Nursing school acceptance rates in the US have hovered around 66% in recent years. It is tricky to nail down averages, since there are so many pathways to nursing in the US and acceptance rates differ widely depending on the school, degree or program of choice and selectivity of individual schools. Some of the top-ranked schools in the US are notoriously selective in their admissions and very competitive, while others accept 100% of their applicants regularly. If you’re looking for nursing school acceptance rates in Canada, getting into a program is just as competitive, though there are far fewer schools offering a nursing degree. In this blog, we’ll look at nursing school acceptance rates in the US, nursing career paths in the US, nursing school application requirements and tips to increase your chances of getting into nursing school.
Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa.
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Nursing School Acceptance Rates in the US
Nursing school acceptance rates in the US, while generally higher than med school admissions statistics in the US, are very competitive. Nursing schools are highly selective, and their admissions process is just as rigorous as any medical school.
Nursing is a rewarding, well-paying and coveted career, with plenty of opportunities for growth and continuing education, so the competition for applicants is high. Nursing school is also just as rigorous and demanding as medical school when it comes to admissions, though there are generally more opportunities for students to get into nursing school and nursing schools tend to have higher acceptance rates.
The average acceptance rate of nursing school programs in the US in recent years has been around 66%. Keep in mind that there are over 3,000 nursing school programs in the US offering various degrees and education opportunities for nursing. The admission rates, for example, for Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing versus Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can vary, as advanced nursing degrees tend to be more competitive. Recent data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing has shown that applications have increased for BSN and RN-BSN programs as students aim to complete their baccalaureate degrees.
If you’re interested in nursing school acceptance rates in the US, check out the table below. We’ve listed some of the top programs in the US offering BSN and MSN programs, their acceptance rates and admissions data.
If you’re still deciding what kind of nursing degree you want to pursue or which nursing program you want to enroll in, keep in mind that acceptance rates vary broadly depending on the program and level of education. Some programs are easier to get accepted to and complete than advanced degrees in nursing. It is also a possibility for students to continue their nursing education and earn a more advanced degree after they’ve completed a program. We’ll look at the possible nursing career paths in the US next.
Nursing Careers in the US
Nursing is a diverse and demanding career, but it is a popular choice for many in the US. The job offers a wide variety of roles and opportunities for continuing education. It is a job that is in high demand and can offer some high-paying and rewarding roles in education, training, and patient care. There are many paths to becoming a nurse in the US, and while some are easier than others, there are opportunities to move up the career ladder of nursing no matter what level you are at.
If you’re interested to know how to study in the US as an international student and want to pursue a nursing degree, good news! Many nursing schools in the US do accept international students for their degree programs.
We’ll look at an overview of possible nursing career paths in the US next.
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) is the quickest and arguably easiest path to nursing in the US. LPN and LVP programs are typically one-year programs that do not require prerequisite courses to apply. Schools which offer these programs typically require only SAT or ACT scores, high school transcripts and other basic application components. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll need to pass the necessary state licensing exam to pursue a job. LPN and VPNs provide basic nursing services and patient monitoring, and train under a registered nurse (RN).
Nursing School Application Requirements
Nursing school admission requirements are comprehensive and quite similar to common medical school requirements. Nursing schools are looking for students with high GPAs, impressive resumes and a killer nursing school personal statement. You’ll need to ace every part of your nursing school application package to compete, especially at top-ranked schools which have extremely selective admissions criteria and few open spots.
Next, we’ll explore the common nursing school admission requirements you need to know. Every school will have its own application process and requirements, so be sure to check this list against your chosen nursing program and complete any secondary essays or supplemental application sections that are required.
Academic requirements for nursing school are high, just as they are for any medical-related degree. Most nursing schools have a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0, with more competitive schools seeking applicants with only the highest GPAs. Prerequisite courses for nursing school are also similar to prerequisites for medical school, meaning you’ll need a foundation in core sciences, anatomy, math, English, psychology and more.
Writing your nursing school resume? Here are some expert tips.
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How to Improve Your Chances of Getting into Nursing School
Getting into an advanced nursing degree is not easy. If you’re planning to apply for a BSN or RN-BSN program, or an advanced degree like MSN or DPN, you’ll need to be well prepared and organized to complete the application process. Although it’s a long, arduous and competitive race to get into nursing school, there are things you can do to best prepare yourself and stand out in a nursing school application. Check out some of our expert tips on how to get into nursing school below!
It goes without saying that putting together your nursing application takes time. Give yourself the time you need to prep, write your personal statement, practice interviewing and gather the necessary documents and start on your application as early as possible. Some programs have intense selection criteria or extra long application packages. Some nursing schools don’t accept international or out-of-state applicants. Do your due diligence and check with the schools you plan to apply for if you meet the necessary requirements, or look into the schools where you have the best shot of getting accepted based on your stats and experience. Applying to the schools where you have the best chance of acceptance will save you time and money in the long run. Talking with a nursing admissions consulting service or admissions advisor can be a great first step in the application process. Getting into a nursing school is not easy, and having professional help to answer your questions, provide application feedback or advice on where to apply can be a huge advantage. Admissions consulting can also provide important prep help such as mock interviews or test prep resources. Experience is a crucial part of getting into a nursing school, especially if you are applying for a graduate nursing program. Schools want to see that you have relevant experience with patients or in clinical settings as a nurse, and that you have the higher skill level necessary to excel in a graduate program. Volunteer your time in a clinic or community hospital, or gain some on-the-job experience as an LPN or RN-BSN before you apply. Even if the GRE is not a required test to take to enter the nursing school of your choice, you might consider taking it anyways. Submitting high GRE scores may influence the admission committee’s decision to admit you, but it can also serve another purpose. Nursing school is notoriously demanding and taking the GRE can be a good precursor to studying for and taking the nursing licensing examinations. Having the GRE under your belt is a good way to learn how to study for the kinds of tough graduate-level tests you’ll encounter in nursing school!
FAQs
1. Which nursing school has the highest acceptance rate?
There are several nursing programs in the US with 100% acceptance rates, including the Lubbock Christian University, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
2. Is it hard to get into nursing school in the USA?
While top-ranked nursing programs in the US are very competitive, it is possible to get into a nursing program. Acceptance rates vary depending on the school and its ranking, selection criteria and the type of program you’re applying for. For instance, an advanced 4-year nursing degree is far more competitive than a one-year LPN program.
3. What is the easiest nursing school to get into?
The easiest nursing school to get into also varies since many nursing schools have high acceptance rates. Based on admission criteria and statistics, the University of Kentucky is the easiest nursing school to get into.
4. What are the admission requirements for nursing school in the US?
Just like medical school, the admission requirements for nursing school in the US are comprehensive. You’ll need to submit your GPA and transcripts, a resume, letters of recommendation, a personal statement or nursing essay, and any English language proficiency test results if required. You may also need to submit GRE test scores and sit an admissions interview.
5. Can international students study nursing in the US?
International students can earn an ADN or BSN while studying in the US. Not all nursing schools will accept international students, so be sure to check admission requirements before applying.
6. What is the #1 nursing school in the US?
The consistently top-ranked universities in the US with a graduate nursing program include John Hopkins University, Duke University, University of California San Francisco and the University of Pennsylvania.
7. Is BSN or RN better?
While both are rewarding jobs, a BSN is a more advanced degree and can open up further job opportunities, higher salary and more chances for leadership.
8. Is nursing school hard?
Nursing school is challenging and notoriously difficult. Graduate programs in nursing are just as demanding as medical school or other rigorous graduate degrees, so it should not be taken lightly.
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Your friends at BeMo