General Requirements for Nursing School

Requirements for admission to nursing school vary by academic institution and by the desired level of degree or certification. Generally, admission requirements for associate or diploma programs are less stringent than 4-year or advanced degree programs. Nursing school requirements for all students include academic coursework, clinical work and examination for licensure.

Personal Qualifications

• Admission into nursing school may require a criminal background check, a personal statement, resume and letters of recommendation.

Diploma Programs

• A nursing diploma for registered nurse (RN) certification program requires coursework in quantitative methods, writing, clinical skills, humanities, science and nursing.

Nursing College

• A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) requires college coursework in biology, chemistry and mathematics as a foundation and then anatomy, physiology, clinical nursing, psychology, social work and health assessment courses.

Graduate School

• A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctorate of nursing (Ph.D.) requires completion of a bachelor's degree, followed by advanced coursework, clinical work to prepare for independent practice and a written dissertation followed by an oral defense.

Clinical

• Clinical requirements for nursing school generally include rotations through nursing specialties such as obstetrics-gynecology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, family practice and oncology.

Licensure

• The National Nursing Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is required to practice as a registered nurse (RN).

Continuing education

• Requirements for continuing education vary by state and are needed for maintenance of licensure; education may be obtained through attending classes at schools of nursing, lectures, conferences or symposiums.