How to Get into Nursing School: A Complete Guide to Starting Your Nursing Career
Learning how to get into nursing school is the essential first step toward a fulfilling and impactful healthcare career. Whether you’re a natural caregiver or an adventurous traveler eager to make a difference, nursing offers a stable profession with global potential. Across the U.S. and in vibrant international hubs like Costa Rica and Thailand, nursing schools are expanding remote learning, cultural exchange, and global health opportunities—making it easier than ever to pursue this path from anywhere.
Think of nursing school as a gateway to purpose-driven work and long-term career security. Whether you’re based in Chicago or exploring life abroad in Medellín, Colombia, the fundamental process remains the same: choose your path, meet academic requirements, prepare your application, and commit fully. Below, we break down each step with insider tips and practical advice tailored to aspiring nurses from all walks of life.
1. Choose the Right Nursing Pathway to Match Your Goals
Nursing offers multiple pathways depending on your timeline and ambitions. Do you want to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or move directly toward becoming an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)? Clarifying your goal early helps streamline your school search and course planning.
If you’re changing careers, raising a family, or looking for a faster entry point, LPN or ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) programs may suit you best. For those committed to long-term career development—especially those drawn to international healthcare—consider a BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing), which opens more doors for leadership and specialization.
For example, Golden West College in Huntington Beach offers a respected ADN program great for part-time students. Meanwhile, Simmons University in Boston offers flexible online BSN and graduate-level programs for students seeking long-term advancement and remote study options.
2. Complete Prerequisite Courses and Core Requirements
Before applying, complete the standard nursing prerequisites: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and basic math. Most schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0, but flexibility exists—especially for nontraditional students or those showing academic improvement.
Returning to school after travel or a career break? Community colleges like Mesa Community College near Phoenix offer hybrid labs and online options perfect for catching up. Studying abroad? Accredited programs like StraighterLine and Sophia Learning offer accepted prerequisite courses that meet most U.S. nursing school standards.
Insider tip: If you’re considering international nursing schools, ensure they’re accredited by ACEN or CCNE to transfer credits seamlessly to U.S. institutions.
3. Pass the Entrance Exams with Confidence
Most U.S. programs require entrance exams, most commonly the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills). This test evaluates reading, science, English, and math skills—subjects essential for clinical success. Some schools also accept the HESI A2 test as an alternative.
Prepare wisely using online resources like Mometrix and Kaplan, which offer mobile-friendly, self-paced guides—perfect for students learning from abroad or on the go. Terri Long, now a nurse practitioner and former volunteer in rural Oaxaca, attributes her TEAS success to early morning study sessions during local hikes. Her story proves you can bridge travel and study with the right tools and discipline.
Find a quiet café or co-working space to focus. Popular global study spots include Bali’s Dojo and the Impact Hub in Belgrade—ideal for nomadic learners tackling their entrance exam prep.
4. Craft a Competitive Nursing School Application
Once prerequisites and test scores are in hand, it’s time to build a strong application. Highlight your GPA, test results, relevant work or volunteer experience, and a compelling personal statement. Some programs also request letters of recommendation or interview sessions.
Local volunteer opportunities in cities like Missoula or Raleigh-Durham—especially in healthcare clinics—can enhance your resume. Traveling? Join organizations like Remote Area Medical or Floating Doctors in Panama to gain real-world experience that demonstrates compassion and initiative.
In your personal statement, reflect genuinely on your motivations. Share global experiences, such as helping someone during a hike in the Andes or responding to a crisis in New Zealand. These stories reveal your empathy and commitment—qualities nursing schools value highly.
5. Apply to Accredited Nursing Programs
Cast a wide net when applying but focus on nursing schools accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Accreditation ensures your degree qualifies you for licensure and job placement across the country.
In the Pacific Northwest, consider Linfield University in Portland or Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, which offer strong clinical partnerships and rural outreach opportunities. Prefer a mix of adventure and academia? Boulder, Colorado features reputable BSN programs with outdoor appeal.
If you’re studying remotely or living abroad, prestigious institutions like Johns Hopkins and Georgetown offer online programs with national clinical placements—ideal for those planning to return to the U.S. for licensure or work.
6. Plan Financially with Scholarships, Grants, and Work-Study Support
Nursing school costs can vary, but financial aid and scholarships make it accessible. Begin by submitting the FAFSA to unlock federal aid like Pell Grants. Explore options through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the National League for Nursing, which offer scholarships tailored to nursing students.
In healthcare hotspots like Miami and San Diego, some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or residency stipends in exchange for job commitments. Community colleges like Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico provide low tuition and flexible scheduling ideal for working parents or second-career students.
Insider tip: If you’ve volunteered internationally or worked in culturally diverse settings, highlight these in scholarship applications—many programs favor applicants with unique experiences and global insight.
Your Journey Starts Here: Embrace the Experience and Grow
Figuring out how to get into nursing school is more than gathering transcripts. It’s about aligning your career with passion, purpose, and real-world experiences. Whether you’re living abroad or rediscovering your path from your hometown, becoming a nurse requires heart, resilience, and a deep desire to serve.
The adventures you’ve taken, the people you’ve helped, and the cultures you’ve embraced all contribute to the nurse you will become. Let these moments fuel your motivation. From the mountain trails of Nepal to city hospitals in New York, the need for compassionate, skilled nurses spans the globe.
So create your plan, meet each milestone, and move forward with confidence. The world needs more dedicated healers—and your unique story could be your greatest asset in getting there.
