Applying for nursing school can be stressful, but admissions counselors at CSP Global aim to make it easier. These tips can help streamline the process: plot out your needs and wants, get to know your counselor, be honest and open, retain a sense of urgency, and prepare to make sacrifices.
As you embark on the journey to becoming a nurse, you’ve likely experienced how complicated nursing school admissions can be. Navigating the application process can be tricky, and that’s why the admissions counselors at CSP Global are so committed to supporting your admissions journey.
Before applying for nursing school, it’s crucial that you know how to navigate the nursing school process, starting with admissions. While there are several key steps you must go through to start the application process for the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program at CSP Global, the process itself is straightforward.
The beginning of the nursing school process sets the tone for your entire nursing education. With the right tips and advice, you can begin the process with confidence. Here are six tips for applying for nursing school that our admissions counselors want you to know.
1. Plot Out Your Nursing School Needs and Wants
Before you begin the admissions process at CSP Global, you may want to create a personal inventory outlining your wants and needs. This is a great way to see if our ABSN aligns with your nursing school goals.
For example, if you’re a career changer looking to enter the nursing profession as soon as possible, you may categorize “accessibility and speed” as a need. Through our online nursing coursework, you have the flexibility in terms of when and where you participate in class. Plus, because our curriculum runs on a 16-month time frame, you have the opportunity to earn your BSN degree quicker than most nursing graduates.
Considering nursing as a second career? Here are six questions to ask yourself before making the change.
If you view nursing from a holistic perspective that embodies caring for a patient’s mind, body and spirit, you may choose “faith-based education” as a want. Our Lutheran-based education will invite you to be part of something bigger than yourself. Giving you the tools needed to become a sought-after leader, our core values will teach you how to practice with integrity and a strong sense of purpose. You’ll be prepared to use your talents to not only serve a variety of patients, but transform the world of healthcare.
It’s also important to consider your self-discipline. In a traditional on-campus BSN program, classroom times are set, whereas our ABSN requires you to manage your study time wisely. You’ll need to stay organized and meet deadlines set forth by your instructors.
After establishing your needs and wants, you’ll want to make an appointment with an admissions counselor to discuss the next steps of applying for nursing school.
2. Get to Know Your Admissions Counselor
Your admissions counselor is your most valuable resource during the application process for our ABSN. Think of them as a strategy consultant, coach and cheerleader all rolled into one. They will be the first person you speak to about how to apply for nursing school, so you will get to know them well.
Your initial conversation will be a casual phone call. You may feel as though you are speaking with a friend instead of an admissions counselor. Right away, your admissions counselor will ask you a variety of questions about you and your goals, such as:
- What inspired you to become a nurse?
- What factors attracted you to the ABSN?
- How are you planning to manage your time throughout nursing school?
Your answers will help your admissions counselor get to know you. Your counselor will also review your prior educational history to determine if the ABSN is right for you.
If the ABSN is the right fit, your admissions counselor will work with you to develop an academic plan, including determining which prerequisites you’ll need to take before starting school.
3. Be Open and Honest When Applying to Nursing School
When speaking with your admissions counselor, transparency is key. Their job is to make sure you turn in the most competitive nursing application possible, so be sure to provide relevant personal information.
If parts of your transcripts need more explanation, be specific with your counselor so they can see the full picture. For example, if you scored low in math or science, they will need to know this as soon as possible. This information not only helps your admissions counselor put the transcript discrepancy into proper context, but it helps them determine which prerequisite courses you will need to complete before applying.
Your admissions counselor may also ask about your family life. Our ABSN is both rigorous and fast-paced, so your specialist will want to ensure you have a solid support system in place to be successful in the ABSN. Sharing this information with your admissions counselor is important so you can make a plan that overcomes personal obstacles.
4. Apply with a Sense of Urgency
Even though our ABSN has a higher enrollment capacity than most nursing programs in Minnesota and Oregon, it’s still critical to maintain a sense of urgency when applying for nursing school. Staying motivated and meeting all deadlines will give you leverage over other students applying for the same start date.
During the admissions process, you will work with your admissions counselor to pinpoint a specific start date. Because our ABSN offers three start dates per year, you can expect to start in either January, May or September. Your start date will depend on the number of prerequisite courses you have to complete.
5. Be Prepared to Make Sacrifices
In order to be a successful Accelerated BSN student, you must be willing to put certain parts of your life on hold. Keep in mind that this is only temporary — the academic foundation you gain from our ABSN can far outweigh personal sacrifices.
As your nursing education progresses, you will adapt to a routine. While some weeks may be easier than others, there may be weeks where you spend up to 60 hours on your nursing theory coursework, skills labs and clinical learning experiences. Here are a few ways you can prepare:
- Ensure your support system is aware of the changes that lie ahead.
- If you are a parent or caregiver, get everyone as stable and comfortable in their routines as possible before your start date. Tapping into your pre-constructed support system will be key to navigating the ABSN.
- Have a back-up for your back-up. Don’t let lack of preparation set you up for failure.
Want to know more about preparing for nursing school? Here are 10 ways to get ready before school starts.
6. Know How to Apply for Nursing School
Entering the nursing school admissions process can be daunting, but understanding how to apply for nursing school can make it easier. Here is an overview of the admissions steps for an accelerated nursing program:
- Do your research: Research nursing programs to determine which one fits with your goals and academic background.
- Speak with admissions: Your call with an admissions counselor will help you know your eligibility, and your counselor will help you make an admissions plan.
- Finish prerequisites and requirements: You may need to take additional prerequisite courses, increase your GPA or take an entrance exam, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
- Submit your application: After finishing requirements, you can submit your ABSN application. You will likely need to fill out an online application and include a personal statement, references and an official transcript.
- Start nursing school: If admitted, you’ll get to begin at the designated start date (CSP Global offers three start dates: January, May or September).
Accelerated nursing school can be a challenge. Here are seven nursing school tips from an ABSN student.
Earn Your BSN Degree at CSP Global
Now that you have the proper tips and advice to help you navigate applying for nursing school, one question remains — are you ready to get started? With the steadfast support of your admissions counselor, becoming a student in our Accelerated BSN is closer than you think.
Contact us today about accelerating into the nursing profession through CSP Global.