How to Get Into Nursing School: Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide, GPA, Entrance Exam Requirements & More

If you aspire to become a nurse and help patients and communities improve health and well-being, the first step is getting into nursing school. However, selecting an educational institution, choosing the right program, applying, and enrolling can be harder than it seems.

That's why we provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you get into nursing school in 2026, with all the essential information for selection and enrollment. If you make the right choices at the start of your journey, you will have an easier time achieving your desired nursing career and reaching your full potential.

Here is what you need to know about getting into nursing school:

Nursing School Process at a Glance, From Start to Finish

Getting into nursing school involves more than filling out an application. You first need to choose the nursing path that fits your goals, compare programs, understand each school's admission requirements, complete any prerequisites, and prepare for entrance exams or other selection requirements.

The exact nursing school process varies by program. Some schools use rolling admissions, while others have fixed deadlines. GPA requirements, prerequisite courses, entrance exams, application materials, and post-acceptance requirements can also differ. The best approach is to check the requirements for every program you are considering and work backward from its application deadline.

Here is a streamlined sketch of the standard nursing school process:

1. Choose your nursing pathway: Decide whether you want to pursue practical nursing, an associate-level RN pathway, a BSN, or a bridge program based on your current education and career goals.
2. Research nursing programs: Compare program approval and accreditation, licensure preparation, format, clinical experiences, cost, outcomes, location, and learner support.
3. Check admission requirements: Identify diploma or GED requirements, prerequisite courses, GPA requirements, entrance exams, required documents, and application deadlines.
4. Complete prerequisites and strengthen your academic record: Finish required courses and make sure you meet any cumulative, prerequisite, or science GPA requirements. Additionally, consider any supplementary qualifications and certifications.
5. Take the required nursing school entrance exam: Find out which test your program uses, what score or placement level it requires, and whether retakes are allowed. For instance, Nightingale College uses the Accuplacer diagnostic test to determine placement into all prelicensure programs.
6. Prepare and submit your application: Submit the required application, transcripts, test scores, and any other materials the program requests.
7. Complete interviews or additional admission steps: If your program uses interviews or other assessments, prepare for them and monitor your application for additional requests.
8. Complete post-acceptance and enrollment requirements: After admission, complete any required health documentation, screenings, CPR certification, financial aid and enrollment paperwork, orientation, or other program-specific steps.

Naturally, the nursing school process involves much more than the brief overview above. Below, you can find all the essential steps and details for getting into nursing school, from applying to taking the exam and enrolling.

How to Get Into Nursing School: 9 Key Steps to Apply for Nursing School and Enroll Successfully

We will explore seven essential steps to apply for nursing school and enroll successfully in your preferred educational program. Here is how to get into nursing school:

1. Complete High School or Obtain a GED

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement for entry-level nursing programs. Most educational institutions also expect aspiring learners to have a solid academic foundation, especially in science and math courses such as biology, chemistry, and algebra, which are often prerequisites for diploma or graduate coursework. 

Your GPA may be a qualifying factor, as many nursing schools require learners to maintain a strong GPA, typically 2.5-3.0 or higher. A GPA of 3.0-3.3 or higher often qualifies learners for scholarships, as with Nightingale College.

When you complete secondary education and apply, you will generally be asked to submit official high school transcripts.

2. Choose Your Nursing Pathway that Fits Your Goals

Before applying, you must decide which educational pathway you want to pursue. Entry-level options include:

• CNA Certification – The shortest certification program, preparing you for the lowest-level position on the nursing career ladder. It is only recommended if you want to gain professional experience before committing to a longer, more thorough program.
• PN Diploma Program – Prepares you to sit the NCLEX-PN and become a Licensed Practical Nurse, a frontline position in healthcare provision with limited autonomy and scope of practice. Read more about the process of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – A shorter program that prepares you to sit the NCLEX-RN and become a registered nurse. The Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) and Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AASN) are similar to the ADN, but more practice-oriented. After completing the programs, you will hold the same role as any other RN in clinical environments. However, your scope of practice, autonomy, leadership opportunities, and earning potential may be lower than those of Bachelor-level nurses.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – The standard 4-year learning path to achieve the highest level of accreditation as a registered nurse. BSN-level RNs often have more opportunities for advancement, specialization, and for occupying leadership positions in their work settings. Learn how to get a BSN degree.

Choose your initial educational program based on your resources, availability to pursue a full-time track, and nursing aspirations. Once you start your nursing career, you will have opportunities to advance by continuing your education.

