5 answers
Ali
Student
Minneapolis, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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the steps to be a RN ?
after high school what are the steps to getting a bsn and soon becoming an RN, can I apply to a nursing college right after highschool?
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5 answers
Molly R.
Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer
17
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Molly’s Answer
The answers above are very informative. Minneapolis Metro area has several accredited Nursing programs to choose from with clinical opportunities at some amazing hospitals.
Jasmine Jennings
Dental Assistant
9
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Jasmine’s Answer
1. Complete High School
Focus on courses in biology, chemistry, math, and health sciences to prepare for nursing school.
2. Research Nursing Programs
Look for accredited BSN programs at colleges and universities. Ensure they are recognized by the state’s nursing board and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
3. Apply to Nursing Programs
Many nursing programs accept students directly from high school, but some may require you to complete certain prerequisite courses (like anatomy or microbiology) before applying.
Prepare your application materials, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
4. Complete Prerequisites (if required)
Some programs have prerequisites that you need to complete before starting the nursing curriculum. Common prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and psychology.
5. Enroll in a BSN Program
Once accepted, enroll in a BSN program. BSN programs typically take about four years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experiences.
6. Gain Clinical Experience
Throughout your BSN program, you’ll participate in clinical rotations in various healthcare settings to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed nurses.
7. Complete the BSN Degree
Successfully complete all required coursework, clinical hours, and any capstone projects.
8. Prepare for the NCLEX-RN Exam
After earning your BSN, study for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is required to become a licensed RN.
9. Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a critical step to obtaining your nursing license.
10. Obtain State Licensure
Apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. This may involve submitting your NCLEX results and completing any additional state requirements.
11. Start Your Career as an RN
Once licensed, you can begin applying for nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.
Can You Apply to Nursing College Right After High School?
YES, many nursing programs accept students directly from high school. However, requirements may vary by institution, so check the specific admission criteria for each nursing program you’re interested in. Some schools may have competitive admission processes, so maintaining a strong GPA and relevant extracurricular activities can enhance your application.
Additional Considerations:
Volunteer or Work in Healthcare: Gaining experience through volunteering or working as a nurse aide or in a healthcare setting can enhance your application and provide valuable insights into the nursing field.
Plan Financially: Consider the costs associated with nursing school and explore financial aid, scholarships, and grants that may be available to help cover tuition.
Focus on courses in biology, chemistry, math, and health sciences to prepare for nursing school.
2. Research Nursing Programs
Look for accredited BSN programs at colleges and universities. Ensure they are recognized by the state’s nursing board and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
3. Apply to Nursing Programs
Many nursing programs accept students directly from high school, but some may require you to complete certain prerequisite courses (like anatomy or microbiology) before applying.
Prepare your application materials, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.
4. Complete Prerequisites (if required)
Some programs have prerequisites that you need to complete before starting the nursing curriculum. Common prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and psychology.
5. Enroll in a BSN Program
Once accepted, enroll in a BSN program. BSN programs typically take about four years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experiences.
6. Gain Clinical Experience
Throughout your BSN program, you’ll participate in clinical rotations in various healthcare settings to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of licensed nurses.
7. Complete the BSN Degree
Successfully complete all required coursework, clinical hours, and any capstone projects.
8. Prepare for the NCLEX-RN Exam
After earning your BSN, study for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), which is required to become a licensed RN.
9. Take the NCLEX-RN Exam
Register for and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a critical step to obtaining your nursing license.
10. Obtain State Licensure
Apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. This may involve submitting your NCLEX results and completing any additional state requirements.
11. Start Your Career as an RN
Once licensed, you can begin applying for nursing positions in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings.
Can You Apply to Nursing College Right After High School?
YES, many nursing programs accept students directly from high school. However, requirements may vary by institution, so check the specific admission criteria for each nursing program you’re interested in. Some schools may have competitive admission processes, so maintaining a strong GPA and relevant extracurricular activities can enhance your application.
