Understanding what to expect in nursing school can help you prepare effectively. Prospective students often ask: What is nursing school like? Is it hard? How does it work? Nursing school combines theory and practice through coursework, clinical skills training, and patient care experiences.

The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track at Concordia University Texas allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in as few as 16 months after completing prerequisites. Because the timeline is accelerated, preparing for success is essential.

As you consider what to know about nursing school, focus on the nursing program’s structure, format, and learning components. Also, consider how to prepare effectively and which nursing school tips can support you after enrollment.

What to Expect in Nursing School: 6 Things to Know

What is the nursing program like? The answer depends on the school. In Concordia University Texas’s ABSN track, you can expect the following:

1. You Will Begin With Nursing School Orientation

The first few days of nursing school focus on orientation, helping students learn program expectations and meet other students. At Concordia University Texas, ABSN track students participate in a comprehensive orientation. During the first week, you’ll meet instructors and cohort members, review the schedule and curriculum, and ask questions.

2. You Will Complete Nursing Coursework

Nursing coursework lays the foundation for hands-on skill-building. At Concordia Texas, nursing theory coursework is completed online. Modules combine lectures with interactive learning, including:

• Case studies
• Lifelike animations
• Practice questions
• Simulation activities

You’ll also take exams in person at a nursing satellite campus in Austin or Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.

3. You Will Practice Skills in Nursing Labs

Nursing skills labs allow students to practice core skills in a simulated hospital setting. In these labs, you’ll utilize the equipment and technology you’ll encounter in a hospital to practice tasks such as:

• Drawing blood
• Placing nasogastric tubes
• Starting IV lines
• Taking vital signs

Many of these tasks will be performed on medical manikins, which can simulate a range of responses, from cardiac arrest to allergic reactions. You’ll also learn to interview patients, discuss symptoms, and safely assist people with impaired mobility.

4. You Will Participate in Simulation Labs

In nursing simulation labs, you’ll work with other students to navigate realistic patient care scenarios with the same medical manikins you’ve encountered in skills labs. These labs require you to follow the nursing process and apply evidence-based theory to identify patient concerns, determine possible causes, and plan appropriate responses.

Each simulation lab ends with a debriefing in which the instructor reviews the scenario, highlights strengths, and identifies areas for improvement. Use this time to take notes and ask questions.

5. You Will Gain Experience During Clinical Rotations

During clinical rotations, you’ll work in local healthcare facilities under the supervision of clinical instructors and preceptors. Early rotations may focus on observing RNs and performing basic patient care. As your knowledge and skills develop, you’ll take on more complex tasks and become more involved in patient care.

Clinicals are an essential part of nursing education, providing hands-on experience with patients who have varied health concerns. They also offer opportunities to build professional connections and strengthen your professionalism and bedside manner.

Concordia Texas ABSN track students complete clinical rotations in areas such as:

• Acute care
• Adult health
• Intensive care
• Long-term care
• Mental health
• Obstetrics
• Pediatrics

6. You Will Begin Preparing for the NCLEX-RN

Earning a nursing degree is one requirement for becoming a registered nurse (RN). You must also pass the NCLEX-RN before you can practice. Although you’ll take this national licensure exam after graduation, begin preparing during your first semester.

Along with reviewing course material, prepare for the NCLEX-RN by taking practice tests, answering sample questions, and using online resources such as video tutorials.

What Is a Typical Nursing School Schedule Like?

While your schedule will vary from one semester to the next, you can expect to spend 50 to 60 hours per week on classes, labs, clinical shifts, assignments, and study sessions. Clinical rotations typically require eight- to 12-hour shifts, and you can expect several shifts per week.

Is Accelerated Nursing School Hard?

Because an accelerated nursing program has a shorter time to graduation, it requires persistence and motivation. You’ll need to keep up with your studies, participate in class activities, and remain accountable.

Common challenges for nursing students include:

• Balancing coursework, nursing labs, and clinical rotations
• Balancing academic and personal needs
• Developing effective study habits

• Staying motivated and focused

These challenges are part of nursing school, but the intensive period is temporary. In Concordia Texas’s ABSN track, you can graduate with a BSN in as few as 16 months, preparing you for the NCLEX-RN. While you will be challenged, you will have the support of dedicated instructors, your nursing cohort, and Academic Success Coaches to help you.

Nursing School Tips for Success

Nursing school is demanding, but practical strategies can help you succeed. Consider these nursing school tips:

• Ask instructors for help early
• Create a consistent weekly schedule
• Form a study group with your nursing cohort
• Prepare for labs and clinicals in advance
• Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and stress management
• Use active study techniques

Stay focused on your goals, seek support when needed, and manage your time consistently to support your success in nursing school.

Can You Work While Attending Nursing School?

Some students work part-time or per diem during nursing school, but it’s important to remember that nursing school is a significant time commitment. Only you can decide whether you can work while attending nursing school. For further financial assistance, you can discuss federal and institutional aid options with your admissions counselor.

What Should You Know Before Starting Nursing School?

Knowing the answer to “What is nursing school like?” can help you prepare, but you should also complete several practical steps before starting. After your application is accepted, your admissions counselor will explain the clinical participation requirements.

For example, you’ll need to complete a drug screening and criminal background check, meet immunization requirements, and obtain cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).

You’ll also need nursing school supplies, including scrubs in your school color, a stethoscope, a clinical bag, a penlight, and bandage scissors. Bring standard school supplies such as index cards, pens, highlighters, and notebooks to help you study.

Experience Nursing School at Concordia University Texas

Concordia University Texas offers an accelerated path into nursing. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 60 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution, you may be eligible for acceptance into the ABSN track. You’ll join a supportive learning community and receive one-on-one guidance from Academic Success Coaches.

Request information today and connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about the ABSN track at Concordia Texas in Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.