Going to nursing school is your first step in becoming a professional nurse. Discover what you need to know about applying and getting into nursing school, how to pay for it, and what to expect in this guide. Find out how to prepare for nursing school, including nursing school application requirements, and selecting a nursing school that's right for you.
How to Prepare for Nursing School
When applying to nursing school, there are many things to keep in mind. You want to choose the right nursing program so you can receive the education you need to start your career in a positive way. When considering applying to nursing school, ask these questions:
What do I know about the nursing profession and the healthcare industry? What nursing degree is best for me? Do I know if I want to get a higher degree like an MSN or Ph.D.? Can I get any experience now to be a stronger nursing school candidate? What are the typical nursing school admission requirements? How long is nursing school? What support systems do I have in place that will allow me to focus on nursing school?
If you're currently in high school, good for you for wanting to get a head start on your nursing career! There are some things you can do now, including taking AP classes and taking advantage of dual enrollment if your school offers it. Other options are finding healthcare-related volunteer or internship opportunities and enrolling in courses in basic first aid and life support.Shadowing a nurse or other healthcare professional can help you better understand what a nursing career might be like. You can also get involved in the HOSA-Future Health Professionals to learn leadership skills. You also want to do as well as possible on the SAT. These strategies can help strengthen your nursing school application and resume.
Not everyone starts nursing school straight out of high school. Some college students will first earn a degree in science or another major before realizing that nursing most interests them. Other students will switch to nursing while part way through another program. Still, others may have an entirely different career (or several careers) before applying to nursing school in their 20s-40s and beyond.
How to Prepare for Nursing School
How to Choose a Nursing School
Choosing a nursing school is the first step in becoming a nurse. There are many things to consider, including how long a program lasts, the school's accreditation, and the type of degree that's offered. You must also decide whether to attend a technical school or college and the type of nursing role you want to pursue after graduating. After graduating, you need to pass the NCLEX and become licensed.
Knowing whether you want to begin your nursing journey with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a major decision.
Since it usually takes two years to complete, an ADN is the fastest path to becoming a professional nurse. Tuition at community colleges can be more affordable than 4-year universities. If you have an ADN, then you can then enroll in an RN-to-BSN bridge program while working as a nurse and building your career. There are online and in-person programs, and each option has its benefits and challenges.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) offers strong reasons for pursuing a BSN, including the fact that many studies and organizations —including the Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing report —recommend that more nurses be prepared with a BSN.
Because of this, many hospitals now only hire nurses with a BSN, and these programs normally take four years to complete. However, if you already have an ADN, then it will take you less time. Depending on the nursing role that interests you, a BSN may be the best avenue to get there.
For those with a bachelor's degree in another field, an accelerated bachelor's in nursing (ABSN) usually allows you to transfer many credits towards the program. ABSN programs take anywhere from 11-18 months to complete.
Another factor to consider when choosing a nursing school program is the schools' accreditation. The accreditation process involves an independent peer review by an organization with the authority to determine if a school meets educational standards.
Financial aid organizations want to know that a program prepares students for success in the field. Accreditation also signals to applicants and employers that the school offers a solid education. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredit nursing programs.
If you don't attend an accredited school, you may not be able to sit for the NCLEX exam. An education from a non-accredited school may make it difficult or impossible to transfer your license to another state, according to this NCSBN map. Some employers may not hire you if you didn't go to an accredited school.
How to Select a Nursing School
How to Apply to Nursing School
Once you've chosen a nursing school (or several schools) to apply to, it's time to begin the application process. Nursing school requirements can vary, so be sure to follow the rules. The NursingCAS (Centralized Application Service for Nursing) allows you to apply to multiple schools with one universal application and one set of transcripts.
Volunteer experience (e.g., hospice volunteer or mission trip) and internships can strengthen your application, especially if these activities are related to healthcare. Prior work experience in a related area can also be helpful (e.g., EMT, paramedic, home health aide, certified nurses aide).
Admissions counselors can help you prepare your application. A nursing school application has many moving parts, so make sure you know each school's requirements well. If you're returning to school after working in another career, contact the school's admissions office to find out which credits will transfer.
