���Ĵ�ý

Learning how to be successful in nursing school is a must for future students.

While nursing school is rewarding, it can also be challenging. Knowing how to overcome those challenges is key.

If you are unsure of how to prepare for nursing school, this guide is for you. Below, we will explore preparation steps and lifestyle adjustments that could help you reduce stress and excel in your nursing degree program.

Whether you are an aspiring nurse exploring nursing programs in Phoenix, Arizona or you start your first class in two weeks, we are here to help you understand the nursing school requirements.

Key Takeaways

• Refresh your knowledge of core sciences and medical terminology before classes begin to reduce the initial memorization load.
• Use a combination of digital planners and physical organizational tools to effectively manage rigorous study schedules and clinical rotations.
• Cultivate a growth mindset and a strong personal support network to navigate the emotional and academic challenges of nursing school.

Academic Preparation for Nursing School

First, let us explore how to academically prepare for nursing school. Aspiring pre-nursing students should brush up on anatomy and relevant subjects, learn medical terminology, and practice critical thinking skills.

Refresh Your Knowledge in Key Subjects

Before your first nursing course starts, consider reviewing these courses for nursing that you will encounter throughout your degree program:^[1]

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Math

In particular, a strong foundation in the science and math courses is critical for any registered nurse, especially one pursuing an advanced degree.

To review and self-study, you can use your own notes and past exams from pre-nursing courses, enroll in review sessions offered by your program, or explore online resources designed for nursing school prep.

Familiarize Yourself with Medical Terminology

While you will learn nursing vocabulary and other essential academic skills during your program, you can get familiar with common terminology ahead of time and hit the ground running on day one. With a few terms already under your belt, you will have fewer flashcards to shuffle. Knowing the best way to prepare before school starts means tackling your pre-requisite coursework seriously, particularly the math and science classes that form the backbone of clinical knowledge.

To self-study, try turning to:

• Books – Stedman’s Medical Dictionary and The Merck Manual are two go-to sources of nursing concepts for professionals.
• Apps – Quizlet can help you make flashcards and study guides for memorization exercises. Using a mnemonic is also a proven technique for retaining complex material.
• Khan Academy – This free resource offers a dense repository of lessons and practice tests for future nurses.

Shift from Memorization to Critical Thinking

Because nurses work in fast-paced, ever-changing environments, critical thinking is an essential skill to master.

While memorizing medical terms and procedures is an important part of being a nurse, pure memorization is not enough. You must understand how to apply everything you have learned.

Even before you start searching for nursing jobs, a focus on critical thinking will help you succeed. Nursing exams do not ask students to define terms; they ask for actions. For example, rather than questions like “What is a heart rate?” you will see questions like “What do you do when a patient’s heart rate is X?” This is the format used in NCLEX-style questions throughout your program and on licensing exams.

Critical thinking can also help you conquer a common style of question on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX): the “Select All That Apply” problem. These questions have multiple answers, and more than one may be correct.

Shift from memorization to critical thinking, and you will be prepared for nursing school, your licensure examination, and beyond.

How to Be Successful in Nursing School: 8 Tips

Now that we have covered how to prepare for nursing school, let us explore tips to help you succeed once your classes and clinical rotations begin.

#1 Practice Time Management and Organization

Managing time wisely and staying organized is critical for nursing students. Luckily, there are tools that can help.

For time management, leverage your smartphone’s calendar app, a physical planner, timers, and accountability apps. These tools can help you evenly divide your time between studying, clinical work, and self-care.

As for organization, do not underestimate the usefulness of three-ring binders, color-coded folders, dividers, and other tools for managing classroom material.

#2 Develop Strong Study Habits

In addition to staying organized, it is helpful to develop solid study habits for nursing school . If you are not sure where to start, try a few different tactics to find your best match:

• Flashcards – Great for memorizing and reviewing terms.
• Written summaries – Excellent preparation for long-form exams or conceptual review.
• Group study – An ideal option for mastering difficult, dense material.

At the heart of these methods is active engagement with the material. They all require you to review the information you have learned, process it, and apply it to real-world patient care scenarios.

#3 Improve Your Communication Skills

Communication in nursing, both with patients and colleagues, is critical. As you proceed in nursing school, build communication and active listening skills by:

• Asking follow-up questions
• Repeating information back to a speaker
• Using body language that signals engagement
• Empathizing with speakers and affirming their thoughts and feelings

You will likely have ample opportunities to learn advanced communication approaches and practice them throughout your nursing program.

#4 Embrace a Growth Mindset

Nursing school will test your capabilities. But the challenges you face along the way will help you learn key skills, build resilience, and improve on personal weaknesses.

