Which nursing programs are the simplest to enroll in? Admission to nursing programs is renowned for being difficult.
Many potential students choose not to pursue nursing because of challenging admission standards, which might include high GPA requirements, entrance examinations and stringent prerequisites. However, there are methods to make it simpler. Requirements for admission shouldn’t be a barrier to your dream of becoming a nurse.
It’s simpler to get into certain nursing programs than others. It might just take a little homework to locate them.
Easiest Nursing Programs to Transfer Into
Methodology: The list of schools is alphabetized below. A college or university must have a high admission rate, be regionally recognized, and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format to be listed.
1. Metropolitan State University
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, led by a Registered Nurse, is available at Metropolitan State University. Online or hybrid learning environments are available for classes. Students need to finish 56 credits to graduate. Applicants must be registered nurses and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 from all prior nursing courses to be considered for the program.
96.7% of cases accepted. The Higher Learning Commission has granted accreditation to Metropolitan State University.
2. Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University offers 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.
The acceptance rate of MSSU is 96.2% ; It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
3. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University provides three entrance programs for its Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, one of which is intended for registered nurses. Part-time students may be able to finish the program in four semesters as a registered nurse. Candidates must hold an associate degree in nursing, be registered nurses, and have a GPA of 2.75 or better to be considered for this track.
New Mexico State University is 80%. The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges has granted NMSU its accreditation.
4. Nicholls State University
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is available at Nicholls State University for Registered Nurses.
Of the 120 credits needed for the degree, students may transfer 40 creditable credits. Before becoming eligible for the program, applicants must be accepted into the institution and earn a GPA of 2.75 in the 35 needed courses. Attending an informational seminar on nursing is also required.
92% of applicants are accepted. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Nicholls State University its accreditation.
5. North Dakota State University
The online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is available from North Dakota State University. To graduate from the program, one must complete 120 credits, of which at least 60 must come from a four-year university. Candidates must provide two professional references, be registered nurses (RNs), hold an associate degree in nursing, and have a GPA of 2.75.
83.5 percent of the applicants are usually accepted. NDSU holds Higher Learning Commission accreditation.
6. Saint Mary’s College
For registered nurses, Saint Mary’s College provides an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Usually, the program may be finished in a year. Applicants to the program must be registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing and a GPA of 2.5 or above. When applying, you must send an official transcript, a personal statement, and a résumé.
Amount Accepted: 84.8%
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Saint Mary’s College its accreditation.
7. Sonoma State University
A Post-Licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing is one of the nursing degrees that Sonoma State University provides.
In their first year of an associate in nursing program, or after earning their associate degree, students may apply for admission to the program. A GPA of 2.7 or above and 24 academic units are requirements for admission.
Rate of Acceptance: 81.9%
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges has granted accreditation to Sonoma State University.
8. South Dakota State University
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at South Dakota State University is available online for registered nurses. Students need to finish 30 credit hours to graduate. There are seven weeks in a class. Candidates must be registered nurses and hold an Associate of Nursing degree with a GPA of 2.5 or better.
92% of applicants are usually accepted. The Higher Learning Commission has granted South Dakota State University its accreditation.
9. Southeast Missouri State University
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Southeast Missouri State University is available to registered nurses. Online instruction is provided. Students must finish all extra education requirements in addition to 26 nursing credits to graduate. Candidates must be registered nurses with a GPA of 2.5 or above.
The school’s acceptance rate is 97.2%. The Higher Learning Commission has granted Southeast Missouri State University its accreditation.
10. Southeastern Louisiana University
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is available online from Southeastern Louisiana University for Registered Nurses.
Up to 45 transferable credits from prior coursework are allowed for students, potentially allowing them to finish the program in a year. A nursing license, an associate’s degree in nursing, and a C or better in nursing courses are prerequisites for admission.
89% of applicants are accepted. The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted Southeastern Louisiana University its accreditation.
11. St. Cloud State University
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is available at St. Cloud State University for Registered Nurses. The program can be finished in as little as a year, with the requirement that students complete 30 credit hours in order to graduate. Applicants to the program must be registered nurses who have completed all nursing courses required for an associate’s degree with a minimum grade of C.
Rate of Acceptance: 89.7%
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Cloud State University its accreditation.
12. University of Evansville
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in online registered nursing is available from the University of Evansville.
To get a bachelor’s degree, students must complete 120 credits, although they may be able to acquire credits for prior coursework and relevant job experience. The minimum GPA required for applicants is 2.5, and they must be registered nurses with an associate’s degree in nursing.
