How Hard is Nursing School? The Challenges of Becoming a Nurse and Tips for Graduating
Learning to become a nurse is a process that requires specific types of commitment, especially if you want to excel and achieve a certain level of specialization.
Before you decide to enroll in a nursing program and begin your career, you should know the difficulties that lie ahead. Although the task may initially seem daunting, once you have the essential knowledge about how hard nursing school is and the exact ways in which becoming a nurse can be difficult, you can better organize your time and effort and simplify the learning and certification process.
That's why we come to the rescue with a comprehensive guide that will answer all your essential questions: Is nursing school hard? If so, how hard is nursing school and the process of becoming a nurse? What other commitments and particularities can make your study experience more difficult, and how can you deal with the hurdles of nursing school?
You will find all relevant answers to these questions and details in our guide.
Is Nursing School Hard?
Yes, nursing school can be a challenging process for all aspiring learners, and it may become even more complicated if you have other specific commitments in your life that require you to divide your time, resources, and attention.
Nursing education is known for its rigorous academic curriculum, its necessary and demanding clinical experience, and the underlying challenges to emotional and mental well-being.
However, before you encounter the difficulties of nursing school life and education, the first challenge is enrolling in a program and being accepted into it. The main hurdles here are the prerequisites, the application and interview process, and the examination you may have to undergo before being accepted.
Is Nursing School Hard to Get Into?
Getting into nursing school in your desired program can prove to be a difficult task, particularly if you do not know what you are facing ahead. The relatively high competition, strict admission requirements, including a solid GPA (often 3.0 or higher), prerequisites, admission exams (such as the HESI or TEAS), prior healthcare experience, and interviews, all make the admission process into nursing schools quite challenging to navigate.
How Hard Is It to Get Into Nursing School?
While you may have a tougher time starting to study to become a nurse, the extent of the challenges you will face varies from one learning institution to another, and also differs based on your particular situation.
For instance, if we look at the acceptance rate of nursing schools around the US, the task may appear impossible, with undergraduate nursing programs at UCLA and UC Irvine, for instance, recently reaching an acceptance rate of only 1%.
Yet, according to recent data from 2025, the overall nursing school acceptance rate in the US is around 66%, which is only slightly lower than the estimated acceptance rate of 72.4% for all degree-granting post-secondary institutions for first-year undergraduates, as recorded by the National Center for Education Statistics.
Acceptance rates vary across institutions, and while they can generally reflect the level of education granted by each nursing school, this is not always the case.
For instance, at Nightingale College, we prioritize accessibility and equal opportunities for learners from all backgrounds to receive high-quality nursing education. Our certified academic programs do have prerequisites, but they have a comparatively higher acceptance rate. Additionally, the hybrid system, which combines online instruction with in-person seminars, virtual simulations and labs, and on-ground supervised field experiences (SOFEs), further empowers learners to enroll in their desired program and achieve the necessary level of education to certify and start practicing.
What Do You Need to Do To Get Into Nursing School?
Let’s see what boxes you will have to check to get into nursing school, regardless of the program you have chosen:
GPA Requirements
Is there a GPA requirement to get into nursing school? Yes, nursing school admissions are competitive. Having good grades and a higher-than-average GPA (grade point average) is one of the very first requirements of getting accepted into nursing school.
Generally, GPA requirements are different from one school to another, but on average, BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0.
At the same time, for an ADN program, the average GPA for admission ranges from 2.0 to 2.8. Keep in mind that these requirements are the bare minimum. To be truly competitive, aim for a higher GPA. In more competitive programs, where the number of applicants per spot is higher, even a 3.5 GPA can be considered insufficient.
If your GPA is below average but you're committed to becoming a nurse, you can boost it by taking General Education classes at a community college. These may transfer as prerequisites, and even if they don't, strong grades can still improve your GPA and strengthen your application.
Do I Need to Complete Any Prerequisite Courses?
Regardless of whether your goal is to get a Practical Nursing (PN) diploma to become a Lincensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or enroll in an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program and become a Registered Nurse (RN), completing some prerequisites is going to be top of the list when it comes to admissions requirements.
Prerequisites are classes that must be completed before enrolling in a specific program, ensuring that prospective students have a solid background in nursing-related subjects.
While specific requirements will vary from school to school, some standard prerequisite classes you can expect to see include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, chemistry, sociology, statistics, and others.
