Admission to the Nursing Program to be RN

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 22, 2011

Have you talked to your guidance counselor yet? He/She should be able to provide you with insight and advice for your particular situation. I would also advise you to contact various schools and obtain information about their nursing schools, including admission processes and requirements. It is not a fast process - obtaining a BSN usually takes more than 4 years. At your age, that is the degree you should obtain because most hospitals require a BSN these days.

Registered Nursing education is far more rigorous than other majors. There is much more emphasis on compliance with rules & it is much less tolerant in terms of grades or repeating courses. In addition to maintaining a very high GPA on your pre-requisite courses, you will probably also have to achieve a fairly high score on a standardized test as part of the admission process.

Annaiya, NP · Jun 22, 2011

There are two paths to becoming an RN. You can get a 2-year associates degree or a 4-year bachelors degree. Maybe start by figuring out which route you want to go. In terms of admissions to particular school try contacting the admissions offices at schools near you and see what they say. It seems like the community colleges are the schools that do waiting lists, and the 4-year schools just admit the top students for each semester. Also check out the pre-nursing student forums. There is a lot of information there as well.

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2011

I would advise you to look into four year universities that offer the BSN degree. Also you are so young probably 17 or 18 remember that college is a time to grow as a person, sometimes you will realize that what you thought was good at 17 isn't so good at 20. I myself went into college thinking about nursing. Eventually I changed majors to American Studies and finally to Biology to pursue a medical career.

While I think it's awesome that you are thinking ahead remember to take classes that you think are interesting, not just because they will look good on paper.

Admissions Info:

Basically you apply to colleges in the beginning of your senior year of HS. I would advise you to raise your GPA to about 3.5 due to the fact that nursing programs are becoming increasingly selective and competitive. Once admitted into a college you will have to take classes that are general education such as social sciences, history, math, and science. As well as courses for your major; for nursing majors generic pre-reqs are usually things like general psychology, general sociology, anatomy and physiology I&II, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and pathophysiology.

While every college is different it is important to realize that the science courses are generally extremely difficult and require a lot of time and dedication. As a science major I can tell you that its a whole different monster, but not impossible.

I wish you good luck!

AJPV · Jun 22, 2011

One of your first decisions is whether you want to pursue a 4-year BSN degree right away (going to a state school or other traditional 4-year university), or if you first want to go to a community college and get a 2-year ADN degree. Either option will make you an RN. Going for your BSN right away will take longer, but you'll have the bachelor degree along with your RN when you finish.

If you get a 2-year ADN degree (that's what I'm doing), your tuition will be FAR cheaper than a 4-year university. You can start working as an RN after 2 years and make the wages of an RN. With a 2-year ADN degree, you can "bridge" into a ADN to BSN completion program (many of them are all online; some are part online part classroom; others are all classroom based). While you're working as an RN, you can finish your BSN so you'll have more ability to get into management down the road if you want to. But keep in mind that very often ADN RN's and BSN RN's working as staff nurses earn very similar if not identical wages. The only advantage to earning your BSN right out of high school is a possible competitive advantage when looking for your first RN job. The advantage the BSN gives you as a new grad will vary a lot depending where you live (ie, how many "magnet" hospitals that REQUIRE BSN are in your area). In some areas like mine, community college ADN programs have a VERY high RN job placement rate. In some areas of the country, it doesn't matter whether you have an ADN or BSN - nursing jobs are just plain hard to find (I believe New York city is that way -you BETTER have your BSN there, and then you'll still have only an outside shot if you really want to stay in the city).

You should check out websites of community colleges and traditional 4-year schools. Go to their nursing department homepages to see what their prerequisite & admission requirements are. Typically, your actual high school GPA has little bearing on whether you get into the nursing program. That is because with either option (2 or 4-year), you will almost always be required to complete actual college prerequisite classes prior to applying for admission to the actual nursing program. In a 4-year school, your first year of college is typically spent as a "pre-nursing" student taking english composition, history, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, biology, intro to psych, etc. It will be your grades in those courses - prerequisites you initially take in college - that will be the most important in getting into the major. You'll want to focus on doing really well on those classes - as close to a 4.0 as possible (even if that means taking a lighther load in school so you can do well). That will really help you get in. Your high school GPA will be a factor in getting you admitted into the general university or community college where you want to pursue nursing. You must first get admitted as a "general student" or "pre-nursing" major, and to make that hurdle, your high school GPA will need to be high enough for the college. But that requirement usually won't be difficult compared to the GPA required on prereq courses for getting into the nursing program itself.

