Common Admission Requirements for a BSN Program

There are no two ways about it: If you want to become a registered nurse (RN), you have to go to nursing school. You can pursue a two-year associate degree, or you can pursue a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN. Admission requirements for BSN programs differ considerably than for most associate degree in nursing, or ADN, programs, and it pays to know what to expect prior to applying. By knowing what you'll need to be accepted into a BSN program, you'll have an easier time getting your career off the ground.

First, it's important to remember that every BSN program is different. Some place a greater emphasis on certain things than on others. Therefore, it is crucial to research the school to which you are applying to learn about their exact admission requirements. In the meantime, however, you can get a feel for whether or not you already have what you need by considering the following list of typical nursing school admission requirements:

Prior Education

Unlike most ADN programs, which generally require only a high school diploma or GED for prior education, most BSN programs are a bit more demanding. Depending on the competitiveness of the nursing program, students who lack high school diplomas may not be considered. In fact, many BSN programs require students to have completed their two-year general education requirements before they can enroll. Find out how the program that you're considering handles this. If you must complete your general education requirements first, you still have a ways to go before you should apply.

GPA

One thing that throws many aspiring RNs for a loop is the fact that their previous grades may affect their ability to get into the nursing school of their choice. If you've researched ADN programs at all, you probably know that you can be accepted into one with a GPA as low as 2.5. The GPA in question is whatever your most recent one is. For most students, it is their high school GPA. However, BSN programs tend to be more demanding. Many will accept students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, but many won't consider students with GPAs that are below 3.5.

Prerequisites

Much of the time, you need to have completed certain basic classes before being considered for enrollment into a BSN program. As mentioned previously, some programs require students to complete all of their general education requirements before applying. Required prerequisites vary by program, but most BSN programs require students to have taken and passed anatomy and physiology; chemistry; biochemistry; statistics; nutrition; and developmental psychology. If you don't already have these classes under your belt, you might want to attend a community college to get them out of the way before applying to nursing school.

Entrance Exams

Nobody likes the idea of having to take an entrance exam to be accepted into nursing school. Luckily, most schools aren't competitive enough to require this. However, even ADN programs require students to somehow demonstrate that they can handle basic educational feats. Although it's not overwhelmingly common, some BSN programs require students to take the TEAS exam. TEAS, or Test of Essential Academic Skills, allows a school to quickly determine whether or not a student has the ability to function at the college level. If you apply to a more competitive nursing program, you may be asked to take a different type of entrance exam, so be prepared.

Essay

If you apply to a nursing school at a four-year college or university, in particular, you will almost certainly be asked to write an essay or personal statement. Oftentimes, nursing programs want to know why students are enrolling, and they have them explain themselves in essays or in letters. This is your opportunity to stand out and be unique, so don't be shy. Avoid being bland or vague. Share something in your essay that really makes people think and that will stick in their minds for a while. That way, you are more likely to stick in their minds too, which means that you're more likely to be accepted into the program.

Letters of Recommendation

Again, this requirement is generally reserved for the more competitive nursing programs. Still, you may be asked to provide letters of recommendation. If you are, provide as many as you are allowed, and make sure that they come from reputable people. In a pinch, personal references will do. However, it is far better to provide letters of recommendation from previous employers in the healthcare field or from previous teachers. The goal is to demonstrate to the BSN program that you are serious and that you have a reputation for working hard and achieving your goals.

Additional Requirements

Finally, you may have to undergo a criminal background check prior to being accepted into a nursing program. This is because you will participate in clinical training at real-life healthcare facilities, so the program must be able to demonstrate that its students are trustworthy. In most cases, you have to have your CPR certification. If you don't already have yours, then go and get it or you will run into trouble when applying to BSN programs. It's more common among ADN programs, but you may also be required to undergo a physical or to obtain certain vaccinations prior to starting your training. Inquire with the nursing program to which you are applying to find out if these requirements apply.

As nice as it would be to know exactly what you'll have to provide to be accepted into the BSN program of your choice, the truth is that you won't know for sure until you find a program that suits you. Until then, keep the above admission requirements in mind to lay the groundwork for a successful journey toward becoming a nurse.