Things To Consider While Searching Nursing School For Admission
Individuals who love helping people and are compassionate, can build a great career in nursing. This rewarding profession requires great communication and interpersonal skills. You get to work with amazing healthcare team in hospitals, health care facilities, nursing homes, etc. A good nursing school will teach you how to succeed in this field and use your traits and skills to make a difference in people's lives. We will talk about the different steps that you need to consider while looking for a nursing school where you can fulfill your dream of becoming a successful professional. You will find here the important details about the nursing programs and ideas regarding getting into nursing school. No matter which nursing school you attend, you shall be studying the common subjects such as Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Microbiology, and other courses related to nursing.
If you are interested in these courses then this is the best career choice for you. But, the first step is to get into a nursing school. To get into a nursing school, you must do all research very well and it also depends on the degree level you are going to pursue. Majority of renowned and top nursing schools offer all sought of degree levels such as associate's degree in nursing (ADN), bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), master's degree (MSN), or doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), which is the highest level of all.
Although there may be many colleges in the nation that offer nursing degree, still you should do a thorough research on colleges that offer quality education along with best placement opportunities. The nursing colleges are ranked on the basis of certain parameters. These parameters help the agencies and government bodies to recognize them and let the individuals decide the right college for them. The factors are as follows:
1. Nursing School Accreditation
An accredited college is the one which is recognized by the specific organization and meets also the criteria set by them. You must choose the right college for you and pursue your degree from state-approved accredited college. During licensure, it is checked whether the person has graduated from an accredited nursing program. Majority of colleges in the United States are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
2. Size of Class
An ideal class should have a minimum of 25 students so that individual attention can be given. Colleges with small classrooms should be preferred against the colleges with large classrooms.
3. Online Classes
Many nursing programs are available online. Students who are not capable of coming to the campus must check the colleges that offer online programs. Some advanced programs are available online for the working professionals who can continue their studies in the flexible schedule.
4. Campus Location
Students should apply to the colleges that are easily accessible. The college should be well connected with rail and road. You should look for colleges as per your convenience and schedule.
5. Clinical Rotations
The nursing career is full of practical experience with the use of theory knowledge. Students learn a lot doing practicals. An LPN course must provide clinical exposure to the students. The students should make sure that the labs are equipped with necessary equipment. Also, check that the clinical rotations are accessible.
6. Scholarship and Tuition Fees
Some colleges offer scholarships and fee waiver to the deserving aspirants. You should consider the college that reimburses your expenses in case you find hard to complete the course.
7. NCLEX-PN Pass Rate
The NCLEX-PN pass rate reveals that a number of students who had gone through the license test and qualifies in a specific year. A five-year record can give an idea about the environment of college.
Getting Into Nursing School
After you finish shortlisting the best college for pursuing your nursing studies, the second thing that comes in the mind of aspirants is the ways to get accepted to the college. As the competition is high and the number of applicants is way higher. The acceptance rate varies from college to college and some preparation is required to be done from the student’s side in order to successfully get admitted into their dream college. Here are the steps to get into nursing schools:
1. Graduate from High school
The entry to the nursing school is just after the high school as it is the minimum requirement for the entry-level nursing programs. Whether it's your high school GED or diploma, be prepared and show your passion towards nursing.
2. Apply to Different Nursing Schools
If you are done with research on the nursing school. Make a list of your favorite nursing schools and apply to all. Learn about their requirements and prerequisites and see that you fit very well. There are high chances of acceptance as you get options with multiple acceptances.
3. Complete Volunteer Hours
Most nursing schools require volunteer hours. Finding a job is healthcare will give wings to your dreams and a plus point against the applicants who haven’t got any volunteer experience.
4. Work as Certified Nursing Assistant
Completing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification can give you a platform and act as a bridge to nursing. The duration of the certificate course is just a couple of months and it makes your resume attractive.
5. Submit Complete Application
Read the application form carefully and submit it as per deadline. Avoid making any grammatical or spelling mistake as they may reject your application on such grounds.
6. Take the TEAS Test
The Test of Essential Academic Skill is recommended to every aspirant who is hoping for getting accepted into the nursing school. A good score in the TEAS gives a good mark with others.
7. Prepare for Entrance Interview
After the submission of your application, the schools may review your application and show interest in you. You should be ready to give a background check and sit for an interview with high-level faculty or nursing dean. Some common questions asked in the nursing interview are:
- Why do you want to be a nurse?
- What was your favorite prerequisite course and why?
- Describe any challenging situation you've ever faced?
- How much time do you dedicate to studies and clinical hours?
Relax, and be confident. This is the only time you can prove yourself. Appear knowledgeable on all grounds, not only the academics but nursing in general. Prepare more by reading the tips for nursing interviews.
Nursing Degree Options
An associates is an entry-level two-year degree, where you get to learn basic lab skills, nursing theory, and clinical practice, along with general college courses. It becomes easy to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), with ADN. This degree option requires high schools certificate and other nursing related subjects. However, employers in the healthcare sector push for more educated nurses as they believe that educated nurses take care of patients in a better way. Majority of hospitals hire nurses with bachelor's degree.
A bachelor's in nursing is a four-year degree, commonly called as BSN, brings you more opportunities. Here you learn specific skills along with general core courses like other college students. Both the ADN and BSN prepares the students for the state licensing exam, the NCLEX-RN.
On the other hand, the master's in nursing is the career advancement path for experienced nurses. The nurses can choose any of the following career paths: Family practice; Family psychiatric mental health; Gerontology; Nurse-midwifery. The students are prepared for the national certification exams in particular specialty area.
In the Doctor of Nursing degree, students learn leadership skills, shape policy, and advance in healthcare offering. The DNP graduates execute the most advanced level of nursing practice. Students must go through a scholarly project in a healthcare setting in order to earn a DNP. The scholarly project happens under the guidance of faculty and mentors.
Prerequisites for Nursing School
Before starting your core nursing studies, it is advised to take a medical terminology course. The students may also be required to complete other mandatory prerequisites that include Biostatistics, Human growth and development, Anatomy and physiology, nutrition, and microbiology. These subjects will be taught in brief during the nursing course. In the BSN course, the prerequisites may include English composition, chemistry, biology, math, and psychology.
