Resources to Prepare for Nursing School
These resources are for students and alumni preparing to apply to nursing programs after completing their degrees at UCSC. Please note that UCSC does not have a nursing program.
Explore
There is a wide variety of career options in healthcare. Patient care involves contributions from professionals with a wide variety of specialties that work together as a team. You should take time to explore the careers that are available to you and find the one that is the best fit with your strengths, goals, and interests.
There are many ways to learn about the different health professions, including website research, shadowing health professionals, attending talks, taking classes, and general self-reflection.
About Nursing
Reflection Questions
As you are exploring healthcare careers, allow yourself to take the time to reflect and answer the reflection questions on the worksheet provided.
Prepare
Application Process
- When searching for nursing programs, we recommend searching for accelerated bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and entry master programs. These programs are designed for students that have a non-nursing bachelor's degree.
- Not all nursing programs participate in the centralized nursing application service (NursingCAS) and you will need to apply directly to those programs.
- Learn about the application process for nursing schools that participate in NursingCAS.
- Learn more about the nursing process for undocumented students in California.
Core Competencies
There are 17 core competencies applicants should be able to demonstrate. These were developed for students applying to medical school but are still applicable to all health professions.
- Learn about the 17 core competencies.
Nursing Programs
The requirement and training for each program will vary. We recommend that you begin identifying programs that you want to apply to and get familiar with their requirements.
- Search for nursing schools that participate in NursingCAS.
- Search for accelerated BSN and entry master nursing programs in California.
Academics
Prioritize academics as your overall GPA and science GPA will be important metrics in your applications.
Science GPA is calculated using the following course subject categories by NursingCAS.
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Use the GPA Calculator to see how CASPA will calculate your GPA. We recommend having one worksheet for your overall GPA and another for your science GPA.
Prerequisites
We recommended that you seek counsel from individual nursing program admissions offices, as requirements for each program will vary.
- View UCSC courses that can fulfill common prerequisites.
- View prerequisites FAQs for more information.
Standardized Exam
Some nursing programs may require the TEAS, but not all programs. Check the requirements for each program you plan to apply to.
- Learn about the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS).
Experiences
It is important to get familiar with the experience requirements for each program. Note that programs may have different definitions for healthcare and patient care experiences.
- Learn about all the experience types that you can use for your application.
- Learn more about getting experiences.
Apply
Which Year Should You Apply?
You should apply when you feel you are a strong candidate. Many students consider taking experience year(s) to help confirm that this is the profession they want to pursue and to have enough experience to be a strong candidate. Some programs may have a minimum number of hours of clinical experience.
Application Year
The deadlines for each program vary. Some programs may only admit one cohort each year, and others may accept multiple cohorts throughout the year that start during different semesters/quarters.
Application Portal
Many programs use the NursingCAS as their centralized application system. Other programs may require that you apply directly to the school.
- Learn about the NursingCAS fees and fee assistance program.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is where you can write a brief statement expressing why you are interested in being a nurse. We recommend you start drafting your personal statement in at least 3 months before you plan to apply.
Letters of Recommendation
Some programs may ask for letters of recommendation. If a program you plan to apply to does require letters of recommendation, we recommend asking for letters at least 3 months before you need them submitted to allow writers enough time to write strong letters. Before asking people for letters, we recommend completing a reflection guide to help determine the best people to write you strong letters. Once you identify the ideal letter writers, you can share with them your reflection guide and guidelines for writing your letter.
Transcripts
You will have to submit transcripts from all colleges and universities you attended.
- Learn how to request transcripts from UCSC.
Get/Stay Connected With Us
Newsletter & Upcoming Opportunities
- Subscribe to our monthly pre-health newsletter.
- See upcoming events and enrichment opportunities.
Pre-Health Career Coaching
- Visit our virtual drop-in pre-health hour every Wednesday from 1–2 PM.
- This is a great opportunity to ask quick questions about preparing for health professional schools and the resources available at UCSC.
- Schedule a 30-minute one-on-one coaching appointment.
- Within Handshake, select Career Coaching > Pre-Health to talk about the application process for health/medical schools and how to prepare to be a strong applicant.
