Becoming a registered nurse (RN) is both exciting and hard, with the first step being to find the easy RN programs to get into.
While some prospective nurses focus on top-tier institutions with tough admission requirements, others are looking for schools that may be simpler to get into. This does not imply sacrificing quality, but rather the knowledge that admission standards vary between colleges.
Given this, we’ve offered a complete analysis of the elements that make a nursing school more accessible, ranging from admission rates to prerequisites and other criteria.
Understanding these characteristics enables prospective nurses to make informed decisions that are consistent with their academic ability and professional objectives.
Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a non-traditional student, or looking to change careers, you have come to the perfect spot.
Top 7 Easy RN Programs to Get Into
1. New Mexico State University
New Mexico State University provides a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree with three admission options, including one for registered nurses. RNs who study part-time may be able to complete the degree in four semesters.
To be eligible for this track, applicants must be registered nurses with a GPA of 2.75 or better and an associate’s degree in nursing.
2. Metropolitan State University
Metropolitan State University offers a Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Classes can be completed online or in a hybrid manner. To graduate, students must earn 56 credits.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in any previous nursing courses and be registered nurses.
3. University of Kansas
The University of Kansas provides an online Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
To graduate, students must complete 120 credits, with at least 30 credits acquired at the school. Applicants must take 60 required courses, be registered nurses, and have a GPA of at least 2.5.
4. Saint Mary’s College
Registered Nurses can complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree online at Saint Mary’s College. The program can normally be completed in one year. Applicants for the program must have an associate degree in nursing, be registered nurses, and have a GPA of 2.5 or above.
When applying, you must send your CV, a personal statement and official transcripts.
5. North Dakota State University
North Dakota State University provides an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
To graduate, the degree requires 120 credits, 60 of which must be acquired at a four-year college. Applicants must have an associate’s degree in nursing, be registered nurses, have a 2.75 GPA and provide two professional references.
6. University of Louisiana, Monroe
The University of Louisiana at Monroe provides an online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. To graduate, students must earn 30 credits.
Applicants for the program must have RN licensure and a GPA of 2.0 or higher from an associate’s degree in nursing.
7. Nicholls State University
Nicholls State University offers a Registered Nurse-to-Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Students in this program may transfer 40 of the needed 120 credits. Those interested in the program must first be admitted to the institution and then finish 35 prerequisite courses with a GPA of 2.75. In addition, you must attend a nursing information session.
Do Easy-to-Get Into Nursing Schools Provide Quality Education?
Prospective students frequently wonder whether easier-to-get-into nursing schools give great instruction. The notion is typically based on the belief that more selective institutions naturally provide a better education. However, the truth is more convoluted.
Below is a breakdown of factors to consider:
1. Accreditation
One of the most important measures of a nursing school’s excellence is its accreditation. Accredited institutions have met particular standards established by accrediting agencies, guaranteeing that the education given is comparable to industry standards.
Whether a school is simple or difficult to get into, accreditation by a recognized agency, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Curriculum (CCNE), is a good indication that the curriculum provided is of high quality.
2. Faculty Credentials
The faculty’s qualifications and experience are important factors in determining educational excellence. Schools with experienced and credentialed teachers, regardless of acceptance rates, can provide useful insights, mentorship and real-world examples to augment the learning experience.
3. Clinical Opportunities
Practical clinical experience is an essential component of nursing education. Schools that offer extensive clinical rotation opportunities in a variety of settings guarantee that students are well-prepared for the demands of the nursing profession.
4. NCLEX-RN Pass Rates
The NCLEX pass rate reflects how well a school prepares its students for the nursing profession. High pass rates indicate that the institution’s curriculum and teaching techniques are effective, regardless of the admission rate.
5. Student Support Services
Quality education is more than simply classroom learning. Support services such as tutoring, counseling and career placement can have a substantial impact on a student’s achievement. Schools that promote student support tend to generate well-rounded and successful graduates.
6. Feedback and Review
Current students and alumni can contribute vital information about the quality of education at a specific institution. Their feedback, ratings, and post-graduate success stories can provide more information than acceptance rates alone.
