What are the easiest nursing schools to get into? Are there nursing schools with easy admission requirements? If you want answers, then this article is here to help. We will be sharing with you some of the nursing schools with the easiest admission requirements.
Most recently, getting admission into nursing schools is becoming quite difficult. This is because there are lots of people applying for a nursing degree program globally.
However, you don’t have to cancel your plans of pursuing a career in nursing because of low acceptance rate of most nursing schools.
We know this pain among aspiring Nursing school students which is why we have brought you this list of nursing schools with the easiest admission requirements.
Table of Contents
Reasons to study Nursing
Here, we will be sharing with you some of the reasons why a lot of students pick nursing as their study program.
- Nursing is a well appreciated and rewarding career. Nurses are one of the highest paid healthcare professionals
- Students enrolled in nursing programs have access to a lot of financial supports while studying
- Nursing has different fields, that students can specialize in after studying. For example, adult nursing, nursing assistant, mental nursing, child nursing, and medical-surgical nursing
- Availability of different job opportunities. Nurses can work in almost all industries.
- The profession comes with respects. It’s no doubt, that nurses are well respected just like every other healthcare workers.
Different Types of Nursing Program
Let’s briefly talk about the some of the types of nursing programs. Before you enroll in any nursing program, make sure you know the types of nursing.
CNA Certificate or Diploma
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) certificate is a non-degree diploma provided by colleges and vocational schools.
CNA certificates are designed to get students into the nursing field as fast as possible. The program can be completed within 4 to 12 weeks.
Certified Nursing Assistants work under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse.
LPN/LPV Certificate or Diploma
A licensed practical nurse (LPN) certificate is a non-degree diploma offered at vocational schools and colleges. The program can be completed within 12 to 18 months.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) is the minimum degree required to become a registered nurse (RN). ADN programs is offered by colleges and universities.
The program can be completed within 2 years.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
The bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) is a four-year degree designed for Registered Nurses (RNs) who want to pursue supervisory roles and qualify for higher paying jobs.
You can earn BSN through the following options
- Traditional BSN
- LPN to BSN
- RN to BSN
- Second Degree BSN.
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
A MSN is a graduate level program of study designed for nurses who wants to become an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN). It takes 2 years to complete the program.
You can earn a MSN through the following options
- RN to MSN
- BSN to MSN.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A DNP program is designed for people who wants to gain deeper understanding of the profession. The DNP program is the post graduate level program, can be completed within 2 years.
General Requirements needed to study in Nursing Schools
The following documents are part of the requirements needed for nursing schools:
- GPA scores
- SAT or ACT scores
- High school diploma
- A Bachelor degree in the field of nursing
- Official academic transcripts
- Letter of recommendation
- A resume with work experience in the field of nursing.
List of Nursing Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
Here is the list of 20 nursing schools that are easy to get into:
- University of Texas at El Paso
- Saint Anthony College of Nursing
- Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- University of Maine at Fort Kent
- University of New Mexico-Gallup
- Lewis-Clark State College
- AmeriTech College of Healthcare
- Dickinson State University
- Mississippi University for Women
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Nebraska Methodist College
- University of Southern Mississippi
- Fairmont State University
- Nicholls State University
- Herzing University
- Bluefield State College
- South Dakota State University
- Mercyhurst University
- Illinois State University.
20 Easiest Nursing Schools to Get into
1. University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Institution Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript with minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) or official GED score report
- SAT and/or ACT scores (no minimum for Top 25% of HS Rank in class). Minimum of 920 to 1070 SAT score and 19 to 23 ACT score
- A writing sample (optional).
The University of Texas at El Paso is a top U.S. public research university, founded in 1914.
UTEP School of Nursing offer baccalaureate degree in Nursing, master’s degree in nursing, postgraduate APRN certificate program and doctor of nursing practice (DNP).
The UTEP School of Nursing is among the top nursing schools in the United States.
2. Saint Anthony College of Nursing
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Institution Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- High School transcript with cumulative GPA score of 2.5 to 2.8, depending on degree type
- Completion of Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) pre-admission testing
- No SAT or ACT scores
Saint Anthony College of Nursing is a private nursing school affiliated with OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, established in 1960, with two campuses in Illinois.
