Why is it so hard to get into a nursing program in Houston? Any suggestions where to apply and get accepted?

It's hard to get into Nursing schools ANYWHERE because, even though there is a need for more nurses, there are also standards for the field to consider:

1. The entry requirements are national, with only a few variations from college to college. Those are not negotiable because of field expectations. If you screw off in class and don't perform up to expectations, they will assume that is how you will perform on a ward. In matters of life and death, they do not want to gamble.

2. Because a Nursing degree practically means job security and higher than average pay, MANY people want to become nurses! Also consider that a quality education - just as serious as the entry requirements - means that the scale of the program has population limits. That means competition! Sorry, but rumors that higher education is communist are BOGUS. If you don't work hard, the hard workers will eat your lunch. Good luck!

If you screwed off and have a lower GPA, your best bet is to transfer - but only after you have confirmed that your old GPA will not follow and haunt you. Even in that situation you will still need to prove your academic ability and resolve, but someone somewhere will eventually accept you if you are able and determined to become a nurse.

I advised nursing students for three years now and I feel the pain of defeat from my students on a regular basis because less than half actually make it in from the pre-nursing program.

That said, work hard and good luck!

I agree with some of the thumbs down people that Ms_Diva_Dee also gave some good advice. On the other hand, it's up to the asker to decide sometimes what they needed to hear most. Report It

It's very hard to get in anywhere. My advice is to maintain a 4.0, do volunteer work (at a hospital) in your spare time and have very good reasons for wanting to become a nurse. If all else fails go to school to be an LPN, while you are in school keep applying for the RN program. I know some girls who got in that way.

Try and get a letter of reccomendation from a doctor that you've worked with.

The main reasons why there are long waiting lists and difficulty entering nursing schools are because:

1. There are not enough nursing instructors to teach all the aspiring nurses.

2. Schools have to be selective because if students don't pass the NCLEX (state boards) after finishing the program, it has a negative impact on the accreditation.

Believe me, if there was a way that this delay could be avoided, universities would be on it because they love money! While you are trying desperately to find a school to attend, you should also be selective to apply to schools that have a good pass rate and are able to maintain accreditation. Otherwise, you may finish a program with a 4.0 and not be able to pass state boards. Another idea would be to look at the 4 year institutions. They generally don't have waiting lists.

One program that I have had the opportunity to look at is the University of Texas at Houston. It is a four year university and this may be a better option for you since the bachelor's degree may soon become the minimum requirement and you may have to get it eventually to advance in your career. You may have to take a few classes at a community college to avoid having to take SAT/ACT, if you high school grades are not that great or if you need something to do while you wait.

It's okay. Just make sure that the classes transfer in to the university that you plan to attend and that you maintain at least a 3.0. You can use this as an opportunity to prove yourself and in the meantime, this may also help you to qualify for scholarships. You will also find that community college is super cheap and getting a few courses out of the way now will free you up later when you need to focus your energy on those challenging nursing courses.

Stay positive and hang in there...you will find the perfect school!

Good Luck!