Should You Pursue an Associate or a Baccalaureate Degree?
To practice as an RN, you graduate from either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) program or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. The program has to be accredited so you can sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which every state requires for an RN license.
A BSN usually means more responsibility and higher pay. It also takes four years, where most ADN programs run two. Most employers prefer BSN nurses, and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing points to a growing body of evidence linking education level to better patient outcomes.
If four years upfront is not realistic, start with an ADN, pass the NCLEX, earn your RN license, and then bridge through an RN-to-BSN program while you work. You keep earning while you finish the degree.
What Steps Can You Take in High School?
How long an ADN takes depends on the program. Some make you finish prerequisites before you enter the nursing courses; others fold them in. Either way, there are seven things you can do now to get ahead.
1. Take AP classes. Nursing leans hard on science and math, and those are the courses programs want to see. Load up on advanced placement so you clear prerequisites early.
2. Dual enroll in college. Take college classes for dual credit while you are still in high school. In some states your high school pays for them. The credits count toward graduation and can replace nursing prerequisites, but confirm they transfer to the ADN program you plan to attend. Some community colleges run dual programs with local high schools, so you can graduate having already earned a chunk of the credits toward an ADN. Coordinate with both your high school counselor and the college counselor.
3. Volunteer at a local hospital or medical center. Admissions committees want to see volunteer hours. A couple of hours a week shows you what the work is really like and confirms it fits. Some hospitals also run nursing internships for high schoolers.
4. Look for shadow programs. If internships are not available, find a job-shadow program where you observe a nurse or nurse practitioner for a half or full day.
5. Take a basic life support and first aid course. The Red Cross offers a certificate program. The certifications are valid for two years and look good on an application.
6. Join HOSA-Future Health Professionals. Membership gives you professional and academic resources while you are still in high school, plus scholarship opportunities that can help pay for your program.
7. Set yourself apart. The nurse shortage extends to nurse educators and clinical preceptors, which limits how many students a program can admit. Research the program you want and learn what carries weight in admissions. An extra letter of recommendation from a community leader can be the difference between getting in and sitting on a waitlist for a year.
Find a Mentor
Working toward a career goal at this stage is hard to do alone. While you volunteer or intern, look for a nurse willing to mentor you. A good mentor advises you through the decisions that shape your professional development. As a HOSA member, you also get access to internship listings nationwide, publications, and local activities where you can find one.
Programs want candidates with strong applications and clear focus on finishing. Every step you take in high school raises your odds of getting in and finishing on the timeline you set for yourself.
Key Points
High schoolers strengthen an application by volunteering a couple of hours a week, completing dual-credit or AP classes, working a nursing internship, and earning a basic life support certificate. Find a nurse mentor to advise you. Consider joining HOSA-Future Health Professionals for resources, scholarships, and internship listings. Plan on an ADN or BSN from an accredited program so you can take the NCLEX and get your RN license.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do in high school to prepare for nursing?
Load up on science and math, including AP courses; dual enroll for college credit; volunteer or intern at a hospital; earn a basic life support and first aid certificate; and join an organization like HOSA-Future Health Professionals.
Do I need a BSN or an ADN to become an RN?
Either works to start. Both an accredited ADN and an accredited BSN qualify you to sit for the NCLEX and earn an RN license. A BSN takes about four years and tends to open more doors; an ADN takes about two and gets you working sooner.
Do I have to pass the NCLEX?
Yes. Every state requires you to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) after graduating from an accredited program before you can practice as a registered nurse.
Is a BSN worth the extra time?
For many students, yes. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing points to evidence linking BSN-level education to better patient outcomes, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that RNs with a BSN generally have the best job prospects.
Can I start with an ADN and get a BSN later?
Yes. A common path is to finish an ADN, pass the NCLEX, work as an RN, and then complete an RN-to-BSN bridge program while earning a paycheck.
Does volunteering actually help my application?
It does. Admissions committees look for clinical exposure, and even a couple of hours a week shows commitment and confirms the work fits you. Some hospitals also run internships or job-shadow programs for high schoolers.