To be eligible for Nightingale College’s BSN Program, you must complete prerequisites such as Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, Pathophysiology, college-level English, and Mathematics. You can choose to complete the prerequisite coursework at the College or another institution of higher learning.
Do I Need to Take Entrance Exams?
Most nursing schools will require prospective students to pass an entrance exam, even with good grades and a high GPA, stellar prerequisite completion, and regardless of whether you wish to pursue a traditional education or choose to go the hybrid or online route. Granted, it makes the admissions process more complicated and stressful, but entrance exams are a common practice to prove that students have the skills, or, better yet, the potential, to complete a nursing program.
These may include general tests like the SAT or ACT, or exams explicitly designed for nurses, such as the HESI or TEAS. Some schools will even require one of each category. Some of the most common tests for aspiring nursing students are:
- The NLN PAX (National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam) is one of the most frequently used entrance exams. It’s focused on measuring your verbal ability, as well as your knowledge of maths and science.
- The NET (Nursing Entrance Test) is also reasonably common, covering topics at a high school
level in reading and math.
The Kaplan Admissions Test measures an aspiring nurse’s performance in reading, writing, math, science, and critical thinking. - The TEAS (Test of Academic Skills) is another popular test that schools use to determine how prepared aspiring nursing students are to enter the healthcare industry.
- HESI A2 (The Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) assesses prospective nursing students’ knowledge in three academic areas: English, Math, and Anatomy & Physiology.
Each exam is different, having different formats, measuring different abilities, and using different scoring systems, so when choosing the nursing program you want to attend, you need to research the entrance exam (if any) that the school expects you to take. For instance, Nightingale College asks prospective students to take the HESI exam, and only applicants who achieve a minimum cumulative score of 75% are granted admission.
Are There Any Other Requirements?
In addition to the previously mentioned requirements, there are also other conditions you must fulfill if you want to become a nurse. Writing a personal essay, submitting letters of recommendation, and participating in an interview with an admissions advisor may all be part of the process.
The schools can individualize their process depending on the requirements of their programs. However, overall, the steps presented are mandatory if you want to enroll in nursing school.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Accepted Into Nursing School?
Alongside having a high GPA and completing prerequisite courses, there are a few other steps you can take to boost your chances of being enrolled in nursing school.
1. Obtain Relevant Certifications
Having some relevant certifications may be mandatory or at least highly recommended in some nursing schools. For instance, obtaining a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or a CPR certification shows a commitment to learning and a genuine interest in helping others. It will also make you more competitive among other candidates, thus also making it easier for you to get into nursing school with the same qualifications.
2. Volunteer in Healthcare Settings
Volunteering, especially in a healthcare setting, not only looks good on the application form but is also an excellent opportunity to gain some experience and get a taste of your future nursing profession. It’s not unusual for hospitals to have open volunteer programs and opportunities. With some research, you can find a volunteering option in various medical settings, from working in the ER department to assisting with childcare.
Volunteering shows commitment, and it proves to schools that your interest in nursing is a thought-through plan, a passion that you nurtured and in which you’ve invested time and energy.
There is no specific requirement for the amount of time you should spend volunteering, but generally, anywhere from one hundred hours or more will give you an edge over other applicants.
3. Start in a Lower-Level Entry Role
Starting smaller in the nursing profession, for instance, by becoming a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), can look good on a resume while also providing a great bridge into nursing proper if you do not yet have the time, prerequisites or resources to enroll in nursing school. It usually takes just a few months to complete this certificate program, but it offers great insight into the life and responsibilities of a nurse.
As a Certified Nurse Assistant, you’ll be working side by side with Registered Nurses and other healthcare professionals before, and that’s a great way to get you excited about a career in nursing. Hence, when you do decide to enroll in a degree program, such as an ADN or BSN, it will be because you have demonstrated the needed experience in the field. From this, you’ll significantly increase your chances of getting in. Another plus is that, as always, depending on the school, your experience as a CNA can count as transferable credit for further education.
Why Is Nursing School So Hard to Get Into?
Over the last few years, it has become increasingly challenging to get accepted into nursing school. As you’ve already seen, there are many requirements, and none of them are easy.
And the admissions processes aren’t getting any easier, even though we desperately need RNs. The nursing shortage highlighted the critical lack of nursing professionals our country is facing, and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic proved once again not only how critical nurses truly are to the healthcare industry, but also how urgently important it is to have significantly more highly trained nurses.