Most people take these prereq's after high school, but you might be able to find a way to get college credit for them while in high school. Usually colleges don't allow you to use AP (Advanced Placement) classes for these prereq's. If you want to knock them out in high school, really try to find a way to actually take college classes for chemistry with a lab, A&P with a lab (be aware the many BSN programs require 2 SEPARATE semester long courses: one in anatomy and the other in physiology - you're better off choosing 2 separate courses if you think you'll want to get a BSN right away or bridge into a BSN later), intro to psychology, biology with a lab, etc. Some high schools have a dual-credit program with a local college that allows you to do that. Then you can transfer the prereq's into the school where you want to pursue nursing.

It also really helps if you can earn your CNA (certified nurse assistant) certificate. Many community colleges either require you to have this or they give you a big advantage in getting accepted. Lots of high schools have classes where you can earn this, or there are places in your community where you can get it. Once you have that certificate, you can also apply for patient care assistant jobs (once you're 18) at nursing homes and hospitals. That will give you lots of good experience that will help you in school and as a new nurse.

Hope that helps...

CharlieTaco · Jun 22, 2011

Since other people have covered most things you should know, i'll just tell you about New York. I only know about the city so if your in upstate I can't help you. Your first choice should be a SUNY or CUNY school. They have good programs and are much cheaper than the private schools. They are also extremely competitive so you need to raise your GPA. You usually will not be directly accepted to the program. You need to get accepted to the school, do your prereqs, than apply to the nursing program during your 2nd year to start in your 3rd. There is no wait list, you either get in or you don't, it depends on your GPA and those you are competing against. You need to apply to all the other nursing programs you can find so that if you are not accepted to your current school, you can go somewhere else. It is easier to get into the private universities but it is still competitive and expensive. And after you finish your 2 years before applying, you might not wanna be a nurse anymore or get weeded out by bad grades and trouble in your prereqs so keep that in mind if this is your goal you need to stay focused.

Hime · Jun 23, 2011

There are two paths to becoming an RN. You can get a 2-year associates degree or a 4-year bachelors degree. Maybe start by figuring out which route you want to go. In terms of admissions to particular school try contacting the admissions offices at schools near you and see what they say. It seems like the community colleges are the schools that do waiting lists, and the 4-year schools just admit the top students for each semester. Also check out the pre-nursing student forums. There is a lot of information there as well.

I know about the ADN and BSN, but there are many 4-year universities in my area that have a minimum of 2 year waiting lists. .

Hime · Jun 23, 2011

I would advise you to look into four year universities that offer the BSN degree. Also you are so young probably 17 or 18 remember that college is a time to grow as a person, sometimes you will realize that what you thought was good at 17 isn't so good at 20. I myself went into college thinking about nursing. Eventually I changed majors to American Studies and finally to Biology to pursue a medical career.
While I think it's awesome that you are thinking ahead remember to take classes that you think are interesting, not just because they will look good on paper.
Admissions Info:
Basically you apply to colleges in the beginning of your senior year of HS. I would advise you to raise your GPA to about 3.5 due to the fact that nursing programs are becoming increasingly selective and competitive. Once admitted into a college you will have to take classes that are general education such as social sciences, history, math, and science. As well as courses for your major; for nursing majors generic pre-reqs are usually things like general psychology, general sociology, anatomy and physiology I&II, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, and pathophysiology.
While every college is different it is important to realize that the science courses are generally extremely difficult and require a lot of time and dedication. As a science major I can tell you that its a whole different monster, but not impossible.
I wish you good luck!

I know I'm too young to decide my career right now, but I really want to be a RN. I would like to prepare sooner to make it easier later on so I can graduate ealier.

So all I have to do right now is to increase my GPA and apply for a school's nursing program? What if i get rejected? Can I apply to a easier major and then apply to nursing program? & Thank you for your help!!

