So, you’ve decided you want to become a nurse?
Nursing is an exciting path to go down. It's a dynamic profession offering variety, specialization, generalization, income security, challenges, big and little wins, and so much opportunity.
Sounds like a lot, huh? You didn’t think the big decisions were over already, did you?
Actually, the decisions are just beginning.
Choosing nursing as a career means choosing a path that you can alter and shape into the kind of nurse you want to be. You can play to your strengths, shore up your weaknesses, and find your place in nursing.
But first, you’ve got to become a nurse, which means getting into a nursing program. And that process involves more moving pieces than most people expect.
Getting into nursing school isn't just about picking a program and submitting an application. There are:
- Prerequisites to complete
- A path to choose between RN and LPN/LVN routes
- Entrance exams to prepare for
- An application that typically asks for more than transcripts
This guide walks through each step so you know what to expect and how to put together a strong application.
Choosing between RN and LPN/LVN
Before you apply, you'll want to decide which path fits your goals: a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) route.
The two differ in program length, scope of practice, and earning potential. LPN/LVN programs are typically shorter and faster to complete, while RN programs (ADN or BSN) take longer but open up a broader scope of practice and a higher earning ceiling.
If you go the RN route, you'll also choose between an ADN and a BSN, which affects program length and clinical placement competitiveness. For the full comparison, see the guide to RN vs. LPN differences.
Prerequisites for nursing school
Most nursing programs require a high school diploma or GED before you can apply, along with a set of prerequisite courses, often including biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Exact requirements vary by program, so confirm specifics with your school advisor early.
Transcripts and prerequisite requirements
Once you've settled on a path, your application will need to demonstrate that you've completed (or are on track to complete) your prerequisite coursework with qualifying grades.
Many programs set a minimum GPA not just overall, but specifically within prerequisite science courses, since those grades are seen as a strong predictor of nursing-program readiness. If your prerequisite GPA is borderline, retaking a course before applying can meaningfully strengthen your application.
Writing your nursing school personal statement
Many programs ask for a personal statement or essay explaining why you want to pursue nursing, and specifically why at their school. This is one of the few places in your application where you can stand out, so take it seriously. Here are some tips.
1. Be specific, not generic
Admissions readers see "I want to help people" all the time. Anchor your statement in a specific experience, moment, or realization that led you toward nursing. Tell your story and make it something only you could have written.
2. Tie your story to the program
If the program has a particular strength, mission, or clinical focus that drew you in, name it. For example, one of the pillars of the University of Kansas School of Nursing's mission focuses on strengthening community health. A statement tailored to that program could connect a specific community health experience to that exact language, rather than leaving it generic.
A statement that could be submitted to any school reads as less invested than one that shows you've done your research.
3. Show, don't just tell
Rather than stating qualities like "I'm compassionate" or "I work well under pressure," describe a moment that demonstrates it. Concrete details are more persuasive than self-description.
For example, instead of writing "I stay calm under pressure," you might describe the moment a patient's condition suddenly changed for the worse during your CNA shift. You had to alert the nurse and give a clear description of what changed—and what that taught you about staying steady under pressure.
Letters of recommendation
Most programs ask for 1-3 letters of recommendation. Instead of just any personal reference, these should typically come from instructors of your prerequisite courses or a professional or clinical supervisor.
Choose recommenders who can speak specifically to your academic ability or work ethic in a relevant setting. Be sure to give them plenty of lead time before your deadline.
Entrance exam scores
Many nursing schools administer entrance exams to prospective nursing students. The HESI A2 is a common entrance exam used to predict a student’s success in the nursing program, covering areas like math, reading comprehension, and basic science knowledge. Although not all nursing programs require entrance exams, the number of nursing schools that don’t require HESI or another form of nursing entrance exam is low.
Study guides and practice tests are widely available, and preparing ahead of time can make a real difference in your score.
When to apply: Timing and deadlines
Application timing varies significantly by program. Some use rolling admissions, reviewing applications as they come in, while others operate on fixed cycles, often tied to fall or spring start dates.
For competitive programs—especially BSN and accelerated tracks—applying 6-12 months ahead of your intended start date is a reasonable target, since seats can fill well before the official deadline.
Nursing school interviews
Not all programs include an interview, but some—particularly competitive BSN or accelerated programs—do. If yours does, expect questions about your motivation for nursing, how you handle stress or conflict, and possibly a scenario-based question to assess judgment. Treat it as a chance to expand on your personal statement, not repeat it.
Transferring or applying with a second degree
If you're transferring from another program, most schools will evaluate your previous coursework for equivalency, though nursing-specific courses may need to be retaken depending on the school's requirements. If you already hold a degree in another field and are looking to pivot careers, accelerated or second-degree BSN programs are built specifically for this path—they let you apply your existing general education credits and complete a nursing degree faster than a traditional first-time student timeline.
What if you don't get accepted?
It happens, especially at competitive programs, and it isn't a dead end. Common next steps include:
- Strengthening your prerequisite GPA by retaking a course
- Retaking your entrance exam if your score was borderline
- Broadening the list of programs you apply to
- Reapplying the following cycle with a stronger application.
Many successful nurses didn't get in on their first try. What matters is what you do next.
Finding nursing programs near you
Your state's board of nursing (BON) is the most reliable resource for finding approved programs, since state boards must approve nursing programs for graduates to sit for the NCLEX. Many BONs also track NCLEX pass rates by program, which can help you compare options with real data rather than guesswork. If you can't find a list of approved programs on your state board's website, reach out directly to request one.
If you'd rather start with a curated list instead of building one from scratch, check out the guide to the top nursing programs in the US that breaks down standout programs by NCLEX pass rates, accreditation, and location to help you build your shortlist faster.
FAQs
What GPA do I need to get into nursing school?
Most programs require a minimum overall GPA of 2.5–3.0, but competitive programs often expect higher scores, especially in prerequisite science courses.
What's included in a nursing school application?
Typically: transcripts, prerequisite coursework completion, a personal statement or essay, letters of recommendation, and often entrance exam scores like the HESI A2.
When should I apply to nursing school?
Deadlines vary widely—some programs use rolling admissions, others have fixed cycles, often tied to fall and spring start dates. Many competitive programs recommend applying 6-12 months ahead of your intended start date.
Can I transfer into a nursing program?
Yes, many programs accept transfer students, though nursing-specific courses may need to be retaken or evaluated for equivalency depending on the school.
What if I already have a degree in another field?
Accelerated or second-degree BSN programs are designed for exactly this—they let you apply previous coursework and complete a nursing degree faster than a traditional first-time student path.
Can I apply to nursing school if I'm still in high school?
Generally, you'll need to complete your high school diploma or GED before starting a nursing program, but you can get a head start by taking prerequisite courses like biology and chemistry while still in high school, and some dual-enrollment or early-admission partnerships exist between high schools and nursing programs.
