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What should I do now in a high school to becoming a nurse in the future?
Hello.Currently I am a freshman in high school. I am planning to become a nurse. I would like to get advice about what can I do since now
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Michael’s Answer
Hi Diana:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2025 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2025 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/websites-to-kick-off-your-scholarship-search
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
Updated
Christine’s Answer
I think I was a sophomore in HS when I decided I wanted to become a nurse. Of course you've got a couple of years but of course you want to focus on grades, also I would perhaps research some colleges/universities you might be interested in applying to in the future, just to get an idea of what college course requirements they might have, in that way you can try and focus your high school coursework to give you the foundations on courses that will be required in college. I know for my undergrad program I had to take anatomy and physiology, statistics, chemistry, microbiology. So if your high school offers one of more of these courses at the high school level and they might be courses that would be required in a college you are considering I would suggest trying to take some of these classes so you do have some background in these subjects. Good luck!
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Diana,
I encourage you to connect with nurses you know and learn about their experiences. You could also look into volunteering at a hospital to get a feel for nursing. Talk to your high school counselor about your interest, and they can offer guidance and support.
Best wishes,
David
I encourage you to connect with nurses you know and learn about their experiences. You could also look into volunteering at a hospital to get a feel for nursing. Talk to your high school counselor about your interest, and they can offer guidance and support.
Best wishes,
David
Updated
cassandra’s Answer
That's fantastic that you're thinking about your future career as a nurse already as a freshman! You're in a great position to start building a strong foundation now. Here's what I'd recommend you focus on during your high school years to set yourself up for success in nursing:
1. Excel Academically, Especially in Science and Math:
Focus on Biology and Chemistry: These are foundational subjects for understanding the human body and how medications and treatments work. Pay close attention in these classes, ask questions, and strive for good grades. Consider taking advanced placement (AP) or honors courses in these areas if available.
Don't Neglect Math: Math skills, especially in areas like algebra and statistics, are important for dosage calculations, data analysis, and understanding research in healthcare.
Maintain a Strong Overall GPA: Nursing programs are competitive, so a solid academic record across all your subjects will be beneficial.
2. Explore Healthcare and Nursing:
Volunteer in Healthcare Settings: Look for opportunities to volunteer at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. This will give you firsthand exposure to the healthcare environment, allow you to interact with patients and healthcare professionals, and help you confirm if this is truly the field for you. Even small tasks can provide valuable insights.
Shadow Nurses (If Possible): Once you're a bit older, see if you can shadow a registered nurse (RN) in different specialties (e.g., pediatrics, emergency room, oncology). This will give you a realistic view of the day-to-day responsibilities and the diverse roles nurses play.
Join Health-Related Clubs: If your school has clubs focused on health sciences, medicine, or community service, join them! This can provide opportunities for learning, networking, and engaging in health-related activities.
Research Nursing Careers: Learn about the different types of nursing roles and the various educational pathways to becoming a nurse (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN, Associate's Degree in Nursing - ADN). Understanding these options early on can help you plan your college path.
3. Develop Essential Skills and Qualities:
Communication Skills: Nursing is all about clear and compassionate communication with patients, families, and other healthcare team members. Practice your verbal and written communication skills in all your classes and interactions.
Empathy and Compassion: Cultivate your ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Volunteering and interacting with diverse groups of people can help develop these qualities.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Nurses constantly assess situations, analyze information, and make critical decisions. Engage in activities that challenge you to think critically and solve problems.
Time Management and Organization: Healthcare environments are often fast-paced. Developing strong organizational and time management skills now will be invaluable in your future studies and career.
Teamwork: Nurses work as part of a healthcare team. Participate actively in group projects and extracurricular activities to develop your teamwork skills.
4. Plan for College:
Research Nursing Programs: Start looking at colleges and universities that offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Consider factors like location, program reputation, clinical opportunities, and cost.
Understand Admission Requirements: Pay attention to the specific prerequisites and admission requirements for the nursing programs you're interested in. This will help you ensure you're taking the necessary high school courses.
Prepare for Standardized Tests: Familiarize yourself with the SAT or ACT and plan when you might take these tests.
Think About Extracurricular Activities: Colleges look for well-rounded applicants. Continue to participate in extracurricular activities that you enjoy and that demonstrate your commitment and interests.
In summary, your focus right now should be on excelling in your science and math courses, exploring opportunities to learn more about healthcare and nursing, developing crucial personal and professional skills, and starting to think about your college options. You're on the right track by thinking about this early – keep exploring and working hard!
1. Excel Academically, Especially in Science and Math:
Focus on Biology and Chemistry: These are foundational subjects for understanding the human body and how medications and treatments work. Pay close attention in these classes, ask questions, and strive for good grades. Consider taking advanced placement (AP) or honors courses in these areas if available.
Don't Neglect Math: Math skills, especially in areas like algebra and statistics, are important for dosage calculations, data analysis, and understanding research in healthcare.
Maintain a Strong Overall GPA: Nursing programs are competitive, so a solid academic record across all your subjects will be beneficial.
2. Explore Healthcare and Nursing:
Volunteer in Healthcare Settings: Look for opportunities to volunteer at hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities. This will give you firsthand exposure to the healthcare environment, allow you to interact with patients and healthcare professionals, and help you confirm if this is truly the field for you. Even small tasks can provide valuable insights.
Shadow Nurses (If Possible): Once you're a bit older, see if you can shadow a registered nurse (RN) in different specialties (e.g., pediatrics, emergency room, oncology). This will give you a realistic view of the day-to-day responsibilities and the diverse roles nurses play.
Join Health-Related Clubs: If your school has clubs focused on health sciences, medicine, or community service, join them! This can provide opportunities for learning, networking, and engaging in health-related activities.
Research Nursing Careers: Learn about the different types of nursing roles and the various educational pathways to becoming a nurse (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Nursing - BSN, Associate's Degree in Nursing - ADN). Understanding these options early on can help you plan your college path.
3. Develop Essential Skills and Qualities:
Communication Skills: Nursing is all about clear and compassionate communication with patients, families, and other healthcare team members. Practice your verbal and written communication skills in all your classes and interactions.
Empathy and Compassion: Cultivate your ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Volunteering and interacting with diverse groups of people can help develop these qualities.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Nurses constantly assess situations, analyze information, and make critical decisions. Engage in activities that challenge you to think critically and solve problems.
Time Management and Organization: Healthcare environments are often fast-paced. Developing strong organizational and time management skills now will be invaluable in your future studies and career.
Teamwork: Nurses work as part of a healthcare team. Participate actively in group projects and extracurricular activities to develop your teamwork skills.
4. Plan for College:
Research Nursing Programs: Start looking at colleges and universities that offer Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Consider factors like location, program reputation, clinical opportunities, and cost.
Understand Admission Requirements: Pay attention to the specific prerequisites and admission requirements for the nursing programs you're interested in. This will help you ensure you're taking the necessary high school courses.
Prepare for Standardized Tests: Familiarize yourself with the SAT or ACT and plan when you might take these tests.
Think About Extracurricular Activities: Colleges look for well-rounded applicants. Continue to participate in extracurricular activities that you enjoy and that demonstrate your commitment and interests.
In summary, your focus right now should be on excelling in your science and math courses, exploring opportunities to learn more about healthcare and nursing, developing crucial personal and professional skills, and starting to think about your college options. You're on the right track by thinking about this early – keep exploring and working hard!