Common Prerequisites
Find out the timeline for applying to nursing school. Each program will have different deadlines. First, assess what prerequisites are required and make sure to complete them with the best grades possible since your GPA will count. Common prerequisites include:
Anatomy and physiology Biology Chemistry English composition Lifespan growth and development Nutrition Psychology Statistics
Common Interview Questions
Next, you may need to take a nursing school entrance exam like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), Health Education Systems, Inc. (HESI) exam, or National League for Nursing Pre-Admission exam (NLN-PAX). After receiving your application, some schools may require you to sit for a nursing program interview. Common questions might include:
Why do you want to be a nurse? How do you handle stressful situations? Tell us about your work history and what skills may be transferable to nursing. What would you do if your grades began to drop? What would you do if you were faced with a hostile patient? What makes you an ideal candidate for our program, or to be a nurse?
Also be prepared if the schools you've chosen require references, a resume, letters of recommendation, or a personal essay.
How to Apply to Nursing School
How to Pay for Nursing School
Getting into the nursing school of your choice is probably the first thing on your mind. But after getting accepted and celebrating, the next big question is how to pay for it.
Starting nursing school is exciting, and there are many options to help you cover the cost of attending, including loans, grants, and scholarship. After all, once you become an RN, you can earn a higher salary, which will help you pay back any nursing school loans.
The cost of nursing school varies widely, depending on whether it's a public or private university and other factors. Private universities might charge up to $40,000 for an ADN program, whereas a public university ADN education might range from $6,000-$20,000. BSN programs at private universities could cost $80,000 to $100,000, and BSN from a public university might run you $40,000.
There are numerous scholarships and grants for nursing students — the more you apply to, the better. Some scholarships may seem low, but every dollar helps when you're putting together the resources to afford your nursing education. The AACN offers financial aid resources for nursing students, including links to scholarship search engines.
If you're wondering if a nursing degree is worth it, consider the fact that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the annual median salary for registered nurses is $77,600. (Note that the BLS does not differentiate between nurses with an ADN or a BSN.)
The BLS projects 9% job growth for RNs from 2020-2030, which is as fast as average. With an ongoing nurse shortage, nursing graduates should continue to find demand in a large job market. If you have your sights on becoming a nurse practitioner (NP) in the future, the BLS projects 45% job growth through 2030, and reports a 2021 average annual salary of $118,040.
Once you're working as a nurse, you can refinance your loans and save money by consolidating loans, decreasing your monthly payments, and getting a better interest rate.If you're worried that money may be tight while you're in school, there are plenty of budgeting calculators and other resources that can help reduce stress around money so you focus your energy on school. Student discounts, cheaper textbooks, healthy spending habits, and other tips can make a big difference if you're disciplined about your finances.
How to Pay for Nursing School
What to Expect in Nursing School
Once you're accepted to nursing school and you've started your nursing education, you'll have your hands full. There is plenty to get used to, a lot to learn, and many new experiences to take in, including clinical assignments with real patients.
Supplies
In your first year of nursing school, you can expect to purchase a number of supplies, including:
A stethoscope, a penlight, and other tools for clinical experiences Scrubs and footwear Textbooks A sturdy bag Masks Hand sanitizer Notebooks, pens, index cards, and other materials Compression stockings to decrease pain and swelling from spending long hours on your feet (many nurses swear by them) A laptop or tablet if you don't already have one Supplies, study guides, and other items recommended by fellow students, professors, or clinical instructors
Common Nursing Courses
You can expect clinical experiences to begin during your first or second semester after learning nursing fundamentals and attending "skills labs" that cover clinical hands-on skills. Common nursing courses include, but are not limited to:
Pathophysiology Pharmacology Gerontology Health assessment Maternal and child health Nursing fundamentals Mental health nursing Leadership Nursing ethics Community nursing Nursing theory
Best Practices and Advice
Best practices and advice from former nursing students might include:
Having a study buddy or study group Taking advantage of the knowledge of professors, clinical preceptors, and instructors Taking good care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health Being curious and open-minded Paying attention to how you budget your time Making connections and building your professional network through positive relationships from the moment you begin your nursing education
Some of the challenges of nursing school are the many hours of studying required to learn the enormous body of knowledge that makes up the profession. It can feel overwhelming, but every nursing student learns along the way that you just can't absorb or know everything.
