Nursing

Nursing is the fastest growing occupation in the US. A registered nurse (RN) combines science and technology with people skills like communication, problem solving, teaching and compassion. Caring for the sick is only one aspect of what a nurse does. Today's RNs work to promote health, prevent disease, help patients and their families cope with illness, emergencies, and long-term disease, and make healthier communities. Currently, there are 104 specialty areas in nursing along with a number of advanced degrees.

Professional Associations and Resources

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

National League for Nursing

Discover Nursing

How do I apply to nursing programs?

Students applying to nursing school can apply through the Centralized Application Service for Nursing Programs (NursingCAS), however, not all schools utilize the CAS system. If a school does not use the NursingCAS students must apply directly to each individual school. Students should check each school's requirements and application process carefully.

NursingCAS Cost: Fees vary based on program.

Do I need to take a entrance exam?

Typically students who are interested in pursuing an accelerated nursing program are required to take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE).

Cost: The GRE is $205.00

Where can I find resources to help me study for the entrance exam?

Graduate Records Examination

PowerPrep II Software (Free)

Kaplan

Princeton Review

What are the prerequisites for nursing school?

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require courses not listed below. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.

Course
Anatomy and Physiology Part A with Lab	1 quarter
Anatomy and Physiology Part B with Lab	1 quarter
General Chemistry	1 quarter
Organic Chemistry	1 quarter
Microbiology	1 quarter
Introduction to Research Methods	1 quarter

Local Programs - Accelerated MSN and BSN

Master's Entry Nursing Programs:

DePaul University

Rush University

University of Illinois at Chicago

Bachelor's Entry Nursing Programs:

Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing

Bradley University

Chicago State University

Illinois State University

Lewis University

Loyola University Chicago

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

St. Xavier University

Sample Timeline - Traditional 4 Year

Students should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest. Below is a sample timeline and should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.

Sample Timeline - Accelerated 3+ with Pathways Honors Program at DePaul University

Program is only open to Pathways Honors students. Student should meet with their academic advisor and pre-health advisor each quarter to make sure they are taking the correct courses for their major/professional interest. Below is a sample timeline and should not be used to replace meeting with an academic advisor.

BS to MENP 3+ Accelerated Nursing Flyer

Volunteering and Shadowing Opportunities

Little Sisters of the Poor

Sunrise Senior Living

Ann and Robert H. Lurie - Chicago's Hospital of Children

Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago

Weiss Memorial Hospital

What percentage of students from DePaul are admitted to nursing programs?

Unfortunately, because not all nursing programs utilize the central application system, Pre-Health Advising is unable to track DePaul graduates who matriculate to nursing programs.

What is considered a competitive GPA and entrance exam for nursing programs?

Most nursing schools require a minimum 3.0 Cumulative and Science GPA.

It is important for students to check each school's requirements carefully as some schools will require information not listed above. For more information about a specific program, please contact the school directly.