At Nightingale College, you can pursue the 12-month PN Diploma Program or the 3-year BSN Program – two blended distance-learning programs that prepare you to join the nursing profession either as an LPN or an RN.

Browse the academic programs from Nightingale College and choose the path you desire.

3. Research Accredited Nursing Schools and Programs

Accreditation is essential for nursing schools and similar educational institutions because it ensures their programs meet national quality standards and qualify you for licensure and federal aid. Make sure the program you plan to enroll in is accredited by regulatory bodies such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), and the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA). Different educational paths may have additional accreditation depending on their specialization.

You can find out more details about the Accreditation and Affiliations of Nightingale College here.

You can also check and compare learning institutions by reviewing their curriculum structure and specifics, NCLEX pass rates, and student support services.

Learn more about the NCLEX pass rate and licensure rate at Nightingale College in the college performance data tab. You can also discover the learner services we provide, including:

• Learner Support Services (LSS): academic success plans, study skills and academic resources, referrals to tutoring, APA resources, time management and study schedules, and more.
• Career Services (CS): placement assistance (individualized job search, employment opportunities), networking events for alums, learners, community partners, etc., collaboration with NCLEX coaching and preparation, commencement ceremony, professional development services and resources, and community and special awards and events.
• Housing, Commuter, and Child Care Services: offers and opportunities for finding a home close to work or a trustworthy childcare provider. 

These are only a few of the benefits we provide to our learners. Explore our academic programs and start your nursing journey.

4. Complete Your Prerequisites and Admission Requirements

Once you select your desired program and institution, you must meet prerequisites, often including anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and college-level mathematics. 

Beyond these requirements and the minimum GPA, some schools may also ask applicants to take entrance exams such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) Admission Assessment. Other common prerequisites may also include background checks, drug screenings, immunization records, and CPR certification. 

Programs can process applications differently: some use rolling admissions (continuous review of applications, resulting in faster responses), while others use stricter application deadlines (applications are reviewed in a set period). Review the prerequisites, determine which ones you've met, and plan accordingly based on your chosen program's process.

Learn more about nursing school prerequisites and admission requirements.

If you want to enroll in one of the academic programs at Nightingale College, you can review the admission process here.

5. Prepare for and Take the Required Nursing School Entrance Exam

There is no single entrance exam used by every nursing school, with applicants being required to take various types of assessments depending on their chosen program, including the ATI TEAS, HESI Admission Assessment, Accuplacer, or other school-selected exams.

Before starting to study, check and confirm the exact type of exam that your program requires, the version of the test, the subjects covered in it, the passing score and placement requirements, as well as how long the scores remain valid and whether the school limits the number of retakes.

For instance, at Nightingale College, applicants need to take the Accuplacer diagnostic test to determine placement into all prelicensure programs.

So, before registering for any of the exams, check the entrance-specific policies and ensure that you’re taking the right one.

You can find a detailed comparison of nursing school entrance exams below.

6. Prepare and Submit Your Application

Once you have completed the previous steps, you should have all the necessary documents and meet the prerequisites to apply. Next, you will need to prepare your application for submission. A complete application typically includes:

• The school’s application form
• Official transcripts
• Required entrance-exam results
• A non-refundable application fee
• A personal statement or essay, if requested
• Letters of recommendation, if requested
• A resume or record of work, volunteer, or healthcare experience, if requested

Requirements differ, so submitting unnecessary documents will not compensate for a missing required item. Use the school's official checklist and verify that transcripts and test results have been received before the deadline.

If you are applying to several nursing schools, create a separate checklist for each one. Programs can use different prerequisites, exams, deadlines, transfer-credit rules, and application systems.

7. Prepare for Interviews and Follow-Up Requirements

Many nursing programs will also require you to attend an interview as part of the admission process. This interview can be held before you provide the complete set of application documents or after they are received and reviewed. Interviews may be individual, panel-based, or virtual. They may assess your problem-solving skills, ethical reasoning, ability to handle pressure in academic and clinical contexts, and motivation for attending nursing school.

After attending the interview, you can also reinforce your interest in nursing and professionalism by sending a follow-up email or message. Once the interview process is complete, you may be asked to provide documentation related to your application and the answers you gave during the interview.

