If you’re in high school and are already thinking about a career in nursing, you’re ahead of the curve. Nursing school admissions are competitive, and applicants who arrive with real-world healthcare experience often stand out. But getting a head start on nursing school isn’t just about resume building.
Exploring the nursing profession before college helps you figure out whether it’s the right path for you before you commit time and money to earning a degree.
This guide covers some of the best ways high school students can start working toward a nursing career, from school-based programs and CNA training to volunteering and college coursework.
Why Starting in High School Matters
Nursing programs in college are selective, and admissions committees look beyond your grades to determine if you’ll be a good fit. They want to see a combination of:
- Strong academics
- Involvement in extracurriculars
- Real-world activities
Beyond admissions, volunteering at a hospital or taking a health science elective might confirm that nursing is your calling. Or it might point you in a different direction, which can be equally useful.
Don’t think of exploring nursing early as a commitment, but rather a way to gather information that will help you make a better decision later.
School-Based Health Programs
Many high schools offer health science or career-based education tracks that introduce students to healthcare without leaving campus. These programs typically cover anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and healthcare ethics. You may even be able to complete hands-on lab simulations.
Larger high schools may also offer partnerships with local hospital systems to give students opportunities to complete clinical rotations or earn industry-recognized certifications before graduation.
School districts across the country, both rural and urban, offer these programs. To find out if your high school has one, check your course catalog or talk to your guidance counselor.
Example: HOSA – Future Health Professionals
HOSA is a national student organization with more than 6,200 high school chapters across the U.S. Students gain opportunities to develop leadership skills and clinical knowledge through competitive events, community service, and networking. Some schools support independent HOSA chapters, so a formal career-based education program isn’t required to join.
Visit hosa.org to see if your school has a chapter.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training
CNA training is one of the most direct ways for high school students to gain clinical healthcare experience. The coursework covers the basics of patient care and communication skills that you’ll need to work in the healthcare field.
Most programs take 4 to 12 weeks to complete. Age requirements vary by state, with some allowing students as young as 16 to enroll while others require candidates to be 18 before sitting for the certification exam. In many cases, students can complete the coursework while in high school and take the test when they become eligible.
A CNA credential carries real weight with nursing school admissions committees and qualifies you to work alongside nurses in clinical settings, giving you experience you can build on later.
Example: Job Corps CNA Training
Job Corps is a free federal workforce training program offering CNA certification classes at over 50 locations in more than 30 states across the country. The program covers all core CNA competencies and graduates earn both a nationally recognized credential and a state-issued CNA license.
Students must have a high school diploma or equivalent to begin the CNA track. However, Job Corps also offers the opportunity to earn that diploma on-site, making it a realistic option for recent graduates or students who complete their GED first.
Volunteering and Hospital Shadowing
Volunteering in a healthcare setting gives you an inside look at how hospitals and clinics operate day to day. Most high school volunteer roles are non-clinical, meaning you’ll likely be greeting patients, delivering materials, and helping with directions.
However, being in a healthcare environment gives you a taste for what your workplace might be like as a nurse. You’ll start developing communication skills and situational awareness that will serve you well in the future.
Many hospitals run structured teen volunteer programs both during the summer and year-round, with most requiring applicants to be at least 15 or 16 years old. To find opportunities, search the volunteer services page of hospitals in your area or ask your school guidance counselor for existing connections.
Example: Texas Health Resources Junior Volunteer Program
Texas Health Resources operates junior volunteer programs at multiple hospital locations in the Lone Star state. Students who are at least 16 can apply to serve between 32 and 128 hours over the summer in patient care and administrative settings. The program spans multiple campuses, making it accessible to students throughout the region.
Summer and Community Programs
Summer nursing programs for high school students range from free privately hosted intensives to multi-week residential experiences at well-known colleges. Most offer exposure rather than credentials, giving you a taste of what nursing school feels like. University-affiliated programs tend to be more credible than general enrichment camps.
Some of the best programs are free, while others can cost a hefty sum. When evaluating your options, consider who sponsors the program, what financial aid is available, and whether the experience justifies the cost compared to alternatives like volunteering or CNA training.
Example: National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) – Nursing Program
The NSLC Nursing program is a summer residential experience open to high school students ages 14 to 18 who have completed at least one year of high school. Held at university campuses across the country each summer, it combines nursing-focused coursework, leadership workshops, and campus life.
You may qualify for significant financial aid based on demonstrated need. With multiple locations across the country, NSLC’s summer conference is one of the most accessible programs of its kind.
Courses and Skills Worth Building Now
Before heading off to nursing school, it’s essential to have strong classroom foundations. Biology, chemistry, anatomy, and psychology are often prerequisites for nursing school because your college classes build on them directly.
If your school offers AP classes in these areas, and you feel confident in your ability to earn a good grade, enrolling in them is a good idea.
Beyond academics, nursing requires soft skills you can’t learn in a lecture. Empathy, communication, and composure under pressure are all traits of great nurses. You can work on developing these qualities through extracurricular activities and community involvement while you’re still in high school.
Nursing programs will notice the work you’ve put in when it’s time to apply.
What to Do Next
If you’re not sure where to start, it can help to focus on one thing at a time. You don’t need to (and really shouldn’t) pursue all these paths at once. One well-chosen experience you devote yourself to will tell you more about nursing than trying to complete a list of programs.
Talking to your guidance counselor is a great first step. They can help point you in the right direction and identify programs in your area.
When you’re ready to think about what comes after high school, EduMed has resources to guide you. From information about nursing programs in your state to degree options to scholarship opportunities, EduMed has everything you need to make choosing the right path easier.
