Which nursing schools provide the easiest admissions?
It is well known that admission to nursing programs is challenging.
A lot of prospective students decide against pursuing a career in nursing due to the difficult admission criteria, which may include demanding prerequisites, entrance exams, and high GPA requirements. There are ways to simplify it, though. Your goal of becoming a nurse shouldn’t be thwarted by admissions requirements.
Some nursing programs are easier to get into than others. Finding them could just need a little homework.
Universities with High Acceptance Rates for Nursing Degree Programs
Methodology: Below is an alphabetized list of schools. To be featured, a college or university has to have a high acceptance rate, be accredited by a regional body, and provide hybrid or online degree programs.
Southern University of Missouri
Missouri Southern State University in nursing as a Bachelor of Science program. To graduate, students need to complete 120 credits. A registered nurse who is interested in the program may enroll as a transfer student and take tests to earn the necessary credits. Candidates for the RN to BSN program must have a 2.0 GPA from a previous university.
96.2% of cases are accepted
MSSU holds a Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
1. University of the Metropolitan
At Metropolitan State University, a Registered Nurse can oversee students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. For classes, there are hybrid or online learning environments accessible. To graduate, students must complete 56 credits. To be accepted for the program, applicants must be registered nurses with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 from all previous nursing courses.
96.7% of cases accepted
Metropolitan State University is now accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
2. New Mexico State University
One of the three admission programs offered by New Mexico State University for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is designed specifically for registered nurses. As a registered nurse, part-time students might be able to complete the program in four semesters. To be considered for this track, candidates must be registered nurses with an associate degree in nursing and a GPA of 2.75 or above.
80% of cases are approved.
NMSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.
3. University of North Dakota
North Dakota State University offers an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. One has to complete 120 credits to graduate from the program, with at least 60 of those credits coming from four-year universities. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.75, be registered nurses (RNs), submit two professional references, and possess an associate degree in nursing.
83.5 of the applicants were accepted.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited NDSU.
4. University of Nicholls
Nicholls State University offers registered nurses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Students may transfer forty creditable credits out of the 120 credits required for the degree. In order to be qualified for the program, candidates must be admitted to the school and complete the required 35 courses with a GPA of 2.75. It’s also necessary to go to an educational session on nursing.
92% of candidates were approved.
Nicholls State University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
5. University of Sonoma
Sonoma State University offers a Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing as one of its nursing degrees.
Students may apply for admission to the program during their first year of study toward an associate’s in nursing degree or after receiving their associate’s degree. Admission criteria include 24 academic units and a GPA of 2.7 or above.
Acceptance Ratio: 81.9%
Sonoma State University is now accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
6. Saint Mary’s College
Saint Mary’s College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses.
The program may often be completed in a year. Registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing and a GPA of 2.5 or above are required to apply to the program. A resume, a personal statement, and an official transcript are required when applying.
Amount Accepted: 84.8%
Saint Mary’s College is now accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
7. Missouri State University in the Southeast
Registered nurses can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Southeast Missouri State University. There is online training available. To graduate, students must complete all additional coursework requirements in addition to 26 nursing credits. Applicants must be licensed practical nurses with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Acceptance Rate of 97.2%
Southeast Missouri State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
8. Southeastern Louisiana University
Southeastern Louisiana University offers registered nurses an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Students may transfer up to 45 credits from previous courses, which might allow them to complete the program in a year. Requirements for admission include a C or higher in nursing courses, an associate’s degree in nursing, and a nursing license.
Acceptance rate for candidates was 89%.
Southeastern Louisiana University is now accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
9. South Dakota State University
Registered Nurses at South Dakota State University can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online. To graduate, students must complete 30 credit hours. Every lesson lasts for seven weeks. Applicants must be licensed practical nurses with a GPA of 2.5 or above and an Associate of Nursing degree.
92% of those who applied were approved.
South Dakota State University is now accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
10. Evansville University
The University of Evansville offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for registered nurses.
Students can earn credits for past courses and appropriate work experience in addition to the 120 credits required to earn a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must be registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
80% of participants acknowledged
The University of Evansville is now accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
11. University of St. Cloud
Registered nurses can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at St. Cloud State University.
Students must complete 30 credit hours to graduate from the program, which can be completed in as little as a year. Registered nurses who have finished all associate’s degree-required nursing courses with a minimum grade of C are eligible to apply to the program.
Acceptance Rate: 89.7%
Cloud State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
12. Kansas University
The University of Kansas offers an online program that graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with the title of Registered Nurse. To graduate from the program, students must earn at least 30 of the 120 credits that are offered. Applicants must be registered nurses with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and have finished 60 required courses.
