Nursing School Enrollment Tips For Programs With Waitlists

Summary

• The Numbers: Nursing school admissions are fiercely competitive, with over 80,000 qualified applicants rejected annually and waitlists extending up to 18 months.

• Your First Moves: If waitlisted, immediately contact admissions to learn your status and send a letter of continued interest to reaffirm your commitment.

• Stay Productive: Use the waiting period to gain healthcare experience (like becoming a CNA), complete prerequisites, and apply to other nursing programs.

• How Schools Manage the Surge: To handle high application volumes, institutions are turning to AI to streamline communication and qualify leads. Havana helps admissions teams automate outreach and engage every promising student 24/7.

You've set your sights on becoming a nurse, researched programs, and submitted your application with high hopes. Then it happens—you receive that email or letter informing you that you've been placed on a waitlist. Your heart sinks as uncertainty sets in. Will you ever get accepted? Should you wait or move on? What does this even mean for your future?

If you're feeling overwhelmed and confused by the nursing school waitlist process, you're not alone. Many applicants struggle with the distinction between "being accepted to a university" and "being formally admitted into the nursing program"—a critical difference that catches many prospective students off guard.

The Reality of Nursing School Admissions: Why Waitlists Are So Common

The numbers tell a stark story: Interest in nursing careers is booming. Enrollment in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs increased by 4.9% in 2024, adding over 12,000 new students to an already competitive field, according to Nurse.org's enrollment data.

But this surge in interest has created a bottleneck: Over 80,000 qualified applicants were turned away from U.S. nursing programs in 2020 alone. This wasn't because they weren't qualified—it was simply because programs lacked the capacity to accommodate them, as reported by Edumed.org.

Why are waitlists so pervasive in nursing education? Several critical factors are at play:

1. Faculty Shortages: Many qualified nurses choose clinical practice or higher-paying travel nursing roles over teaching, limiting the number of instructors available.

2. Limited Clinical Placements: The ongoing nursing shortage means there are fewer experienced nurses available to supervise students during their required clinical rotations.

3. Physical Space Constraints: Classroom and lab facilities can only accommodate a certain number of students at a time.

4. Waitlist Duration: Be prepared for a potentially long wait. Public nursing programs can have waitlists extending up to 18 months, according to Edumed.org. Wait times can also be affected by your GPA, completed courses, and time on the list.

To manage this surge, many institutions are adopting AI-powered tools like Havana to streamline communication, handle inquiries 24/7, and help admissions teams pre-qualify applicants more efficiently. This allows them to focus on the most promising candidates, but the underlying capacity constraints often remain.

You're on the Waitlist. Now What?

Finding yourself on a nursing school waitlist isn't the end of your journey—it's a challenge to overcome with strategic action. Here's your two-part approach:

Evaluate Your Position: Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Before committing to a long wait, take these steps:

1. Assess the Program's Quality: Is this school truly worth waiting for? Consider:

   • Quality of their clinical placements

   • Post-graduation hiring rates

   • How many alumni pursue advanced degrees like DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

2. Contact the Admissions Office: Don't wait in the dark. Be proactive and ask specific questions:

   • "What is my approximate position on the waitlist?"

   • "Historically, how many students are typically admitted from the waitlist?"

   • "What is the timeline for when I might receive an update on my status?"

   As one student shared on Reddit: "Make an appointment with the nursing advisor at the schools you want to attend for your BSN. They will have the best info on what you need."

Actively Boost Your Chances of Admission

1. Communicate Your Continued Interest:

   • Write a compelling follow-up letter or email reiterating your interest in their specific program

   • Highlight any new achievements since you applied: improved grades, new certifications, relevant volunteer work, or healthcare employment

2. Request an Interview:

   • If the program offers them, ask for an interview opportunity

   • This shows initiative and gives you a chance to personally express your passion

   • Remember that a candidate who can articulate their "why" for nursing is always more desirable

3. Maintain Peak Performance:

   • Don't let your grades slip in current coursework

   • A drop in academic performance can lead to a rescinded offer, even if you get off the waitlist

Smart Moves to Make While You Wait

The waiting period doesn't have to be passive. Use this time strategically to strengthen your position and explore alternatives:

Don't Put All Your Eggs in One Basket: Apply to Other Schools

Being waitlisted is a clear signal to activate your backup plans. Northeastern University's nursing program recommends immediately broadening your search:

• Apply to schools with multiple start dates throughout the year

• Consider out-of-state schools or hybrid online programs which may have greater capacity

• Look into schools with rolling admissions, which often have more flexibility

Gain Hands-On Healthcare Experience

This waiting period is the perfect opportunity to gain experience that will strengthen your application for future cycles or for your letter of continued interest:

• Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

• Work as a Medical Scribe

• Find a position as a Patient Care Technician (PCT)

These roles demonstrate your commitment to healthcare and provide valuable insights that will help you in nursing school and beyond.

Strategically Complete Prerequisites at a Community College

This approach receives strong endorsement from nursing students who've been through the process. As one student candidly shared on Reddit: "If I could do it all over, I would have done community college prerequisites and then applied somewhere, would've saved me so much money and honestly time as well."

Crucial Step: Before enrolling in any community college course, confirm with the admissions advisor at your target BSN program that the credits will transfer. This prevents wasted time and money on courses that won't be accepted.

