Worried I will not be up to par with other nursing students

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth!!

I am currently Active Duty in the USAF. I have about 2.5-3 years left of my contract. I am almost finished with my BS degree in Biobehavioral Health at Penn State (online). I figured out that I wanted to pursue nursing AFTER I was close to finishing my BS in BB H. If I got out of the military, I was planning on pursing nursing school, however I have 0 experience in the field, whatsoever. I am just wondering what are some things I could do to get my foot in the door? I am just worried that I would not be up to par with my peers if accepted.

Thank you so much!

Dear Worried,

Thank you for your service.

According to Penn State, Biobehavioral health study connects health, environment, biology and human behavior to prepare you for a job in healthcare. Some of the science classes you have taken are pre-requisites for the nursing program.

You'll be glad to know that you'll be on equal footing with your peers in the nursing program. Actually, you'll be ahead of the game in terms of exposure to science classes and having a Bachelor's degree.

It's not a matter of "getting a foot in the door" as much as just straight up qualifying for the program. Nursing programs can be competitive. Keep up your grades. Volunteering and community service is always looked on favorably by admissions.

If by not being "up to par" you mean not having worked in the field, don't worry. Most nursing students have not worked in healthcare prior to nursing school. You will all be in first semester together with one big thing in common- no experience.

Application to school is still a ways out for you, but start looking at pre-requisites and know that your essay, admission interviews, and letters of recommendation will all be important.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

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