Admission to a nursing school can be very competitive so you want to explore your options as soon as possible. So when is it too early or too late to apply? Here's a quick guide as to when you should start sending in those nursing school applications.
If you're thinking about going to nursing school,
and you're reading this in the fall, you should be gearing up to start visiting your target schools, talking to advisers, and applying. And don't worry if it's already spring or summer because there are nursing schools that start programs two or three times a year.
And if it's no longer fall, and you've missed the deadlines for the nursing schools that you were keen on, there are some other steps you can take as you get ready to apply to nursing school, which we'll get to in a minute.
Here is what you need to do to get started on your journey to getting that RN or LPN degree:
First, you need to check with your State Board of Nursing which online nursing schools are accredited in your state. This process an easily be done online by typing in "(name of state) board of nursing." Then as soon as the site pops up, try to find a list of accredited nursing schools.
In some sites, this information will appear under the education section, while in others, this is included under resources. If you can't find it, call the Board of Nursing and ask. You are doing this because you want to make sure that the school is accredited by the State Board of Nursing.
For more information, and a link to all of the State Boards of Nursing, cut and paste the link below into your browser bar: http://nursingschoolprograms.com/category/board-of-nursing.
As soon as you get hold of the list of accredited schools, make a shortlist of all those schools in your area and which you want to attend. Most of them start having information sessions in the fall and early winter for their programs which start next summer or even next fall. To get accurate information, make direct inquiries to every school you want to apply to, and list down what the requirements for application are. The basic requirements usually include a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college degree.
Also, ask what entrance exam you need to take, whether it is the TABE or the NET, or any other test. Secure reviewer materials to ensure that you will pass the test. You can either buy reference books or find online resources. Generally you will need a understanding of English and some high school and possibly college level algebra - decimals, fractions, graphing, etc. Find out the dates that those tests are given at the schools that you are interested in, and take them.
For Associate's Degree in Nursing Programs: You will need to have completed most or all of your prerequisites before you apply to the program.
The bottom line is, it's never too early or too late to start applying. Make inquiries, prepare the requirements, and complete your prerequisites. What's vital is you have good grades to show for to improve your chances of getting into a nursing program.
