How to Get into Nursing School in 5 Steps

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Understanding how to get into nursing school is essential to become a nurse. First, research nursing schools and the profession. Then talk with an admissions counselor, determine your eligibility, complete any requirements and prerequisites, and apply. Use our admissions tips to help you navigate the process.

woman in yellow shirt standing and thinking

The nursing school application process is complex and requires much time and effort. Once you understand how to get into nursing school, however, you can apply to nursing school with ease and confidence. So, where do you begin?

First, you will want to find a school that is clear about the application process and committed to your success from the start. This is where the Concordia University Texas (CTX) Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track outshines most. As you begin the ABSN admissions process, you will be paired with a trusted admissions counselor, who will work one-on-one with you to help you navigate each step of the process.

Read on for the five steps of how to get accepted into nursing school. Then we’ll discuss a few of our top tips for getting into nursing school.

1. Research Programs and the Nursing Profession

As you enter the pathway toward nursing school admissions, the first task is to do your research. Before you even ask how to get into nursing school, you want to be clear on why you’re interested in nursing. Take time to research what nursing is like as a career, why you want to make the transition to nursing, and how to become a nurse.

Concordia University Texas hallway wall sign

Next, research nursing programs so you can determine which ones fit what you’re looking for. There are several factors to consider, including the following:

  • Degree type (Choosing a BSN track is generally recommended)
  • Traditional vs. accelerated format
  • Program requirements and your eligibility
  • Program length
  • Online vs. onsite coursework
  • NCLEX pass rates
  • Faculty and admissions support
  • Quality of clinical rotations
CTX ABSN students looking at lab supplies

Why is a BSN important in nursing? Here are 11 reasons to get a BSN.

2. Talk with an Admissions Counselor

Once you’ve decided on the right program for you, it’s time to reach out to admissions. Schedule a phone conversation interview through our ABSN website by submitting your contact information via a form. After receiving your information, one of our admissions counselors will call you.

Your first admissions appointment will be a casual conversation. Your assigned admissions counselor will go over how the ABSN track works, review your academic history, answer any questions you have, and provide you with information on next steps. Be prepared to answer questions such as these:

  • What motivated you to become a nurse?
  • What qualities attracted you to our ABSN track?
  • How are you planning to manage your time throughout nursing school?

3. Determine Your Eligibility for the ABSN Track

To be a candidate for the ABSN track, you will need to have a minimum of 60 non-nursing college credit hours and a GPA of at least 3.0. Your admissions counselor will talk with you about your academic history, your motivation for wishing to pursue the ABSN track, and your eligibility for the ABSN track.

Your counselor wants to ensure you’re a good fit for CTX before seeing you through the admissions process. If you are, they will do everything in their power to ensure you have or are working toward all the requirements to apply.

ctx nursing student helping a patient

4. Complete Requirements and Prerequisite Courses

Now is the time to fill in any gaps and ensure you meet all the ABSN admissions requirements. Your admissions counselor will help you plot out an academic plan. This involves figuring out which prerequisite courses you will need to take and when you can begin the ABSN track (January, May, or August). After making a plan with your admissions counselor, you’ll need to start fulfilling any incomplete requirements.

Before applying, you’ll need to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test within one year of beginning the ABSN track. You will only have two attempts at this during a calendar year, so make sure you take it seriously.

Woman walking down hallway with backpack

Learn eight ways you can prepare for accelerated nursing school.

5. Submit Your Application and Official Transcripts

Once you’ve finished all or most of your prerequisites, you can apply for the ABSN track (your admittance into the ABSN track will be conditional until all requirements and prerequisites are complete).

The ABSN application is online, and you’ll want to submit it before the application deadline to be considered. Along with your application, plan to send official transcripts from any colleges you’ve attended. Your application will then be reviewed by the admissions committee shortly after submission, and you’ll receive an admissions decision within a few weeks.

7 Tips for Getting into Nursing School

Still wondering how to get accepted into nursing school? Here are a few tips that will give you a leg up in the nursing school admissions process.

1. Prepare Your Questions

Applying to nursing school is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially when considering an Accelerated BSN track like ours. Before speaking with an admissions counselor, learn more about the curriculum so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

As you gain more information about how the ABSN track works, you will want to collect your questions for your admissions counselor. This can help guide the conversation a little better.

2. Have Access to Your Transcripts

Before scheduling your call with an admissions counselor, you will want to have access to your unofficial transcripts. Having your academic history on hand will help your admissions counselor create a personalized admissions plan.

3. Don’t Waste Time

There are quite a few requirements to fulfill when applying to nursing school, so it’s important to get to work right away. To get ahead of the curve, you can start working on prerequisite courses as soon as you and your admissions counselor form a plan.

4. Be Upfront and Honest

Your answers to the questions your counselor asks you will help them determine if the ABSN track is a good fit for you. Everything your counselor does or says has your best interest in mind, so be transparent and honest with them.

5. Take Everything into Consideration

An excellent way to determine if the ABSN track is right for you is to consider everything. Evaluate your time along with your nursing career goals. Do you have time to commit 40+ hours a week to a rigorous curriculum consisting of online coursework, hands-on labs, and clinical rotations? Do your career goals relate to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)?

6. Focus on Completing Your Prerequisites

Instead of worrying about future requirements and ABSN responsibilities, stay focused on the prerequisite courses at hand. These courses help establish the foundation for everything you do as a registered nurse.

7. Stay Connected with Your Admissions Counselor

As you complete your nursing prerequisites, your counselor will check in with you regularly to see how things are going. This will inspire you to stay on track with your courses and help you build trust with your admissions counselor.

Hands writing on an application

Want more tips to increasing your chances of getting into nursing school? Explore these eight strategies.

Start the Nursing School Admissions Process!

Now that you know how to get into nursing school, it’s time to begin your admissions journey at CTX. Your nursing school application will challenge you, but having the right nursing school tips and support from your admissions counselor can help alleviate the process.

Contact us today to learn more about how Concordia University Texas can help accelerate your nursing career.