What Sort of Prerequisites Do You Need for Nursing School?
Jan 18, 2015 | 10:00 am
Different states have slightly different requirements for nursing schools, but most Nursing Schools have prerequisites you have to meet.
Prerequisites for Nursing School
Applicants should be on a baccalaureate degree track. They will need to submit transcripts when they apply to nursing school. This does not apply to an applicant for an LVN license. The LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) is a program unto itself and very often meets the requirements of a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
If an applicant is beginning a LVN to R.N. program, they will also need to complete all scholastic requirements for a B.A., this can sometimes be done in conjunction to the R.N. program, but it varies from state to state.
Applicants must have a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher. They must also have passed all non-science classes with a grade of ‘C’ or higher.
Applicants must have passed all science based classes with a ‘B’ or higher. These may include classes like Biology, Anatomy, Psychology, etc. The reason for this is these classes are directly applicable to their practice as nurses. Human anatomy and psychology is something that will be used every day as a nurse, so too will biology, it will be important to understand how all life forms work.
Grade Prerequisites for Nursing School
If an applicant has attended another college or training program for nursing and is transferring, letters from that program describing their current standing will be required. Nursing is such a competitive educational field that beginning again anew due to lack of progress is discouraged. Most schools don’t want to hold the place for a failing student and will require them to begin at the beginning rather than where they left off, if they are having problems achieving.
Most nursing programs require a 21 or better composite score on the ACT, or a 950 or better on the SAT test excluding the writing portions of the test.
Finally, a high score in math classes that the applicant has taken to date is generally taken into account. Math and conversions is a major part of everyday work skills in nursing.
It is important to remember that the admission committee handles admissions. Their job is to try to fill out a diverse and well-rounded class for the nursing courses. How you present yourself will matter. So, although the writing portion of your SAT is less important, being able to communicate through writing will put you a step ahead. The first impression the committee gets of its applicants is through their application essays.
The applicant should make sure to succinctly outline why they want to be a nurse, where they come from and how nursing is important to them personally as well as culturally. Additional things to include in any essay is leadership skills and how you view yourself working with a team because nursing is almost always about being part of a team. In addition, the class that you are admitted with will be a team in their learning.
Nursing is always going to be a good career and this is why the educational opportunities are so completive. Make sure you are ready to present yourself well when you apply and your objective of being accepted into a program will be that much easier.