80% of respondents are usually accepted. The Higher Learning Commission has granted accreditation to the University of Evansville.
13. University of Kansas
An online curriculum from the University of Kansas leads from a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to a Registered Nurse. Students need to obtain at least 30 credits at the school out of a possible 120 credits to graduate. In addition to being registered nurses and having a minimum GPA of 2.5, applicants must have completed 60 prerequisite courses.
92.3% of applications are accepted. The Higher Learning Commission has granted accreditation to the University of Kansas.
14. University of Louisiana – Monroe
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is available online for registered nurses at the University of Louisiana—Monroe. Students need to finish 30 credits to graduate. A 2.0 GPA from an associate’s degree in nursing and an RN licensure are prerequisites for admission to the program.
The school’s acceptance rate is 91% . The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted the University of Louisiana Monroe its accreditation.
15. University of Missouri – Columbia
A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is available at the University of Missouri—Columbia. Under the program, students can earn up to 30 transferable credit hours by completing courses online. Candidates must be registered nurses with a minimum associate degree in nursing GPA of 2.5.
Acceptance Rate: 81.5%
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Mizzou.
16. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
A Bachelor of Science degree is offered by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A student has to finish 122 credits in order to graduate.
Students can enroll in the program via either the regular track or the registered nursing track. After being admitted to the program, applicants need to turn in a portfolio that includes their RN license, statement of intent, and résumé.
Acceptance Rate: 88%
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has granted UNLV accreditation.
17. University of Northern Colorado
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for Registered Nurses is available at the University of Northern Colorado. Cohort-based classes are offered online by the program. To graduate, students must finish a 100-hour practicum. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be registered nurses with an associate’s degree.
Acceptance Rate: 89%
The Higher Learning Commission has granted the University of Northern Colorado accreditation.
18. University of South Alabama
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing program for Registered Nurses is available at the University of South Alabama.
After completing six courses and an online professional work component, students can graduate from the program. Within five years of beginning the program, students must finish it. To be qualified, applicants must pass 18 required courses with a GPA of at least 2.5.
Acceptance Rate: 87.2%
The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools has granted the University of South Alabama its accreditation.
19. University of Utah
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a Registered Nurse concentration is available online at the University of Utah. Students must finish 30 credit hours and 113 clinical hours to graduate from the program. A GPA of 3.0 or more, two professional references, and official transcripts are required of applicants to the program.
Acceptance Rate: 82.6%
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities has granted the University of Utah its accreditation.
20. Youngstown State Universit
A registered nurse to bachelor of science in nursing program is available online at Youngstown State University. To graduate, students need to complete 122 credit hours. Applicants to the program must be registered nurses with an Associate of Nursing degree and a GPA of at least 2.0.
Acceptance Rate: 86.7%
The Higher Learning Commission has granted Youngstown State University its accreditation.
A lot of potential students think that “transfer into” means a program of poor quality. That is just untrue. The ease of admission to a school can be influenced by a variety of variables unrelated to the caliber of the curriculum.
The admissions procedure is maybe the first item you should think about. The least amount of barriers to admission is usually found at the simplest nursing schools to get into.
For many students, entry obstacles are removed when there are fewer admission standards. The following admissions traits for nursing programs may make admissions easier:
- No need for an entrance exam
- Not on a waiting list
- Lower standards for GPA
- No referral letters are necessary.
- Fewer requirements are needed
Every student is unique, and every school has distinct requirements. You may choose the school that could be the simplest for you to get into by looking up the entrance requirements.
Nursing School Acceptance Rate
Admission to a nursing school is typically simpler for those with high acceptance rates. Only over 60% of candidates are accepted by some colleges. By contrast, almost 95% of candidates get accepted to other colleges.
While acceptance rates for nursing programs vary widely, it can be simpler for you to get into programs that accept more applicants than they turn away.
Nursing Prerequisites
Certain universities have a prerequisite course list that must be completed to be admitted. Usually, they are math and science classes. It’s usually simpler to get into nursing programs with no requirements or minimal prerequisites.
Ways to Raise Your Prospects of Being Accepted
Even if the acceptance rate at your preferred school is low, there are still plenty of things you can do to try to improve your chances of getting in. When there is a lot of competition, making your application stand out from the others might help increase your chances of getting in.
Understanding the requirements that your potential nursing school has for candidates is beneficial. Why and what do they need? A portion of the application may be given more weight by some colleges. You may concentrate on the areas of your application that will most affect the admission department’s decision by learning what your prospective program appreciates.