8. Complete the Requirements That Follow Acceptance

After you are accepted, your program may require additional enrollment or clinical-compliance steps. Depending on the institution, these can include immunization and health records, a background check, drug screening, CPR or Basic Life Support certification, financial aid documentation, an enrollment agreement, orientation, or other requirements.

At Nightingale College, the current admissions process separates the application process from several post-acceptance requirements, including medical and immunization documentation, background and drug screening, Basic Life Support certification, enrollment documentation, and orientation. Always consult the current admissions page and College Catalog for the requirements that apply to your program.

9. Develop a Tuition Payment Strategy

Nursing school also involves a financial commitment, so create a clear financial plan to cover tuition, living expenses, and associated costs, including fees, uniforms, clinical travel, and textbooks. You should do your best to calculate the relevant costs and estimate the financial investment you may have to make.

Use the Net Price Calculator from Nightingale College to get an estimate of the total cost of attending our academic programs.

Fortunately, you don't have to face the financial burden of nursing school alone. As a learner, you may be eligible for various types of financial aid, scholarships, and support.

What Exam Do You Take to Get Into Nursing School?

As mentioned above, there is no single national nursing school entrance exam, with each academic institution choosing which type of assessment is used during the nursing school admission process.

Some common types of assessment include the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the HESI Admission Assessment (HESI A2). Some colleges also use the Accuplacer or other institutional or nursing-specific assessment instead.

Since testing policies differ from one nursing school to another, always make sure to check the following before registering:

• Which exam and version the school accepts
• Which sections you are required to complete
• The minimum score or placement criteria
• How many times you can retake the exam and how long you must wait between attempts
• When and how your results must be submitted

Below, you can find the most common nursing school entrance exams, along with their academic usage and the main areas assessed.

Common Nursing School Entrance Exams

Below, you can find out more about the structure of each common nursing school entrance exam: 

• The current ATI TEAS Version 7 contains 170 questions and allows 209 minutes of testing time. Its four content areas are Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage. The science portion includes human anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.

 

• The HESI A2 is different because schools can use different subject areas. Elsevier's current HESI Admission Assessment preparation materials cover mathematics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Check your nursing school's instructions before preparing for every available section.

 

• ACCUPLACER is a broader college-readiness assessment rather than a nursing-specific examination. College Board notes that ACCUPLACER itself does not have a universal pass/fail score; institutions determine how they use the results.

Nightingale College currently uses the ACCUPLACER diagnostic assessment for placement into its prelicensure programs.

Currently, the assessment covers three central areas: arithmetic, reading, and writing. The nursing school entrance exam contains 65 multiple-choice questions, with a specific score matrix to determine admission and placement. score of 260 or above in a domain corresponds to full matriculation in that domain under the current matrix, while lower score ranges may result in conditional or nonmatriculated admission requirements. Because admission policies can change, applicants should review the current Admissions Exams page and College Catalog before testing. Learners currently have up to three attempts per year for program placement.

Nightingale College also uses HESI examinations for eligible advanced placement into prelicensure programs, which is different from the general prelicensure entrance assessment. Eligible applicants include learners with qualifying previous nursing education or an active, unencumbered LPN/LVN license, subject to the College's current requirements.

How Should You Prepare for a Nursing School Entrance Exam?

It is recommended that you start with the exam chosen by your prospective nursing school, rather than a generic nursing entrance exam study plan.

Review the official test outline and take a diagnostic or practice assessment if one is available. Use the results to identify the subjects that need the most work. Then divide your study schedule between content review and timed practice.

For a test such as the TEAS or HESI A2, you may need to review your skills in mathematics, reading, language, anatomy and physiology, biology, or chemistry. For Accuplacer, focus on the particular reading, writing, and mathematics assessments required by your institution.

Before test day, confirm the testing format, identification requirements, score-submission process, retake rules, and deadline. Taking an exam too close to an application deadline can leave little room for a permitted retake if your first result does not meet the school's requirements.

You can review the essential skills required for becoming a nurse.

Why Pursue a Nursing Career?

Becoming a nurse comes with many benefits, including job stability and rewarding career paths that are both professionally and financially fulfilling, as well as personally satisfying. Nursing is one of the most respected, in-demand, and impactful professions in the workforce. Nursing professionals enjoy greater career mobility and a wide range of employment opportunities. Most importantly, nurses can make a real difference in the lives of others and their communities.

Nurses are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment for registered nurses (who make up the largest share of nursing personnel) will grow 6% over the decade, higher than the growth for all occupations (4%), with about 180,800 RN openings each year on average over the decade.

