How to Get References for Nursing School (With a Copy-and-Paste Request)

Who to ask

The best reference is someone who can tell a specific, true story about you. A title matters less than how well they know your work.

• Science instructors. An A&P, microbiology, or chemistry instructor can speak to how you handle hard material.
• Supervisors. A current or recent manager can speak to reliability, teamwork, and how you act on a busy day.
• Healthcare managers or nurses. If you work as a CNA, tech, or scribe, or volunteer in a clinical setting, someone there has seen you around patients.

Skip family, friends, and the impressive name who barely knows you. Read each program's instructions first: some require a specific number of references, an academic reference, or their own form.

When to ask

Four to six weeks before the deadline is a kind, realistic window. Ask earlier if the deadline lands near finals or the holidays—instructors get flooded with requests at the end of a term. If you apply to several schools, ask once and give every deadline up front.

How to ask

A quick in-person ask followed by an email works well. The email does the real work, because it puts every detail in one place. Give them an easy way to say no. A lukewarm reference from someone who felt cornered does not help you.

Hi [Name],

I'm applying to the [Program] at [School], and I'd be grateful if you would write a reference for me. You know me from [how you know me], and I think you could speak to [one or two strengths].

The reference is due [Deadline]. You'll get submission instructions from [School] by email. I've attached my resume, the program description, and a few notes on what I'm hoping to highlight.

If you're not able to right now, I completely understand. Just let me know either way.

Thank you so much for considering it.

[Your name]

Fill every bracket before you send it. Make the specific parts truly specific: “my A&P II lab last spring” beats “your class,” and “how I kept up after moving to night shift” beats “my work ethic.” If the school uses a paper form or a different process, change the submission line to match.

What to give them

• Your resume or a short list of your work, volunteer, and school experience.
• The exact deadline for each school, including the time if one is listed.
• The program name and school, plus a line on why you want that program.
• Two or three things you hope they can mention, each with a real example.
• How to submit: an emailed link, an upload, a form, or a sealed letter.
• Your phone number and email in case they have a question.

Many applications send your reference an email link once you enter their name and address, so enter it as soon as they say yes. Tell them to watch for that email and check spam.

How to follow up

Watch the portal yourself. Some systems do not warn you when a reference is missing, so do not wait for an alert. About a week before the deadline, send one short, friendly reminder. If a reference still has not come in a few days before the deadline, ask whether they are still able to do it, and switch to your backup if the program allows it.

Say thank you

Send a short thank-you note once they submit, then tell them how it turned out. People who write references like hearing the ending, and you may need them again for a job or a scholarship.

References are one line on the application checklist; the application timeline shows where they fit. My Journey keeps this same request message ready for every school on your list.