Nursing (BSN, MSN, DNP)

Sample 4 Year Plan

    Academics

    • Meet with a pre-nursing or academic advisor early

    • Take core prerequisites:

      • General Biology

      • General Chemistry

      • College Algebra or Statistics

      • English Composition

    • Begin General Education (GE) or Liberal Arts requirements

    • Research nursing programs and their admissions criteria

    Exposure

    • Begin volunteering at hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities

    • Attend campus nursing information sessions or webinars

    Personal/Professional Growth

    • Join a Pre-Nursing Club or a campus health interest group

    • Start building soft skills: communication, time management, empathy

    Academics

    • Take additional science prerequisites:

      • Anatomy & Physiology I & II

      • Microbiology

      • Nutrition (if required)

      • Psychology (Intro & Developmental)

      • Chemistry II (if required)

    Maintain a competitive GPA (Aim for 3.4–3.8+ for selective BSN programs)

    Experience

    • Continue volunteering or seek entry-level healthcare work:

      • CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)

      • Patient Care Technician (PCT)

      • Medical Assistant

    Shadow or interview practicing nurses in various specialties

    Prepare for Nursing School Applications

    • Draft a personal statement or application essay

    • Track clinical/volunteer hours and reflections

    • Request letters of recommendation (professors, supervisors)

    Admission Tests (if required)

    • Prepare for and take:

      • TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) – common for BSN programs

      • HESI A2 – another nursing entrance exam (some schools)

    Review math, grammar, science, and reading skills

    Apply to Nursing Programs

    • Submit applications to BSN, ABSN, or Entry-Level MSN programs

    • Include transcripts, personal statement, test scores, and LORs

    • Pay attention to deadlines and prerequisites for each school

    Finish bachelor’s degree requirements, and continue gaining healthcare experience. Consider: Accelerated BSN (for students with a completed bachelor’s), Entry-Level MSN, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs as a stepping stone.

    Once admitted to Nursing School

    Once admitted to Nursing School, your curriculum (Nursing Curriculum - BSN or equivalent) will include: Classroom + lab instruction in: Pharmacology, Pathophysiology, Adult and Pediatric Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Maternal/Newborn Nursing, and Clinical Rotations in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. To get licensed after graduation, you will need to take the NCLEX-RN exam (National Council Licensure Examination) and obtain RN licensure through your state board of nursing.