Beginning nursing school can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what to expect. Fortunately, our seven strategies will teach you how to prepare for nursing school. To get ready, finish prerequisites, take the TEAS, prepare your study strategies, get your finances organized, get CPR certified and review the curriculum.
If you are waiting to start nursing school, or even if you have not yet applied, you might be wondering what to do before nursing school starts to set yourself up for success.
At the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), we are passionate about educating practice-ready nurses through our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track. We will provide some strategies on how to prepare for nursing school from day one, so you are better prepared for the rigors of nursing school.
1. Complete Prerequisites
The number of prerequisite courses you’ll be required to take will depend on the nature of your previous degree. Once your admissions advisor has identified any prerequisites you must fulfill prior to admission, you can get to work.
2. Take the TEAS
Commonly required for entry into nursing programs, the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) gauges your proficiency in subjects essential to studying health sciences. To be accepted into the ABSN track at UIW, you must pass the test with a proficient score.
Why is nursing school so hard? Here are six common challenges students face.
3. Learn How to Study Efficiently
One way to prioritize nursing school is to find effective and efficient study methods. A useful habit to put on your radar is to optimize your time by studying during downtime, even if you can only spare 15 or 30 minutes.
Learn more about nursing school studying with these 10 study tips.
4. Get Your Finances in Check
One often overlooked strategy for how to prepare for nursing school is to spend some time organizing your finances. Talk with UIW’s Office of Financial Assistance, and make sure you have your tuition and student loans figured out and are prepared for the cost of supplemental supplies.
5. Complete Your Paperwork and Shots
If you have forms to complete for nursing school, do not wait until the last minute. You might come across a requirement that will take some time to fulfill. Another consideration is making sure you are up to date on your immunizations. Check with your admissions advisor to determine which immunizations you need.
6. Earn First Aid and CPR Certification
First aid and CPR certifications are an important part of preparing for nursing school. These certifications ensure you have the basic skills to know how to care for injuries as well as cardiac arrest.
7. Read Up on Your Program’s Curriculum
Before nursing school starts, it’s helpful to get a reminder of what to expect for classes and clinicals during your first semester. At UIW, you can expect to engage in:
- Online coursework
- Nursing labs
- Clinicals
What should you expect in nursing school? Learn more about what the ABSN track is like.
Don’t Wait to Apply!
Now that you know how to prepare for nursing school, if you haven’t yet applied, we’d love to help you get started. If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 college credits, you can begin the admission process for UIW’s ABSN track. Contact our admissions team today to see about setting your accelerated nursing education in motion.