Everything You Need to Know About Majoring in Nursing
For students drawn to helping others, fascinated by the human body and medicine, or interested in a fast-paced career with purpose, majoring in nursing could be a great fit. Nursing is both an in-demand and a dynamic major, and it offers students the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Nurses don’t just perform medical tasks–they also make significant connections with patients.
While majoring in nursing may seem like a narrow path, it doesn’t have to be–nursing programs can prepare students for a variety of broad opportunities. From hospital emergency departments to public health agencies to research labs, nursing offers a range of professional pathways for students who are interested in science and care deeply about helping people.
Because nursing is an in-demand major, nursing programs are usually quite competitive. They often require a high GPA, strong performance in science and math courses, and patient-care or volunteer experience. A career in nursing can be both stable and fulfilling, and it allows you to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills. If you’re compassionate, resilient, and interested in health and medicine, nursing could be a great match.
Career Opportunities for Nursing Majors
With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), here are just a few paths graduates could explore:
Registered Nurse in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities
Emergency, intensive care, pediatric, maternity, or psychiatric nurse
Public health or community health nurse
School nurse or occupational health nurse
Home health or hospice care nurse
Travel nurse or telehealth nurse
Clinical research nurse
Further, graduate programs can lead to various other careers:
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Nurse educator or nurse administrator
Nursing majors can also find opportunities in health policy, global health, informatics, consulting, and healthcare leadership.
Schools to Consider
Every nursing program is different, but majoring in nursing usually includes studying a balance of natural sciences (anatomy, biology, chemistry), social sciences (psychology, sociology), and specialized nursing courses. In addition to traditional coursework, nursing students will spend time in clinical rotations where they can learn about patient care through real-world, hands-on experience in diverse medical settings.
Here are just a few schools with strong programs in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN):
Duke University
Emory University
Ohio State University
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
University of Pittsburgh
University of Washington
Boston College
University of Michigan
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Maryland, Baltimore
University of Virginia
Purdue University
Other Things to Keep in Mind
Before choosing nursing, there are a few key things to consider. Some schools offer direct-admission into their nursing programs, while other universities require students to complete prerequisites and apply later. Some schools require entrance exams such as the TEAS or HESI. It’s imperative to check requirements carefully. For example, schools like the University of Washington, Purdue University, and the University of Michigan require students to complete prerequisites and apply to the nursing program after their first or second year, while schools like the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Alabama at Birmingham offer direct admission to nursing as freshmen.
It’s also important to remember that in order to practice as a registered nurse, graduates must pass the NCLEX licensing exam. Moreover, some roles require additional certifications.
How College Solutions Can Help
Navigating prerequisite requirements, competitive admissions, and supplemental essays for nursing programs can feel daunting, but College Solutions is here to make that process more seamless. From helping you refine your college list to helping your essays stand out, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
The counselors at College Solutions work one-on-one with students to craft compelling personal statements and supplemental essays, helping you communicate your compassion, resilience, and commitment to healthcare authentically. College Solutions can help you strengthen your application and highlight relevant skills like empathy, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, leadership in service settings, scientific curiosity, and dedication to patient care.
Whether you need help staying on track, finding the right programs for you, or showcasing your strengths, College Solutions can offer expert guidance. Additionally, working with College Solutions can increase your likelihood of getting into a nursing program. For the class of 2025, 76% of College Solutions students got into nursing programs, with acceptance rates for competitive schools often being less than 10%.
Final Thoughts
Exploring a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a great option for students who hope to combine scientific knowledge with compassionate patient care. While nursing programs can be both demanding and competitive, they can also lead to very meaningful and rewarding careers. College Solutions can help you take the right steps towards finding and succeeding in a nursing program that’s right for you.