Nursing school requirements for second-degree students include having a non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, completing ABSN prerequisite courses within the minimum grade requirements, filling out an application, submitting a college transcript and personal essay and passing the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Future nurses need to be academically strong, but you’re likely to find that if you’re willing to work hard, you can meet the typical nursing school requirements. For example, if your GPA doesn’t meet the minimum threshold, getting good grades in prerequisite courses may help boost it enough to gain admission.
Consider looking for a program where your previous college credits can apply to your nursing education. Notre Dame of Maryland University’s Accelerated 2nd Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program helps students like you do just that, even if you have no prior health care experience.
Before navigating the admission process, you’ll want to take a closer look at the requirements for nursing school, including prerequisite courses, a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and admission test scores.
Understanding Nursing School Requirements
Each nursing school establishes its admission requirements, although some commonalities exist. For example, ABSN programs require prior college credits or a completed degree, combined with prerequisites and other requirements. In contrast, traditional four-year BSN programs require a high school diploma.
Nursing program requirements are necessary to ensure that schools admit students capable of keeping up with the coursework and mastering the curriculum. Nurses are responsible for their patients’ lives, health and safety, so it’s crucial to graduate future nurses who will be up to the challenge.
At Notre Dame’s ABSN program, we pride ourselves on a rigorous, thorough curriculum. Nursing is highly technical and requires scientific knowledge, emotional intelligence and communication skills. We seek applicants who demonstrate proficiency in their previous college degree and prerequisite courses to ensure our graduates possess these qualities. Our nursing school requirements are not meant to be obstacles to starting nursing school; they are intended to ensure that each applicant is prepared to work and succeed in the rigorous and fast-paced program.
Common Prerequisites for Nursing School
You’ll need to complete six ABSN prerequisite courses to meet our nursing program requirements. Prerequisite courses lay the foundation on which you will build your nursing career. These courses aim to bolster your knowledge and bridge the gap between your previous degree and your ABSN coursework.
You must complete these courses before starting your nursing program. You’ll need to earn a minimum grade of C on each, and each must be completed within five years of starting nursing school.
The six prerequisite courses are:
- Basic statistics
- Survey of General, Organic, and Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Ethics
Your prior college education may fulfill some of these prerequisites. Every student’s educational background is unique. Our admissions team will review your unofficial transcripts to help you identify which prerequisites are needed.
Additional Nursing Program Requirements
Along with fulfilling prerequisites, you’ll need to demonstrate a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree and several other requirements for nursing school.
1. Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree
You must have a completed bachelor’s degree to apply to Notre Dame’s ABSN, but there are no specific requirements as to what your degree should be in. Whether your previous degree is in English or biology, our program is designed to leverage your previous experience toward a career as a nurse much sooner than a traditional program.
To be eligible for the ABSN program, your previous degree must have been completed with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
2. ABSN Program Application
Connect with one of our admissions advisors to walk through the application process for the ABSN program. They’ll assist you with identifying a realistic start date and verifying that you have all the required documents and materials.
To prepare for your chat with our qualified admissions team, here are 12 questions to ask nursing school admissions counselors.
3. Current Resume or Recent College Transcript
You must submit a current resume or college transcript as part of your application package. Although prior health care experience is not necessary to apply, you should include any previous work, volunteer experience or education in the health care space. You may also wish to highlight expertise or credentials demonstrating communication, teamwork, interpersonal skills and leadership ability.
4. Test of Essential Academic Skills
Students preparing to enter the health sciences field are often required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). You’ll need a minimum composite score of 65% on the exam to meet the requirements of NDMU’s ABSN program.
The exam assesses your capabilities in four major areas, including reading, math, science and English, including language usage.
We recommend allowing adequate time to study before taking it. Look online for TEAS prep resources that can help you, such as flashcards and practice tests.
It is important to note that students applying for ABSN program admission are exempt from the TEAS requirement if they have completed 30 or more college transfer credits, have not repeated any required courses and have a transfer GPA of 3.3 or above.
Additionally, if you’ve already taken the TEAS within one year of applying to the ABSN program, you may submit your previous score rather than re-testing.
5. Two Recommendation Letters
A good recommendation letter will detail your relationship with the writer, discuss your character and the work you’ve completed and share why the individual believes you are a good addition to the Notre Dame ABSN program.
These letters can be from previous professors, advisors, supervisors or coworkers. If printed, the letters should be on official institutional letterhead. Otherwise, it can originate from the institution’s official email. Letters of recommendation from family members will not be accepted.
6. Personal Essay
Your personal essay should offer a closer look at who you are beyond the surface level. This is your chance to set yourself apart from other applicants and show why you’re a good fit for NDMU. You can choose one of the following writing prompts:
- Discuss what has called you to the nursing field. Be specific, and share why you chose NDMU.
- Explain how your core values align with our School of Nursing’s philosophy. Discuss how caring for others provides personal fulfillment for you.
7. Background Check
Background checks are necessary for future nurses to ensure patient safety and professional integrity. To meet compliance, you must pass a state and federal background check.
8. Immunizations
Vaccinations are essential for protecting public health. Nurses and clinical students can be exposed to bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms during their work. Immunizations are necessary for your protection. They’ll also help protect the patients with whom you’ll interact, as well as your classmates and nursing instructors. Please ensure you’re entirely up to date on your vaccinations before applying to Notre Dame.
Talk to an Admissions Advisor
Notre Dame of Maryland University welcomes future nurses interested in learning more about our ABSN program. Here, you can graduate with a quality nursing degree in as few as 15 months. Choose from online or on-campus coursework and benefit from small class sizes, personalized instruction, academic success coaches, and tutoring services. All of our faculty are committed to facilitating your success.
Even if you aren’t quite sure whether you can meet our nursing school requirements, you can reach out to one of our admissions advisors to discuss whether our ABSN program might be a good fit for you.