Inquire for information from online nursing schools that you are interested in. Gather applications for all schools that you are considering.
Complete all of prerequisite courses that the schools require. The list of prerequisite classes should be on the schools' applications. Retake any prerequisite classes in which a grade of less than a B was achieved in order to boost your grade point average (GPA) and increase your chances of acceptance.
Write an essay about why you want to pursue the field of nursing. Most nursing schools require this type of essay in addition to entrance exams for their applications. Your essay should show the review board that you are passionate about nursing and have the academic ability to excel in nursing school.
Study for the Nurse Entrance Test (NET) and Health Education Systems, Inc (HESI) exams. These entrance exams are commonly used by nursing schools to determine who will be accepted to their schools.
Take the NET and HESI. Ensure that you receive a restful night of sleep and eat a balanced breakfast before taking the exams to ensure that you have every possible advantage for success on the exams.
Contact hospitals in your local area for information on obtaining a preceptor. Online nursing schools will require their students to perform clinical rotations. Typically, it is the responsibility of the student to arrange to work with a preceptor.