Research colleges in your state to determine which ones offer associate's degrees in the nursing field. You are most likely to find these programs among the community colleges in your state or the two-year campus extensions of major universities. Once you have determined which schools offer the associate's degree, determine the admissions requirements for each program.
Apply for admission to several different schools. Applications for admission usually require that you fill out a paper or online application and submit all supporting materials to the admissions office. Supporting materials can include high school transcripts, letters of recommendation from your teachers and your scores from college entrance examinations like the ACT. You can apply for admission to both traditional on-campus and online programs.
Enroll in classes and complete your general education courses. All schools will require that you complete courses in a variety of different fields prior to formally admitting you to the nursing program. Courses can include studies in speech and communication, English, college algebra, biology, history, psychology and sociology. These are foundational courses that are necessary for further study at the college level.
Complete prerequisite courses needed for the nursing program and maintain the necessary grade point average in those courses. Most nursing programs require you to complete some of your basic science courses as a prerequisite to admission to the nursing program. These usually include studies in areas like microbiology, chemistry and organic chemistry.
Complete coursework related to the profession of nursing once you have been fully admitted to the nursing program. Associate's degree programs in nursing introduce you to studies in the basic aspects of nursing practice. Courses include nursing theory, pharmacology, health safety, nursing care as provided at different stages throughout a person's lifespan, and reproductive health.
Finish your nursing degree program by completing the necessary hands-on training that is required by your school. Most nursing schools will have you complete a series of practicums or clinical rotations where you will have the opportunity to work alongside registered nurses and gain hands-on experience.