The more nurses advance their education, the higher their demand becomes. Demand is particularly strong across advanced practice nursing roles. BLS projects employment of nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners as a group to grow 36% from 2025 to 2035.

Nursing pays well. The average salary for registered nurses ($97,550 per year) is more than 1.5 times the average US salary, as reported by SoFi Learn ($65,052 per year), exceeding it by $32,498. Even when comparing the earning potential of an entry-level nursing role, such as that of a licensed practical nurse ($64,150 per year), the latter still earns more than the average US employee. 

Read more about your earning potential in our Nurse Salary by US State report.

You have a wider variety of career paths. Nursing offers a range of specializations, from pediatrics to critical care, geriatrics, public health, and so on. So, even if you complete a general education program, you can reorient your career toward what you're passionate about. Additionally, many non-traditional nursing careers offer flexibility in work settings. These can include travel nursing, school nursing, and telehealth services jobs.

Nursing also continues to receive high levels of public trust. In the Gallup ethics and honesty survey reported in 2026, nurses ranked as the country's most trusted profession for the 24th consecutive year, with 75% of respondents rating their honesty and ethical standards as high or very high.

Straightforward career ladder. Although they can pursue many routes, nurses have clear specialization programs and protocols, with their advancement opportunities being clear and transparent. This means that once you enter the workforce and get accustomed to the environment, you can have a steady professional growth trajectory.

There are many more reasons to pick nursing as your career, and you can read more about why you should become a nurse. The first step to reaping its benefits is to attend nursing school and complete the education needed to start practicing.

What Is Nursing School Like?

Nursing school is an academically rigorous and fast-paced learning experience that is also highly rewarding for aspiring nurses. When enrolled, you can expect a blend of theoretical instruction, lab practice, and simulations, along with supervised on-field experiences that prepare you to deliver safe, effective, and sensible care to a wide range of patients in various scenarios and real-world settings.

How Does Nursing School Work?

The curriculum you encounter in nursing school varies by program. Still, it generally includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and a broader set of nursing fundamentals, including psychology, healthcare ethics, and leadership.

Beyond healthcare-specific knowledge and skills, nursing school students are expected to master critical thinking, time management, and interpersonal communication. You will also undergo various types of evaluations, including written exams, lab demonstrations, individual and group projects, and practical assessments. Your learning experience will also involve taking standardized exams, such as the ATI or HESI. These can gauge your readiness for the NCLEX-RN exam, which is necessary for licensure as a registered nurse.

Nursing schools can differ in many ways, so consider these factors before enrolling in your desired program. At Nightingale College, learners can enroll in hybrid or fully online accredited academic programs that combine online instruction with supervised on-ground field experiences (SOFEs), along with preparatory modules to support learner success and provide maximum flexibility.

Our online curriculum focuses on four target areas: Concept-Based Theory (CBT), which centers on big-picture ideas and develops critical thinking skills; Intervention Skill-Based Preparation (ISBP); Case-Based Preparation (CBP); and Direct Focused Client Care Preparation (DFCP). You will have multiple opportunities for immersive learning, including virtual simulations and at-home lab kits. As for the supervised on-ground field experiences (SOFEs), you can complete your necessary practice within the premises of one of our partner healthcare organizations. You can find the SOFE areas at a glance here.

Additionally, as a learner, you will participate in the Capstone Project: Leadership at Work, where you can begin to apply the skills and knowledge you have gained. You will also have access to a full-time NCLEX success coach.

Discover more about the learner experience at Nightingale College and explore our academic programs.

Nursing School Timeline

The length, pace, and trajectory of your time in nursing school depend on the pathway you choose. Below, you can find the details for various popular nursing learning options:

Although these are the most popular and straightforward learning paths, remember that, as a nurse, you have more flexibility to reorient and multiple opportunities to advance your education later on. These options include programs such as CNA-to-LPN, LPN-to-ADN, and ADN-to-BSN paths, which provide fast tracks for educational and career advancement.

At Nightingale College, you can enroll in the LPN-to-ASN Program as a licensed practical nurse and advance to the registered nurse level in as few as 16 months.

Learn how long nursing school takes, depending on your projected career path.

How Do You Pay for Nursing School: Financial Aid Options

Paying for nursing school may seem daunting, but many financial aid options can ease the burden. From scholarships and grants to federal loans and tuition reimbursement programs, you have multiple paths to fund your education as a nursing student.