The first time you put on your scrubs and show up to a clinical assignment or practicum with your shiny new stethoscope, you'll probably feel very new and awkward. Trying to learn new skills may make you feel like you have ten thumbs. If you don't have previous experience interacting with patients and their loved ones (e.g., as nurses aides or EMTs) it will take time to find your “voice” and bedside style as a nurse.
As a nursing student, you may see, smell, touch, and hear things that are unfamiliar and unpleasant, and even some things that make you feel queasy. There's a lot to get used to if you've never spent time in a hospital or nursing home before. The reality of what it's like to be a nurse may be somewhat different than what you imagined (or saw on TV).
Make no mistake that nursing school can be very difficult, and there will be times when you're frustrated, angry, confused, and exhausted. However, once you find your rhythm, feel more comfortable in your own skin, and gain some confidence in both the classroom and the clinical space, you'll find that there are just as many rewards as there are challenges, if not more so. Nursing school is a fascinating journey that, when completed successfully, serves as a doorway to a career that can be as varied, interesting, and exciting as you would like it to be. According to a 2021 Gallup poll, nurses are deeply trusted by the American public. Your nursing career can reflect that trust in many ways. Enjoy the process, and look forward to the happy day when you can proudly say that you are indeed a registered nurse.
What to Expect in Nursing School
Sources
- Approval of Nursing Education Programs. (2022). https://www.ncsbn.org/665.htm
- Baccalaureate Education. (2022). https://www.aacnnursing.org/Nursing-Education-Programs/Baccalaureate-Education
- Institute of Medicine, et al. The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. (2011). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24983041/
- Saad, Lydia. Military Brass, Judges Among Professions at New Image Lows. (2022). https://news.gallup.com/poll/388649/military-brass-judges-among-professions-new-image-lows.aspx
- Surgery for breast cancer. (2019). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/treatment/surgery-for-breast-cancer.html
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages. 2022. Nurse Practitioners. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291171.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. 2022. Registered Nurses. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
Page Last Reviewed: September 25, 2022
FAQs
What do I need to do before starting nursing school? ›
- Graduate high school or earn your GED.
- Get your prerequisites.
- Research nursing programs.
- Make a plan for paying for nursing school.
- Complete the application.
- Apply early.
- Nail the admissions interview.
- Wait for the acceptance letters.
- Pathophysiology. In this course, students learn how different anatomical systems work and how diseases or injuries affect these systems. ...
- Pharmacology. ...
- Medical Surgical 1 (also known as Adult Health 1) ...
- Evidence-Based Practice.
GPA requirements vary from school to school, and some early admission nursing programs require an even higher GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (weighted or unweighted). In general, you can expect that any highly competitive nursing program will have a high GPA requirement for applicants.
What is the fastest program to become an RN? ›An associate's degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) are the two most common fast track options. With each of these ways to receive nursing instruction, they require passing the NCLEX licensure examination.
What are the easiest nursing prerequisites? ›...
The Easiest Classes in Nursing School
- Social Sciences (Intro Psychology, Sociology, etc.)
- Humanities.
- Intro to Speech (or Communication)
- English Composition.
- History.
- Using Information Technology.
There's nothing quite like your first semester of nursing school. It's like learning a new language combined with art and science. You'll learn new medical terms and phrases. You'll learn the art of caring for patients while studying the human body, science, and pharmacology (the use and effects of drugs on the body).
Which state is the hardest to become a nurse? ›- MAINE. ...
- ALASKA. ...
- Georgia. ...
- Alabama. ...
- Hawaii. ...
- South Carolina. ...
- Kentucky. ...
- Summary. There are a few cases when temporary licenses can be obtained through the state board of nursing.