The past year has been the most promising in terms of the number of applicants to nursing school programs. However, despite past improvements, the most recent AACN Report shows that around 65,063 qualified applicants were turned away from baccalaureate and graduate programs, indicating that it is still hard to get into nursing school.
Factors Contributing to Nursing School Rejections
Here are the principal reasons why it is hard to get into nursing school:
1. Nursing Faculty Shortages
A considerable contributor to the nursing education shortage is a shortage of nursing educators. As part of the same cycle, a nursing education shortage leads to increased nursing faculty shortages.
The rise in employment of nursing instructors (18% by 2033) is projected to be much higher than the increase of postsecondary teachers (8%), educational instruction and library roles (2%), and all other occupations (4%), according to the Bureau of Labor Security (BLS). By the end of the decade, there should be an additional 16,100 new nurse educator jobs, with a total projected employment of 105,900. While the projected rise signals a better situation for nursing faculty and education, there are still hurdles and limitations related to pursuing a career in nursing faculty and supplying the appropriate number of educators.
For instance, the mean salary for a registered nurse is $98,430, and for a nurse practitioner is $132,000. Meanwhile, the yearly salary of a nurse educator in 2025 is around $87,090. You can also compare the nurse salaries from various specializations.
With nurse educators making less than other advanced practice registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and even BSN-level registered nurses, there is little motivation for nurses who love their job to pursue an advanced degree needed to teach, which creates a shortage of credentialed applicants for nursing education positions.
2. Lack of Access
Access to nursing education is also considerably limited in certain areas. Rural areas are historically disadvantaged both in access to academic programs and in the staffing and support nursing schools receive. Physical campuses also pose a problem in urban areas where limitations in premises result in limitations in the capacity of learners.
Online educational programs represent a viable option. Online programs, like the RN-to-BSN Track, or hybrid programs, such as Nightingale College’s PN Diploma Program, LPN-to-ASN Path, BSN Program, as well as the MSN Ed, MSN FNP, and MSN PMHNP Programs, are a great way to overcome geographical and physical limitations, making nursing education available to a broader array of learners from all walks of life. Find out everything you need to know about online nursing schools.
Browse the academic programs at Nightingale College!
3. Expenses on Equipment
Equipping a campus for nursing education is expensive. Beyond considerations of the location of a campus and its maintenance, nursing programs also need to provide equipment for experiential learning, such as nursing mannequins, IV arms, Foley catheters, scrubs, wheelchairs, lifts, beds, and many other items.
4. School Accreditation
To get accreditation, nursing schools must have been in operation for several years and have a certain number of students enrolled in their program, which may pose some hurdles for new institutions to enter the market. However, nursing school accreditation remains central and should not be seen as a negative aspect of the industry.
Discover in our video below everything you need to know about national vs regional accreditation:
3. High demand for nursing education, Waitlists
Due to this short supply of faculty, the demand for nursing education is not being met. Why is nursing school in such high demand?
Because nurses are in high demand, and it is a highly sought-after career. With just two years of education (in an ADN program), individuals can enter into a respected career, with flexible shifts, that pays a good salary even in an entry-level position. This career is also highly transferable, with job opportunities in almost every city.With such a high demand for nursing education, many schools have to put a waitlist in place for their programs, which delays their learners’ education by several years.
One of the things that set Nightingale College apart from other nursing institutions is the fact that we have no waitlists.
5. Pass Rates Are Used as a Measure of Program Quality
Currently, the public and many nursing boards and accreditors view NCLEX first-time
pass rates as a measure of program quality. There are a few reasons why this is not
a good practice.
An emphasis on first-time pass rates increases schools’ motivation to implement extensive
testing in the admissions process to screen out those who may not excel at testing.
This not only eliminates many people who may be great nurses, but it disproportionately
impacts minorities. As noted in Health Affairs,
“Increasing the racial and ethnic diversity of the health care workforce is essential for the adequate provision of culturally competent care to our nation’s burgeoning minority communities.”
Prioritizing first-time pass rates also means emphasizing high-stakes testing on the part of academic institutions. Additionally, since schools want to maintain a high pass rate, they can implement benchmark tests to determine if their learners are on track. And learners who fall behind may be hindered in continuing to pursue their program to completion, a practice commonly referred to as “washing out.”
Since employers do not ask, nor do they consider, the number of attempts required by a nurse to receive certification, evaluating a nursing program based on how many times it took their students is not helpful for the industry either.
