Successfully complete the prerequisites for entering the Bachelor's of Science in Nursing program. Each college may have different prerequisite requirements, but these will typically consist of four hours-including labs--each of general chemistry, microbiology, human anatomy and human physiology. There may also be a requirement of three hours each of general psychology, developmental psychology, sociology, statistics and nutrition.
Apply for the nursing program according to the policy of the college to which you are applying. The B.S.N. program is a five-semester program that must be completed with a "C" or better in each nursing course. Entrance into the program is competitive, with a demanding curriculum involving classroom and clinical practices.
Provide whatever health records your college requires and make sure they are complete. You will need up-to-date immunizations as well as a tuberculosis skin test or chest x-rays, and will require CPR certification. Each college will have other health requirements that may vary, but all pf them will conduct a criminal background check.
Fill out an application to get an eligibility receipt for taking the National Council Licensure Examination leading to the RN license to practice nursing or NCLEX-RN. If your application is correctly filled out, you will receive an eligibility receipt within thirty days. After receiving the receipt, you will be issued an Authorization to Test.
Schedule a test date for completing the exam, which will take place at a Pearson Vue Center. When you receive your Authorization to Test, you will also be sent a list of all centers and their telephone numbers. Your Authorization to Test will be valid for 90 days.