Additional Considerations:
Volunteer or Work in Healthcare: Gaining experience through volunteering or working as a nurse aide or in a healthcare setting can enhance your application and provide valuable insights into the nursing field.
Plan Financially: Consider the costs associated with nursing school and explore financial aid, scholarships, and grants that may be available to help cover tuition.
Shelia Bereszniewicz
Seller enblement
92
Answers
Woodstock, Georgia
Updated
Shelia’s Answer
Hi Ali!
As many people have mentioned, the first step is to finish high school or get your GED (Graduate Equivalency Degree). You'll need to buckle down, study hard, and perform well in high school. Also, consider joining some clubs.
It's important to research which colleges offer a nursing program. The specifics can vary depending on the institution. Take Kennesaw State University as an example, their nursing program is highly sought after. The first step involves applying to their undergraduate program, followed by a separate application for the Nursing program. It's essential to complete at least 7 out of the 11 prerequisite courses before the nursing application deadline, with a minimum of 5 of these 7 being math & natural science courses.
Nursing is a competitive field, so you'll need to maintain good grades and perform well on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to secure a spot in a Nursing Program. Once you're in, you'll need to pass all your classes and participate in clinical rotations, which will provide you with practical nursing experience. After earning your degree, you'll need to apply for your state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
My own daughter went through a similar journey, applying to numerous Nursing programs before eventually transferring to a different college to earn her BSN. Today, she's a dedicated nurse in the Neuro ICU.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward! Good luck!
As many people have mentioned, the first step is to finish high school or get your GED (Graduate Equivalency Degree). You'll need to buckle down, study hard, and perform well in high school. Also, consider joining some clubs.
It's important to research which colleges offer a nursing program. The specifics can vary depending on the institution. Take Kennesaw State University as an example, their nursing program is highly sought after. The first step involves applying to their undergraduate program, followed by a separate application for the Nursing program. It's essential to complete at least 7 out of the 11 prerequisite courses before the nursing application deadline, with a minimum of 5 of these 7 being math & natural science courses.
Nursing is a competitive field, so you'll need to maintain good grades and perform well on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) to secure a spot in a Nursing Program. Once you're in, you'll need to pass all your classes and participate in clinical rotations, which will provide you with practical nursing experience. After earning your degree, you'll need to apply for your state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination - Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to obtain your nursing license.
My own daughter went through a similar journey, applying to numerous Nursing programs before eventually transferring to a different college to earn her BSN. Today, she's a dedicated nurse in the Neuro ICU.
Stay positive and keep pushing forward! Good luck!
Beverly Schott
Academic coaching, advising and teaching
21
Answers
Canton, Connecticut
Updated
Beverly’s Answer
Hi Ali!
I am so happy you are considering the steps to becoming enrolled in a college nursing program. The road to a BSN is multi-faceted and I will explain each path. Try getting some volunteer experience or working in a medical capacity while in high school to learn more about the varied areas of nursing. Talk with nurses and ask questions about their jobs, passion, and challenges.
First check with colleges to see if an applicant is accepted directly into a nursing program or into a Liberal Arts program.
Investigate the schools paths to nursing if not a direct accept. Do you have priority in entrance to the nursing program based on courses and grades. Which courses are needed for consideration and what grades are required??
Which courses are needed for consideration and what grades are required? Be sure you understand the correct courses in Biology, Math, Psychology, etc.
Check out community college ASN programs where you will graduate with a nursing degree and can begin practicing while saving time and money. You can look for RN to BS programs after and many are online or work around your career schedule.
I am so happy you are considering the steps to becoming enrolled in a college nursing program. The road to a BSN is multi-faceted and I will explain each path. Try getting some volunteer experience or working in a medical capacity while in high school to learn more about the varied areas of nursing. Talk with nurses and ask questions about their jobs, passion, and challenges.
Beverly recommends the following next steps:
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
342
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Ali:
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.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2024 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
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).
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
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and 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. College and 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 college and 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 and acceptance to the applied college of choice, 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.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
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.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2024 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
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).
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
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and 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. College and 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 college and 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 and acceptance to the applied college of choice, 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.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!