92.3% of submissions were approved.
The University of Kansas has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
13. Louisiana University at Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers registered nurses an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. To graduate, students must complete 30 credits. Admission to the program requires both an RN license and a 2.0 GPA from an associate’s degree in nursing.
91% Acceptance Ratio
The University of Louisiana Monroe has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
14. Columbia University of Missouri
The University of Missouri at Columbia offers a curriculum that enables registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Through the program, students can finish online courses to receive up to 30 transferable credit hours. Applicants must be registered nurses with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in associate degree nursing.
Rate of Acceptance: 81.5%
Mizzou has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
88% of applicants were accepted.
UNLV has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
15. Northern Colorado University
The University of Northern Colorado offers registered nurses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. The program offers online cohort-based classes. Students must complete a 100-hour practicum in order to graduate. Applicants must be registered nurses with an associate’s degree in order to be eligible for the program.
89% of applicants were accepted.
The University of Northern Colorado has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
16. Nevada State University in Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a Bachelor of Science degree. In order to graduate, a student has to complete 122 credits.
Either the standard track or the registered nursing track are available for enrollment in the program. Upon acceptance into the program, candidates must submit a portfolio comprising their resume, statement of intent, and RN license.
17. Utah University
The University of Utah offers an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a Registered Nurse focus. To graduate from the program, students need to complete 113 clinical hours and 30 credit hours. Candidates for the program must provide official transcripts, two professional references, and a GPA of 3.0 or above.
Rate of Acceptance: 82.6%
The University of Utah has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
18. South Alabama University
The University of South Alabama offers registered nurses a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Students can graduate from the program after completing six courses plus an online professional work component. Students are required to complete the program within five years of starting it. Applicants must pass the 18 needed courses with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be eligible.
Acceptance Rate: 87.2%
The University of South Alabama has been accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
19. University of Youngstown
Youngstown State University offers an online bachelor of science in nursing degree for registered nurses. Students must finish 122 credit hours to graduate. Registered nurses with an Associate of Nursing degree and a minimum GPA of 2.0 are required to apply to the program.
Acceptance Rate: 86.7%
Youngstown State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Many prospective students believe that “transfer into” denotes a subpar program. It is just false. There are several factors other than curriculum quality that might affect how easy it is to get into a school.
The process for admissions may be the first thing you should consider. The nursing schools that are easiest to get into typically have the fewest obstacles to admission.
Reducing admission requirements removes barriers to access for many students. The following characteristics of nursing program admissions may facilitate admittance:
- No requirement to take an entrance test
- Not placed on hold
- Lower GPA requirements
- Referral letters are not required.
- Requirements are reduced.
Every school has different criteria, and every student is different. By reading out the entry criteria, you may select the school that you think has the best chance of being the easiest to get into.
Acceptance Rate for Nursing Schools
Those with high acceptance rates usually have an easier time getting into nursing school. Certain institutions only accept more than 60% of applicants. In comparison, the acceptance rate for candidates to other universities is close to 95%.
It may be easier for you to get into schools that accept more candidates than they turn away, even if acceptance rates for nursing programs vary greatly.
Nursing Requirements
To get admitted to some colleges, applicants must finish a list of required courses. These are often science and math subjects. Admission to nursing programs is typically easier with no requirements or low prerequisites.
What Makes It Easier to Transfer into a Nursing School Compared to Another?
Admissions to Nursing Schools
How hard it is to get into one school over another is typically determined by the admissions process.
However, additional factors might affect enrollment, such as
The quantity of applications compared to open slots. There will likely be intense competition among the 2,000 applicants because there are just 100 slots available. With fewer applications and no waiting list, nursing schools are typically easier to get into.
Multiple entry dates. Some institutions offer program admission twice or three times a year instead of just once. As a consequence, your chances of being approved might increase.
Support for the admissions process. Searching for colleges that provide aid from admissions consultants may be beneficial. They can help you get accepted and also mentor you during the whole admissions process.
The school’s location and popularity. Your chances of getting accepted will be higher if you apply to a less well-known university or somewhere where there is a significant need for nurses.
To help you prepare for the admissions process and identify the schools you have the best chance of getting into, conduct some research on the institutions you are interested in before submitting an application.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Accepted
You still have a lot of options for trying to increase your chances of admission even if your top school has a low acceptance rate. Making your application stand out from the crowd may help you have a better chance of being accepted when there is a lot of competition.