Many nursing schools require a minimum grade of roughly 80% to actually pass, as well. By the time you realize you aren't doing well enough to be successful in the course, the choices can be pretty limited. Failure happens all the time. It happens every day...
What is the easiest level of nursing? ›The easiest role you can have as a nurse is that of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or licensed vocational nurse (LVN). LPNs and LVNs work under registered nurses (RNs), providing basic nursing care.
What is the average GPA for a BSN? ›Average GPA: 3.53
(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 3.53, Research College of Nursing requires you to be around average in your high school class.
What to do if you want to be a nurse but your GPA is low? ›
Yes, it is possible to get into a nursing program with a 2.5 GPA. Many programs accept students with a lower GPA. It may take some extra work from you, though, especially if you are applying to a school that typically requires a higher GPA.
Can I be a nurse if I'm bad at chemistry? ›Even if you struggled through high school chemistry or biology, don't let this stop you from pursuing your dream of becoming a nurse. Determination and extra study sessions could be just what you need to make the grade!
What type of RN is most in demand? ›- Registered Nurse.
- Pediatric Nurse.
- Emergency Room Nurse.
- Nurse Practitioner.
- Nurse Educator.
- Oncology Nurse.
- Travel Nurse.
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist consistently ranks as the highest-paid nursing career. That is because Nurse Anesthetists are highly skilled Registered Nurses who work closely with medical staff during medical procedures that require anesthesia.
What is the hardest RN job? ›The most stressful nursing jobs include ICU nurse, ER nurse, and NICU nurse. In these roles, nurses work in an intense environment with high stakes. They manage emergency situations and care for critically ill patients. Other stressful nursing jobs include OR nursing, oncology nursing, and psychiatric nursing.
What nursing degree takes the least amount of time? ›2. Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) An ADN is a 2-year degree and is the minimum amount of education required to obtain a license to work as an RN, other than an RN diploma (See next section). Most RN's begin their careers working at the bedside performing direct patient care.
Which semester of nursing school is the hardest? ›Health Assessment: the hardest semester of nursing school
Many students struggle with the hands-on nature of this course, given that it is so different from many other typical college courses.
As the name suggests, CNAs assist nurses with patient admittance and vitals. It is the lowest-level credential related to the nursing field and the quickest point of entry.
Is first year of nursing the hardest? ›If you become a nurse, your first year on the job is often the hardest. Being in a new environment, suddenly having to use new skills, and the new responsibility of being a nurse hit you all at once. It can be overwhelming. This is how to survive the first (and maybe hardest) year of being a nurse.
What every nursing student should know? ›- Confidence. ...
- Ability to connect the dots. ...
- Critical thinking. ...
- Relation-based care. ...
- Leadership. ...
- Lifelong learning. ...
- Think like a nurse. ...
- Work well with colleagues.
What state has the happiest nurses? ›
- Minnesota (Quality of life ranking #2, Hospital rating by nurses 86%)
- Wisconsin (Quality of life ranking #3, Hospital rating by nurses 88%)
- Oregon (Quality of life ranking #18, Hospital rating by nurses inconclusive)
California. California tops the list of 15 highest-paying states for nurses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for RNs in California is $124,000 per year, or $59.62 per hour, compared to the national average salary of $82,750.
What state is in demand for nurses? ›| Rank | State Name | Projected RN Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona | 35% |
| 2 | Colorado | 29.5% |
| 3 | Utah | 28.2% |
| 4 | New York | 24.6% |
What Happens If You Do Not Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam the First Time? Though the vast majority of candidates pass the exam the first time, those who fail are permitted to retake it after 45 days from their original test date. Candidates may retest as many as 8 times in a year.
How many times can you fail nursing exam? ›California: Every 45 days as many times as you want. Florida: 3 attempts then you have to go back to school. Pennsylvania: Unlimited attempts. Ohio: Unlimited attempts.
How many test can you fail in nursing school? ›If they fail, they'll need to wait 45 days before retesting. After failing three times, though, they'll need to complete a board-approved remediation program before the next retake. test-takers have six attempts to pass in total.
What is the easiest nursing job that pays well? ›- Nurse Educator. Average Annual Salary: $62,000. ...