The College offer nursing programs at BSN, MSN, and DNP level.
3. Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Institutional Accreditation: registered by New York State Education Department
Program Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Finger Lakes Health College of Nursing and Health Sciences is a private, not for profit institution in Geneva NY. It offers an associate in applied science degree with a major in nursing.
4. University of Maine at Fort Kent
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Institution Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Program Accreditation:Â Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- Must have graduated from an approved secondary school with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or complete the GED equivalent
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for transfer students
- Letter of recommendation
The University of Maine at Fort Kent offer affordable nursing programs at MSN and BSN level.
5. University of New Mexico – Gallup
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and approved by the New Mexico Board of Nursing
Admission Requirements: High school graduate or has passed the GED or Hiset test
The University of New Mexico – Gallup is a branch campus of University of Mexico, that offer BSN, ADN, and CNA nursing programs.
6. Lewis – Clark State College
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Idaho Board of Nursing
Admission Requirements:
- Proof of high school graduation from an accredited school with a minimum 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. There is no need to complete any entrance exam.
- Official college/university transcripts
- ACT or SAT scores
Lewis Clark State College is a public college in Lewiston, Idaho, founded in 1893. It offers BSN, certificate and graduate certificate nursing programs.
7. AmeriTech College of Healthcare
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Institution Accreditation: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
AmeriTech College of Healthcare is a college in Utah, offering accelerated nursing programs at ASN, BSN, and MSN degree level.
8. Dickinson State University (DSU)
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Institution Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcripts or GED, and/or all college and university transcripts. Minimum 2.25 high school or college GPA, or GED of 145 or 450, for the AASPN, LPN Degree program
- Official college and university transcripts with a cumulative college and cumulative nursing courses GPA with a minimum 2.50, for the BSN, RN Completion Degree program.
- ACT or SAT test scores are not required, but may be submitted for the purpose of placement in courses.
Dickinson State University (DSU) is a public university in Dickinson, North Dakota. It offers Associate in Applied Science in Practical Nursing (AASPN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
9. Mississippi University for Women
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- Complete the college prep curriculum with a minimum 2.5 GPA or a class rank in the top 50%, and minimum of 16 ACT score or minimum of 880 to 910 SAT score. OR
- Complete the college prep curriculum with 2.0 GPA, have a minimum of 18 ACT score, or 960 to 980 SAT score. OR
- Complete the college prep curriculum with 3.2 GPA
Founded in 1884 as the first public college for women in the United States, Mississippi University of Women offers various academic programs to both women and men.
Mississippi University for Women offer nursing programs at ASN, MSN, and DNP degree level.
10. Western Kentucky University (WKU)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Institution Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:Â
- Must have at least a 2.0 unweighted high school GPA. Students with 2.50 unweighted high school GPA or greater are not required to submit ACT scores.
- Students with a 2.00 – 2.49 unweighted high school GPA must achieve a Composite Admission Index (CAI) score of at least 60.
WKU School of Nursing and Allied Health offer nursing programs at ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, and Post MSN certificate level.
11. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Institution Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Admission Requirements:
- All students must have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- ACT or SAT test scores are not required for admissions. However, students are encouraged to submit scores for proper course placement in English, Math and reading courses.
Eastern Kentucky University is a public university in Richmond, Kentucky, established in 1971.
EKU School of Nursing offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Postgraduate APRN certificate programs.
12. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health
Acceptance Rate: 97%
Institution Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Ability to meet the technical standards of Nursing Practice
- Success in previous math and science courses, specifically in Algebra, Biology, Chemistry, or Anatomy and Physiology.
Nebraska Methodist College is a private Methodist college in Omaha, Nebraska, that focuses on degrees in Healthcare. The college is affiliated with Methodist Health System.
NMC is among the top nursing and allied healthcare colleges, that offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as certificates for those seeking a career as a nurse.
13. University of Southern Mississippi
Acceptance Rate: 96%
Institution Accreditation:Â Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 3.4
- ACT or SAT scores
The University of Southern Mississippi College of Nursing and Health Professions offer baccalaureate degree in nursing and doctor of nursing practice degree.