It is helpful to know what qualifications your prospective nursing school is looking for. What are their needs and why? Certain institutions could assign greater weight to a certain section of the application. By finding out what your potential program values, you can focus on the parts of your application that will have the biggest impact on the admission department’s decision.
You can prove to the admissions committee that you can manage the workload if accepted by doing very well in the application process. To achieve this, it could be necessary to make preliminary preparations.
Even if the universities on this list might not be requirements, being prepared in the following ways will increase your chances of admission:
- Complete the necessary coursework. Mathematics, microbiology, physiology, psychology, chemistry, and sociology are among the pertinent fields of study.
- Boost your GPA. A range of GPAs is required to apply to nursing programs. Many institutions demand a GPA of 2.5, while better is preferred.
- Continue to have a clean record. Numerous schools perform background checks. If you have a criminal background, being admitted into a nursing program could be more challenging.
- Obtain nursing experience. You have three options: volunteer, work as a paid nurse’s shadow, or even land a job with pay.
- Become more proficient at speaking. You may improve your vocal and written communication abilities by enrolling in writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication courses.
- score well on the SAT. While some nursing schools do not have entrance exams, many do need the SAT. Some even give SAT scores more weight than GPA.
- Participate in extracurricular activities. Your application may stand out if you participate in blood drives or volunteer at a hospital, among other nursing-related activities.
- Choose your reasons for wanting to become a nurse. Most universities need a personal essay outlining your reasons for wanting to become a nurse in order for you to be admitted. You can practice writing this essay and brainstorming to help you prepare for this requirement.
- Look over the admissions process. Knowing what is expected of you and when it will be needed might help you avoid missing critical deadlines.
Even if you already know the college you wish to attend, applying to many backup universities may boost your chances of being admitted into a program. Look into public, private, accelerated, and online education.
Expanding your search and putting forth your best effort throughout the admissions process will help you increase your chances of being accepted into a nursing program.
Tips for Clearing the NCLEX
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers a licensure exam known as the NCLEX. This is a pass/fail exam that is used by all states to assess your level of competency prior to granting a nursing license.
The NCLEX normally takes six hours to complete for test takers. Depending on how quickly you pass or fail, the test consists of 75–265 questions. You may increase both your chances of passing and the whole experience by preparing ahead of time.
- The National Council of State Boards of Nursing administers a licensure exam known as the NCLEX. This is a pass/fail exam that is used by all states to assess your level of competency prior to granting a nursing license.
- The NCLEX normally takes six hours to complete for test takers. Depending on how quickly you pass or fail, the test consists of 75–265 questions. You may increase both your chances of passing and the whole experience by preparing ahead of time.
Consider how to handle it. To prepare, you can use study materials and practice tests, enroll in a prep course, or do both. You may even register for a fake exam on the internet. If you review the information for questions you don’t receive on a practice test, you could do better.
Prepare for the day of the test. Exam day is going to be long and busy. Making sure everything is ready the night before might help to lessen stress. It’s wise to get ready in advance by making sure you have the appropriate identification, packing some food, and filling up your gas tank.
The whole focus of the NCLEX is on science and logical reasoning, with a particular emphasis on what you learned in school.
Conditions of Admission
Each nursing college has its own unique requirements for admission. If a school has less rigorous or strict requirements, it could be easier to get into than another.
Many nursing programs share the following conditions:
- High school graduation or GED
- Letters of recommendation for personal essays
- Have prior volunteer experience
Some undergraduate programs may also need your SAT or ACT scores, however many colleges no longer do. However, a number of nursing schools require passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) as a requirement.
Before applying, you might check the requirements for admission to a possible college to make sure you’re ready.
Reasons to Consider Choosing an Accredited Nursing Program
Regional accreditation is primarily concerned with quality control. It ensures that, in every state, all nurses have undergone the same training in core skills. It sets the standard for excellent teaching and nursing care in nursing programs.
Regional accreditation ensures that the teaching staff and curriculum fulfill a particular standard of education. You cannot take the NCLEX in several states if you are enrolled in a program that has not been regionally accredited. Several forms of financial assistance also require enrollment in an approved program.
Most employers also prefer candidates who have completed their degrees from accredited universities. Potential employers might feel more confident that you possess the skills and knowledge that your degree implies when you are accredited regionally.
If you are thinking about attending a school, you may find out if it is regionally accredited by visiting the U.S. Department of Education.
Scholarships and Financial Assistance
Nursing students have several options for locating financial help and scholarships. Many students receive state or federal financial aid to help them pay for education. You can use the Free Application for Federal Student Help (FAFSA) to find out if you are eligible for financial help.