How to Increase Your Chances of Acceptance
There are numerous things you can do to improve your chances of acceptance, even if your preferred institution has a low acceptance rate. When there is a lot of competition, having your application stand out can help you get in.
It helps to understand what your desired nursing school looks for in applications. What are their requirements and why?
Some colleges place more emphasis on one aspect of the application. Knowing what your possible program values will allow you to focus on the aspects of your application package that will have the greatest impact on the admissions committee’s decision.
Exhibiting brilliance during the admissions process can assist you in demonstrating that you can handle the task if accepted. To accomplish this, some planning may be required.
The list below may not be required by the institution you’re applying to, but preparing oneself in the following ways will significantly boost your chances of acceptance:
- Complete necessary courses: Anatomy, microbiology, physiology, psychology, chemistry, sociology, and algebra are all viable options.
- Improve your GPA: The needed GPA in nursing school varies. Many institutions require a 2.5 GPA, but the higher, the better.
- Maintain a clean record: Many schools do background checks. Having felony convictions or charges can make it difficult to enroll in a nursing program.
- Get nursing experience: You can shadow another nurse, volunteer, or even seek compensated employment.
- Develop stronger communication skills: Writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication courses can help you improve your verbal and written communication abilities.
- Score well on the SAT: While some nursing schools do not have entrance examinations, the SAT is required by many. Some even prioritize SAT scores over GPA.
- Participate in extracurricular activities: Activities related to nursing, such as participating in blood drives or volunteering at a hospital, might make your application stand out.
- Know why you want to be a nurse: Most institutions demand a personal essay explaining why you want to be a nurse as part of the admissions process. Brainstorming and practicing this essay will help you prepare for this criterion.
- Research the admissions process: Knowing what is expected of you and when it will be required will help you avoid missing critical deadlines.
Even if you know the school you want to attend, applying to multiple backup institutions can increase your chances of acceptance into a program.
You may wish to investigate public, private, online, and accelerated schools. Expanding your search and going above and beyond throughout the admissions process can improve your chances of acceptance into a nursing program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do online nursing programs at schools with high acceptance rates prepare students for the nursing license?
Many online nursing programs at schools with excellent acceptance rates are intended to prepare students for licensure.
Graduates who complete an authorized program and meet the state’s standards will be entitled to take the NCLEX and acquire their nursing license.
Are there any specific nursing courses required for enrollment in these schools?
The precise courses required can differ per university. Most nursing schools, regardless of acceptance rates, will need basic nursing courses.
Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and critical thinking are examples of nursing topics. It is critical to review the curriculum of the particular institution you are interested in.
Do I need a high school diploma to apply to these nursing programs?
Enrollment in any nursing program normally requires a high school certificate or its equivalent (such as a GED). Some colleges may additionally use SAT scores or other standardized test results as part of the admissions process.
How long does it take to finish the nursing program at a school with a high acceptance rate?
The duration varies depending on whether the program is full-time or part-time, associate’s, bachelor’s, or accelerated. A four-year college of nursing degree typically lasts eight semesters, but accelerated programs can be finished in less time.
Will I need to go through a background check before starting clinical rotations at these nursing schools?
Most nursing schools, regardless of acceptance rate, require students to complete a background check before beginning clinical rotations.
This is to maintain patient safety and is consistent with healthcare industry norms. A clean background is also frequently required for licensure in many places.
Conclusion
Many people believe it is tough to obtain a nursing degree and be accepted into nursing school.
Some nursing programs, however, are easier to enter than others, especially those with no wait list and fewer entrance requirements.
Online RN to BSN programs, for example, are an appealing option for RNs looking to enhance their skill sets without the traditional barriers of on-campus programs.
Fortunately, you do not have to let the admissions process deter you from obtaining a nursing degree.
Casting a wide net and applying to multiple programs will help you find a school that meets your requirements.
You can begin your nursing career today by implementing the advice in this article to improve your application and research regionally accredited nursing programs.