Taking prerequisites at a community college offers multiple advantages:

• Significantly lower tuition costs

• Smaller class sizes for more personalized instruction

• Flexible scheduling options for working students

• Opportunity to boost your GPA before applying to competitive nursing programs

How to Avoid the Waitlist in Your Next Application Cycle

If you're planning ahead or considering reapplying, these strategies can help you bypass the waitlist entirely:

Target Schools Without Waitlists

Some institutions, like West Coast University, offer programs specifically designed to eliminate waitlists. The benefits include:

• Start Your Career Faster: Accelerated BSN programs can be completed in as little as 39 months

• Reduce Stress and Uncertainty: A clear timeline allows you to focus on your studies, not admission anxiety

• Potentially Save Money: Relocating to a state with no-waitlist schools could be financially sound in the long run

Strengthen Your Application Core

Focus on these key elements to make your application stand out from the crowd:

1. Achieve High Entrance Exam Scores:

   • Dedicate significant time to preparing for the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2 exams

   • Consider professional test prep resources or tutoring

   • A top score can make you a more competitive applicant from the start

2. Apply Early:

   • Many nursing programs use rolling admissions

   • Submitting your application early increases your chances of securing a spot before they fill up

   • Set calendar reminders for application deadlines months in advance

3. Craft a Compelling Personal Statement:

   • Write a thoughtful personal statement that tells your unique story and motivation

   • Have multiple people review it for clarity and impact

   • Connect your personal experiences to your nursing aspirations

4. Secure Exceptional Recommendations:

   • Get letters from people who can speak directly to your character, work ethic, and suitability for nursing

   • Provide recommenders with specific points about your qualifications to include

   • Follow up with a thank-you note after they submit their recommendation

Explore Alternative Pathways to Nursing

Consider these less traditional routes that might have lower competition:

1. Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs:

   • Complete an ADN at a community college

   • Begin working as an RN while pursuing an RN-to-BSN program later

   • Many employers offer tuition assistance for BSN completion

2. Direct Entry Programs:

   • If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, explore accelerated BSN or direct-entry MSN programs

   • These intensive programs can be completed in 12-18 months

   • While competitive, they offer a faster route for career-changers

3. Look Beyond Your Geographic Area:

   • Consider relocating for nursing school

   • Programs in rural areas or smaller cities often have less competition

   • Online programs with limited on-campus requirements provide flexibility

Final Thoughts: Your Path Forward

Getting waitlisted for nursing school can feel discouraging, but remember—it's not a rejection. It's a hurdle that thousands of successful nurses have overcome before you.

The path to becoming a nurse is competitive because nursing is a profession that demands excellence. The same persistence, strategic thinking, and dedication you're using to navigate the waitlist process are precisely the qualities that will make you an exceptional nurse.

Take control of your nursing education journey by:

1. Evaluating your position and deciding if the wait is worth it

2. Communicating proactively with admissions offices

3. Improving your qualifications during the waiting period

4. Diversifying your applications to maximize opportunities

As one nursing student wisely noted, "Nursing jobs don't care where you went to school, they care if you've passed the NCLEX." Keep your eye on the ultimate goal—becoming a registered nurse—and remember that there are multiple paths to get there.

The nursing profession needs dedicated individuals like you. With strategic planning and persistence, you'll find your way past the waitlist and into the rewarding career that awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be on a nursing school waitlist?

Being on a nursing school waitlist means you are a qualified applicant, but the program currently lacks the space to admit you. It is not a rejection; rather, you are held in reserve and may be offered a spot if one becomes available. This is common due to high demand for nursing programs and limitations in faculty, clinical placements, and physical space.

How long can a nursing school waitlist be?

A nursing school waitlist can last up to 18 months or even longer, particularly for public programs. The exact duration depends on the school's popularity, the number of applicants, and how many admitted students decline their offers. Your position on the list, which can be influenced by your GPA and completed courses, also affects your wait time.

What should I do immediately after being waitlisted?

Immediately after being waitlisted, you should contact the admissions office to inquire about your status and then send a letter of continued interest. Proactively asking about your position on the list and the historical acceptance rate provides valuable context. Following up with a compelling letter that highlights new achievements (like improved grades or relevant work experience) reaffirms your commitment and can boost your chances of admission.

How can I improve my chances of getting off the waitlist?

You can improve your chances by maintaining excellent grades, gaining relevant healthcare experience, and clearly communicating your continued interest to the admissions office. Avoid any drop in academic performance, as this could lead to a rescinded offer. Consider roles like a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or Patient Care Technician (PCT) to strengthen your profile while you wait.

Should I apply to other nursing schools while I'm on a waitlist?

Yes, you should absolutely apply to other nursing schools while on a waitlist. Relying on a single waitlist is a risky strategy. Broaden your search by applying to schools with different start dates, rolling admissions, or those located in other geographic areas. Exploring alternatives like ADN programs or accelerated BSN programs also increases your opportunities to start your nursing education sooner.

Are there nursing schools that don't have waitlists?

Yes, some institutions, often private universities, have designed their programs to eliminate waitlists entirely. These schools often offer multiple start dates per year and accelerated program options, allowing them to accommodate more students and help them start their careers faster. While they may have different cost structures, they provide a clear path to admission without the stress and uncertainty of a waitlist.