Applying to Nursing School as a First-Generation Nursing Student

Applying to Nursing School as a First-Generation Nursing Student

Getting into nursing school can be tough, especially if you’re the first in your family to go to college. This guide helps you prepare for, apply to, and pay for nursing school. If you’re a first-generation college student and you want to become a nurse, it might feel confusing. No one in your family has done this before, so you might not know where to start. Applying to nursing school and figuring out the costs can seem overwhelming without the right information.

Nursing programs can also be complicated. They might not explain things well, which can make you feel alone if your family doesn’t have college experience.

Read this guide to learn about getting into nursing school, including how to prepare, apply, and pay for your degree.

Getting Ready to Apply for Nursing School

When you decide to become a nurse, think about:

– The type of nurse you want to become.
– The specialty or specialties you’d like to explore.
– The program that suits your career goals.

There are different paths to becoming a nurse. You can become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) in 1-2 years by completing an LPN program and getting your license. Some nursing students choose to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs), which takes 1-16 weeks. They work as CNAs while in nursing school to gain experience.

Becoming a registered nurse (RN) takes 2-4 years, depending on whether you start with an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or earn your bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) right away. Many employers prefer nurses with a BSN, but you can take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become an RN with an ADN.

Becoming a Nurse as a First Generation College Student

Some people start with an ADN and later pursue a BSN. This allows them to work as a nurse while studying further. You need a BSN for advanced degrees, higher pay, and leadership roles. Whether you choose an ADN or BSN program, you’ll need to complete nursing school prerequisites like psychology, statistics, and anatomy and physiology. You can also decide whether to enroll in a part-time or full-time nursing program. Part-time programs are great if you want to work while in school. Nursing schools often offer in-person, online, or hybrid programs for more flexibility. These options make it easier to complete your degree if you have other responsibilities like work or family.

After making these decisions:

– Determine whether you want to start as an LPN or RN.
– Choose the program(s) that meet the requirements and your needs.
– Complete your prerequisites with at least a grade of C or better.

You can then start applying to nursing programs.

Applying for Nursing School

Different nursing schools have different requirements for their applications. Be sure to read them carefully to ensure you complete your application accurately. Incomplete or incorrectly filled applications might not be considered. Applying to nursing school is similar to applying for college in many ways.

Common Admission Materials and Requirements

– Admissions Application:

This online form asks for your personal information and the area of study you’re interested in. Fill it out completely and accurately. If you’re not ready to submit your application, many forms allow you to save your progress and come back later.

– Letters of Recommendation:

These letters should be from people like your teachers or supervisors who believe you’ll do well in nursing school. Choose individuals who know you well and can speak to the skills and qualities that make you a good fit for the program.

– Proof of Previous Degree:

Transcripts show that you have the necessary education to move to the next level of your education. Follow the instructions of your nursing program for submitting transcripts. If official transcripts are required, do not submit unofficial transcripts or transcripts with broken seals.

– Grade Point Average (GPA):

Your application will ask for your high school or college GPA, depending on your education level. You’ll need to report it in your application, and it will also appear on your transcripts. Your GPA reflects your performance in your previous degree or prerequisite courses.

– Personal Essay or Statement of Purpose:

You’ll need to respond to a question provided by the nursing program within 300-1000 words. The question may vary, but it often asks why you want to become a nurse and why you’ve chosen a specific program. Make your personal statement stand out by discussing your passion for nursing, relevant personal experiences, and reasons for selecting that particular nursing program.

– Entrance Exam Scores:

Your nursing program application might require your entrance exam scores to assess basic math, reading, English proficiency, and health science skills. Common entrance exams include the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment (HESI). Prepare for these exams by using practice tests, study guides, test books, and online resources.

– Volunteer Experience:

Depending on the program, healthcare-related volunteer experience may be required or optional. Some programs may require a minimum of 100 volunteer hours. Experience with organizations like the Red Cross, hospitals, or nursing homes can strengthen your application. For each volunteer experience, document where, when, the number of hours, and the nature of your contributions.

– Admissions Interview:
The admissions interview is an opportunity for the program to learn more about you as a well-rounded individual and understand your motivation for pursuing nursing. This helps them determine if you’re a good fit for their program. Prepare for the interview by familiarizing yourself with its format, reviewing potential questions, and practicing your responses in advance.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

Paying for Nursing School

You’ve applied to nursing school and may have even received an acceptance letter. However, now you need to figure out how to cover the tuition, room, and board costs, which can range from $8,000 to $120,000. The amount depends on factors such as:

– Whether you pursue an ADN or BSN program.
– Whether you attend a public or private school.
– Whether you qualify for in-state tuition rates.

This cost range doesn’t include expenses like supplies, books, and uniforms. If you don’t live on campus or attend online nursing school, you might not have to pay for room, board, or other university fees. However, you’ll need to arrange your own housing and transportation, which can add to your expenses.

The good news is that you have various options to finance your nursing education, including grants, scholarships, and student loans that can help cover tuition, room, board, and educational supplies. To learn more about applying for financial aid, refer to our guide on financial aid for nurses.

Your first step in seeking financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA collects information about your financial circumstances and income sources to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. Make sure to be aware of the FAFSA deadline, which spans from October 1 to June 30 of the following year. By completing the FAFSA, you can determine the federal and state financial aid options available to you. Note that some states may require additional forms for state aid consideration.

Following this, you can apply for scholarships targeted at first-generation students. Scholarships and grants generally do not require repayment unless you fail to fulfill service agreements or complete your degree. You can also explore federal student loans and private student loans. Federal student loans may qualify for loan forgiveness programs.

Unfortunately, financial aid may not cover all your educational expenses. At times, you might need to secure additional loans to cover these costs. However, taking on loans doesn’t

mean they need to impact your life negatively. Some strategies for paying off loans faster include:

– Creating and adhering to a budget.
– Working part-time while pursuing your nursing degree.
– Seeking higher-paying employment after graduation to accelerate your loan repayment.
– Exploring job opportunities that offer loan repayment assistance or benefits after graduation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Getting into Nursing School

1. What type of nurse is most in demand?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts above-average job growth for nurses at all degree levels and specialties from 2021 to 2031. Nurse practitioners (NPs), who hold master’s or doctoral degrees, are particularly sought after. The BLS forecasts a 46% increase in demand for nurse practitioners between 2021 and 2031.

2. What is a 2-year nurse called?

A nurse who has completed a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) program and holds an RN license is referred to as a registered nurse (RN). While ADN-prepared RNs can work in the same specialties as those with bachelor’s degrees (BSNs), they typically earn lower salaries and may need further education to pursue leadership positions.

3. What’s the fastest way to become a nurse?

The quickest path to becoming a registered nurse is through a two-year ADN program. For a faster entry into the nursing field, licensed practical nursing (LPN) programs take only one year. However, LPNs have fewer career options and tend to earn lower salaries compared to registered nurses.

4. How can I make my nursing school application stand out?

To stand out when applying to nursing school, consider including documented volunteer or work experience in healthcare settings. Such experiences could involve organizations like local homeless shelters, nursing homes, hospitals, health departments, or the Red Cross. Demonstrating a commitment to helping others through volunteering and having relevant skills and references can strengthen your application.