So you want to go to nursing school, but you are not sure how to apply. Well here is the post for you! I will share the process of applying to nursing school. Keep reading if you are interested!

This post is not sponsored. All thoughts and opinions are my own. The content in this post does not refelct the entirety of nursing.

1. DETERMINE YOUR TRACK.

LVN, ADN, BSN, ABSN… There are multiple options to become a nurse which can be overwhelming. This alone proves the importance of choosing which journey will work best for you. In other words, what is your ultimate goal?

2. RESEARCH PROGRAMS.

After determining your goal, go ahead and research the appropriate nursing programs. My recommendation is to start local to save money. When searching for programs, make sure they are accredited. You do not want to waste time, energy and money on a program that is not legitamate. Consider each programs pricing, part-time vs. full-time options, etc. Feel free to book tours of the nursing campuses as well if it is an in-person based program. Make sure you get organized! If you are truly looking at several programs, use a poly-pocket organizer (or have very organized digital files) to keep financial aid information, application due dates, etc.

3. SCHEDULE ENTRANCE EXAMS, IF APPLICABLE.

Some programs may require applicants to take and pass an entrance exam. For my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program that exam was the ATI TEAS Exam. If this is the case for you, find out how much the exam will cost and begin to study for the exam. Utilize the Internet for study resources and Amazon to buy a used study book to save money. Make sure you take this exam prior to submitting applications for programs.

4. GATHER REFERENCES & RESUME, IF NEEDED.

One thing I am a firm believer in for student and non-students is to always have a resume on hand and have at least two references lined up (just in case). If any program you are applying to requires references, make sure to notify your references with enough time to whip up a solid refence. Ask them to whip up a template in which they could change the name of the nursing program to which you are applying. Make sure you have a resume. Hopefully, your resume will include volunteer work and extracurriculars. Why? These show that you know how to time manage, which is a big part of nursing.

5. PREPARE A WRITTEN STATEMENT .

Now that you have scheduled your entrance exam, and asked your references for letters it is time for you to get to writing. With most nursing school applications you should be able to view the entire application. The questions or writng prompts may vary based on the program. Go ahead and write responses for all of the programs you are going to apply to. This may sound like a lot of prep work, but believe me it will save you time! Make sure to proofread these statements for grammar errors, etc.

6. APPLY!

Congratulations, your ducks are in a row! Once you pass that entrance exam. Go ahead and apply. Try to apply to nursing programs early. After all, you have already completed all of this prep work and there is no sense on waiting too long. Sooner is better than later!

That is my “down and dirty” list of how to apply to nursing school. I hope this helps! Thanks for reading!