You can demonstrate that you are capable of handling the workload if admitted by performing very well during the admissions process. It might be important to prepare in advance to do this.
While the schools on this list might not be prerequisites, you can improve your chances of admittance by being ready in the following ways:
- Finish the required courses. A relevant list of subjects to study includes mathematics, microbiology, physiology, psychology, chemistry, and sociology.
- Improve your GPA. Various GPAs are needed to enter nursing school. A GPA of 2.5 is required by many colleges, but higher is preferable.
- Maintain a spotless record. Background checks are conducted by several schools. It may be more difficult to get accepted into a nursing program if you have a criminal record.
- Acquire experience as a nurse. You can volunteer, work as a paid nurse’s shadow, or even obtain compensated employment.
- Develop your communication abilities. You may improve your oral and written communication abilities by taking classes in writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication.
- Rank highly on the SAT. The SAT is required by many nursing schools, even though some do not have entry tests. Some even prioritize SAT results over GPA.
- Engage in extracurricular pursuits. Engaging in nursing-related activities, including volunteering at a hospital or taking part in blood drives, might make your application stand out.
- Decide why you wish to work as a nurse. To get admitted, most schools need a personal essay explaining your motivation for wanting to become a nurse. You may get ready for this criterion by rehearsing this essay and coming up with ideas.
- Examine the admissions procedure. You may avoid missing important deadlines by being aware of what is expected of you and when it will be required.
Your chances of getting accepted into a program might be increased by applying to several backup institutions, even if you already know which institution you want to attend. Consider researching online, accelerated, private, and public schools.
You may improve your chances of getting into a nursing program by broadening your search and applying yourself wholeheartedly throughout the admissions process.
Advice on How to Pass the NCLEX
A license test administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is called the NCLEX. Every state utilizes this pass-or-fail exam to determine your degree of proficiency before issuing a nursing license.
Typically, test takers have six hours to finish the NCLEX. There are between 75 and 265 questions in the test, depending on how soon you pass or fail. Making preparations in advance can improve your chances of passing and the experience as a whole.
The following strategies will increase your likelihood of passing the NCLEX:
- Get ready for the test by studying. It is not intended for the NCLEX to be passed after a single night of study. For this test, the majority of nursing students study for at least two months.
- Examine the subjects it addresses. Typically, it addresses issues with psychological integrity, physiological integrity, promotion and maintenance of health, safe and efficient treatment, and so on.
- Make use of your learning style as you study. There are those who take notes. While some people learn best with visual clues, others prefer auditory ones.
- Examine how to take it. You may get ready by enrolling in a prep class, using practice exams and literature, or both. You may even sign up for an online mock exam. Studying material for questions you don’t get right on a practice exam might help you improve.
- Get ready for the test day. The day of the exam will be hectic and lengthy. Stress may be reduced by making sure everything is prepared the night before. It’s good to prepare ahead of time by filling up your petrol tank, packing some food, and ensuring you have the right identification.
The NCLEX is entirely focused on science and deductive thinking, with an emphasis on what you were taught in school.
Admissions Conditions
Every nursing college has a separate set of admissions standards. One school may be simpler to get into than another if its standards are less stringent or less demanding.
The following conditions are common to many nursing programs:
- GED or high school diploma
- Personal essay Recommendation letters
- Experience volunteering
Your SAT or ACT results may also be required for some undergraduate programs, however, many universities no longer do. On the other hand, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is a prerequisite exam for several nursing programs.
To ensure you are ready, you can review the prerequisites for admission to a potential institution before applying.
Why It’s Important to Select an Accredited Nursing Program
The main focus of regional accreditation is quality assurance. It guarantees that all nurses have received the same instruction in fundamental competencies across all states. It establishes the benchmark for high-quality instruction and nursing services in nursing programs.
The curriculum and teaching team are guaranteed to meet a specific level of education by regional accreditation. In many states, enrollment in a program that has not received regional accreditation prevents you from taking the NCLEX. Enrollment in a recognized program is another requirement for many types of financial help.
The majority of firms also want applicants who have graduated from recognized colleges. Regional accreditation can reassure potential employers that you have the knowledge and abilities that your degree indicates you do.
You may check the U.S. Department of Education to see if a school is regionally accredited or if it is something you are considering.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
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.
You can also inquire with companies, charitable groups, trade associations, and local foundations—particularly those that assist the medical community. Numerous of these organizations give scholarships to students who want to become nurses.
