Before applying to nursing school, you must complete high school and receive a diploma or take the general educational development test and receive your GED. Additionally, colleges prefer students who studied biology and anatomy while in high school.
An application must be submitted to the college or technical program for nursing before the stated deadline. Since nursing programs fill up quickly, it is important to complete the application early. Prospective nurses must meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) in prerequisite courses, such as math and science as well. For example, Wallace State Community College in Alabama requires prospective nursing students to have earned at least a 2.5 GPA in these courses.
Many programs require specific exams before entering the nursing program. For instance, a physical exam, background check and entrance exam are generally qualifications for a nursing degree. A physical functions exam, such as the one required by Wallace State Community college includes a tuberculosis, or TB, test, immunization verification and basic medical exam.
The entrance exam consists of basic math, English and science questions. While there is no minimum score required, the higher your score, the better your chances are of being accepted into the nursing degree program.
Educational training for a nursing degree is available in three forms: an associate degree, a bachelor's of science degree or a diploma in nursing, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. Training for an associate degree or a diploma in nursing generally lasts two years. Courses may include pharmacology, clinical training and geriatric and pediatric health care. Also, elective classes are required that relate to the health care field.
Bachelor's of Science degree nursing students are often required to take courses on caring for children, behavioral health care, community nursing and professional nursing, according to Globe University's nursing degree program. Bachelor's degree programs generally take four years to complete.