Getting into nursing school requires a combination of strong science coursework, a competitive GPA, entrance exam scores, and often some form of healthcare experience. The process typically takes 12 to 18 months of preparation before you even submit an application, so starting early gives you the best chance. Here’s what you need to do at each stage.
Choose the Right Program Type
Your first decision is which type of nursing degree fits your situation. The two main paths are an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and they differ significantly in time, cost, and long-term options.
An ADN is a two-year program, usually offered at community colleges, with some accelerated versions finishing in 18 months. Tuition at a public school typically runs between $6,000 and $20,000. This is a strong option if you’re budget-conscious or want to start working as a nurse quickly. The tradeoff: you’ll need a BSN later if you want to move into leadership roles, specialize, or pursue graduate school.
A BSN is a four-year undergraduate program at a university. Costs range from $40,000 to over $200,000 depending on the school. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs let you finish in 12 to 18 months by building on your existing coursework. A BSN is required if you plan to eventually pursue a graduate nursing degree.
Complete the Prerequisite Courses
Nursing programs require a specific set of science and general education courses before you can apply. While exact requirements vary by school, most programs expect some version of this core list:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II: Usually a two-semester sequence. Each course needs to be at least three credits. Some schools require labs, others don’t.
- Chemistry with lab: General Chemistry I or Inorganic Chemistry, typically a four-credit course including lab. Chemistry courses designed for non-science majors are usually not accepted, and Organic Chemistry or Biochemistry won’t substitute for the general requirement.
- Microbiology: Medical Microbiology is generally acceptable.
- Statistics: Stats courses taken through social science departments (like psychology or sociology) are usually fine.
- Nutrition: A Human Nutrition or Nutrition Science course is preferred over a general food science class.
- Developmental Psychology: This needs to cover the full lifespan. Intro to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, or age-specific courses like Child Psychology typically don’t count.
You need a C or better in every prerequisite, though competitive applicants earn much higher. Many schools also require that prerequisites were completed within the last 10 years, so older coursework may need to be retaken.
Hit the GPA Benchmarks
Nursing programs are competitive, and your GPA is the single biggest factor in most admissions decisions. Schools look at two numbers: your overall prerequisite GPA and your science GPA specifically.
To give you a realistic picture, the entering BSN class at Texas State University for 2025 had an average prerequisite GPA of 3.78 and an average science GPA of 3.57. That’s not unusual for a four-year program. Community college ADN programs tend to have slightly lower averages, but a 3.5 or above still makes you a much stronger candidate. If your GPA is below 3.0, most programs become very difficult to get into without retaking courses.
If you’re currently taking prerequisites and your grades aren’t where they need to be, consider retaking your weakest science courses. Many schools replace the old grade with the new one when calculating your prerequisite GPA. Prioritize Anatomy and Physiology, as admissions committees pay close attention to performance in those courses.
Prepare for the Entrance Exam
Most nursing programs require either the TEAS or the HESI A2 exam. Check your target schools’ requirements early, since they typically accept one or the other, not both.
The TEAS covers reading, math, science, and English language usage, producing a composite score from 0 to 100%. The HESI A2 tests math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and anatomy and physiology, with some schools adding extra sections. It provides individual section scores plus an overall score.
Passing thresholds vary by school. Some set minimum scores for each section, while others evaluate your overall performance. Either way, scoring well above the minimum helps your application stand out. Budget four to six weeks of focused study time. Free and paid prep resources are widely available, and taking a practice test early helps you identify which sections need the most work.
Build Healthcare Experience
While not always required, healthcare experience strengthens your application and helps you confirm that nursing is the right fit. Several options give you direct patient contact and look strong on an application:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): You’ll provide basic patient care like bathing, dressing, and taking vital signs. CNA certification programs are short (often 4 to 12 weeks), and the work is paid, typically $15 to $18 per hour. Settings include nursing homes, hospitals, and home care. This is the most directly relevant experience for a nursing application.
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): EMTs provide emergency medical services during patient transport. Training takes a few months, and positions can be paid or volunteer.
- Medical Scribe: You document patient histories, exam findings, and lab results as dictated by physicians. Pay ranges from $12 to $25 per hour, and the role gives you exposure to clinical decision-making.
- Hospital or clinic volunteering: Even without certification, volunteer hours in a healthcare setting demonstrate commitment. Many hospitals have formal volunteer programs you can join.
Even 100 to 200 hours of experience in any of these roles gives you concrete material for your personal statement and shows admissions committees you understand what nursing involves day to day.
Plan Your Application Timeline
Nursing school applications have firm deadlines, and missing one means waiting an entire cycle. Working backward from your target start date keeps everything on track.
Six months before applying, finalize which programs you’re targeting and confirm you’ll have all prerequisites completed in time. If you still need a course like statistics, this is your window to take it. Two months out, begin drafting your personal statement and reach out to references. Professors, clinical supervisors, or workplace mentors who can speak to your character and work ethic are your best choices. Give them plenty of lead time.
One to two months before the deadline, start filling out your application. Many nursing programs use a centralized application system called NursingCAS, which lets you apply to multiple schools with one form. Gather unofficial transcripts from every college you’ve attended, attach required documents, and designate your references within the system. Finish and proofread your personal statement before attaching it. Three to five weeks before the deadline, submit your completed application and follow up with any references who haven’t yet submitted their evaluations.
Clear Background and Health Requirements
Before you start clinical rotations, every nursing program requires a criminal background check and drug screening. Clinical agencies that partner with nursing schools mandate these for anyone involved in patient care, regardless of whether you hold a prior license.
Drug screening is a standard 10-panel urine test. A positive result or refusal to comply prevents you from attending clinical rotations, which effectively prevents you from completing the program. If you have concerns about a past criminal record, contact the program’s admissions office directly. Some offenses are disqualifying, while others may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
You’ll also need up-to-date immunizations, a physical exam, and often CPR certification (typically BLS for Healthcare Providers) before starting clinical coursework. Completing these early avoids last-minute delays.
Look Into Financial Aid and Scholarships
Beyond standard federal financial aid (FAFSA), nursing students have access to field-specific funding. The HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship Program is one of the most significant. It covers tuition, fees, and provides a monthly living stipend for full-time nursing students at accredited programs. In return, you commit to at least two years of full-time work at a healthcare facility in an underserved area after graduation.
To qualify, you must be a U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident, enrolled full-time in a clinical nursing program, and in good standing on any prior federal obligations. You’ll need to obtain your nursing license and accept employment within nine months of graduating. Full-time service means at least 32 hours per week for 45 weeks per year. Part-time service is possible at 16 to 31 hours per week, but your obligation period extends accordingly.
State-level nursing scholarships, hospital-sponsored tuition programs, and private foundations also offer funding. Many hospitals will pay for your nursing education in exchange for a commitment to work there for two to three years after graduation. These “tuition reimbursement” or “nurse residency” agreements are especially common at large health systems facing staffing shortages.