番茄视频

How to Prepare for Nursing School: Your Complete Guide to Success

October 16, 2025

Mike Cook

Director of Marketing Operations

Image of nursing student studying

More than just a degree program, nursing school marks the start of a lifelong commitment to care, compassion and service.

Preparing for nursing school isn鈥檛 about perfection, but about intention. Whether you鈥檙e brushing up on science concepts, organizing your finances or thinking ahead to clinical experiences, every step you take lays the foundation for your success.

In this guide, you will learn about each stage of preparing for nursing school so you can go into your nursing education with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

Academic Preparation: Building a Strong Foundation聽

Something many people ask right away is, 鈥淗ow hard is nursing school?鈥 As long as you have a strong foundation in core subjects and effective study habits, nursing school is very manageable. Let鈥檚 begin by taking a closer look at the prerequisite courses, standardized tests and study habits you can expect as you begin your nursing education journey.

Prerequisite Courses

Before you can start, most programs have certain nursing school prerequisites. These typically include:

  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry
  • Statistics
  • Psychology or human development

These nursing courses build the foundational knowledge you鈥檒l rely on throughout your nursing career. If you didn鈥檛 previously take them, you may need to complete them before applying. Strong grades in these classes not only fulfill nursing school requirements but also make your application much more competitive.

Standardized Tests (If Applicable)

Some nursing programs require entrance exams like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the HESI Admission Assessment (A2). These exams test your proficiency in areas like reading comprehension, math and science. 

To prepare, use online practice tests, flash cards and study guides that are tailored to the specific exam you鈥檒l be taking. It鈥檚 also important to note that time management during these tests is essential. Practice under timed conditions that simulate the real experience. 

Study Habits

As is the case with any academic program, preparation isn鈥檛 just about what you know, but also how you study. By sharpening your academic skills now you鈥檒l be better equipped for the fast pace of nursing school. Some common study habits for success include: 

  • Trying methods like the Pomodoro Technique, which uses 25-minute focused work intervals with five-minute breaks, to boost focus and retention.
  • Practicing understanding concepts, not just memorizing facts 鈥 remember that nursing courses require optimal critical thinking.
  • Building a study schedule that balances review with rest.

Practical and Experiential Preparation: Gaining Real-World Insight聽

Reading textbooks is only part of preparing for a nursing career. Gaining real-world experience is essential for connecting classroom learning with the patient care you鈥檒l provide as you enter the workforce.

Healthcare Experience (Volunteer or Paid)

Working or volunteering in healthcare settings offers invaluable exposure to medical environments, terminology and workflows. The experiences you gain in the field can help deepen your understanding of what nurses do and enhance your application by demonstrating commitment in the field. Consider roles like:

  • Certified nursing assistant
  • Medical scribe
  • Hospital or clinic volunteer
  • Hospice care assistant

Shadowing Nurses

If you鈥檙e currently asking yourself, 鈥淲hat should I know before becoming a nurse?鈥 know that you鈥檙e not alone. Many nurses have been in your shoes. Spending a few days shadowing a nursing professional can be eye-opening. Reach out to local hospitals, clinics or school alumni networks to find the right opportunity. As you shadow, pay particular attention to:

  • Communication between nurses and patients
  • Clinical decision-making and time management
  • Emotional challenges
  • The impact of teamwork

Basic Life Support Certification

Many nursing programs require or recommend basic life support (BLS) certification early on. This short training, available through the American Heart Association or the Red Cross, teaches life-saving skills like CPR and prepares you for the clinical aspects of nursing school.

Developing Essential Soft Skills

The way you connect with the people you care for is an integral part of being a nurse. This means that soft skills will be crucial for navigating clinical and classroom environments. We recommend you prioritize developing:

  • Empathy and compassion
  • Clear communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem-solving
  • Collaboration and adaptability
Graphic showcasing practical and experiential preparation

Financial Preparation: Planning for Success

Nursing school is an investment in your education, career and future. Knowing how to prepare financially can help reduce stress and allow you to focus on what matters most: your nursing education.

Tuition and Fees

Begin by researching the cost of nursing school for your program of interest. This includes paying close attention to:

  • Tuition
  • Application and testing fees
  • Lab supplies
  • Textbooks
  • Uniforms

We additionally recommend exploring scholarships, grants and federal financial aid options. It鈥檚 important to note that many nursing programs offer scholarships that are specifically designed for nursing students.