You might also look for chances for assistance from several organizations. Top students receive grants and scholarships from several institutions and universities. Additionally, your particular nursing program may include cash prizes.
Additionally, you can reach out to businesses, trade associations, philanthropic foundations, and local foundations (especially those serving the medical community). Scholarships are awarded by several of these organizations to students aspiring nurses.
If you currently volunteer or work at your place of employment, you may also confirm with them. They could offer financial assistance to employees who want to go to college.
How Difficult Is It to Transfer into a Nursing Program?
Nursing is one of the most popular college degrees for many students. Nursing schools may teach students about a highly skilled, practical, hands-on career that is in high demand across many disciplines. Serving others is a common interest shared by many nursing students.
A nursing profession may be quite lucrative. In many cases, the average salary is high, particularly for entry-level jobs. The typical yearly salary for a registered nurse is $75,330, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For these reasons, a lot of individuals aspire to be nurses, yet most nursing schools only have enough licensed teachers to educate 100 students or less. This suggests that there could be fierce competition for admission to nursing schools.
Even students with stellar GPAs might occasionally be turned down for admission. The majority of qualified applicants are rejected by US BSN programs.
What’s the Quickest Way to Become an RN?
Generally speaking, the easiest path to become a registered nurse is to earn an associate’s degree in nursing, or ADN. A bachelor’s degree can help you become an RN, while it is not necessary. While an associate’s degree can be earned in as little as eighteen months, a bachelor’s degree normally takes four years to complete.
Nevertheless, there are nursing bachelor’s degree programs with rapid starts that might speed up the process. If your GPA is not as high as you would like it to be, you may be interested in finding that an increasing number of schools are providing fast-tracked BSN programs with favorable acceptance rates.
Furthermore, a number of universities offer online accelerated nursing programs in addition to their classroom-based options. Getting your ADN is undoubtedly a step up from being a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Programs that are LDN-ADN often require just half as many credits as those that are ADN.
Can I enroll in a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA?
It is possible to get into a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA. Many programs will take a lower GPA. It may, however, need you to put in more work, especially if you’re applying to an institution where a higher GPA is frequently necessary.
Showcasing your experience as a nurse or your desire to advance your career might help you market yourself more successfully. You might need to show them your natural aptitude for nursing as well as any additional talents you possess. If you highlight your skills, the nursing school may consider them in addition to your GPA.
Even with a poor GPA, admission to nursing school is still feasible. Many colleges give the SAT and ACT more weight than GPAs. If your GPA is low, you may want to focus on doing well on these examinations.
Some institutions have an open admissions policy, meaning that all applicants need to have a high school certificate or GED to get admission. Certain community institutions and hospital nursing programs may allow for a lower GPA.
If your GPA is low, you can focus on the other requirements for admission. You may have a higher probability of being admitted if you excel in particular areas.
What Kind of Candidates Do Nursing Schools Look for?
Most nursing schools want to know that you are a capable and driven learner. Among the requirements for admission that are meant to give them a good picture of this are your test scores, GPA, and personal essay.
They probably want to know that you’re an excellent communicator. The ability to communicate both orally and in writing is necessary for nurses. It may be necessary for you to demonstrate your tech-savvy since the medical field is likewise growing more technologically aware.
Why Is It Frequently Hard to Get Into Several Nursing Schools?
Why Is It Frequently Hard to Get Into Several Nursing Schools?
Is Nursing School the Right Choice for Me?
You have to determine whether or not nursing school is the right decision for you. It may be useful to consider the characteristics that many nurses possess while deciding if a career in nursing is right for you.
Generally speaking, nurses are:
- Empathetic,
- Perceptive,
- Passionate
- Open to acquiring new knowledge
- Advocates Driven to Help Others
It is beneficial for a nurse to have leadership, critical thinking, time management, and physical stamina. You could be a good match for a career in nursing if you identify with any of these characteristics.
How to Apply for Nursing Schools
Many people find it difficult to get into nursing school and to obtain a nursing degree. However, certain nursing programs are more accessible than others, particularly those with lax admission requirements and no waiting list. For RNs looking to further their careers without the typical barriers associated with on-campus programs, online RN to BSN programs, for example, provide a significant choice.
Thankfully, you don’t have to let the admissions process stop you from earning a nursing degree. By submitting applications to several programs and searching the internet, you may select a school that suits your needs.
You may start your nursing career right now by using the tips in this article to strengthen your application and research regionally certified nursing programs.
