Wondering how to apply for nursing school? Each school has its own procedures and requirements, so the first step when applying for nursing schools is to contact an admissions advisor. Work with your advisor to form an academic plan to meet requirements, then put together your application package.
Learning how to apply for nursing school involves understanding and fulfilling the nursing program requirements, as well as submitting an application. When you’re ready to begin the process of applying to nursing school, you can work with an admissions advisor to ensure you’ve fulfilled each requirement.
With Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, it’s possible to graduate in as few as 16 months with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Our Accelerated BSN program requires a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or at least 54 non-nursing college credits, as well as meeting other eligibility requirements.
While there are several key steps to start the application process, we work to make your journey as straightforward as possible. Start by understanding the type of program that meets your needs and researching requirements. Then, follow the admissions process after conversations with an admissions advisor to apply to our accelerated nursing program.
1. Understand the Different Types of Nursing Programs
Before diving into how to apply to nursing school, it’s important to understand the differences between nursing programs.
Traditional BS in Nursing Programs
A traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program requires four years of full-time study. It’s intended for students with few to no prior college credits. A BSN includes general education courses.
Accelerated BS in Nursing Programs
An ABSN program is designed for students with a completed non-nursing degree or a minimum number of college credits. It allows you to graduate with your BSN in far less time than a traditional program by delivering an accelerated curriculum and eliminating general education requirements.
ADN Programs
An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) typically takes two years to complete. Although an ADN can enable you to become a registered nurse (RN), just like any BSN program, it won’t allow for career advancement through graduate-level education. Additionally, many employers tend to prefer hiring BSN-prepared nurses.
LPN Programs
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) can provide basic care while working under the supervision of a registered nurse. An LPN program does not confer a degree. It is considered vocational training.
Advanced Nursing Degree Programs
If you become an RN with a BSN, you can apply to a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program with the goal of advancing your career. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree is another way to advance your nursing education.
Can you become a nurse with a biology degree? Learn how here.
2. Research Nursing Schools
Once you’ve decided which type of nursing program is right for you, the next step is to research nursing schools. Consider the following factors as you research available schools.
Accreditation
First, apply to an ABSN program that is accredited. Earning a degree from an accredited program is required to become a licensed RN. Learn more about CSP Global’s accreditation.
Program Format and Timeline
Depending on the ABSN school you choose, you might have the option to complete your coursework online. Nursing education always requires experiential learning as well, including skills labs and clinical learning experiences.
Additionally, consider the timeline. CSP’s ABSN program, for example, may enable you to graduate in as few as 16 months.
Clinical Experience Opportunities
Consider the clinical learning experiences offered. At Concordia University, St. Paul, students complete a variety of clinical learning experiences to refine their clinical skills and gain experience with patient interactions in a professional healthcare setting.
Cost and Financial Aid
Nursing education is an investment, but it’s an investment in a well-paying career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for registered nurses was $97,550 as of May 2025. You’ll still want to consider the cost of your nursing education, balanced against the scholarships and financial aid you can access.
3. Identify Your Nursing School Needs and Goals
Before you begin the admissions process at Concordia University, St. Paul, consider what you need from a nursing program.
For example, career changers tend to prioritize accessibility and an accelerated timeline. Flexibility can also be important, which is why many students prefer online coursework.
If you view nursing from a holistic perspective that embodies caring for a patient’s mind, body, and spirit, you may prefer faith-based education. CSP Global, for example, integrates Christian principles into our ABSN curriculum. After identifying what you need from a program, reach out to an admissions advisor.
4. Connect With an Admissions Advisor
Your admissions advisor is your most valuable resource during the application process for our ABSN program. They provide information and personalized guidance through each step of the process. They will help you review your eligibility and form an application plan.
5. Meet Nursing Program Requirements and Complete Prerequisites
Your admissions advisor will help you understand how to apply for nursing school by meeting admissions requirements.
Meet GPA and Admissions Standards
You’ll need a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you need to raise your GPA, it is possible to do so with prerequisite courses.
Complete Required Prerequisite Courses
You may need to complete some prerequisite courses. These include subjects like chemistry and human anatomy and physiology. Some of your prior college credits may fulfill certain prerequisite requirements.
Prepare for Required Entrance Exams
You will need to take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and earn a minimum score of 65%. If English isn’t your native language, you’ll need to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Complete Additional Admission Requirements
Applying for nursing school also involves meeting additional requirements like completing a criminal background check. Your admissions advisor will provide further information on requirements as needed.
Get all the information you need about ABSN prerequisites for nursing school.
6. Prepare Your Nursing School Application Package
Next, to apply for a nursing program, you’ll need to work with an admissions advisor to assemble and prepare your application package.
Request Official Transcripts
Request that your official transcripts from all previously attended institutions be sent to CSP Global. Academic institutions may charge a small fee for official transcripts.
Gather Required Application Materials
Ensure that your entrance exam scores have been sent. Then complete your application, attaching all required documents.
7. Submit Your Nursing School Application
The next step to follow on your journey toward becoming a nurse is to submit your application. Check in with your advisor to ensure your application isn’t missing anything.
Application Timelines and Deadlines
As you put the finishing touches on your application, keep a watchful eye on the upcoming deadline. Although our ABSN program has a higher enrollment capacity than many nursing programs in Minnesota and Oregon, it’s still critical to apply for nursing school on time.
8. Prepare for Nursing School Success
Earning a nursing degree, especially in an accelerated format, is an intensive process. After applying for nursing school, you’ll want to start preparing for your targeted start date. Build or reinforce a support system by coordinating with your loved ones. Research effective study techniques and hone your time management skills.
Preparing for Acceptance
If you’re accepted and do not live near your enrollment location, you may need to make plans to relocate and resign from your current employer. Work on planning your finances early to be better prepared. Make sure your vaccines are up to date and earn certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Handling Rejection or Waitlisting
If you’re applying to our ABSN program, know that being waitlisted isn’t a rejection. It means that you’ll be admitted when a spot becomes available.
If you’re rejected, speak with your admissions advisor and find out if it might be feasible to reapply after taking steps to strengthen your application.
Earn Your BSN Degree at CSP Global
Concordia University, St. Paul, is known for our emphasis on evidence-based practice and Christian values applicable to a career in healthcare. Our ABSN program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates nursing concepts with experiential learning opportunities. With two locations and three start dates per year, you could begin working toward a BSN degree quickly.
Request information today to connect with an admissions advisor and learn how to apply to nursing school.