NCLEX pass rate optimization practices generate vicious cycles, with schools with artificially higher pass rates being perceived as better by the public, which, in turn, increases the school’s motivation to wash out learners who may not pass the first time. It is due to a combination of these factors that nursing programs are extremely competitive.
It is worth noting that students who are “washed out” do not fail within their program, nor do they fail to qualify to sit the NCLEX. Instead, the practice disparages those learners who lag behind and who, in fact, require the most support from the academic faculty and institution.
That is why at Nightingale College, we provide a wide range of resources and services that aim to enable all learners, regardless of their current level or background, to achieve academic and career success. For instance, upon enrolling in one of our educational programs, you will access NCLEX success coaching, as well as materials that will help you not only complete your chosen program but also have the confidence to sit the certification exam.
Learn more about the learner experience at Nightingale College and browse our academic programs!
Nursing School Challenges: How Hard Is It to Graduate from Nursing School?
Even with the strict requirements and against the backdrop of competitiveness that describes the field of nursing, you managed to get into your nursing school of choice. First off, congratulations, but be aware that the hard part is just beginning.
Nursing school is difficult, no doubt about that. There’s a lot of learning, the exams are challenging, schedules are tricky, and assignments constantly pile one on top of the other. All of these can make your student life hard. Of course, every nursing student's experience and training process is different. Some find it easier to memorize large amounts of information, while others excel in clinical settings.
In the end, how hard nursing school is up to you. In general, these are some of the most common challenges nursing students face:
1. You Will Study a Lot
Nursing programs require thorough study, as well as familiarization with completely new terminology, complicated nursing concepts, and practical skills.
Nursing programs can be difficult, but they are not impossible. Their purpose is not to fail you or shatter your self-esteem. It’s just to prepare you as well as possible for the stressful life of a nurse.
2. You May Experience Burnout
Nursing school requires memorization, patient care, reading, and practical skills. That is plenty for someone to handle on their own, but adding personal life, social life, work, and other responsibilities creates a recipe for burnout.
Burnout is a state of exhaustion that affects you on all levels – emotionally, mentally, and physically – and is caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It ensues when you feel overwhelmed by all the obligations you must fulfill, and when you can no longer handle it, you lose interest and motivation, sometimes even to the point of giving up.
Unfortunately, nursing school burnout is a real issue that many students face. But with proper time management, the right support system, and a clear vision in place, you can avoid it.
Here are 6 essential tips to deal with nursing school burnout.
3. Time Management Is Key
Proper time management is important in all areas of life. Still, when it comes to online nursing school, especially in online or hybrid nursing programs, poor time management can make nursing school even more challenging than it already is.
With online nursing school, you are entirely responsible for how you schedule your time, but it is imperative that you keep up with all the school materials, assignments, quizzes, tests, and so on. Should you leave everything to the last minute, you’d set yourself up for failure. You can either make your own life harder or devise a plan that helps you succeed.
A good idea would be to set aside time each week for studying and reviewing class materials. If you already have time set aside each week, it can help alleviate some of the stress of juggling tasks to make room for school.
4. How Hard Are Clinicals?
Nursing school clinicals are one of the most stressful yet vital parts of becoming a nurse, offering hands-on experience with real patients under supervision in hospitals. Unlike classroom learning, clinicals provide the practical skills needed for tasks like starting IVs, administering medication, and drawing blood.
These rotations are essential for applying theoretical knowledge, developing critical thinking, and building leadership and problem-solving abilities. Although the responsibility involved can be intimidating, the real-world learning gained through clinicals is invaluable for any aspiring nurse.
5. How Hard Is the NCLEX?
After completing a rigorous nursing program, students face the ultimate challenge: the NCLEX. This comprehensive board exam determines whether you earn licensure as a Registered Nurse. With 75 to 265 questions over six hours, the NCLEX tests your critical thinking, nursing process knowledge, and assessment skills.
Though it’s a challenging and nerve-wracking exam, it’s a crucial step toward becoming an RN. Nursing programs are intentionally challenging in preparing you for this test. With thorough preparation and confidence, passing the NCLEX on your first try is entirely within reach.
Because we know how important it is to have the confidence that you are well prepared when sitting the NCLEX, when enrolling in one of the academic programs at Nightingale College, you will also receive coaching, support, and materials to achieve your desired success in certification.
How Hard Is It to Work While You’re in Nursing School?
