Preparing for Nursing School: 9 Steps to Take

No matter where you plan to attend, it’s beneficial to start preparing for nursing school early, so you can enter the program ready to learn. At Concordia University Irvine’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you will have the support of a dedicated admissions counselor who will help you through the admissions process and prepare you to become an ABSN student.

Once enrolled, our nursing students work one-on-one with a student success counselor to help them through challenges. Our program is designed to fully support you so that you can graduate as a caring, compassionate, and competent future nurse.

Although you will have extensive support throughout the admissions process and as a student, preparing for nursing school ahead of time helps you put your best foot forward.

When considering what to do to prepare for nursing school, you should carefully review your eligibility and make a plan to meet requirements, create a financial plan, and care for your health.

 

What to Do to Prepare for Nursing School

Every applicant’s journey toward nursing school is a little different, but all applicants must meet certain requirements. Some of the steps you can take to prepare for your nursing education include:

1. Know the Admissions Requirements

The first step in preparing to become a nursing student is researching different nursing programs and understanding the admissions requirements. At Concordia, our admissions requirements include:

• A completed Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in any non-nursing discipline or at least 65 college credits from an accredited school
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25
• A minimum of 100 patient care experience hours
• Completion of prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of B or higher and a minimum individual course grade of C or higher, excluding science classes
• A minimum grade of B or higher for all science prerequisite classes

You must also submit a complete application, including all supporting documents. If invited to do so, you must also attend an admissions interview.

2. Make a Plan for Completing Prerequisites

Prerequisite classes are a common requirement for ABSN programs, as it’s important that all nursing students have the right academic foundation.

Making a plan for completing the prerequisite courses starts with a call to an admissions counselor at Concordia University Irvine. Your counselor can review your unofficial transcripts to determine which classes you’ll need to take before applying.

The prerequisite classes include chemistry, nutrition, statistics, anatomy, microbiology, and physiology, among others. You might be able to transfer prerequisite units from an accredited institution, but you will still need to complete Concordia's classes in Christian theology and the New Testament.

Concordia accepts credit for science courses that use a home kit laboratory but not a virtual laboratory.

3. Ensure Your Vaccinations Are Up to Date

The third step in preparing for nursing school is to check your immunization record. You’ll need an up-to-date vaccine record before applying to nursing school.

Specific immunization requirements vary from one school to the next but generally include standard vaccines like MMR, varicella, Tdap, and hepatitis B, along with the seasonal flu shot. You can ask your admissions counselor for further guidance.

4. Get CPR- and BLS-Certified

Nursing students need to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and basic life support (BLS). The American Red Cross offers certification classes regularly at locations throughout the United States. Check for classes near you to sign up.

5. Make a Financial Plan to Pay for Nursing School

Nursing school is an investment in your future. Not only can BSN-prepared nurses enjoy strong salary potential, but they can also pursue further nursing education and potential career advancement.

Before starting your first semester, you’ll need a solid financial plan. This starts with evaluating the costs of nursing school and determining your financial aid options.

Once accepted to nursing school, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that you’re a student. This opens the door to possible federal student aid, including grants and loans. You could also apply for scholarships and bridge the gap with private student loans.

6. Purchase Essential Nursing School Supplies

When considering what to do to prepare for nursing school, don’t forget about purchasing supplies ahead of your start date. You’ll need standard school supplies, such as notebooks, pens, highlighters, a day planner or planner app, a computer, and a backpack. You’ll also need nursing school-specific supplies, which typically include:

• Drug reference book
• Hand sanitizer
• Medical dictionary
• Scrubs in the school colors
• Watch with a second hand

It’s also a good idea to purchase a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes and compression socks. You’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet during clinical rotations.

 

7. Receive Any Needed Health Screenings

You will be busy as a nursing student, which is why it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up with your primary care provider ahead of your start date. Get any needed health screenings now, because you might not have much time for them during school.

You should also take the time leading up to your first day to develop healthy habits, which will be easier to maintain once you’re busy. These can include improving your sleep schedule and habits, learning quick and nutritious recipes, and getting regular exercise.

8. Focus on Academic Readiness

Preparing for nursing school can also involve improving your academic readiness. This is especially important if it has been a long time since you were in school. While taking prerequisite classes, spend some time reflecting on your organization and time management skills and consider ways to improve them.

You can also brush up on your study techniques. Try to incorporate active study techniques into your routine, because they tend to be more effective than passive study techniques like rereading material. For example, you could make flashcards, write down questions as you read, summarize information in your own words, and try to teach others various concepts.

9. Know What to Expect From Nursing School

Lastly, you should know what to expect from nursing school before starting it. Every nursing school is different, of course, but there are similarities. In Concordia’s ABSN program, you can expect the following curriculum components:

• Coursework: You’ll learn nursing concepts to establish an academic foundation for developing nursing skills and clinical judgment. At Concordia University Irvine, you can choose between completing nursing coursework online in the Hybrid program based in Rancho Cucamonga, California, or in person at our Spectrum Campus in Irvine, California.
• Nursing labs: ABSN students complete nursing skills labs and simulation labs. In the former, you’ll learn nursing skills like nasogastric tube insertion and wound care. In the latter, you’ll apply the nursing process to various clinical situations and learn how to develop appropriate nursing responses.
• Clinical rotations: Clinical rotations are a key component of nursing education, providing hands-on experience in real-world settings. You’ll complete 765 clinical hours at local healthcare facilities, where you’ll learn to provide direct patient care under supervision.

Pursue Your Future in Nursing at Concordia

Concordia University Irvine is a private nonprofit school that prepares students to uphold Christian values as they learn to provide holistic care, treating their patients’ minds, bodies, and spirits. Our focus is on graduating future nurses who not only follow evidence-based practices but also bring compassion and culturally sensitive care to the nursing profession.

If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 65 non-nursing college credits, you may be eligible to apply to our ABSN program. Contact an admissions counselor today to start preparing for nursing school at Concordia University Irvine.