You can also verify with your place of employment if you presently volunteer or work there. They may provide financial support to staff members who are pursuing higher education.
How Hard Is It to be Transfer into Nursing School?
For many students, one of the most popular college majors is nursing. A highly skilled, realistic, hands-on vocation that is in great demand across many disciplines may be learned in nursing schools. A common interest among many who pursue nursing is serving others.
A career in nursing may be quite profitable. Average pay is frequently high, especially for entry-level positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that a registered nurse’s median annual compensation is $75,330.
Many people wish to become nurses for these reasons, yet the majority of nursing schools only have enough certified teachers to teach 100 students or less. This implies that there may be severe rivalry for admission to nursing programs.
Sometimes, even students with excellent GPAs are denied admission. Roughly one-third of eligible candidates are turned down by US BSN programs.
Which Path Is Fastest to Become an RN?
Generally, obtaining an associate’s degree in nursing, or ADN, is the quickest route to becoming a registered nurse. Although it is not required, having a bachelor’s degree can help you become an RN. A bachelor’s degree typically requires four years to complete, although an associate’s degree can be finished in as little as eighteen months.
However, there are quick-start bachelor’s degree programs in nursing that can expedite the procedure. You might be interested in learning that more and more institutions are offering expedited BSN programs with good admission rates if your GPA is not as high as you would want.
Furthermore, in addition to their classroom-based offerings, several colleges also provide online accelerated nursing programs. You can probably progress from becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to earning your ADN. Typically, LDN-ADN programs only need half as many credits as ADN programs.
FAQs
Can a 2.5 GPA get me into a nursing program?
With a 2.5 GPA, it is feasible to be admitted to a nursing program. A lower GPA is accepted by many programs. However, it can demand more work from you, particularly if you’re applying to a university where a higher GPA is often required.
You may promote yourself more effectively by highlighting your nursing background or your eagerness to develop professionally. It can be required to demonstrate to them your innate nursing skills and any other skills you have to offer. The nursing school might take your abilities into account in addition to your GPA if you emphasize them.
It is possible to get into nursing school even with a low GPA. The SAT and ACT are prioritized by many institutions over GPAs. You might wish to concentrate on performing well on these tests if your GPA is poor.
A high school diploma or GED, is all that is required for entrance to some universities, which have an open admissions policy. A lower GPA is also permitted in several community colleges and hospital nursing programs.
You can concentrate on the other entry requirements if your GPA is poor. Your chances of getting admitted might rise if you perform well in certain areas.
What Qualities Do Nursing Schools Seek in Candidates?
The majority of nursing programs want to know that you are capable and motivated to study. Your test results, personal essay, and GPA are among the prerequisites for admission that are intended to help them get a decent idea of this.
Most likely, they want to know that you can communicate effectively. It is required of nurses to be able to communicate in written and spoken forms. Since the medical industry is also becoming more digitally savvy, you might need to prove that you are tech-savvy.
Why Is Admission to Several Nursing Schools Often Difficult?
The primary cause of many schools’ difficulty in admission is their inability to instruct the volume of applications they receive.
Nurses with doctorates or master’s degrees who are willing to teach are in limited supply. Additionally, there is a lack of classroom space and clinical locations. Budget constraints make it difficult to offer the modern technology facilities needed to educate nurses.
Nursing programs must be selective in who they admit due to space constraints. Consequently, a large number of them only take the finest.
Should I Attend Nursing School?
It is up to you to decide if nursing school is the correct choice for you. If you are attempting to decide if a career in nursing is suited for you, taking into account the traits that many nurses have may be helpful.
Typically, nurses are:
- empathetic,
- Perceptive,
- passionate
- open to acquiring new knowledge
- Advocates Driven to Help Others
Leadership, critical thinking, time management, and physical stamina are all advantageous traits for a nurse to possess. If any of these traits apply to you, a career in nursing may be a suitable fit.
Conclusion
Being admitted into nursing school and earning a nursing degree are tasks that many people find challenging. Nonetheless, many nursing schools are more accessible than others, especially those with minimal entrance criteria and no wait list. For RNs who wish to expand their skill sets without the usual obstacles of on-campus programs, online RN-to-BSN programs, for instance, are a compelling option.
Fortunately, the admissions procedure need not deter you from obtaining a nursing degree. You can choose a school that meets your needs by applying to many programs and surfing the internet.
By applying the advice in this article to improve your application and looking into regionally certified nursing schools, you may begin your nursing career right now.