Another thing that makes nursing school particularly challenging is the difficulty of balancing studying nursing with a job.
Work and school are both major commitments, and some people cannot simply choose one over the other. Having a stable source of income and not needing to work for a living is not a luxury everyone has. So, because the process of juggling a job and school is no easy feat, nursing school is even harder for working professionals.
Some nursing programs are even harder than others: accelerated programs tend to be more demanding, so it would be even more complicated to divide your efforts between work and school. At the same time, you could choose a program that lets you study at your own pace, but keep in mind that that might extend the duration of your studies.
All in all, you need to find your learning style and motivation to keep going, even when you're tired and unfocused after a long day at work. We are here to help you through the process. Read our post on how to effectively study while holding down a job to make the best out of both experiences. With a plan of action, a well-defined schedule, and lots of motivation, nursing school might come just a little bit easier.
How Hard Is Nursing School Compared to Other Degrees?
Comparing nursing schools to other programs is a challenging task because each program has its unique challenges and benefits. Studying for any profession – nursing included – requires passion, willingness to learn, and to put in the effort, the time, and the energy.
Nursing School vs. Medical School
Although they both belong to the healthcare spectrum, nursing school and medical school are two very different entities. Neither is easy because both professions imply tremendous levels of responsibility, so in the end, it comes down to your motivation for choosing one over the other. From a pragmatic standpoint, nursing school takes much less compared to medical school. Depending on your previous educational background, you can become a Registered Nurse anywhere from 12 months to four years. Becoming a doctor, however, is a much lengthier process.
Discover what it takes to become an MD once you are a licensed Registered Nurse.
That doesn’t make nursing an easier major. It just depends on what you’re looking for in terms of a career.
Find out how long nursing school is.
Nursing School vs. Teaching
Another comparison that often emerges is between pursuing a nursing degree and a teaching degree. Both of these professions have one main goal: improving the lives of other people, but aside from that, the jobs are extremely different.
The schooling process is different for these two majors as well. For instance, elementary, middle school, and high school teachers typically require a bachelor’s degree to find a job. Although completing a BSN Program is also recommended for nurses, they still have more educational options. You can easily find a career as an LPN with one year of postsecondary education. To become a licensed nurse, you can pursue an Associate’s Degree. However, if you want to enter more advanced practice, you’ll need an MSN at the latest.
Neither studying to become a nurse nor a teacher is easy. As always, it depends on your career goals, your passions, and your motivations. But if you really can’t decide between nursing or teaching, why not do both?
By enrolling in an MSN Ed Program, you can become a Nurse Educator and fulfill your calling of becoming a teacher while also doing what you love: practicing nursing.
Explore more of the differences and similarities in the nursing vs. teaching debate.
Is It Hard to Become a Nurse After Graduating?
Once you finish your nursing program, you will need to earn your certification by taking the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Depending on what nursing role you are preparing for, you will sit either the NCLEX-RN (for becoming a registered nurse) or the NCLEX-PN (if you aim to become a licensed practical nurse).
Is Nursing School Worth It?
Without a doubt, nursing school, from applying to earning your certification, can be incredibly challenging. It’s a series of hurdles: stressful days, all-nighters, tough exams, and demanding clinicals. But the sense of accomplishment and the power to truly make a difference in people's lives make it all worth it.
And it's not just the emotional rewards. Nursing is a practical and smart career choice: it pays well, offers job security, and opens doors to growth and advancement. As a nurse, you’ll play a vital role in protecting public health, especially during crises like pandemics. You’ll join a community of compassionate, intelligent, and dedicated professionals.
Even in the most challenging moments, few things compare to the fulfillment of knowing your care can save a life. For a dose of inspiration, watch this Nightingale College graduate share her journey to becoming a nurse.
Find out some tips that will help you get through nursing school successfully, no matter how hard it may seem at first.
Enroll in a Nursing Program and Fulfill Your Career Aspirations
Everyone’s journey through nursing school is different: some find it easier, while for others, it’s painstakingly hard. It’s not a career path for the faint of heart, but in the end, if you’re passionate and driven, you’ll not only survive, but you’ll thrive in nursing school.
Nursing school is meant to help you become the best nurse you can be. Is it hard? For sure. How hard? That ultimately depends on you.
Are you ready to become a Registered Nurse who will play an important part in the
future of the healthcare industry? Enroll in our RN to BSN program and become the best nurse you can be!