If nursing is on your radar, high school is the right time to start preparing. The students who plan early usually have a smoother path because they understand the coursework, gain healthcare exposure, and know what programs expect before they apply. Whether you are aiming for an ADN or a BSN, or specifically looking at pre-licensure programs, the steps you take now can make a big difference later.
What to Know
- Take strong science and math courses early.
- Gain healthcare exposure through shadowing or volunteering.
- Research nursing programs and admission requirements before senior year.
Start With the Right Classes
The best place to begin is with your high school schedule. Nursing programs usually look for a strong background in science and math, so classes like biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, algebra, and statistics are especially helpful. Good grades in these subjects matter because many nursing schools review academic performance closely when deciding who to admit.
If your school offers AP, honors, or dual-enrollment options, those can also give you an advantage. “Challenging coursework shows that you are ready for the pace of a nursing curriculum, which is especially important if you want to enter a competitive pre-licensure BSN program. Taking these classes early can also help you decide whether you enjoy the level of rigor nursing school requires, because nursing school is challenging,” said Ashley Jonas, MSN, RN, interim director of nursing and assistant professor at The University of Olivet.
Learn the Prerequisites
Not every program asks for the same prerequisites, so it is important to research the schools you might apply to. Many nursing programs want college courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, psychology, nutrition, and math, but the exact list can vary depending on the degree and school. Some programs allow you to apply while prerequisites are still in progress, while others want most or all of them finished before enrollment. It can be a demanding schedule, but it’s building the foundational knowledge that will help you through a challenging nursing program.
That is especially true in pre-licensure programs, where students are admitted first to complete nursing coursework and clinical experiences before becoming eligible for the NCLEX-RN. These programs often have specific application and enrollment requirements, so checking deadlines and course completion rules early helps you avoid delays. Since nursing students will not just be on campus, but also attending clinical rotations at various medical facilities, all schools also require CPR certification, immunization records, background checks, and entrance exams before you can move forward.
Shadowing and Volunteering
Healthcare experience can help confirm that nursing is the right fit for you. Shadowing a nurse gives you a realistic look at communication, teamwork, patient care, and the emotional side of the job. Working and training as a health aide can also give a more real-world experience to what it is like to go into nursing. If in-person shadowing is difficult, virtual shadowing or informational interviews can still give you useful insight into the profession.
Volunteering is another great way to build experience and show commitment. Hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, community health groups, and organizations like the Red Cross can all provide valuable opportunities. Even if your role is not hands-on clinical care, consistent volunteering shows responsibility and interest in healthcare, which can strengthen your future application.
Plan the Timeline
A smart timeline starts earlier than most students expect. Ideally, you should begin researching nursing schools at least 6 to 12 months before you plan to apply, and even earlier if you are still in high school. That gives you time to complete prerequisites, gather transcripts, request recommendations, write essays, and prepare for entrance tests like the TEAS or HESI if required.
“For students aiming at pre-licensure programs, timing matters even more because many schools have specific admission cycles and require prerequisite completion before the start date. Some programs admit students directly from high school if they meet the criteria, while others admit students after a pre-nursing phase,” Jonas said. Keeping track of deadlines, testing dates, and document requirements can help you stay ahead of the process.
Choose the Right Program
When comparing nursing schools, don’t focus on cost alone. Accreditation is one of the most important factors, because it affects the quality of the program and your future path toward licensure and employment. You should also look at clinical placement opportunities, NCLEX pass rates, faculty support, class size, and whether the school fits your schedule and learning style.
For most high school students, the journey starts with a program designed to get you ready for your RN license from day one. But you’ll need to choose your pace. A four-year BSN program gives you a broader academic foundation that can open leadership doors later, while a two-year ADN program gets you into the workforce much faster. Think about your long-term career goals and how you want to balance your education with your timeline to practice.
What to Do Next
If you’re still in high school, you don’t need to have everything figured out today. Start by taking strong science and math classes, asking about shadowing or volunteering opportunities, and making a list of nursing programs that interest you. Then compare those schools’ prerequisite lists, deadlines, and admission requirements so you can build a realistic plan.
The big idea is simple: the earlier you prepare, the more choices you will have. Nursing school is demanding, but students who stay organized, gain healthcare exposure, and understand the expectations of pre-licensure programs are in a stronger position when application season arrives.