People decide to attend nursing school at any age for a multitude of reasons. It can start with a desire to help others, an interest in the healthcare field, or the need for a career change.
Regardless of why you’re considering applying, it’s only natural to have questions if you are a first-time student. There is a lot to learn about nursing school, so think of this as your guide to understanding undergraduate nursing.
Nursing Degree Types and Pathways to Entry
The best way to get started is to make sure you are aware of the different undergraduate nursing degree types. Understanding the various pathways to entering nursing school can help you decide which is best for you.
- LPN/LVN - Licensed practical or vocational nursing programs award a certificate after one year of study. Those with an LPN or LVN must work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or another primary care provider.
- Associate degree in nursing (ADN) – ADN programs require at least two years of full-time equivalent coursework and are typically focused on practical, clinical skills. Students with an ADN can sit for the NCLEX and become an RN.
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) – The BSN is the preferred entry degree among nursing employers and is widely recognized as the degree needed to provide quality, informed healthcare There are a few different types of BSN program:
- Traditional BSN – These degrees are for students with no previous nursing education and award a baccalaureate degree after four years of study.
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Also known as a second-degree BSN program, these are for students with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline and no previous nursing education. They typically take about 1-2 years to complete.
- RN to BSN – These programs are for RNs with associate degrees or diplomas. They are also accelerated and can take about 1-2 years to complete.
Applying to Nursing School
Going through the nursing school application process is a big step. No matter what, it is crucial to know the application deadline for your program and to start the application process in advance. Let’s break down what that looks like.
How do I apply to nursing school?
The easiest way to apply is through NursingCAS, the centralized application service for nursing programs nationwide. NursingCAS streamlines the application process by allowing you to submit one application for multiple nursing programs. To start, visit the NursingCAS application, select your start term, and create an account.
How do I find programs to apply for?
NursingCAS also makes it easy to explore nursing programs. With a library of nearly 300 schools and 2,600 programs across the U.S., you can search by location or type of program to find exactly what you’re looking for.
When should I apply?
NursingCAS runs on 17-month application cycles which means there is always a cycle open. The 2025-2026 cycle is open until January 29, 2027, and the upcoming 2026-2027 cycle runs from August 6, 2026, to January 28, 2028. NursingCAS cycles are based on the semester of student matriculation. Schools have different application deadlines within the cycle, so be sure to confirm the timeline with each school.
What is required for the application?
The application is divided into four parts— your Personal Information, Academic History, Supporting Information (such as your achievements and work experience), and school-specific Program Materials. Schools may have their own requirements within the Academic History and Program Materials sections, so make sure you’re clear about the specifics.
How do I know my application was submitted and I’ve been accepted?
You can see your application status right on the NursingCAS homepage. It will show as In Progress, Received, Completed, Verified, or Undelivered. After your application has been submitted, you will hear from each school directly about their admissions decision.
During nursing school
By now, you’ve been accepted into nursing school. Congratulations! The hard work has just begun. Here is a little bit of what to expect during nursing school.
What will I be learning in nursing school?
Your curriculum will largely depend on factors such as your school and the type of degree program you are in. You will work with your advisors to select the classes you will take each semester and how many. Generally, nursing students will take classes that cover the fundamentals of nursing, nursing theory, and practical skills. Like any college classes, good notetaking and study skills will be essential.
What are clinicals?
Clinicals are an important part of a nursing program. These sessions allow students to gain hands-on experience by working in different health care settings under the supervision of a clinical instructor. The number of required hours depends on your state, and the type of health care environment you work in varies by program.
How else can I get involved?
If you’d like to get involved beyond just taking classes, most colleges and universities have a student nurses association as well as other student nursing groups. In addition, joining organizations such as the National Student Nurses Association come with benefits like leadership and scholarship opportunities. These are great resume builders and give students a chance to take part in their nursing community.
After Nursing School
Once you’ve completed nursing school, a new world of possibilities is open to you. By now you’ve reached a major milestone, but may also be wondering what comes next in this journey.
What is the NCLEX?
Upon completion of nursing school, you will be required to pass the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) to officially become an RN. To be eligible for the exam, you must graduate from an associate or bachelor’s degree program, and in most states, the earliest you can schedule the exam is 45 days after graduation. Results are usually available up to six weeks after the test.
Where can I apply for jobs?
Nurses work in many different settings, including hospitals, home healthcare services, nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. Where you choose to work entirely depends on your interests and what is available in your area. You may even decide to try out a few different work environments to decide what you like best.
What do I do if I want to further my education?
There are many opportunities to continue your nursing education beyond the undergraduate level. Master’s and doctoral programs open doors to not only advancing your education, but your career prospects as well. If you’re interested in learning more about graduate school, stay tuned for our next blog post and explore graduate programs in NursingCAS!