The ABSN program at Madonna University can seem intimidating, so it is important to know how to prepare for nursing school. In this nursing school guide, you will learn what to expect, what the admissions process will require, and how to ensure success during the program.
Whether you’ve recently decided to change careers to become a nurse or are still thinking about it, there’s a lot you need to know before starting nursing school. From admissions to graduation, there are many factors to consider. Through Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelors of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, you don’t have to worry about going it alone or taking a misstep. We are here to help guide you to becoming a nurse as quickly as possible.
At Madonna, we want to answer all of your questions about nursing school, the ABSN program, and how you can be sure that you will succeed. You won’t have to worry about what to expect in nursing school with this nursing school guide that will help you plan for what is to come.
What to Expect in Nursing School
The ABSN program at Madonna University is a 16-month long, hybrid format curriculum. It is a perfect alternative to a four-year nursing bachelor program for those with a previous bachelor’s degree, who are entering nursing later in life, or who want to enter the field as soon as possible. The ABSN program consists of three main components:
- Our online coursework is designed for flexibility. You can complete your classwork at whatever time works best for you as long as you meet the set deadlines. You will still be able to maintain strong connections with classmates and instructors with the online modality.
- Simulation labs are an opportunity to apply what you learn in your classes in a risk-free setting with high-tech simulation manikins. Our clinicals labs are located in our metro Detroit ABSN facility.
- During your clinicals, you will apply nursing practices in a real clinical setting. We maintain strong partnerships with Ascension Michigan and other medical facilities. These experiences will help you transition into your career in nursing without a steep learning curve.
Still not sure if the ABSN program sounds like a good fit? Find out if the accelerated program is right for you.
What Does the Admissions Process Look Like?
Your very first step in the nursing program is the admissions process. This may look different for everybody, depending on your educational background. Still, your admissions representative will ensure that it goes smoothly and that the transition will be seamless upon your acceptance into the program. Here are four steps that you can plan on following during your admissions process.
Step 1: Schedule a Preliminary Interview
Your first admissions appointment will be a very casual phone call. It may even feel as though you are speaking with a friend. This helps your admissions representative get to know you and determine if Madonna’s Accelerated BSN program is the right fit for you.
Step 2: Develop an Academic Plan
This step is crucial because it ensures that you have a well-structured plan to follow while in the program. You will send in your academic transcripts, which will give your admissions representative a better idea of where you stand in the process and your next steps.
Once your transcripts are evaluated, then you can plot out your academic plan. This involves figuring out which prerequisite courses you will need to take and when you can start the ABSN program (January, May, or August).
Step 3: Successfully Complete Prerequisites
Once you make your plan, you will need to successfully complete prerequisites with a passing grade of C or higher. While it’s not required that you take your nursing prerequisites through Madonna University, it helps the credit transfer process to go smoothly.
Wondering about the prerequisite process? Learn more about what that will look like by reading why prerequisites are important.
Step 4: Complete Your Nursing School Application
Once you complete 75 percent of your prerequisite courses, you will have the opportunity to submit your nursing school application. Your admissions representative will assist you with this process, while making sure that you fully understand the eligibility requirements before you apply.
How to Prepare for Nursing School
Once the admissions process is over and you have been accepted into the program, there is much to prepare for on both a larger and smaller scale. To rest easy knowing that you aren’t missing any steps, here are some tips for how to prepare for nursing school.
Do Your Research
Becoming a nurse is a complicated process, and there is simply no way around it. Aside from planning your academics, coordinating clinical rotations, and managing the rest of your life while in the program, you will need to account for your licensure exam and additional costs outside of tuition. Make sure that you are budgeting and planning ahead for these things so that they do not surprise you and delay you in becoming a nurse. All of this information will be accessible to you through the ABSN program and online nursing resources.
Get your Calendar Ready
The next 16 months of your life will go quicker than you anticipate. Before you know it, you will be ready to take the NCLEX-RN® licensure exam. You will need to know your next steps during your time in the nursing program. Plan it all out ahead of time so that you are prepared and don’t have to stress about what comes next in your nursing journey.
You can also expect your time in nursing school to be quite busy. The program is accelerated, but that does not mean it is reduced. It will take hard work and an organized lifestyle. Prepare your schedule ahead of time so that you aren’t caught unawares when classes begin.
Gather Any Necessary Supplies
Planning ahead means more than just organizing your schedule. You also need to have the right tools in your belt to succeed. Start thinking about the materials you will need for labs and clinicals. Do you have a mode of transportation to get to clinicals? Don’t forget about your online coursework, either. Make sure that you have a computer with sufficient processing speed and a reliable internet connection.
Why Choose Madonna
At Madonna, your success is our priority. While this nursing guide can help you plan ahead for your future, the best way to prepare for nursing school is by speaking with an admissions officer.
With the help of your ABSN admissions representative, becoming a student in Madonna’s Accelerated BSN program is closer than you think. Contact us today about accelerating into the nursing profession through Madonna University.