Nursing Pathways for High School Students

These are the characteristics that serve you well as a nurse:

• Compassion: caring deeply for others
• Critical Thinking: analyzing information, evaluating evidence, making a well-reasoned judgment
• Communication: listening, explaining, and comforting
• Organization: tracking details and making plans

You’ll want to ensure you’re taking these classes and succeeding in them:

• Biology and Anatomy: learn how the body works
• Chemistry: understand medicines and reactions
• Math and Statistics: calculate doses and interpret data
• Psychology and Sociology: understand people and cultures

Choose a path to nursing, depending on your previous education, your timeline, and your own personal priorities:

Beginning with a high school diploma, you can:

• earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) at a community college
• earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through a four-year program
• earn a bachelor’s degree in another field and then earn your BSN or your entry-into-nursing Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

We have partnerships with two- and four-year institutions in Maryland that provide pathways to UMSON. Learn more about these academic partnerships.

Once you earn your BSN (or entry MSN), you’ll:

• take the NCLEX (RN licensure) exam
• pass the exam and receive your RN license
• gain nursing experience

Then what?

• Earn specialty certifications to specialize in certain areas of nursing
• Earn an advanced degree (MSN, Doctor of Nursing Practice, or PhD)
• Pursue leadership positions

Alternative Text for the flowchart: A flowchart titled “Pathways to Nursing” on a yellow background with red and black text. At the top is “High School Diploma,” leading to three options: “Associate Degree in Nursing,” “Bachelor of Science in Nursing,” and “Bachelor’s Degree in Another Field.” All paths converge at “Sit for NCLEX Exam (RN License)” and then “Pass NCLEX Exam and Receive RN License.” Next is “Gain Nursing Experience,” followed by three options: “Earn Specialty Certifications” (with note: Average CNS Salary $92K), “Earn an Advanced Degree” (Average NP Salary $113K), and “Pursue Leadership Positions.” A note near the RN step shows “Average RN Salary $78K.” Icons include a diploma, graduation cap, checklist, and stethoscope.

Start now!

• Volunteer at hospitals, nursing homes, or clinics
• Shadow a nurse for a day
• Join HOSA – Future Health Professionals
• Find a mentor who works in health care

When looking at nursing schools, consider:

• national accreditation (CCNE or ACEN)
• NCLEX pass rates
• strong clinical learning experiences
• flexible class options
• scholarship opportunities

With planning and focus, you can stound out and show your passion for nursing.

First:

• Reflect on your experiences and goals
• Write a strong personal statement
• Ask for great letters of recommendation
• Prepare for entrance exams

Do a self-assessment; ask yourself:

• What experiences shaped my interest in nursing?
• What skills do I bring to a health care setting?
• How have I made an impact in my school or community?
• What is my story? What makes me, me?

Write a powerful personal statement:

• Be sincere, confident, and reflective.
• Talk about:
  • why you want to become a nurse
  • how our experiences prepared you
  • what you’ll contribute to the nursing profession
  • your career goals and future aspirations.
• Tip: Let your passion show! Admissions committees remember authentic voices.

High school educators play a vital role in helping future nurses discover their path.

UMSON welcomes the opportunity to partner with schools across Maryland and the region to:

• host group campus tours and immersive activities
• provide nursing career pathway presentations
• share curriculum recommendations to support Bachelor of Science in Nursing preparedness
• connect counselors with our UMSON admissions team
• offer materials and guidance for students interested in nursing careers. 

Group Tours: If you’d like to bring a group of high school students to UMSON for a tour, please complete the Group Tour Registration Form.

Contact Us: Feel free to reach out to us at admissions.nursing@umaryland.edu for more information.

We look forward to working with you to develop tomorrow’s nursing leaders!