2 answers
Sandy
Student
Barnesville, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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Hello. I am interested in nursing. What is the best school for nursing Does it require a special test to be admitted to a nursing school? Is Gordon State College a good school for nurses?
Are there any special test to be admitted to nursing school? Is it hard to be admitted to a nursing school?
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2 answers
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
344
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Sandy,
Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia is ranked fourth in the annual list of best Bachelor of Science nursing programs in Georgia. As far as testing, one will have to take either the ACT or SAT for college admissions. In addition, for a nursing program, the TEAS has to be taken and passed. TEAS stands for the Test of Essential Academic Skills which covers reading, math, science and English and language usage. There are 170 questions on the TEAS exam. The average passing score is between 65%-75%.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
Gordon State College in Barnesville, Georgia is ranked fourth in the annual list of best Bachelor of Science nursing programs in Georgia. As far as testing, one will have to take either the ACT or SAT for college admissions. In addition, for a nursing program, the TEAS has to be taken and passed. TEAS stands for the Test of Essential Academic Skills which covers reading, math, science and English and language usage. There are 170 questions on the TEAS exam. The average passing score is between 65%-75%.
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
There are different types of Nurses - RN (Registered Nurse), LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), etc. There are different avenues for Nurses to serve - Emergency Room (ER), Pediatric, Floor, etc. My Mother retired as a Registered Nurse (RN). She was a head RN who looked after patients on the regular floors of the hospital.
RN designation is earned by attending and graduating from a 4 year college program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. LPN and CNA designations can be earned by attending a 2 year college or vocational program. RNs administer patient medications, treatments and medical and educational advice and information to the patients. Whereas, LPNs and CNAs provide basic nursing care and comfortability to the patient. CNAs work under the supervision of the RNs and LPNs. Travel Nurses will go to different cities and different states to serve in hospitals and medical facilities.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2023 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
Hediye Scheeler
Nurse Practitioner
4
Answers
Champaign, Illinois
Updated
Hediye’s Answer
Hello Sandy,
Wow Michael Torio gave your great information! Talk to your high school counselor about ACT & SAT testing and how to focus on science and math as well as your writing skills.
I would encourage a summer job such as a life guard at a pool, for first aid / CPR / AED training and teamwork skill building. The following year consider getting certified as a nursing assistant CNA and working in a local hospital for the summer then maybe one weekend a month while in school. Again valuable experience exposure to what you think you might want to do. I taught nursing, this career is not for everyone. I had many a student who changed their mind or transferred out because it was not what they thought it would be and it is a very demanding curriculum.
I started out working in the hospital dietary department. Next I was a phlebotomist (drew blood). Both of those jobs were in the local hospital, while I was taking prerequisite courses at the local community college, then transferred for a baccalaureate in nursing to another instate school (finances were an issues for me). I needed scholarships to make it through and pretty much worked the whole way through school. Which gave me lots of opportunity to see various nursing roles and follow just about every job category in a hospital. Because I was an employee I got to go to emergency room, surgery, labor & delivery, intensive care unit and many more to shadow for a day. It took me all summer to see everything!
I hope sharing my experience has helped you
Good Luck
Hedy Scheeler APRN
Wow Michael Torio gave your great information! Talk to your high school counselor about ACT & SAT testing and how to focus on science and math as well as your writing skills.
I would encourage a summer job such as a life guard at a pool, for first aid / CPR / AED training and teamwork skill building. The following year consider getting certified as a nursing assistant CNA and working in a local hospital for the summer then maybe one weekend a month while in school. Again valuable experience exposure to what you think you might want to do. I taught nursing, this career is not for everyone. I had many a student who changed their mind or transferred out because it was not what they thought it would be and it is a very demanding curriculum.
I started out working in the hospital dietary department. Next I was a phlebotomist (drew blood). Both of those jobs were in the local hospital, while I was taking prerequisite courses at the local community college, then transferred for a baccalaureate in nursing to another instate school (finances were an issues for me). I needed scholarships to make it through and pretty much worked the whole way through school. Which gave me lots of opportunity to see various nursing roles and follow just about every job category in a hospital. Because I was an employee I got to go to emergency room, surgery, labor & delivery, intensive care unit and many more to shadow for a day. It took me all summer to see everything!
I hope sharing my experience has helped you
Good Luck
Hedy Scheeler APRN