How to Prepare for Nursing School

Choosing a Program, Prerequisites, and Tips for New Nursing Students

For anyone who’s made the decision to become a nurse, nursing school is one of the most exciting times in your entire life. There are endless possibilities in front of you, and every day comes with opportunities to learn new things and meet new people.

Still, nursing school comes with its share of challenges. From the classroom to the clinical floor—and even in your personal life—you’re likely to face new tests of your time, your attention, and occasionally your patience.

Like anything else worth doing in life, getting prepared for nursing school gives you the best chance to succeed and overcome any challenges you experience along the way. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to prepare for nursing school—including how admissions and prerequisites work and some practical tips to help new nursing students thrive.

Still looking to apply to a nursing school? Learn more about the accelerated nursing program at Provo College, where you can earn your BSN in 3 years or less.

Why Become a Nurse?

There are countless benefits to choosing a career in nursing, though most people become nurses to make a difference in other people’s lives. Unlike many people in office jobs, nurses never have to wonder whether or not their work truly matters—there’s no cause more important than caring for your fellow humans in their time of need.

Of course, the financial opportunities that come with becoming a nurse are also worth mentioning. While the specific salary* you’ll earn as a nurse depends on your education level, experience, specialty, and location, nurses can earn stable income and gain access to important benefits like health insurance and employer-sponsored retirement plans. With nursing jobs projected to grow steadily, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurses can count on solid long-term career stability.

With a high demand for nurses and so many different specialties available, registered nurses have a wide variety of opportunities to create their own career paths. For some people, their dream job might be working with pediatric patients or expecting mothers, while others crave the fast-paced thrill of an emergency room.

Whatever your reasons for becoming a nurse, it’s important to remember your “why” when nursing school inevitably becomes challenging. Keeping your end goal in mind can give you a boost that’s better than coffee for those early-morning or  late-night study sessions (although coffee helps, too!)

If you want to learn more about what it takes to accomplish a career in nursing, check out our in-depth guide on how to become a registered nurse.

Find the Right Nursing Program for You

Choosing Your Program Level

The first step in choosing a nursing program is deciding what type of nurse you want to become—a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). A licensed practical nursing program provides a diploma-level education with the basic fundamentals of nursing. LPNs can earn their diploma in about a year.

Bachelor-degree-level BSN programs offer higher-level training that leads to higher salaries and more advancement opportunities. At many universities, earning a BSN requires four full years in school, though some accelerated programs can be completed in three years or less.

Choosing a School and Program Format

Your experience in nursing school can significantly change based on the format of the program you choose. Everybody learns differently, and you should be honest with yourself about where you’re most likely to succeed.

Large universities offer a more traditional college experience, which some people want. However, these programs can be expensive, and there may be long waiting lists to get a seat in the program. Class sizes also tend to be larger, which can limit the time you spend with instructors.

Smaller colleges usually offer smaller class sizes, which means classes usually feel like interactive discussions instead of lectures. And because it’s easier to meet your professors and fellow students, many people feel they’re at less risk of getting lost in the shuffle of a bigger university.

Online colleges can make it possible to earn a degree on your own schedule, though some people find it difficult to stay on track without as much structure. The amount of support available from instructors can also vary. If exploring online programs, be sure to choose one with a solid track record of helping their students graduate and find jobs.

Hybrid nursing programs combine the convenience of online classes with the hands-on interaction of in-person labs and clinical rotations. Many nursing students find hybrid programs are the “sweet spot” that gives them a top-tier education, and also the flexibility to make it work with their other responsibilities.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Program

How long is the program? Make sure you understand the time investment required before you can begin your new career.

What’s the cost of the program—and what is included? Not all programs include the cost of textbooks, lab fees, and other required expenses in their tuition prices. To compare costs accurately, ask for details.

What’s the program format? In-person, online, or hybrid—choose a program that matches how you learn best and that offers the ideal structure to keep you on track.

What is the average class size? Smaller classes generally enable more individual attention and hands-on learning than large lecture-style courses.

What are the lab facilities like? Do the training facilities use up-to-date tools and technology, or do they seem like they haven’t been updated in a while?

How to Get Into Nursing School

The process for enrolling in nursing school depends on the institution and the degree you’re earning. Every school has its own admissions requirements, application, and prerequisites. Researching a school’s website or talking with an admissions representative is a great place to start.

