Find programs that offer a degree or certificate in the type of nursing -- CNA, LPN, RN or nurse practitioner. Not all schools will offer opportunities to study each type of nursing.
Enroll in and complete required prerequisites. Some nursing schools will require that you complete certain classes before you are eligible for admittance. For example, students applying to California State University, Sacramento, will need to complete English, public speaking, chemistry for nurses, statistics, human anatomy, general microbiology and a few other courses. Many certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs offered at vocational schools have no prerequisites. Many master and doctoral programs require that you complete an undergraduate program in nursing.
Complete your degree. All nursing schools require that incoming students have a high school diploma or GED. A master or doctoral program in nursing will require that you complete an undergraduate degree program in nursing.
Earn a competitive GPA in an undergraduate or high school degree program. Many two-year, four-year, master and doctoral nursing programs are competitive with many students competing for admission. The University of Miami's Doctoral Program in Nursing requires that incoming students have a 3.0 GPA, but the average student accepted to their program in the last few years earned a 3.3 GPA.
Take the required standardized test. Many CNA programs will not require that you complete a test. Nursing programs at four-year schools will require that you take the SAT or ACT, unless you transfer from a community college. Master and doctoral programs in nursing will require that you complete the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).
Apply to the nursing school of your choice. Many nursing schools have application deadlines. Some will only accept students for the fall semester. Many certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs available at vocational schools have rolling admissions since they offer many CNA training sessions per year. Some applicants will have to submit supplemental materials, which may include letters of recommendation, resume, personal essay and a statement of goals.
Submit your transcripts. Nursing programs offered at four-year universities will require that you submit official transcripts from high school or a previous college. Most nursing programs offered at community college or vocational school will not require that you submit a high school transcript. Master and doctoral nursing programs will require that you submit official transcripts from your previous institution.
Submit to a background check. Some nursing programs will run a background check on applicants. Those applicants that have a felony conviction or a history of drug or alcohol related crimes may be denied entrance into the program. Those working in a clinical setting are often required to receive certain vaccinations by a primary physician or the school's hospital or clinic before entering the program.