Here is how to get into nursing school without feeling overwhelmed by the financial commitment:

Start with FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first resource you should use to help cover nursing school costs. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal student aid, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs.

Complete and submit it to increase your chances of covering your educational costs, since funds may be limited and deadlines may vary by school, state, and federal levels.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships are merit-based forms of financial aid that do not require repayment, while grants are awarded based on learners' financial need. Both types of assistance may come from government programs, private organizations, and nursing schools. 

When enrolling in a program at Nightingale College, you should check the Scholarships page from the Financial Aid and Tuition hub and determine if you qualify for any of the scholarships provided.

You will find various scholarships, including:

• Internal Scholarships, including the Future of Nursing and Honors Future of Nursing Scholarships, the Susan J. Jero Scholarship, and the Key to Success Scholarship.

• Scholarships for Military and Veterans, such as the Joining Forces Scholarships (JFS).

• Nightingale Foundation Scholarships, including the FNP Scholarship, the Shneyder & Kirk Reaching the Impossible Scholarship, the Utah Economic Nursing Scholarship, and the Bittner Scholarship (you can find out more about the Nightingale Foundation’s Scholarships here).

• Links to External Scholarships and the Scholarship Universe, a matching tool designed to help students find and apply for the right scholarships.

Our primary interest is promoting excellence in the nursing field and helping students from all walks of life reach their full potential, while also supporting patients and communities alike. Beyond our accessible and flexible academic programs, our scholarships are an integral part of our mission.

Student Loans

Federal loans usually offer lower interest rates and flexible repayment plans. Subsidized and unsubsidized options are available, with subsidized loans covering interest while you’re in school. 

Comparatively, private loans come from financial institutions, such as banks or credit unions. They typically have higher interest rates and often require immediate repayment and a credit check.

Loan Forgiveness and Tuition Reimbursement

Loan forgiveness programs are alternative systems that can cancel part or all of your federal student debt if you commit to working in underserved areas or high-need specialties. Another similar option is tuition reimbursement. Healthcare employers provide these programs and can cover your costs if you agree to work for them after graduation for a set period. 

Some employers may even offer “Grow Your Own” education partnerships that fully fund your schooling in exchange for a service commitment after graduation and licensure.

If you need help covering your educational costs, read our insider tips on getting started with financial aid and the common mistakes people make when completing it.

How Can You Find the Right Nursing School for You?

Now that you know how to get into nursing school and find financial aid options to cover your costs, you just need to find the right nursing school for your needs. In this process, you must prioritize the aspects that matter most to you, including location, flexibility, costs, accreditation, program length, benefits, and outcomes. 

Select a nursing school that offers a program aligned with your career expectations and fits your resources, goals, and availability.

Some key factors to consider when choosing your nursing school include:

• Accreditation (Obligatory) – The school and program that you choose must be accredited by a recognized agency, such as the CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA. Your chosen learning institution should present these details transparently.
• Licensure and NCLEX Pass Rates – Data on school performance and student success rates can indicate academic support and preparation. However, you must balance the licensure and NCLEX pass rates with program completion and retention rates.
• Format of Academic Programs – You can enroll in traditional (physical), hybrid, or fully online programs, depending on your level of certification and educational goals. Generally, entry-level licensure programs require you to complete a certain number of hours of field experience, and hybrid or in-person programs are often the only available options. 
• Areas of practice – Nursing schools that do not require in-school attendance generally partner with healthcare institutions to provide accessible areas for completing the required clinical experience. You should ensure that you are close enough to one of the field experience sites.
• Student and Career Support Services – Look for nursing schools that offer strong support services and resources, such as academic advising, tutoring (during the nursing program and for NCLEX exams), career counseling, and networking and placement opportunities.
• Costs and Financial Aid – Compare the cost of tuition and fees with available financial aid options, including scholarships, payment plans, and other forgiveness or reimbursement programs.

What Are the Benefits of Online Nursing School?

Nursing programs that incorporate online learning can be a more flexible, accessible, and, in some cases, more affordable option for receiving quality education and earning your degree. These options can also accommodate different lifestyles and circumstances. 

Hybrid programs can allow learners to balance academic and family responsibilities when going to nursing school as a parent, accommodate working while in nursing school, and enable non-traditional students to receive education in situations that would otherwise limit their ability and access (for instance, being a reliable option for going to nursing school when pregnant).