At most schools, you’ll submit an application with information about yourself and your previous educational history. If a nursing program requires certain prerequisite courses and/or a certain college GPA level, many prospective nurses choose to take these courses at a community college.

In the long run, choosing an accredited nursing program that doesn’t require previous college coursework can save you both time and money.

Bachelor’s degree nursing programs (BSN)

Some BSN programs require non-nursing prerequisite courses before you can enroll, while others build all general education courses into their curriculum. These gen-ed subjects often include math, science, English, philosophy, and other courses that develop your communication and critical-thinking skills.

Your nursing education will include lots of anatomy, physiology, biology, pharmacology, and hands-on labs to help you develop advanced patient care skills. Because a BSN offers the highest training level of any pre-licensure nursing program, it typically takes 3-4 years to complete.

Associate-degree nursing programs (ADN)

ADN-level nursing programs are available at many community colleges and vocational schools. They may also require prerequisite courses before enrollment, usually in science-based subjects. Like BSN programs, ADN programs combine classroom learning with hands-on skills labs. Though an ADN degree may not afford as many advancement opportunities as a BSN degree, it’s a great way for nurses to get into the workforce quickly.

Licensed Practical Nursing Diploma programs (LPN)

LPN programs offer the quickest route to a nursing career, with opportunities to continue your education later and advance into higher levels of nursing. LPN programs typically take about a year to complete and don’t usually have prerequisites beyond a background check and an academic exam.

How Long Does it Take to Hear Back After Applying?

This depends on the nursing school and the volume of applications they process. Some nursing programs may give you an answer within a few weeks, while you might wait several agonizing months to hear from others.

When applying to nursing programs, you may be waitlisted, meaning you’ll be on standby for an available seat if enough people ahead of you drop out. Talk with an admissions representative to make sure you understand when you can expect a decision and your odds of getting a spot.

What Do I Do if My Application Isn’t Accepted?

Most of all, don’t panic. Many successful nurses applied to several schools before they were accepted to a nursing program. Carefully review the application requirements for each school, and make sure you fit all the criteria.

Completing prerequisite courses and other college classes to raise your GPA can also help strengthen your application. So can any public service or volunteer work, especially if it’s related to healthcare.

Finally, applying to smaller nursing schools that focus mostly on healthcare can increase your chances of being accepted without a waitlist. You can receive an excellent education from these schools and potentially start your nursing career much more quickly. And because many of the faculty and staff are former nurses themselves, you’ll have countless opportunities to network and learn from others’ experiences.

What Are the Prerequisites for Nursing School?

Nursing school prerequisites vary widely between different nursing programs. Some programs will require you to complete entry-level courses in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics before you can enroll. Other schools build all general-education requirements into their nursing program curriculum and simplify their application process with an academic assessment exam.

An academic or enrollment advisor can help you go over the full list of prerequisites, and determine whether you can transfer any previous college credits.

Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)

The TEAS exam is used by many nursing programs to make sure potential students have the academic fundamentals they need to succeed in school. The TEAS consists of 170 total questions, with a time limit of 209 minutes across four different subjects. You may take one short break of up to 10 minutes halfway through the exam.

The TEAS is split into four sections, with about 40-50 questions in each.

Reading—These questions will test how well you understand the key ideas and details in written materials.

Mathematics—These questions will include fractions and decimals, ratios and proportions, metric conversions, and some basic algebra problems.

Science—This section covers basic human anatomy and physiology and a few questions on biology, chemistry, and scientific reasoning.

English/Language Usage—This portion covers grammar, punctuation, and contextual usage and assesses how well you can express your ideas in writing.

How Is the TEAS Graded?

You’ll receive a percentage score based on the amount of exam questions you answered correctly. Schools that use the TEAS exam each have their own standards as to what constitutes an acceptable score.

For the BSN program at Provo College, nursing students must score at least a 58.7 or higher to enroll in the program. Students have a total of three attempts to achieve the required score, and can retake the exam at least 7 calendar days after the first attempt.

If you don’t get the required score on your second attempt (but you scored at least a 48.7), you can go for a third try after completing an ATI SmartPrep® course to ensure you’re prepared.

Immunizations, Screenings, and Background Checks

To ensure the health and safety of the patients they treat, nursing students are required to complete a background check and drug screening. They must also be up-to-date on immunizations and be screened for certain health conditions before they can start their clinical rotations.

