8 Things To Do After Getting Accepted Into Nursing School: A Step-by-Step Guide

 Congratulations!

You've worked hard and earned your spot in nursing school, and now it's time to celebrate. But before you start packing your scrubs and stethoscope, there are a few crucial steps you need to take. These "pre-nursing school" tasks will ensure that you start your nursing journey on the right foot and avoid any last-minute surprises.

In this post, we’ll walk through the 8 things to do after getting accepted into nursing school to help you stay on track and get ready for your exciting new chapter in healthcare. So grab your planner, and let’s get started!

1. Change Your Major or Degree Plan to Nursing

Once you’ve received your acceptance letter, one of your first steps is to officially change your major or update your degree plan to reflect that you’re now a nursing student. This is typically done through your school’s online portal. Don’t wait—this is an easy, important step that signals your commitment to the nursing program.

2. Get CPR/BLS Certified (Or Renew Your Certification)

Most nursing programs require students to have a current CPR certification before starting the program. The exact course you need is the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) course. This certification is different from the regular Heartsaver CPR, so make sure you’re enrolled in the right one. If you’ve already completed this certification, make sure it won’t expire before you graduate. Typically, CPR certifications are valid for two years, so plan to renew if necessary.

3. Get Your Immunizations and Health Physical Done

You’ll need to ensure that your health is in top shape before stepping into the classroom. Nursing programs require health physicals and up-to-date immunizations. These typically include:

• Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• Varicella (Chickenpox)
• Hepatitis B
• Tetanus
• Tuberculosis (TB) test

You may already be up-to-date on some of these, so dig through your medical records or contact your doctor to get your immunization history. Expect to pay out-of-pocket for these shots, as insurance may not cover them. Budget around $165 for immunizations and a physical exam.

4. Register for Your Nursing Classes

Once your prerequisites are complete, it’s time to sign up for your nursing courses. Be prepared for sticker shock when you see the tuition fees—nursing courses often cost 2 to 3 times as much as your pre-requisite classes. So, make sure to check the costs and pay your tuition in a timely manner to avoid any delays.

5. Complete a Background Check and Fingerprinting

Nursing schools are serious about safety, and they’ll want to make sure you’re eligible to work in healthcare settings. This means fingerprints and a background check are required. You’ll likely need to pay around $70 for the fingerprinting process, and the background check will examine your criminal history.

6. Undergo a Drug Screening

As part of your program’s requirements, you’ll be asked to undergo a drug screening. This is a non-negotiable part of the admission process, and failing this test could result in immediate dismissal from the program. The test will screen for common drugs like marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and amphetamines. Be sure to schedule this test early and keep track of the results—it can cost around $30, but it’s necessary to stay in the program.

7. Disclose Tattoos and Piercings

While tattoos and piercings are a form of self-expression, some nursing schools require you to disclose any visible ones, as clinical sites often have strict policies on appearance. Visible tattoos, especially those not covered by scrubs, and piercings (other than standard ear piercings) may need to be reported. It’s important to check with your program about the specific requirements, as you may be asked to cover tattoos or remove piercings during clinical rotations.

8. Sign Consent and Disclosure Forms

In addition to the medical and administrative paperwork, you will also need to sign a variety of consent and disclosure forms for the clinical sites where you’ll be working. You may also be required to attend clinical site orientations to get familiar with the policies and expectations of the hospitals or clinics where you will gain hands-on experience.

Why Staying Organized Is Key

With all these tasks to complete, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But remember, staying organized and prioritizing deadlines will help you keep everything on track. Nursing schools are strict with their deadlines, and missing just one could cost you your spot in the program. So, take a deep breath, stay focused, and tackle each requirement as it comes.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for Nursing School

These 8 tasks are the foundation of what you need to do before your nursing program begins. By getting them done ahead of time, you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters—learning and becoming the nurse you’ve always dreamed of being.

If you keep up with these requirements, you’ll be ready to dive into your studies without the stress of last-minute paperwork. Your nursing school adventure is about to begin, and you’ve got this!

Helpful Resources:

• Find a local CPR/BLS certification course with the American Heart Association
• Need help with immunizations? Contact your doctor or pharmacy
• Stay up-to-date with your nursing school’s requirements via your student portal

Ready to take the next step in your nursing journey? Bookmark this post and come back to it as needed to stay on track. Best of luck in your nursing school adventure!