- Nurse Blogger. Average Annual Salary: N/A. ...
- Clinic Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $65,000. ...
- Traveling Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $70,000. ...
- School Nurse. Average Annual Salary: $50,000. ...
- Summer Camp Nurse. ...
- Nurse Administrator. ...
- Public Health Nurse.
Licensed vocational nurses (LVN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) are some of the lowest-paid nursing roles, but that is due to the fact that the educational requirements are less than most other types of nurses.
How do you get 6 figures with a BSN? ›- Become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) ...
- Become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) ...
- Become a Nurse Midwife. ...
- Advance in Nurse Leadership. ...
- Begin travel nursing assignment. ...
- Change Nursing specialties. ...
- Relocate to a higher paying state. ...
- Make sacrifices.
You're headed for a great career, one that's rewarding, challenging, and always exciting. But nursing school is notoriously difficult. Most nursing programs require high GPAs and impressive scores in math, chemistry, biology, psychology, and other demanding subjects.
Is BSN school Hard? ›
Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
Do hospitals care about nursing GPA? ›Just because you aren't asked about your GPA when applying for a nursing role, doesn't mean the employer isn't looking at it. It's certainly being looked at for residency programs and internships, and for many healthcare jobs that are taking on new graduates.
Can you be a nurse with a 2.0 GPA? ›Most programs require at least a 2.5 GPA or higher. Some set their limit at a 3.0 GPA. This is important to find out during the research phase of your accelerated nursing program search.
Do you need perfect grades to be a nurse? ›Generally, GPA requirements are different from one school to another, but on average, BSN programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. At the same time, for an ADN program, the average GPA for admission ranges from 2.0. to 2.8.
What makes nursing school so hard? ›Why is nursing school so hard? The top 6 challenges of earning a BSN include the rigorous curriculum, fast pace, need for multitasking, time commitment, personal sacrifices, and NCLEX preparation. However, despite these rigors, it's possible to rise up and master how to succeed in nursing school.
Is nursing more biology or chemistry? ›Biology is an essential subject of study, especially microbiology. Chemistry classes are often required for registered nurse degree programs, as you'll read below. On the other hand, licensed practical nurse (LPN) and licensed vocational nurse (LVN) programs focus more on basic pharmacology.
Is nursing school harder than law? ›Law school (JD) is a graduate degree, while nursing school is either two or four years (ASN or BSN) to initial licensure. I do know one RN who went to law school, and she said law school was tougher by comparison, but she was 15 years older when she went to law school.
What state needs nurses the most? ›California tops the list with an estimated 44,500 deficit in registered nurses, nearly three times the deficit in the next shortest state. Texas, New Jersey, and South Carolina will lack more than 10,000 RNs; Alaska, Georgia, and South Dakota will each be short several thousand.
What are the most sued nursing specialties? ›Home care includes home health, hospice, and palliative care, and is the most frequently sued nursing specialty (36.1%). Other specialties that were commonly associated with claims include adult medical/surgical (18.5%), gerontology – in an aging services facility (10.5%), and emergency/urgent care (9.7%).
What is the least stressful nursing specialty? ›- Nurse Educators. ...
- Institutional Nurses. ...
- Research Nurses. ...
- Public Health Nurses. ...
- Occupational Health Nurses. ...
- Case Management Nurses. ...
- Home Health Nurses. ...
- Clinic Nurses.
What type of BSN RN makes the most money? ›
- Pharmaceutical RN - $83,486. Pharmaceutical RN's earn an average salary of $83,486. ...
- Nurse Informatics - $77,791. Nurse Informaticists earn an average salary of $77,791. ...
- Nurse Case Managers - $71,772. ...
- Nurse Administrators - $65,000 - $100,000.
...
TOP 10 Richest Nurses.
| 1 | Robyn Moore Gibson Net Worth: $400M |
|---|---|
| 2 | Robin Quivers Net Worth: $75M |
| 3 | Debbie Rowe Net Worth: $25M |
| 4 | LuAnn de Lesseps Net Worth: $25M |
Medical and Health Service Managers
With more responsibility comes higher pay, however. Medical and health services managers earned a median annual salary of $101,340 nationally as of May 2021. Professionals who secured work in hospitals earned an even higher median salary of $119,450.