Hime · Jun 23, 2011

One of your first decisions is whether you want to pursue a 4-year BSN degree right away (going to a state school or other traditional 4-year university), or if you first want to go to a community college and get a 2-year ADN degree. Either option will make you an RN. Going for your BSN right away will take longer, but you'll have the bachelor degree along with your RN when you finish.
If you get a 2-year ADN degree (that's what I'm doing), your tuition will be FAR cheaper than a 4-year university. You can start working as an RN after 2 years and make the wages of an RN. With a 2-year ADN degree, you can "bridge" into a ADN to BSN completion program (many of them are all online; some are part online part classroom; others are all classroom based). While you're working as an RN, you can finish your BSN so you'll have more ability to get into management down the road if you want to. But keep in mind that very often ADN RN's and BSN RN's working as staff nurses earn very similar if not identical wages. The only advantage to earning your BSN right out of high school is a possible competitive advantage when looking for your first RN job. The advantage the BSN gives you as a new grad will vary a lot depending where you live (ie, how many "magnet" hospitals that REQUIRE BSN are in your area). In some areas like mine, community college ADN programs have a VERY high RN job placement rate. In some areas of the country, it doesn't matter whether you have an ADN or BSN - nursing jobs are just plain hard to find (I believe New York city is that way -you BETTER have your BSN there, and then you'll still have only an outside shot if you really want to stay in the city).
You should check out websites of community colleges and traditional 4-year schools. Go to their nursing department homepages to see what their prerequisite & admission requirements are. Typically, your actual high school GPA has little bearing on whether you get into the nursing program. That is because with either option (2 or 4-year), you will almost always be required to complete actual college prerequisite classes prior to applying for admission to the actual nursing program. In a 4-year school, your first year of college is typically spent as a "pre-nursing" student taking english composition, history, chemistry, anatomy & physiology, biology, intro to psych, etc. It will be your grades in those courses - prerequisites you initially take in college - that will be the most important in getting into the major. You'll want to focus on doing really well on those classes - as close to a 4.0 as possible (even if that means taking a lighther load in school so you can do well). That will really help you get in. Your high school GPA will be a factor in getting you admitted into the general university or community college where you want to pursue nursing. You must first get admitted as a "general student" or "pre-nursing" major, and to make that hurdle, your high school GPA will need to be high enough for the college. But that requirement usually won't be difficult compared to the GPA required on prereq courses for getting into the nursing program itself.
Most people take these prereq's after high school, but you might be able to find a way to get college credit for them while in high school. Usually colleges don't allow you to use AP (Advanced Placement) classes for these prereq's. If you want to knock them out in high school, really try to find a way to actually take college classes for chemistry with a lab, A&P with a lab (be aware the many BSN programs require 2 SEPARATE semester long courses: one in anatomy and the other in physiology - you're better off choosing 2 separate courses if you think you'll want to get a BSN right away or bridge into a BSN later), intro to psychology, biology with a lab, etc. Some high schools have a dual-credit program with a local college that allows you to do that. Then you can transfer the prereq's into the school where you want to pursue nursing.
It also really helps if you can earn your CNA (certified nurse assistant) certificate. Many community colleges either require you to have this or they give you a big advantage in getting accepted. Lots of high schools have classes where you can earn this, or there are places in your community where you can get it. Once you have that certificate, you can also apply for patient care assistant jobs (once you're 18) at nursing homes and hospitals. That will give you lots of good experience that will help you in school and as a new nurse.
Hope that helps...

Thank you sooo much for the information! It almost answered all of my questions. It seems like there's no way you can be a RN at age 20 and from your info, most RN are at least 23 years old? How long does it take to finish all the prerequisite classes? Can i apply to the school as a different major and when school starts, then apply to the pre-nursing major? And how can you earn the CNA?

Hime · Jun 23, 2011

Since other people have covered most things you should know, i'll just tell you about New York. I only know about the city so if your in upstate I can't help you. Your first choice should be a SUNY or CUNY school. They have good programs and are much cheaper than the private schools. They are also extremely competitive so you need to raise your GPA. You usually will not be directly accepted to the program. You need to get accepted to the school, do your prereqs, than apply to the nursing program during your 2nd year to start in your 3rd. There is no wait list, you either get in or you don't, it depends on your GPA and those you are competing against. You need to apply to all the other nursing programs you can find so that if you are not accepted to your current school, you can go somewhere else. It is easier to get into the private universities but it is still competitive and expensive. And after you finish your 2 years before applying, you might not wanna be a nurse anymore or get weeded out by bad grades and trouble in your prereqs so keep that in mind if this is your goal you need to stay focused.

Thank you for the info. I'm was planning to apply to CUNY and SUNY schools but they are more competitive, so I'm thinking about a expensive private school. Also many schools like CUNY Hunter have long waiting list. And if prereqs takes that long to finish, then after you get accepted you will have to take another 2 or 4 years of nursing school? If you don't get accepted to the nursing program, then all the two years of pre-reqs for nursing are for nothing?

AJPV · Jun 23, 2011

Thank you sooo much for the information! It almost answered all of my questions. It seems like there's no way you can be a RN at age 20 and from your info, most RN are at least 23 years old? How long does it take to finish all the prerequisite classes? Can i apply to the school as a different major and when school starts, then apply to the pre-nursing major? And how can you earn the CNA?

It might be difficult to be done at 20 (unless you can actually take dual-credit college classes before you graduate h.s.), but 21-22 is entirely possible for a 2-year RN program. There is a girl in my class who will graduate at 20 or 21. My 2-year program is typical of many others. There are 3 prereqs: chemistry, a&p (a one-semester combined a&p is okay for our program), and intro to psych. In our school, you have to take chemistry before a&p, so you could take chemistry & intro to psych in the the summer after h.s. graduation, then a&p in the fall. Then you could apply for the nursing program in January (for the following fall semester), so if you get accepted at that point, you would be starting the 2-year nursing program about 15 months after h.s. graduation, putting you at 21 when you're all done (if you graduate h.s. at 18).

