Pursuing a career in nursing sounds exciting until the time comes to submit applications. Before you know it, you’ll be rushing to gather transcripts, fill out forms, keep up with deadlines, and question whether or not you’re even eligible. It can get overwhelming, particularly when you’re juggling school, work, or family commitments. When you’re ready to pursue an online nursing school in Florida, the first thing you want to understand is what do schools expect from applicants, and how do requirements vary by program? Not all nursing programs have the same requirements; a practical nurse program has different requirements than a 2-year associate degree in nursing, which again is different from an RN-to-BSN degree. Some schools will admit all comers, while others want you to have a valid nursing license prior to starting classes. Knowing the differences can save you time, money, and frustration. Most importantly, knowing the requirements means choosing the right program for you.
Education and High School Prerequisites
Most entry-level nursing programs list a high school diploma or comparable – a state high school equivalency or equivalent diploma – on their list of minimum eligibility requirements. The diploma is a common admission document for demonstrating the basic academic background needed for college studies. Schools have different procedures for accepting the diploma – some require official transcripts, others will review transcripts for prerequisites completed before enrolling in the course. Prerequisites tend to be important for science and math skills, which are essential for applying anatomy and physiology to medication calculations and other technical knowledge. But not all institutions are equal when it comes to the prerequisites; you may need to take science and math at a high school level, or your program may take pre-req courses before the official start of your program. Ask if your existing college credits can transfer, too; why pay twice if you don’t need to?
Prerequisite Courses and Academic Performance
Your education is only part of the equation. Many of the nursing programs require students to have completed some classes that prepare you for actual nursing courses. They range from anatomy and physiology and microbiology to English composition, math, and even introductory psychology. Some of these classes need to be completed as a prerequisite to the program; some are part of the program. By and large, the science courses are the most important because nursing requires an understanding of the body, how to recognize when something is going wrong, and how to use what you know to provide patient care safely. Schools will have their own rules about prerequisites. Some require you to have them completed before you apply; others will allow you to finish them up during an initial introductory term. Minimum grade requirements also differ from school to school. You may be required to have a minimum cumulative GPA or just a certain GPA in science courses, or they can look at your overall record. If your grades were less than perfect a year or more ago, ask if there are ways to improve your academic record, such as retaking classes. And be sure to consider how long it takes to get this out of the way before you start the program. Nursing programs tend to be fast-moving, and not completing prerequisites will make the workload that much heavier.
Entrance Exams and Admission Assessments
Some schools require a certification or entrance exam for admission. This could be in reading, math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, science, and grammar. The test that is used as an entrance exam will vary based on the school and depending on the school’s policies. The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used by some schools that have an entrance exam for nursing programs, while other schools may have used a different test or no test at all for potential students in the past. Always double-check which exam is used, the cut-off score, and whether or not you are allowed a retake. Do not wait until a week before your test to take it, or you risk losing your spot. You may have been a good student in high school, but you might want to start reviewing concepts in math, fractions, percentages, reading comprehension, and basic science concepts so that you will be prepared for the test. This test is not designed to prove you already know it all about the nursing world; however, it is used to gauge your academic readiness for your curriculum. If you are required to take an exam, schedule it like a real exam and not just a last-minute afterthought to be done between work shifts.
Application Documents, Identification, and Background Checks
Nursing school applications can require more than just filling out an online form. Transcripts, graduation verification, ID cards, and records of college courses taken may be required. Recommendation letters, a personal statement, or experience records are sometimes requested but are not always mandatory. After being accepted, you may be required to go through a criminal background screening, drug screen, fingerprinting, or other screenings required for clinical placement. Background checks are important because nursing students work in hospitals and healthcare settings with patients, and their safety is paramount. If there is a concern, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to attend the school. Be sure to ask what is required before you pay a fee (which is often non-refundable). There may be requirements from clinical rotation sites or state licensing boards as well. Fill out the forms with integrity. Failure to fully disclose information or inaccuracies can be costly in the long run, delaying admission or, at worst, disqualifying the student. Make copies of everything you send, including all correspondence and deadlines. That can be tedious, but it pays to be organized.
Health Requirements, Immunizations, and Clinical Readiness
Health & safety requirements. The clinical component of a nursing program may be completed face-to-face even if the academic component is entirely online. As such, some health and safety requirements may need to be completed prior to undertaking clinical practice. This can vary between schools and depending on the clinical facility. For example, some schools require students to provide documentation that they are up to date with required immunizations, tuberculosis screening, and other health clearances prior to commencing clinical practice. CPR certification (at a healthcare provider-approved level) may also need to be obtained. Again, check directly with your program of interest. Some institutions require students to have completed those before they start their program of study, while others require completion prior to starting the clinical component of their course. Additionally, your educational institution may have predetermined by when those health requirements need to be provided through an approved system to be approved prior to beginning clinical work. You may also need to be aware of clinical placement arrangements of your provider; will you need to find your placement, or will the provider arrange placement near your house? Learning is not just about knowledge; learning is also about real people, real responsibility, and real skills.
Entry Requirements Vary by Program
One of the biggest common mistakes is assuming that all nursing program requirements are the same. They’re not. A practical nursing program may allow you to complete your prerequisites to enroll. An associate degree program in nursing trains students to become entry-level registered nurses and may have its own set of prerequisites, competitive admission standards, and clinical requirements. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program might have a different set of expectations, especially if you’re following a traditional four-year plan. An RN-to-BSN program requires a registered nurse with a nursing license and transfer requirements. If you’re searching for good nursing colleges near me in Florida, compare each school’s admission criteria, program options, and clinical training requirements before making a decision. The education you received as an undergraduate in nursing can influence what you need to take or transfer before you enroll in a school. Verify the credential you want before applying, and make sure the school has the program option you need.