Required immunizations and tests may include, but may not be limited to:

• Mumps, measles, and rubella vaccines
• Hepatitis B vaccines or antibodies
• Current flu, H1N1, and COVID-19 vaccines
• Tdap/DTAP within the last ten years
• Negative TB test or negative chest X-ray if previously positive

Is Nursing School Hard?

Nursing school can be hard at times—it’s designed to prepare you for a demanding career, after all. If you’re expecting to float through nursing school without studying, you may be in for a rude awakening.

Balancing your coursework, clinical rotations, and personal life can be a challenge for even the most organized person. Remember to set short-term goals, reach out to your instructors for help when you need it, and take advantage of available resources like tutoring or test reviews.

Keep in mind that even if you fail a test (or an entire class), it’s not the end of your journey. Any quality nursing program will do its best to provide support if you’re struggling in a particular area. And remember, there are countless successful nurses who overcame setbacks during nursing school and still went on to have fantastic careers.

Nursing School Tips

To help you prepare for nursing school, these tips can help you establish healthy habits, minimize school-related stress, and get the most out of your education.

1. Establish a study schedule and stick to it. To manage your time effectively, get into a routine of planning out when and where you’re going to study. A little bit every day is much more effective than cramming the week of a big test.
2. Network with your peers and professors. In addition to helping you master the material through tutoring sessions or study groups, a strong network can also help in your career search.
3. Prioritize sleep and self-care. You can’t be at your best in the classroom or the clinic if you’re exhausted or not feeling well. Make sure you use your personal time effectively to recover and take care of yourself.
4. Focus on comprehension rather than memorization. Understanding the reasoning behind each concept you learn is what leads to good grades and high test scores.
5. Set short-term, achievable goals. Setting and achieving everyday goals maintains your motivation and morale throughout the ups and downs of nursing school.
6. Manage stress with healthy lifestyle habits. Make sure you’re following the advice you’ll someday give your patients about proper nutrition, hydration, and staying active.
7. Build up your support network. Your loved ones want to share in your victories and struggles. Maintaining relationships with your friends and family gives you people to lean on when things get tough—and to celebrate with as you achieve your goals.
8. Ask for help when you need it. Your nursing school instructors and advisors want to see you succeed. Don’t be hesitant to speak up if you need help—either in school or in your personal life. Chances are, your instructors have seen similar situations and can offer advice.

How to Study for the Nursing Certification Exam (NCLEX)

After completing a nursing program, passing the NCLEX certification exam is a critical milestone for both registered nurses (RNs) and practical nurses (LPNs) before they can become licensed.

Both the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams consist largely of multiple-choice questions. There are also a few questions that ask you to fill in the blanks or interact with images on your screen. You’ll answer a maximum of 150 questions and a minimum of 85 questions. The NCLEX is an adaptive test, meaning the total number of questions depends on how many you answer correctly.

Major content categories on the NCLEX include:

• Basic patient care and comfort
• Safety and infection control
• Pharmacology
• Therapeutic techniques
• Risk reduction
• Physiological adaptation
• Psychosocial integrity

Tips to Prepare for the NCLEX Exam

1. Take advantage of study resources. Many nursing programs offer NCLEX tutoring sessions or review courses to help you prepare for the test.
2. Study consistently instead of cramming. Cramming for a test doesn’t encourage the long-term understanding you need to apply your nursing knowledge in the real world.
3. Complete practice exams. Taking a practice test before the real thing helps you get used to the exam format and identify any areas you need to review.
4. Show up early and well-rested. Don’t forget to account for traffic or bad weather on exam day. Get a good night’s sleep, and make sure to eat something before your test.
5. Review your study materials. Revisiting your class and lab notes can help you solidify your knowledge and reinforce key concepts.
6. Utilize effective testing strategies. Start with eliminating obviously incorrect answers. If you find yourself stuck on a question for more than a few minutes, choose the answer that seems most correct and keep moving forward.

Begin Your Nursing Journey at Provo College

While nursing school is challenging for everybody at times, preparing with good habits and mindful intentions will give you the best chances of success. Choosing a program with dedicated instructors and above-average student support can also make a major difference!

At Provo College, you’ll learn from experienced nurses who remember what it was like to be a nervous nursing student. With small class sizes and a huge variety of student resources available, you’ll have support in everything from passing the NCLEX to finding your first nursing job.

Want to learn more about all the potential career paths available to nurses? Check out our list of the 16 highest-paid nursing jobs.