Understanding how long it takes to become a nurse should also factor into your financial preparations, as that will give you an idea of the time commitment needed before you can start earning a nurse鈥檚 salary.

Living Expenses

Creating a realistic budget helps ensure your basic needs are met while you鈥檙e studying to become a nurse online or in-person. Don鈥檛 forget to budget for:

  • Housing and utilities
  • Groceries and meal prep
  • Transportation or fuel
  • Childcare (if needed)
  • Internet and technology for online learning

Keep in mind that online nursing school is often a more budget-friendly option than nursing programs through traditional, in-person institutions, as you may not need to pay as much in school fees or transportation. It鈥檚 also often more flexible, allowing you the ability to work as you go to school.

Mental and Emotional Preparation: Nurturing Resilience

Nurses are highly valued and essential members of the healthcare community. Preparing to become one can often feel emotionally demanding, which is why it鈥檚 so important that you take the necessary steps to prepare your mindset.

Managing Stress and Burnout

Start developing a self-care routine now 鈥 even if you鈥檙e in the early stages of your nursing education. Incorporate mindfulness, exercise, journaling or hobbies that can help you reset after a long day of studying or work. Building these habits can help you prevent burnout, both while in school and as a future nurse.

Building a Support System

Connection can be the difference-maker between struggling and thriving. A strong support system can carry you through even the toughest days in nursing school. Surround yourself with:

  • Family and friends who understand your goals
  • Mentors or professors
  • Fellow nursing students in your cohort
  • Online study groups and discussion forums

Time Management for Well-Being

Your dedication to your well-being is just as important as your dedication to a future career in nursing. Time management is critical for your success. It鈥檚 important that you avoid overcommitting and leave room for flexibility when life happens. A balanced schedule includes:

  • Study time
  • Meals and sleep
  • Breaks and social interaction
  • Personal or family commitments

Understanding the Emotional Demands of Nursing

Nursing school may feel challenging at times, but remember that this is by design. Your journey will prepare you to face human suffering, difficult ethical decisions and emotional fatigue. The benefits of learning how to process these experiences now are two-fold: They can help you maintain long-term compassion and prepare you for long-lasting career satisfaction.

Graphic depicting mental and emotional preparation tipes

Application Process and Beyond: Navigating the Next Steps

Once you鈥檝e prepared both mentally and academically, you鈥檒l be ready to take on the nursing school application process. Let鈥檚 take a closer look at how to start nursing school.

Researching Nursing Programs

Look for accredited programs that match your goals, whether that鈥檚 an ADN, BSN or an accelerated nursing degree program. As you evaluate your options, take time to consider the following:

  • Online vs. in-person education models
  • Student nurse and clinical placement support
  • Program reputation and outcomes
  • Cultural fit

Crafting a Strong Application

Make sure you craft a compelling personal statement that clearly explains why you want to become a nurse and what drives your passion for healthcare. We additionally recommend securing strong letters of recommendation from instructors or employers who can speak to your readiness. 

The First Step to an Amazing Career

Preparing for nursing school is about setting yourself up for success in all areas of life just as much as it is about meeting nursing school requirements. From prerequisite courses for nursing and entrance exams to financial readiness and emotional resilience, each step you take now brings you closer to a thriving nursing career. And with the right preparation, support and mindset, you鈥檒l set the stage for becoming the kind of nurse your community needs the most. 

贵础蚕蝉听

What should I study before nursing school starts?

Brush up on anatomy, basic pharmacology and medical terminology. Strengthening your academic foundation before your first nursing class can help reduce the early stress of your coursework.

Is nursing school harder than expected?

Nursing school is academically and emotionally challenging. However, with the right preparation and support, it鈥檚 absolutely manageable. Plus, it鈥檒l equip you with the essential tools you鈥檒l need to become an integral part of healthcare.聽

番茄视频鈥檚 fully online nursing programs are a flexible and affordable way for registered nurses to continue their education. When you鈥檙e ready to take on more, we鈥檒l be ready for you!

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of 番茄视频.
Mike Cook
Mike Cook, Director of Marketing Operations

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