Objective: To identify the expectations of academics when entering the Nursing course at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Amazonas. Method: Cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory research with a qualitative approach. The strategy adopted to obtain the data was the semi-structured interview carried out in 2018. The data were evaluated through Bardin's content analysis. Results: the profile of the nursing undergraduate students was characterized, their expectations were outlined in relation to the course, their knowledge and expectations were evaluated in relation to the unit and HEI to which they are enrolled and the family's perception of the student's choice for nursing as a profession. Final considerations: Despite the importance of the theme developed, there are still few updated studies knowing the expectations regarding the Nursing course by students. In this sense, it became relevant and contributing to the area of nursing to identify what are the expectations of students entering the course, as it allowed them to know how the academic and professional trajectory can take place.