You’ve decided that nursing school is the next step for you. Congratulations! It’s a challenging but rewarding field to pursue. Being a nurse is something that will always be in demand and is a great career path to take.
Before you can apply, there are a few prerequisites for nursing school that you’ll need to meet. This blog post will discuss the prerequisites and how to meet them. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are Prerequisites?
Prerequisites are the minimum qualifications you must meet to be accepted into a nursing school. These prerequisites usually include specific educational requirements, pre-admission tests, and other criteria the school requires applicants to complete.
These prerequisites ensure that all applicants have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the nursing program. While meeting the prerequisites does not guarantee admission into the program, it does give you a better chance of being accepted. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully review each nursing program’s requirements to ensure that you meet all of the necessary prerequisites.
Common Nursing School Prerequisites
While prerequisites can vary from school to school, there are a few prerequisites that are common among most nursing programs. Below are some prerequisites that most nursing schools will require:
1. GED or High School Diploma
A nursing program is a rigorous academic undertaking requiring students to have a strong foundation in theoretical and practical knowledge. Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) to be accepted into most nursing programs.
This requirement ensures that students have the necessary reading, writing, and math skills to succeed in the program. In addition, high school graduates are typically more mature and able to handle the challenges of a nursing program than those who don’t have a diploma.
As a result, most nursing programs require applicants to submit proof of their high school graduation.
2. Pre-admission Testing
Most nursing programs will require applicants to take pre-admission tests before they can be considered for admission. These tests assess the applicant’s knowledge of essential subjects such as math, sciences, and English. These pre-admission tests also measure applicants’ ability to think critically and problem-solve.
Common test prerequisites include:
- National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX): The National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX) is a standardized exam for prospective nursing students. The exam consists of three sections: verbal reasoning, math, and science.
- Nursing Entrance Test (NET): NET is split into six parts and evaluates mathematical and reading speed. It also tests the applicant’s ability to solve problems quickly and accurately.
Of course, this still depends on the individual nursing program, and prerequisites can vary. Check with your prospective school’s pre-admission requirements to ensure that you meet all necessary prerequisites.
3. Prerequisite Courses
Before you can even begin to think about becoming a nurse, you must first complete several prerequisite courses. These are typically college-level science classes, such as anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
While the specific requirements vary from school to school, taking these classes will give you a solid foundation to build your nursing career on.
In addition to giving you a better understanding of the human body, these courses will also teach you critical scientific principles that will be essential in your future work. Some schools also require a minimum score or specific grades in prerequisite classes.
4. Official Transcripts
Submitting official transcripts is a prerequisite for most nursing programs. Official transcripts provide information about your previous coursework and grades, helping the school gauge your academic preparedness and determine if you meet their prerequisites.
To obtain your official transcripts, you must contact your prior institution and request them. Depending on the school, there may be a fee associated with this service. It’s important to ask for your transcripts well before the deadline to ensure that you receive them in time.
Official transcripts are a vital part of the nursing school application process, so take care of this step early.
5. Letters of Recommendation
Depending on the school, you may be required to submit letters of recommendation as part of your prerequisites. These letters should come from individuals who can speak positively about your academic abilities and personal character.
These letters of recommendation give the admissions committee a better idea of who you are and how you would fit in their program. Be sure to pick your referees wisely and give them plenty of time to write your letter.
For example, consider asking one of your teachers for a letter of recommendation if you’re a high school student. If you have any work experience related to the nursing field, consider asking an employer or supervisor.
6. Other Requirements
Some prerequisites may differ from school to school. You will be asked to submit a personal statement or essay, a resume outlining your work and volunteer experience, and any relevant certifications.
It’s essential to read the admissions requirements carefully and ensure you meet them before applying. Failing to do so could jeopardize your application.
Final Thoughts
Nursing school is a beautiful opportunity to learn and grow professionally, but it’s essential to ensure that you meet all prerequisites before applying.
From taking prerequisite courses to submitting letters of recommendation and official transcripts, prerequisites can vary from school to school. Do your research carefully and ensure you are prepared for the application process. Good luck!