Our Integrity Network
NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.
Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:
Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.
Want your nursing school application to outshine the rest? Follow this checklist to make sure you submit your nursing school application by deadline.
ADVERTISEMENTAre you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Fly View Productions / E+ / Getty Images
There may be a nursing shortage, but nursing schools turn away thousands of applicants for undergraduate and graduate programs.
Nursing schools rejected more than 80,000 candidates in 2020 because of a lack of faculty, clinical placement sites, and other resources, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.
Don’t risk rejection. Go into the nursing school application process with the right plan.
Use our checklist to learn about common application requirements and deadlines not to miss.
You have a better chance of getting into nursing school if you approach the application process systematically.
Applying to nursing school can take months, especially if you plan to apply to multiple schools. Each application looks different, but this is a breakdown of the general process:
Meet with an admissions advisor to discuss your goals and experience. You may need to complete specific prerequisite coursework; an advisor can provide guidance on how to meet application requirements.
Expect to submit official transcripts from high school or previous college experience, test scores, and recommendation letters. A personal statement and a resume detailing work and volunteer experience will also be required.
Register to take the test well before the application deadline. Arrange to have your scores sent directly to your desired nursing programs.
Follow individual school instructions to apply. Many schools use NursingCAS, a centralized admission application that allows you to apply to multiple programs using a single application.
Application responses can take weeks, so continue working or volunteering to gain additional experience. If you aren’t already working in the field, look for new opportunities.
Understand your motivation and career goals, and be ready to articulate why a specific program is a good fit for you. Prepare to offer specific examples that demonstrate what makes you unique.
If you are accepted, respond by the deadline to secure your spot. If you are rejected, but invited to reapply, evaluate your application to identify where you might improve.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
