videography, and music for balance.

“I like to challenge myself and find new hobbies,” he says.

It’s something he encourages all nursing students to do – along with finding a good support system.

“Whenever you feel stressed, a hobby or activity helps take your mind off things and it gives you a break every once in a while,” he says.

“My support system is one thing that’s gotten me through the program. My classmates and I text in group chats and we hang out outside of school,” he adds. “And ask faculty for help and use your resources, including finding a mentor, because the UCAN program is going to be a year from hell, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

Topics: Students , Graduation

Related Stories

Students    Graduation

Congratulations August 2024 CU Nursing Graduates!

Erin Newton's Harmonious Journey from Strings to Stethoscopes

Cu anschutz, eucation ii north.

13120 East 19th Avenue

3rd Floor - Room 3255

Aurora, CO 80045

303-724-1812

Information Sessions

Course Schedules

Academic Calendar

University Writing Center

Financial Aid

Scholarships

Faculty & Staff

UCD-Access Portal

Career Opportunities

Payroll & Benefits

Transcripts

Update Your Info

Giving to the College

Continuing Education

Visitor Info

Health Sciences Library

AMC Bookstore

University Home

• Website Feedback
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Accessibility
• Accreditation

© 2024  The Regents of the University of Colorado , a body corporate. All rights reserved.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission . All trademarks are registered property of the University. Used by permission only.