This philosophy is known as the growth mindset. If you invest in learning, your nursing skills and knowledge can (and will) improve over time.^[2]

But before you can grow and advance in your nursing career, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. Before, during, and after each course or clinical rotation, note the strengths you bring to the table and identify skills you would like to improve.

#5 Set Realistic Expectations

As you approach a bachelor of science in nursing program (or any other nursing degree), remember that college coursework can be time-consuming. Be realistic about the amount of time you will have (outside of class and clinical rotations) to:

• Study – Set expectations and limits for your study time. Read and review materials for your allotted time, and move on when your time is up.
• Work – Many students work during nursing school. However, before you apply for jobs, get a feel for your workload while your nursing class is in session.
• Practice self-care – Budgeting time for hygiene, exercise, chores, and emotional processing is vital for nurses. Learn to do this in nursing school to increase your future career success.

#6 Be Ready for Emotional Challenges

You are sure to encounter stress and emotionally challenging situations during your nursing education—and during your career.

Support is the key to navigating these challenges. During your program, build connections with other nursing students and devote time to stress relief practices, such as:

• Reflection
• Emotional processing
• Meditation
• Journaling

You can also work with support groups to develop on-the-job stress management techniques.

#7 Invest in Essential Nursing Supplies

Be sure to budget for the tools you will need for every nursing class, like:

• Stethoscope
• Scrubs
• Non-slip shoes
• Notebooks and pens
• Reference books

If you are on a tight budget, you may be able to find deals or used items on online networks.

#8 Build a Personal Support System

Even if your non-nurse friends and family do not completely understand what you are going through in nursing school, they will likely still want to support you along the way. Make sure to tell them about your needs, your tight schedule, and your workload.

While it may be tempting to put these relationships on the back burner during nursing school, it is important to continue nurturing them. The more emotional support you have, the easier it will be to get through challenging times.

FAQs About Starting Nursing School

It is normal to wonder what nursing school will be like. Below are some of the most common questions we see from aspiring nurses.

Can I Work Full-Time While in Nursing School?

Some students balance a full-time job and an intense course load. However, this schedule can be a recipe for burnout.

If you have to work while earning your degree, most programs recommend no more than 16–20 hours per week. Anything more may make it difficult to study the suggested three hours for every one hour of class.

What Is the “Next-Gen” NCLEX, and Should I Worry About It Now?

The NCLEX is the exam you must pass to earn your nursing license. The “Next Generation NCLEX” (NGN) is the most recent version of this test.

Launched in 2023, the NGN focuses more on clinical judgment than rote memorization.^[3] During the test, students encounter case studies that they must navigate as if they were working in a hospital.

Although there is no need to “worry” about your NCLEX yet, you can improve your chances of passing by preparing early. Start practicing case study-style questions as soon as possible to get comfortable with the exam’s format.

Do I Need to Buy All My Textbooks Brand New?

Not necessarily. Many used textbooks are available at discounted prices. You may be able to find used course materials at the campus bookstore or through alumni networks.

With that said, some materials require digital access codes for the program’s online curriculum or testing platforms. When buying used, make sure your purchase has a valid access code.

What Should I Do Before Submitting My Nursing School Application?

A strong nursing school application takes time to put together. Beyond grades, programs often look for volunteering in healthcare settings, solid letters of recommendation, and evidence that you have thought seriously about a career in nursing. Many programs also require entrance exams, which may cover reading, math, science, and English. Reviewing pre-nursing content and taking practice tests before exam day can meaningfully improve your score.

Ready to Start Your Nursing Journey?

Taking the time to prepare academically, mentally, and emotionally for nursing school will help you every step of the way. With the right preparation, you can start your fulfilling career journey with confidence and focus.

At ���Ĵ�ý, we give students the tools and skills they need to succeed in their degree programs and beyond. Our practical, hands-on teaching prepares future nurses for the NCLEX-RN exam and the realities of working in healthcare facilities. In fact, our first Master of Science in Nursing–Direct Entry (MSN-DE) cohort, which graduated in December 2025, achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX.^[4]

Request more information about our nursing programs to see if they are right for you.

---

Sources:

^[1] Morris, Gayle. “Nursing School Prerequisites: What You Need before Applying.” NurseJournal, December 19, 2025. . Accessed May 18, 2026.

^[2] Perina, Kaja. “Growth Mindset.” Psychology Today, February 26, 2026. . Accessed May 18, 2026.

^[3] “Next Generation NCLEX.” NCLEX. . Accessed May 18, 2026.

^[4] Arizona Board of Nursing. “Report 1 – Number and Percent Passing of First-Time Candidates

Educated in NRB Jurisdictions.” (2026). . Accessed on May 18, 2026.

Explore related content

• Blog: Nursing and Health Sciences
• Nursing
• Nursing and Health Sciences