Learning more about how to get into nursing school is the first step on your exciting career journey. So, what exactly does it take to secure a spot in a high-quality nursing program?

Planning, preparation, and dedication are at the heart of the nursing school application process. However, understanding the application process and admission requirements—and knowing what today’s nursing school admissions counselors are looking for in prospective students—will only improve your chances of getting that acceptance letter.

In this guide we will provide guidance on potential pathways for entering a nursing program and initiating a healthcare career effectively.

Step 1: Research Nursing Programs and Requirements

Before you fill out any applications, you need to know what, exactly, you are applying for. Not all nursing programs are the same.

Some of the program options in today’s nursing education landscape include:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) – Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs help prepare future nurses for rigorous careers in healthcare.¹ Plus, a BSN diploma qualifies aspiring nurses to take the NCLEX, the national state licensure exam for nurses.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – With a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), experienced RNs or BSN graduates can work to develop the skills they need for advanced careers in the nursing field.² They can even niche into a nursing specialty with a program like a Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Executive: an educational track that prepares nurses for leadership roles.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) – Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADNs) provide nurses with many of the skills they need to work in the nursing field. While this degree can qualify prospective nurses for the NCLEX, an associate degree may not open up as many career opportunities as a more advanced degree (like a BSN) might.³

The perfect program match for you will depend on your current experience in the nursing field, your available time to commit to an educational program, and your finances.

Admission Requirements and Nursing Prerequisites 

To get into a BSN program, you will almost always need to complete (and pass) common prerequisite courses in:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy
• Physiology

While each nursing program has different prerequisite requirements for its applicants, these four areas are industry standards. Prospective applicants should also check if their chosen program requires students to have already completed a bachelor’s degree.

Many nursing programs also have minimum GPA expectations or require students to take the Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) A2 Exam—an admissions test that gauges how successfully a prospective nursing student will perform in a degree program.⁴

Step 2: Gain Relevant Experience 

One way to enhance your nursing school application that may improve your odds of acceptance is to gain experience working in healthcare. You can achieve this experience in one of two ways:

1. Volunteering – Volunteering in hospitals or nursing homes can demonstrate your passion for the field and help you build rewarding, practical, hands-on experience.
2. Working in healthcare – Whether you accept a non-clinical position in a hospital, work for a health insurance company, or take a job with a professional nursing organization, there are ways to boost your hands-on career exposure while earning income.

Gaining experience (paid or otherwise) is often as simple as reaching out to an organization you would like to work with. Considering the nationwide shortage of nursing staff, many health-related organizations would likely be grateful for help from a volunteer or an administrative worker.⁵

Step 3: Prepare a Strong Application 

As you build your nursing school application, make sure to include information about your:

• Healthcare experience – If you have worked in healthcare, have a long history of volunteer work in the field, or have a close connection to the industry, be sure to mention this in detail on your application.
• Academic strengths – Even if you do not have a perfect GPA, be sure to highlight educational areas where you excel. You could also note any educational leadership roles you have filled (like serving as a TA or as an officer in an academic honor society).
• Soft skills – “Soft skills”—non-clinical competencies like communication skills and empathy—are critical for nurses. If you are already on your way to developing these skills, be sure to note them on your application.

If possible, you should also secure a letter of recommendation from a current healthcare professional or a past professor. Select someone who knows you well and who will vouch for your hard and soft skills.

Prepare for the Interview (If Required) 

Some nursing programs (especially advanced degree programs) require an interview as part of the admissions process.

To prepare, review some common questions and think about your answers. Questions may include:⁶

• Why do you want to be a nurse?
• Which past career, educational, or life experiences have prepared you for nursing?
• How do you resolve conflicts with colleagues in the workplace?
• Which soft skills are you looking to hone in nursing school?
• What is something unique that you can contribute to the nursing field?

You can also consider asking a friend or colleague to conduct a mock interview: an opportunity for you to work out your answers to common questions, settle your nerves, and refine your interview skills.  

Nursing Programs

Step 4: Ace Any Required Entrance Exams 

Some nursing programs require students to take nursing-specific entrance exams to gauge their current aptitude, academic skill level, or prior knowledge. There are numerous nursing admissions exams in the field right now:⁷

• Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI)
• Nursing Entrance Test (NET)
• Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
• PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam
• National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (PAX)

If you are pursuing an advanced degree (like an MSN), your chosen program may also require you to take a graduate school entrance exam like the GRE.⁸

All of the above exams (excluding the GRE) are nursing school-specific. However, they typically ask questions related to math, reading, science, and English.

Be sure to review your chosen program’s specific requirements for pre-admission exams. Depending on your financial status and academic history, you may be able to waive the costs of taking these exams or bypass them altogether.

