10 Ways High School Students Can Prepare for a Nursing Career
If you’ve already set your sights on a nursing career after high school, you’re off to a great start in pursuing your goal. Even though you have a few years before entering the nursing field, you can take proactive steps now to prepare for nursing school. This guide outlines those steps and provides insights into how to become a nurse after completing high school.
Preparing for Nursing School During High School
During high school, you can establish a solid foundation for your future nursing career. Alongside seeking advice from professional nurses, consider these ten valuable tips to ready yourself for nursing school.
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1. Choose Appropriate Courses
Nursing schools often have rigorous admission criteria. Thus, taking the right courses in high school can provide you with an advantage when applying. Prioritize subjects like biology, chemistry, and statistics, especially if your school offers specialized options such as anatomy and physiology. Additionally, advanced placement (AP) courses can offer higher-level learning experiences and potentially earn you college credits.
2. Engage with HOSA-Future Health Professionals
HOSA-Future Health Professionals serves as a platform for students in middle school, high school, and postsecondary education. It aims to introduce students to healthcare careers, offering training and competition opportunities. Participating in HOSA not only exposes you to healthcare careers early on but also fosters teamwork and job-related skills. Join your school’s HOSA chapter by connecting with the chapter advisor, usually a health sciences teacher.
3. Obtain Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification
You don’t need to wait until nursing school to learn life-saving skills. High school offers the chance to attain first aid and basic life support certifications. These credentials empower you to administer emergency procedures like cardiopulmonary resuscitation. You can enroll in training programs through organizations like the Red Cross over weekends or evenings. These certifications remain valid for two years and can enhance your college application.
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4. Seek Nursing Volunteer Opportunities
Even as a high school student, you can gain exposure to healthcare settings through volunteering. Identify healthcare facilities like hospitals, clinics, or assisted living centers that offer volunteer programs. If formal programs aren’t available, consider offering a few hours each week as a volunteer. Exploring shadowing opportunities with nurses can provide insight into their daily responsibilities. Volunteer hours not only bolster your college application but also demonstrate your commitment to a nursing career.
5. Connect with Your School Nurse
If finding volunteer or shadowing opportunities seems challenging, your school nurse can be a valuable resource. School nurses assist students with health-related matters daily and can share their insights. Ask them about their educational journey, including the classes they took and the challenges they faced during exams. Gain insights into their specialization choices to better understand your potential career path.
6. Research Nursing Degree Paths and Requirements
The nursing field offers various academic paths to launch your career. Familiarize yourself with these options to align your education with your career goals.
– Licensed Practical/Vocational Nursing Degree: A quick path to entering the nursing industry, usually taking a year. It prepares you to provide basic care under the supervision of registered nurses.
– Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): A two-year program that qualifies you to take the NCLEX-RN and become an RN.
– Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A comprehensive four-year program that prepares you for a broader scope of nursing practice.
7. Understand Nursing School Entrance Exams
Nursing schools may require specific entrance exams rather than traditional standardized tests. Depending on the program, you might take the Nursing Entrance Test, Kaplan Nursing School Admission Test, or Test of Essential Academic Skills Exam. These exams assess skills in areas like math, science, reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking.
8. Assess NCLEX Pass Rates
When evaluating nursing schools, consider their NCLEX pass rates. Schools with consistently high pass rates indicate effective exam preparation and strong educational quality. A high pass rate demonstrates that a school equips students for success in both exams and their future careers. To gauge a school’s pass rate, compare it to the national NCLEX pass rate to see how it stacks up.
9. Familiarize Yourself with Nursing School Waitlists
Nursing programs can be competitive, with limited spots available and high application numbers. Due to resource constraints, many qualified applicants face rejection or placement on waitlists. As part of your research, pay attention to schools’ acceptance rates and waitlist lengths. Strategically apply to schools with higher acceptance rates to enhance your chances.
10. Stay Informed and Updated
Staying current with nursing trends, news, and issues can shape your educational and career decisions. It can also provide valuable insights for nursing school interviews and beyond. Resources like the American Journal of Nursing, Science Daily, and NurseJournal.org’s News & Advice section can offer you a wealth of information to keep you informed and prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pursuing Nursing After High School
1. How can I become a nurse after high school?
You can pursue a nursing career after high school by enrolling in a nursing program. Choose the degree pathway that aligns with your career goals, such as LPN/LVN, ADN, or BSN, to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse or a registered nurse.
2. How can I prepare for nursing school during high school?
To prepare for nursing school, focus on taking science and math courses in high school. Engage in extracurricular activities like HOSA-Future Health Professionals, earn certifications like first aid, and explore volunteer opportunities in healthcare settings.
3. Which high school classes are beneficial for nursing school?
Prioritize science courses like biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology, along with math classes. These subjects provide a strong foundation for nursing coursework. Additionally, strong writing and communication skills gained from English courses can enhance your application.
4. Are there pre-nursing programs for high school students?
Some colleges offer pre-nursing programs, often through summer sessions, to introduce students to nursing as a profession. Alternatively, high school students can enroll in dual-credit courses at local nursing programs for early exposure.
Remember, the journey to becoming a nurse involves careful planning and dedication. By starting early and following these steps, you can set yourself up for a successful nursing career.
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