The Top Qualifications for Nursing School You Need

You want a nursing program that fits your needs and career goals, but where do you start? In order to find your fit, you must first learn about the qualifications for nursing school.

First, you need to determine a nursing degree path to pursue. Knowing this can save you a lot of time in your nursing school search. If you are looking for a quicker path to nursing, an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, like Madonna University’s in Detroit could be a match for you. The next step is to look at the qualifications.

Read on to learn more about [email protected] and what qualifications you need to start your nursing journey with this accelerated program.

How the ABSN Program Works

Designed with career changers and second-degree seekers in mind, [email protected] leverages your existing college credits (minimum of 60) or non-nursing degree so you can earn your BSN in as few as 16 months. The blended curriculum — made up of online coursework, hands-on labs, and in-hospital clinical rotations — will equip you with the critical thinking skills needed to sit for the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX). Most importantly, you’ll find plenty of support along the way.

Before you can begin, you will need to figure out the status of your eligibility.

Eligibility to Apply

Qualifying for nursing school usually begins with a review of your previous college credits. To be eligible for Madonna University’s ABSN program, you must have a minimum of 60 credits from a regionally accredited institution. Once you have determined you have enough credits, then you can call an admission representative to review your transcripts. That is because beyond the minimum credit hours completed, you must also meet the GPA requirements.

Admission Requirements

• Previous non-nursing bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative 2.8 GPA
• 60 non-nursing credits with a cumulative 3.0 GPA

Prerequisite Requirements

You have the credits and the GPA; now you must make sure you have the prerequisites you need before you can begin an accelerated nursing program. For admittance into Madonna’s ABSN program, you must successfully complete the following courses:

• Microbiology
• Human Anatomy and Physiology I
• Human Anatomy and Physiology II
• Pathophysiology
• Intro to Life Chemistry
• Probability & Statistics
• General Nutrition for the Health Professional
• Therapeutic Nutrition for the Health Professional
• Intro to Psychology
• Lifespan Development Psychology
• Intro to Sociology
• College Composition
• College Composition II

Support and Signature Courses

In addition to the required prerequisites listed above for Madonna’s ABSN program, you may (will) also have to take the following courses:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Spiritual & Ethical Considerations Palliative/End of Life Care
• Health Care Informatics (must be taken before or with NUR 3480)
• Medical Ethics
• Two religion courses (One of which is called Madonna Heritage and must be taken at Madonna University. The other religion course can be taken anywhere.)
• Diverse Perspectives
• One upper literature class

These courses may be taken during the program. They are intended to provide you with a more holistic view of nursing, and will teach you how to communicate and interact with patients and other medical professionals.

Why Prerequisites Matter

Madonna’s ABSN prerequisite courses play an instrumental role in your success as an Accelerated BSN student. For example, if your previous degree is a Bachelor of Arts, there are science courses you will likely need to take before you take your nursing coursework — specifically biology and chemistry. If you’re a career changer who has been out of school for some time, these prerequisite courses can help refine your study skills and may even introduce you to the world of online learning. You can think of them as the building blocks for your success.

Prerequisites help you learn the basics and progressively move onto more difficult subjects that pertain to nursing.

— Kyle, Accelerated BSN Student

Prerequisites help you prepare for the program by giving you the knowledge of important concepts related to a patient’s health. Success in courses like pathophysiology, chemistry, and anatomy gave me a better understanding of the nursing process.

— Ed, Accelerated BSN Student

3 Supplementary Nursing Qualifications

Some qualifications for nursing school go beyond grade point averages. It is about whether you have the qualities necessary to become a successful graduate and nurse. Here are three essential qualities that can help you find success in your ABSN journey.

1. Courage

The courage you had to change careers and become a nurse will serve you in your studies. As you begin your nursing education, each day will present something new. Staying in your comfort zone will not help you grow as a student, so it’s important that you face every new obstacle as an opportunity for growth. Your acts of courage will be supported each step of the way by staff, faculty, and the students in your cohort.

2. Compassion

Throughout your in-hospital clinical rotations, you will have the opportunity to work with patients from all walks of life. Many of these patients are in their most vulnerable state, so it is your job to show compassion and treat each patient individually.

It starts by being present with patients — show, feel, understand, and listen to their needs. Speak to them in a calm and friendly tone of voice. They feel your energy. When nurses care for patients from this place, their outcomes tend to be much better.

3. Leadership

If you want to elevate your nursing school experience and drive change, you must show acts of leadership. You can do this by taking control of various situations, communicating effectively with instructors and the members of your cohort, asking tough questions, and advocating for your patient’s needs. These skills not only enhance your progress as a student but also impact your job performance and career prospects.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Enrolling in an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, like Madonna’s is not meant to be simple. The requirements are meant to make sure you are ready. The work you put into your nursing career gives you the unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people who truly seek it.

Now that you better understand the qualifications for nursing school, it’s time to take the next step. Contact an admission representative to learn how you can accelerate into nursing with Madonna University today.