Remember that no reliable nursing program requiring a minimum of practical experience can be entirely online. However, many learning options, including Nightingale College’s academic programs, integrate online instruction, in-person seminars, and supervised on-ground field experiences to ensure students can receive quality education in the most accessible, flexible, and balanced way possible.

Ultimately, enrolling in nursing programs that let students complete part of their education online can be a significant advantage for many learners who might not otherwise achieve their academic and career goals.

How to Get Accepted Into Nursing School? 7 Tips to Increase Your Chances

To get accepted into nursing school, you should maintain a strong GPA, fulfill all required prerequisites, study for entrance exams and score well, submit a complete and compelling application within the timeframe specified by the institution, prepare for interviews, and prove that you are committed and ready to embark on the learning process.

There is no single strategy that guarantees nursing school admission. The strongest approach is to understand how each program evaluates applicants and make sure every part of your application meets those criteria.

Here are the key steps that increase your chances of getting accepted into nursing school:

1. Meet every minimum requirement first: Before trying to make your application stand out, make sure it is eligible for consideration. Double-check elements, such as the required prerequisite courses, minimum GPA and grade requirements, entrance exam and placement test scores, application and transcript headlines, required documents, residency or location restrictions, and previous education or licensure requirements for bridge programs.
2. Prioritize your prerequisite and science courses: If your prospective program considers prerequisite or science grades, give those courses particular attention. Anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, and other prerequisites establish much of the academic foundation you will use in nursing school.
3. Prepare for the nursing school entrance exam: If an entrance assessment is part of your school's admission process, do not leave preparation until the final weeks before the application deadline. Find out how the program uses your score, complete official practice material where available, focus your study time on weaker subject areas, and leave enough time for another attempt if the school's retake policy allows one.
4. Follow the application instructions exactly: Only provide the items requested by your nursing school of choice, such as essays, recommendation letters, resumes, healthcare experience details, or interviews. Use them to provide information not captured by your grades and transcripts. For instance, a personal statement should explain your interest in nursing with specific experiences, rather than general statements about the nursing profession.
5. Use healthcare experience strategically: If your program explicitly considers healthcare or volunteer experience, experience as a CNA, patient care technician, medical assistant, volunteer, or in another patient-facing environment may help demonstrate that you understand healthcare work and have made an informed decision to pursue nursing.
6. Consider more than one program: Taking more than one nursing program into consideration can give you viable alternatives if your preferred school has limited capacity. However, each of the considered programs should fit your intended license, location, finances, schedule, clinical requirements, and long-term education plans. Remember that Nightingale College has no waitlist for qualified applicants, so you can be sure to get placement if you fulfill prerequisites.
7. Talk to admissions before applying: If you consider any requirements to be unclear, contact the school admissions office rather than relying on partial information, forum discussions, or data from previous admission cycles. If you want to find out more about the application process at Nightingale College, you can contact an Admissions Advisor using the methods provided on the Admissions page.

What If You Don’t Get Accepted Into Nursing School?

If you are not admitted, you should first determine why before resubmitting your application.

If a program provides application feedback, use it to identify the reasons for not getting into nursing school and spend the time before reapplying to improve your application, whether it means completing missing prerequisites, training better for the nursing school entrance exam or accumulating more certifications.

Remember, getting into nursing school doesn't always follow a straightforward path. Luckily, many nursing schools allow reapplications and exam retakes to ensure a momentary slip or mistake doesn't disqualify you indefinitely from pursuing your career goals.

Start Your Nursing Journey with Nightingale College!

If you want to reap the benefits of quality education in the most accessible way possible, Nightingale College's blended distance academic programs are the choice for you.

Nursing Degrees at Nightingale College

• PN Diploma Program – A 12-month program that combines online instruction with supervised on-ground field experience (SOFE) and includes 28 semester credits of nursing core and 14 credits of general education. It's ideal if you want to become an LPN and enter the workforce as soon as possible. 
• LPN-to-ASN Path – A 16-month hybrid program designed for current LPNs aiming to become registered nurses, preparing you to pass the NCLEX-RN exam and earn your RN licensure. 
• BSN Program – An 8-semester blended-distance program comprising 72 semester credits of nursing core and 48 credits of general education, featuring online coursework, virtual simulations, and supervised on-ground field experiences (SOFE), culminating in a capstone project focused on leadership. By pursuing the BSN program, you will be ready to sit the NCLEX-RN exam and join the workforce in as few as 32 months with the highest level of RN accreditation and the experience recommended for accessing leadership positions.