Critical care nurses suffer the highest rates of burnout.
More specifically, a whopping 81% of crucial care nurses experience symptoms of burnout. This is mainly due to the nature of the job, as critical care nurses work specialize in the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU).
Critical care nurses tend to suffer the highest rates of burnout. Critical care specialties include the emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU). Emergency department nurses tend to experience the highest rates of burnout.
What is the requirement for nursing? ›Student must have acquired their National Senior Certificate (NSC) at the end of their matric academic year with an overall NSC score of 16 points including at least 40% in English or home language and at least 50% for Life Science or Biology.
When should I start studying for nursing school? ›In order to allow enough time to review the extensive amount of information that will be covered on the NCLEX, successful candidates usually start studying about 5 or 6 months before they are scheduled to take the test, which is probably around the beginning of your final semester in nursing school.
What should I read to prepare for nursing school? ›- How to Succeed in Nursing School.
- The Ultimate Guide to Getting into Nursing School.
- Barron's Nursing School Entrance Exams.
- How to Survive & Maybe Even Love Nursing School.
- The Everything New Nurse Book.
Most full-time students can graduate with a bachelor's degree in one year. Applicants must hold a current unencumbered RN license, along with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. They must also hold a C or better in all psychology, science, and nutrition prerequisite courses.
What is the age limit for nursing? ›The maximum age for admission shall be 35 years.
Is RN school hard? ›
Nursing requires more dedication than many other careers. However, it's one of the most rewarding jobs you can have. Nursing school is notoriously difficult—and it's not for everyone. Graduate school is challenging as well.
How much do nurses make? ›| Nursing Career | 2019 Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $30,720 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) | $48,500 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $77,460 |
| Nurse Practitioners (NP) | $111,840 |
How many hours a day should I study for nursing school? Everyone is different, but in general, it is recommended that nursing school students study anywhere from 2-4 hours a day. Committing class material to memory is essential to becoming a registered nurse, so the more time studying, the better!
Is 45 too old to start nursing school? ›And the most popular question: Am I too old? The answer is that going back to school to earn your nursing degree is an incredibly rewarding experience; you're never too old to become a nurse!
Is 35 too old to start nursing school? ›When you think of nursing school, you likely envision young people 18–24, but there are actually many nurses who don't get their RNs until their 30s, 40s, or 50s! You're not too old just because you're older than the average student. In fact, there are a lot of benefits to becoming a nurse later in life.
What is the most important class in nursing school? ›Health Assessment and Promotion is one of the most important classes you take in nursing school. Having a firm grasp on the fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology will prove helpful as you navigate your way through Health Assessment and Promotion.
How do you memorize in nursing school? ›- Get organized. ...
- Take detailed notes in class. ...
- Make time to study every day. ...
- You cannot memorize everything. ...
- Know your learning style. ...
- Take scheduled breaks. ...
- Mix it up. ...
- Form a small study group.
- Understand the NCLEX Format. ...
- Don't Self-Evaluate During the Test. ...
- Find Ways to Manage Your Test Stress. ...
- Know Your NLCEX Study Style. ...
- Make a Study Plan. ...
- Don't Draw from Past Clinical or Work Experiences. ...
- Hone Your Test-Taking Skills. ...
- Invest in Test Prep Resources.
At Concordia University Texas we emphasize an accessible nursing education, with our Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing track specifically tailored to form students into practice-ready nurses in as few as 16 months and offering enrollment locations in Austin and Dallas.
How many times can you take the RN exam in Texas? ›The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) allows National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) test-takers up to eight retakes per year with a forty-five-day wait period between each test.
How fast can you become an RN in Texas? ›
How long does it take to become an RN in Texas? Expect to spend 2-4 years becoming a licensed nurse in Texas. Completing an ADN to prepare for the NCLEX-RN takes a minimum of two years; a BSN program typically takes at least four years.