Registered nurse training programs require applicants to have a standard high school diploma, or GED, to qualify for entrance. Nursing schools have different requirements when it comes to pre-nursing school coursework. However, most registered nursing training schools require you to have completed and passed the following courses with a "C" or better at an accredited college or university prior to considering your application: anatomy & physiology, college mathematics, college English, psychology and sociology. Some nursing training schools require applicants to have completed microbiology and pharmacology in order to qualify for entrance. Find out exactly how many prerequisite credits you need to complete from the nursing school admissions office. You can take prerequisites at the same training school where you plan to attend nursing school or at a college of your choice, as long as the school is accredited.
Registered nurse training schools in four-year colleges and universities often require applicants recently graduated from high school to take the SAT or ACT. SAT/ACT scores indicate an applicant's academic strengths and weaknesses. Nursing schools may make recommendations about which additional coursework you should take before you are eligible to apply.
Pre-nursing exams determine your knowledge of English, math and science. Nursing schools require applicants to successfully pass pre-entrance examinations like TEAS, HESI and NET. Check the website of the school to which you want to apply or call the admissions office to find out which test they require. Once you find out which test you must take, purchase a study guide at your local bookstore. A study guide will familiarize you with the subject matter you need to know to pass the test.
BLS certification courses, which includes CPR, can be completed at your local Red Cross, a local chapter of the American Heart Association, a fire department or community college. Nursing school applicants must have BLS certification because nursing students interact with patients and must be able to provide life support when needed.
A nursing school applicant must pass a criminal background check to determine eligibility to participate in clinicals and internships. Nurses also need clear criminal backgrounds in order to practice their profession. For this reason, nursing schools require applicants to have a clear criminal background check on file before they begin classes. The admissions office will provide you with required forms for you to fill out and to send directly to the state police organization in your state. State police organizations charge fees for criminal background checks which vary from state to state.
Nursing schools require applicants to pass a physical examination and drug screening. Applicants can get required forms to be filled out by a doctor from the admissions office. Your family doctor or your local public health clinic can conduct both your physical and drug screening.