If you want to further advance your education past the certifications necessary for entry-level positions (LPN and RN), you can pursue one of our MSN programs suited for two Advanced Practice careers:

• MSN FNP Program – Suitable if you wish to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with a focus on family care. The curriculum aligns with the AACN Essentials of Master’s Education in Nursing and prepares you to provide comprehensive primary care to patients and communities across the lifespan. 
• MSN PMHNP Program – Recommended if you want to specialize in mental health care. This program combines online didactic coursework with supervised clinical practice, preparing you to provide psychiatric assessments, diagnoses, and treatments across the lifespan.

Learner Experience

Nightingale College's learning experience is built around a personalized, supportive environment designed to help aspiring nurses thrive. You will benefit from a concept-based curriculum that emphasizes active learning and clinical judgment, preparing you for nursing practice in real-life scenarios and across a wide range of work settings. 

The hybrid format of our academic programs combines online instruction, in-person seminars, and supervised on-site field experiences, offering the flexibility of remote learning and accessibility to local experiential learning sites. This allows you to stay in your community while gaining hands-on skills. With dedicated learner support teams, academic coaching, and access to wellness and career resources, Nightingale supports a holistic, empowering journey from enrollment to graduation. Beyond our programs, we also offer a wide range of academic coaching, learner resources, and services designed to support you on your educational journey and promote excellence in the field.

You can learn more about the learner experience, including details about our programs and the benefits provided to our learners.

Financial Aid Options

We know the financial commitment can discourage many aspiring nurses, so we aim to support learners from all walks of life with a wide array of scholarships.

The financial aid you may access when enrolling in Nightingale College serves a dual role: it ensures that learners from historically underrepresented and underserved communities can access quality education, and it promotes excellence and leadership in the field by rewarding proficiency appropriately.

You can find out more about the costs of learning at Nightingale College and the available financial aid in our Tuition & Aid hub. 

Explore our academic programs and start going to nursing school in the most accessible way possible!

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Into Nursing School

How to Apply to Nursing School?

Here is the standard process of applying to nursing school:

1. Complete high school or obtain a GED.
2. Choose your nursing program or pathway (CNA, LPN, ADN, ASN, AASN, BSN, etc.).
3. Research nursing schools certified by institutions such as CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA.
4. Check and ensure that you have fulfilled the prerequisites (GPA, courses, exams).
5. Submit your application and include the required documents, such as transcripts, recommendations, personal statements, and entrance exam scores.
6. Prepare for interviews and send follow-up emails after attending them.
7. Develop your tuition payment strategy and check for financial aid options that you may be eligible for.

Is There a GPA Requirement for Nursing School?

Yes, many programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5-3.0. A GPA of 3.0-3.3 or higher not only increases your chances of entry but also your eligibility for scholarships and other types of financial aid.

What Are the Prerequisites for Nursing School?

Prerequisites for nursing school vary by institution, but common requirements include anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and college-level mathematics. Some schools may also require entrance exams (TEAS or HESI), background checks, and CPR certification.

Should I Consider a Nursing Program Without Prerequisites?

While nursing programs with no prerequisites may offer easier access by lowering the entry bar, they may not provide the same level of education, clinical preparation, or credibility. If you do not meet the standard requirements for credible, accredited nursing programs, consider postponing your application or checking whether you can satisfy the necessary prerequisites with the help of the learning institution.

How to Get Accepted Into Nursing School?

How to Get Into Nursing School After High School?

Make sure you meet the secondary education requirements, including a high GPA and required courses such as science and math. Once you earn your high school diploma or GED, look for entry-level programs like a PN diploma or ADN program and apply using the standard application procedure. 

What Are My Chances of Getting Into Nursing School?

Your chances of admission will depend on your GPA, prerequisite courses, test scores, personal statement, and interview performance. While none of these will determine your overall chances, you should prepare well at every stage of your application process.

How Do I Stand Out When Applying to Nursing School?

Your quantifiable results, such as your GPA, performance in science and math courses, or entry exam scores, can reflect well on you. You can also consider gaining healthcare and volunteer experience, securing strong letters of recommendation, writing a compelling personal statement, and highlighting your motivation during interviews.

Why Is Nursing School Accreditation Important?

Accreditation ensures the program meets national standards and qualifies you for licensure and financial aid. When looking at a nursing program or learning institution, look for certification by regulatory bodies such as the CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA.