Fancy A Career In Nursing? Here’s What You Need To Know

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Do you want to become a nurse? If you are thinking of joining this worthy vocation, then you will need to be qualified first. You are at the beginning of a long road, and it may seem overwhelming, but our guide to nursing school requirements will tell you what will be expected of you to start you on your way.

The Basics

Before getting on to a nursing program, the schools you apply to will need to know you have the ability to learn. Every college has different entry requirements (make sure you check each one, so you don't waste your application), but there are some general rules. Having a high school diploma or equivalent qualification is a must.

If you are still in high school, then you have a definite advantage, as you can plan your studies carefully in preparation. However, if you want to become a nurse at any time after graduation or fancy a career change, you still have options. Enrolling in community college as a mature student will help you fill the gaps in your knowledge. Or you can enroll in an Online RN to BSN Program while juggling your nursing career. The good thing about online degrees is that you can tailor them to fit your busy schedule.

Now let's take a look at focusing on the subjects that matter:

Volunteering

Nursing is an extremely popular career option, so to cut through the flood of applications you need to make yourself stand out. If you have all the qualifications already, then volunteering in a hospital, nursing home, or any kind of care setting will help your application get to the top of the pile. Even passing a Level 2 first aid course in your current workplace could help you get that all important interview. As long as you have some experience of working in a patient or emergency environment, your application will be taken more seriously.

English

Communication will be of utmost importance when you are working in nursing or any other medical career. So it should be no surprise that you will need to be proficient in English to get into a nursing program. If you're feeling rusty, it's worth catching up at a community college or similar environment.

Math

The vast majority of nursing schools will expect you to be proficient in basic mathematics, and possibly algebra. You may be asked to take a test as part of your entry requirements. Make sure you find out what level is expected of you and give yourself plenty of time to get up to speed.

The Sciences

A good high school grounding in biology and chemistry will stand you in good stead for your nursing school application. It is normal that you will go on to take these subjects at an advanced level during your course. Anatomy and physiology are two other topics to think about – if your high school teaches them. You will also find that most nursing programs contain courses in psychology.

I hope you this post has inspired you to take the next steps on the road to a nursing career. It is a rewarding job, and one that I thoroughly respect. If you are a nurse who has been through the qualification process recently, why not leave some advice in the comments section? It would be great to hear from you!