14. Fairmont State University
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript or GED/TASC
ACT or SAT scores - At least a 2.0 high school GPA and an 18 ACT composite or 950 SAT total score. OR
- At least a 3.0 high school GPA and SAT or ACT composite regardless of score
- Minimum of 2.0 college level GPA and ACT or SAT scores for transfer students.
Fairmont State University is a public university in Fairmont, West Virginia, that provides nursing programs at ASN and BSN degree level.
15. Nicholls State University
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Institution Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum overall high school GPA of 2.0
Have at least a 21 – 23 ACT composite score, 1060 – 1130 SAT composite score. OR A minimum overall high school GPA of 2.35 on a 4.0 scale. - Have at least 2.0 college level GPA for transfer students
Nicholls State University College of Nursing offer nursing programs at BSN and MSN degree level.
16. Herzing University
Acceptance Rate: 91%
Institution Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and meet a minimum composite score of the current version of the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). OR
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and a minimum score of 21 on the ACT. OR
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (no entrance test)
Founded in 1965, Herzing University is a private non-profit institution that offer nursing programs at LPN, ASN, BSN, MSN, and certificate level.
17. Bluefield State College
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Institution Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Admission Requirements:
- Have earned a high school GPA of at least 2.0, an ACT composite score of at least 18, and an SAT composite score of at least 970. OR
- Have earned a high school GPA of at least 3.0 and received any score on the ACT or SAT.
Bluefield State College is a public university in Bluefield, West Virginia. It’s school of nursing and allied health offers the RN – BSN Baccalaureate degree and the Associate degree in Nursing.
18. South Dakota State University
Acceptance Rate: 90%
Institution Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
Admission Requirements:
- An ACT score of at least 18, and SAT score of at least 970. OR
- High school GPA of 2.6+ or Top 60% of HS class or level 3 or higher in Math and English language
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher for transfer students (at least 24 transferable credits)
Founded in 1881, South Dakota State University is a public university in Brookings, South Dakota.
South Dakota State University College of Nursing offer nursing programs at BSN, MSN, DNP, and certificate level.
19. Mercyhurst University
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Program Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
Admission Requirements:
- Must have graduated from high school or earned a GED at least five years ago
- Two letters of recommendation
- Minimum of 2.5 GPA, applicants who have lower than 2.5 GPA on their high school or GED transcripts are asked to complete an academic placement exam
- SAT or ACT scores are optional
- Personal Statement or writing sample
Founded in 1926 by Sisters of Mercy, Mercyhurst University is an accredited, four-year, Catholic institution.
Mercyhurst University offer a RN to BSN program, and Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN)
20. Illinois State University
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Program Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Admission Requirements:
- High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- SAT/ACT scores and subscores
- Optional academic personal statement
Illinois State University Mennonite College of Nursing offer bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, and PhD in nursing.
Note: all the requirements listed are academic requirements. English language requirements and other requirements may be needed to apply for any of the nursing schools mentioned in this article.
FAQs on Nursing Schools With The Easiest Admission Requirements
What is the quality of education provided by Nursing Schools With The Easiest Admission Requirements?
The Nursing Schools provide top quality education. Acceptance Rate has little or no effect on the quality of education provided by Schools.
Who accredits Nursing Schools?
Nursing Schools have two types of accreditation:
- Institution Accreditation
- Program Accreditation.
Programs offered by the Nursing Schools mentioned in this article are accredited by either Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or Accreditation Commission on Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Why should I enroll in an accredited Nursing School?
You ought to complete an accredited nursing program, before you can sit for license examination. This is one reason why it is so important for you to get.
How long does it take to become a nurse?
It depends on the length of your study program. We already explained the different types of nursing and their duration.
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Conclusion on easiest nursing schools to get into
If you are considering a career in Nursing, then you should consider any of the nursing schools with the easiest admission requirements.
Nursing is a career that is well rewarding and has a lot of advantages. Practicing Nursing will give you a high job satisfaction.
Nursing is one of the most in-demand profession. As a result, getting admission into any nursing program can be difficult because it’s a competitive study program. That is why we provided you with this amazing list of nursing schools that are easy to get into.
Which of these Nursing Schools do you consider the easiest to get into? Let us know your thoughts in the Comment Section below.