If you’ve been researching your options and wondering, “How hard is it to get into Nursing school?”, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common (and important) questions prospective students ask.
The short answer? Nursing school can be competitive. The better answer? Competitive doesn’t mean impossible. It just means preparation matters.
Let’s break down why Nursing school admissions can be selective, what schools are looking for, how different Nursing degree pathways compare, and how you can strengthen your Nursing school application.
Why is Nursing school competitive?
When prospective students ask how hard it is to get into Nursing school, they’re often surprised to learn that Nursing school admissions can be more competitive than many other majors. The selectivity of a Nursing program isn’t meant to discourage applicants — it reflects the responsibility, academic rigor, and hands-on training required to earn a Nursing degree and provide safe patient care. There are several reasons for this.
Academic rigor
A Nursing degree isn’t just about compassionate care, it’s grounded in science, critical thinking, and precision. Students in any Nursing program must master challenging subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. These aren’t electives; they’re the backbone of safe patient care.
Because of this rigor, Nursing school admissions committees carefully evaluate transcripts, science GPAs, and prerequisite performance to ensure applicants are prepared for the demands of Nursing school.
Faculty shortages nationwide
Across the US, Nursing schools continue to face faculty shortages. There are fewer qualified nursing educators available to teach growing numbers of applicants. As a result, many Nursing programs must cap enrollment, even when they receive far more qualified applications than available seats. 80,162 students were denied admission to Nursing programs for the 2024-2025 academic year for this very reason.
Limited clinical placements
Every Nursing degree requires supervised, hands-on clinical experience. Hospitals and healthcare facilities can accommodate only a limited number of students at a time, and clinical placement availability often determines how many students a Nursing program can admit in a given year.
What do Nursing schools look for in applicants?
Understanding admissions criteria raises that age-old question. While specific requirements vary, most Nursing programs evaluate a few common factors.
GPA requirements
Strong academic performance is foundational. Many Nursing school admissions committees require a minimum cumulative GPA, and science coursework often carries additional weight. Success in biology, chemistry, and anatomy courses signals readiness for the pace and depth of a Nursing degree.
For details on our expectations, you can check out the specific requirements for the bachelor’s degree in Nursing on our BSN admission requirements page and for the associate’s degree in Nursing on our ADN admission requirements page.
Nursing school prerequisites
Nearly every Nursing program requires you to complete specific Nursing school prerequisites before or during the admission process. These courses build the scientific and communication foundation you’ll rely on throughout Nursing school and in clinical practice. Common prerequisites include:
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microbiology
- Chemistry
- Statistics
- English Composition
- Psychology
Strong performance in these subjects signals to admissions committees that you’re academically prepared for a competitive Nursing program. We clearly map out prerequisite expectations in our comprehensive Nursing Admissions Guide so prospective students know exactly where they stand.
Entrance exams
Many Nursing programs require applicants to complete an entrance exam as part of the Nursing school admissions process. One of the most commonly required exams is the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which evaluates reading comprehension, math skills, science knowledge, and English usage. Competitive Nursing programs often use TEAS scores alongside GPA and prerequisite performance to evaluate applicants holistically.
Professional readiness
Nursing school isn’t only about grades. Admissions teams also look for professionalism, communication skills, and readiness for clinical environments. Healthcare is a people-centered field, and students must be prepared to interact confidently and compassionately with patients.
Explore the Nursing programs at UB and see how each program prepares future nurses for success.
How do ADN and BSN pathways compare?
There are a few ways you can get a Nursing degree. Let’s go over what is most commonly offered.
Associate’s degree in Nursing
An associate’s degree in Nursing typically takes about two years to complete and prepares you to sit and take the NCLEX-RN exam. Because ADN Programs are often efficient and cost-effective, they attract a large applicant pool.
If you’re weighing options, our breakdown of associate’s degree in Nursing vs. bachelor’s degree in Nursing offers helpful comparisons.
Bachelor’s degree in Nursing
A bachelor’s degree in Nursing typically takes four years and includes expanded coursework in leadership, research, and public health. Many employers increasingly prefer BSN-prepared nurses, which can make this a pretty competitive degree.
Some of you who are deciding between healthcare majors may also benefit from exploring the difference between a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing to make sure you choose the path that can best help you with your long-term goals.
How can you strengthen your Nursing school application?
If you’re still wondering how hard it is to get into Nursing school, here’s the encouraging part: while Nursing school can be competitive, there are clear, actionable steps you can take to prepare for Nursing school and become a stronger candidate for any Nursing program.
Excel in science courses
Strong academic performance is one of the most important factors in Nursing school admissions. Excelling in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry not only improves your GPA, but also demonstrates readiness for the rigor of a Nursing degree.
If needed, consider retaking a prerequisite course to improve your grade. A higher science GPA can meaningfully strengthen your Nursing school application and show commitment to earning your Nursing degree.
Gain healthcare exposure
Hands-on experience can help set you apart when applying to Nursing school. Volunteer work in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, or long-term care facilities demonstrates a genuine interest in the profession. Shadowing a registered nurse or working in a healthcare support role can also provide valuable insight into what a Nursing program prepares you to do.
Stay organized with prerequisites
Double-check that all Nursing school prerequisites are completed on time, meet minimum grade standards, and fall within any required timeframe set by the Nursing program. Planning ahead prevents last-minute stress and application delays.
So, how hard is it to get into Nursing school?
The truth is, Nursing school is challenging to enter because the profession itself carries tremendous responsibility. Admissions standards exist to ensure students are prepared to succeed academically, clinically, and professionally.
But with preparation, focus, and a genuine commitment to patient care, earning a Nursing degree is absolutely within reach.
At University of Bridgeport, we’re not just filling seats in a Nursing program. We’re preparing future nurses who will serve communities with skill, compassion, and confidence; we’d love to help you take the first step.