Step 5: Specific Considerations for Phoenix Nursing Schools 

Considering nursing programs in Phoenix? The healthcare industry in Phoenix appears to be expanding, potentially paralleling increases in patient diversity. Current nursing students in the Phoenix and surrounding areas may find varying opportunities for clinical rotations in well-regarded healthcare facilities.

If you are planning to become a registered nurse in Arizona, consider:

• Online vs. in-person degree programs – While you can take numerous nursing courses online in Arizona, you will need to participate in in-person practicum courses, internships, and other educational opportunities. Choose a program that offers these in-person courses relatively close by.
• Competitiveness – Nursing school admissions can be highly competitive, and this is especially true in states with growing healthcare fields like Arizona. Be sure to polish your application as much as possible to improve your chances of acceptance.

The good news is that students looking for nursing programs in Phoenix have numerous options for both entry-level and advanced healthcare education.

Step 6: Plan Your Finances for Nursing School 

During nursing school, you will need to financially support yourself and cover the costs of your education. To make nursing school more affordable, make sure to:

• Complete the FAFSA – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that prospective students can fill out to assess their eligibility for financial aid.⁹ So, does FAFSA cover nursing school? Possibly, depending on your financial situation, you may qualify for low-interest loans, free grants, and other funding.
• Apply for scholarships and grants – Your state may also offer grants for prospective nursing students. Arizona, for example, has awarded many nursing programs with state grant funds to use directly for nursing student scholarships.¹⁰ To learn how to apply for nursing scholarships, check with your school's financial aid office to find opportunities and tips for applying.
• Find work in the field – To gain career experience, consider finding a job or work-study opportunity in the healthcare industry while you complete your nursing degree program.

Step 7: Stay Organized and Track Deadlines 

Most importantly, remember to meet deadlines during the nursing school application process. If you are applying to multiple programs, this might seem like a daunting task.

Here are some organizational tips that might help:

• Make a spreadsheet – Create a chart to keep track of programs, necessary materials, and submission deadlines. You can even add checkboxes to visually track your progress.
• Use calendar reminders – Your smartphone calendar can help you stay on track throughout the admissions process. Set calendar reminders for important deadlines and block out time to work on your application.
• Set realistic deadlines for recommenders – If you are seeking recommendation letters, ask your recommenders to return their letters to you (or submit them online) at least 48 hours before the actual program deadline. Giving yourself some wiggle room in the schedule can help reduce your stress level.

Take the First Step Toward Your Nursing Career! 

By researching your preferred nursing programs in-depth, compiling high-quality application materials, preparing for interviews and exams, and staying on top of deadlines, you can set yourself up for a successful admissions journey.

If you’re looking for a nursing program that will prepare you for the rigors of the healthcare field, Alliant International University is the right fit for you. Our nursing programs incorporate online learning tools, hands-on training, field experience, and the latest healthcare technologies to help nursing students build skills and confidence.

Ready to start your path to a nursing career? Apply now.

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Sources:

1. Skinner, Morganne. “Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Overview.” NurseJournal. October 8, 2024. https://nursejournal.org/degrees/bsn/. Accessed November 14, 2024.
2. “What Is an MSN Nursing Degree and Is It Worth Studying in 2023?” StudyPortals. November 17, 2022. https://www.mastersportal.com/articles/2726/what-is-an-msn-nursing-degr…. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
3. “What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Nursing?” Indeed. August 15, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/associate-degre…. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
4. "What is the HESI Exam and How Do You Prepare for it?.”Nurse.org. August 22, 2023. https://nurse.org/resources/hesi-exam-guide/. Accessed on February 20, 2025.
5. “Nurses in the Workforce.” American Nurses Association. 2024. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/workforce/. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
6. “33 Common Nursing School Interview Questions.” Indeed. February 13, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/nursing-school-interv…, Accessed November 14, 2024. 
7. Lambrych, Meg. “Your Guide to Nursing Entrance Exams.” NurseJournal. May 15, 2024. https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-entrance-exams-guide/. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
8. Bal, Daniel. “GRE Guide for Nurses.” NurseJournal. October 28, 2024. https://nursejournal.org/resources/gre-guide/. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
9. “What Is the FAFSA Form and Why Should I Fill It Out?” US Department of Education. 2024. https://studentaid.gov/help/fafsa. Accessed November 14, 2024. 
10. “Arizona Department of Health Services Grants for Accelerated Nursing Degrees.” 2023. AZ Health Workforce. https://azhealthworkforce.org/arizona-department-of-health-services-gra…. Accessed November 14, 2024.