How to Get Into Nursing School: 7 Steps for Success

Nursing is a career unlike any other. The general public highly respects nurses, and with good reason. Nurses make it their life’s work to help others. If you’re considering a career switch, why not become a nurse?

Nursing offers diverse specialties — from oncology to pediatrics and beyond — and room for advancement. Plus, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, it boasts a consistently high job growth rate and excellent salary potential. What’s more, getting started can be easier than you might think.

At Concordia University Irvine, our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program helps make the transition to nursing possible. Our ABSN program prepares students to become caring, compassionate, competent nurses, ready to serve their community.

Let’s take a closer look at how to get into nursing school as a transfer student or career switcher. 

1. Determine if You Qualify for Accelerated Nursing School

To qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN®), you need to earn a nursing degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN degree is traditionally a four-year program that combines core college classes (such as English and math) with the nursing curriculum. However, if you’re a transfer student or an established professional thinking of transitioning to a new career, you may be able to graduate sooner.

You can apply for an accelerated BSN program if you meet the qualifications. These programs confer a BSN in far less than four years. Most ABSN programs take less than two years to complete; for example, Concordia University Irvine’s ABSN allows you to graduate in as few as 15 months.

Imagine the benefits of graduating with your nursing degree in as few as 15 months. Graduating sooner means you can begin earning a nursing salary and contribute to your community faster than with a traditional BSN program.

However, before applying to an accelerated nursing program, you’ll need to confirm that you meet the qualifications. Each ABSN program has its own admissions requirements, but, in general, you'll need a non-nursing bachelor's degree or a minimum number of non-nursing college credits. There are also typically minimum GPA requirements. 

Concordia University Irvine’s ABSN program admissions requirements include a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in any discipline or a minimum of 65 non-nursing college credits from an accredited institution. You must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale).

To determine whether you qualify for Concordia’s ABSN program, contact one of our specialized admissions counselors, who will walk you through the application process and ensure your application is competitive.

2. Research Your Nursing School Options

When determining how to get into nursing school, such as an ABSN program, you should research your options thoroughly. What should you look for in a nursing school? 

Here are a few factors to consider:

• Accreditation
• Location
• NCLEX pass rate
• Dedication of the faculty
• Nursing philosophy and mission

You’ll want to choose an accelerated nursing program with a recomprehensive curriculum covering everything you need to succeed as a licensed registered nurse, from pathophysiology to nursing research, and beyond. A challenging curriculum will more thoroughly prepare you to tackle the modern challenges you’ll encounter in your nursing career.

A school’s nursing philosophy and mission may also influence which program is right for you. At Concordia University Irvine, our ABSN program is informed by Christian values and founded on the mission to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and compassionate nurses. 

3. Reach Out to an Admissions Counselor

Once you’ve settled on the right nursing school, you can begin the actual work of getting into nursing school by contacting an admissions counselor. It’s best to have a copy of your unofficial transcripts on hand, as your counselor will review your prior non-nursing college credits to determine eligibility.

You should also have a list of any questions about the program. Before concluding the call, your admissions counselor will help you put together a plan for applying based on your current situation. That application plan may include taking some prerequisite courses.

4. How to Get into Nursing School by Completing Prerequisites

Not every prospective nursing student needs to complete the prerequisite courses. It ultimately depends on your prior college education. Prerequisites are often required to ensure that nursing students begin the program with a solid academic foundation. It’s essentially a success strategy designed to support your progress.

Concordia’s ABSN program requires prerequisites such as chemistry, microbiology, statistics, and lifespan development psychology. As a Christian school, we also require courses in Christian Theology and the New Testament.

 

5. Gain Entry-Level Experience in Patient Care

While you’re completing prerequisite courses, it’s a good idea to gain entry-level experience in the healthcare field. Having some experience can help your nursing school application stand out from the rest. Furthermore, some ABSN schools, such as Concordia University Irvine, require it. To apply to our ABSN, you’ll need at least 75 hours of patient care experience to be completed at the time of submitting an application. 

You can’t work as an RN just yet, of course, but there are other possibilities to explore, such as the following:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• COPE Health Scholar/Clinical Care Extender
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Medical Assistant (back office)
• Home Health Aide
• Physical Therapy (PT) Aid

6. Complete and Submit Your Application Package

Once you’ve completed the required courses and obtained patient care experience hours, you should be ready to finish your application package. Your admissions counselor will be an invaluable resource as you assemble your materials. 

At Concordia, you can submit your application prior to completing the prerequisite classes if you only have three remaining and they are in progress.

Each school has different requirements for its application package. At Concordia, the application materials include:

• The application itself, plus the fee
• Statement of intent/essays
• Background check waiver form
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official college transcripts

7. Research Financial Aid Options for Nursing School

Now that we have established how to get into nursing school, the next step is to research financial aid options. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each year you’re a student to determine what federal aid you qualify for, such as federal grants and student loans. You should also look into private student loans and apply for any eligible scholarships.

Quick Tips for Getting into Nursing School

By this point, you know how to get into nursing school, but you can do a few other things to increase your chances of success. 

Consider the following quick tips:

• Always re-read the application instructions for each component of your application package and follow them to the letter.
• Don’t hesitate to reach out to your admissions counselor if you have any questions. You can even ask for tips on making a competitive application.
• Take your time with the essay questions. Your essays should reflect your unique voice and genuine goal of becoming a nurse. However, they should also be well-edited. After writing your essays, set them aside for a few days and re-read with fresh eyes.
• Get certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the American Red Cross.
• Gain volunteer experience in the healthcare field.

[CALLOUT: What was nursing like at the height of the COVID pandemic? Explore one Concordia alumna’s story in frontline nursing.]

Apply Today at Concordia University Irvine

At Concordia, we make getting into nursing school easier with help from our specialized admissions counselors, who will take the time to work with you one-on-one throughout the admissions process and answer all your questions.

We welcome transfer students and military members to apply to our ABSN program, which allows you to graduate in as few as 15 months.

Our dedicated nursing instructors strive to graduate highly competent and compassionate future nurses who stand out for their dedication to their patients’ welfare. Take the first step toward becoming a registered nurse today and contact our admissions counselors.