Our school has a point ranking system that decides if you get admitted to the nursing major. I guess a lot of community college nursing programs are going to similar types of points systems. The points are based on your gpa for prereq classes (4 points if you have a 4.0 for those classes). You can get 1 extra point for having your cna, and 1 extra point for having taken microbiology before applying for nursing. In our program, you pretty much have to have one of the two extra points in order to get in (either CNA or microbiology), and if your prereq gpa is less than 4.0, you probably want to have both of those extra points when you apply for the nursing program. But the advice they give is that once you have the bare minimum prereqs done, start applying to the program when the application period comes up. In the meantime, keep working on things that will raise your points in case you get denied the first time and need to reapply the next application period. So, as you're waiting to see if your January application got accepted, take Microbiology during that spring semester (it's a heavy course, so it really is worth getting it done beforehand so you don't have to take it alongside your nursing courses).

If you can fit it in your schedule, I strongly recommend taking the CNA course soon after h.s. - before your first application to a nursing program. Many of these courses are 8 weeks - they really aren't hard, mostly common sense. They have classroom & clinical time. Most community colleges offer it, and a lot of high schools allow you to earn it also. You might want to ask your school guidance counselor. In addition to helping you get into a nursing program, I think the clinical component of the CNA course will give you some great experiences that might help you decide if you really like nursing. The CNA certificate will also help you get a part-time job as a nursing assistant during nursing school. That experience can really help you with your nursing school clinicals and it really helps to get your foot in the door at a hospital or other facility before you graduate. That will increase your chances of getting hired as an RN.

If you want to pursue a 4-year BSN, you really shouldn't have that hard of a time getting general "admission" into the university and the pre-nursing track. Still work hard for the rest of your h.s. classes and raise your gpa as much as possible, but getting into a pre-nursing track shouldn't be harder than gaining general admission to the university you're looking at. These schools typically admit far more students into the pre-nursing track than the nursing major itself. When you apply for the actual nursing program (after your first year) is when it gets competitive.

Hime · Jun 23, 2011

It might be difficult to be done at 20 (unless you can actually take dual-credit college classes before you graduate h.s.), but 21-22 is entirely possible for a 2-year RN program. There is a girl in my class who will graduate at 20 or 21. My 2-year program is typical of many others. There are 3 prereqs: chemistry, a&p (a one-semester combined a&p is okay for our program), and intro to psych. In our school, you have to take chemistry before a&p, so you could take chemistry & intro to psych in the the summer after h.s. graduation, then a&p in the fall. Then you could apply for the nursing program in January (for the following fall semester), so if you get accepted at that point, you would be starting the 2-year nursing program about 15 months after h.s. graduation, putting you at 21 when you're all done (if you graduate h.s. at 18).
Our school has a point ranking system that decides if you get admitted to the nursing major. I guess a lot of community college nursing programs are going to similar types of points systems. The points are based on your gpa for prereq classes (4 points if you have a 4.0 for those classes). You can get 1 extra point for having your cna, and 1 extra point for having taken microbiology before applying for nursing. In our program, you pretty much have to have one of the two extra points in order to get in (either CNA or microbiology), and if your prereq gpa is less than 4.0, you probably want to have both of those extra points when you apply for the nursing program. But the advice they give is that once you have the bare minimum prereqs done, start applying to the program when the application period comes up. In the meantime, keep working on things that will raise your points in case you get denied the first time and need to reapply the next application period. So, as you're waiting to see if your January application got accepted, take Microbiology during that spring semester (it's a heavy course, so it really is worth getting it done beforehand so you don't have to take it alongside your nursing courses).
If you can fit it in your schedule, I strongly recommend taking the CNA course soon after h.s. - before your first application to a nursing program. Many of these courses are 8 weeks - they really aren't hard, mostly common sense. They have classroom & clinical time. Most community colleges offer it, and a lot of high schools allow you to earn it also. You might want to ask your school guidance counselor. In addition to helping you get into a nursing program, I think the clinical component of the CNA course will give you some great experiences that might help you decide if you really like nursing. The CNA certificate will also help you get a part-time job as a nursing assistant during nursing school. That experience can really help you with your nursing school clinicals and it really helps to get your foot in the door at a hospital or other facility before you graduate. That will increase your chances of getting hired as an RN.
If you want to pursue a 4-year BSN, you really shouldn't have that hard of a time getting general "admission" into the university and the pre-nursing track. Still work hard for the rest of your h.s. classes and raise your gpa as much as possible, but getting into a pre-nursing track shouldn't be harder than gaining general admission to the university you're looking at. These schools typically admit far more students into the pre-nursing track than the nursing major itself. When you apply for the actual nursing program (after your first year) is when it gets competitive.

Thank you much for the info! I really want to pursue the 2-year nursing, but I don't think my parents will allow me to go to a community college. Will the CNA program help me get into the 4-year BSN nursing program? And how do you earn the CNA in high school?