Understanding Nursing School Prerequisites

Understanding Nursing School Prerequisites

This guide delves into the common prerequisites needed for nursing school admission. Learn about the classes and requirements necessary before applying to nursing school. When aiming for a nursing career, it’s important to know what’s required to get into your desired school. While each nursing program has its own entrance criteria, they all share similar nursing prerequisites that prepare you for college-level work.

This guide helps you understand the requirements for nursing school and the academic groundwork needed before applying.

Preparing for the Journey of Nursing School

Why Nursing School Prerequisites Matter

Nursing school prerequisites give you a foundational understanding and show your dedication to the field. Though acceptance criteria vary, completing these prerequisites is essential. Meeting these criteria offers several benefits:

1. Building an Academic Base

Prerequisites provide foundational knowledge for advanced nursing courses.

2. Demonstrating Educational Skills

Successfully finishing prerequisite courses showcases your academic abilities to admissions counselors.

3. Displaying Commitment

Completing prerequisites highlights your dedication and desire to enter the nursing profession.

4. Learning Terminology

Prerequisite courses offer a grasp of medical terminology, helping you excel in more advanced medical studies.

5. Gaining a Broader Perspective

Some courses offer a broad perspective on math and science, expanding your knowledge beyond nursing. This broader understanding benefits you both academically and professionally in the nursing field.

When and Where to Complete Nursing School Prerequisites

You can fulfill nursing school requirements in various ways. Often, students complete course prerequisites at the start of their associate degree in nursing (ADN) or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. Certain institutions may accept high school courses to meet specific nursing prerequisites.

You can also fulfill prerequisites by enrolling in community colleges offering pre-nursing associate programs. Many of these programs structure their courses to meet the nursing prerequisites required for a BSN.

If you hold a non-nursing degree, a post-baccalaureate program allows you to complete the required courses at an accelerated pace.

Regardless of how you fulfill prerequisites, most schools require you to complete these courses within the past five years.

Common Nursing School Prerequisites

Though prerequisites differ among institutions, many programs require similar courses due to their importance in nursing. Whether pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree, completing courses online or in-person, these courses ensure you have the necessary foundation for success.

While getting into a BSN program might be more competitive, both associate and bachelor’s programs prepare you for the same licensing exam (NCLEX), making prerequisite coursework vital for both.

Since nursing school requirements vary by degree and school, always check the school’s website for the latest admission criteria. Here are common nursing school prerequisites:

Anatomy and Physiology

This course examines the human body’s structure and functions, introducing basic terminology. It covers topics like the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems, and how diseases affect them. Students learn to use lab equipment, prepare lab reports, and conduct research and dissections. The advanced course delves into the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, and urinary systems. Lab courses are taken alongside lectures.

Required Semesters/Credits: 1-2 semesters

Example Courses: Introduction to human anatomy and physiology, human anatomy and physiology lab 1, advanced topics in human anatomy and physiology, human anatomy and physiology lab 2

20 Valuable Resources to Help Nursing Students Master Anatomy

Biology

General biology covers the five kingdoms of life, cell structures, taxonomy, evolution, ecology, and basics of genetics. Introductory biology provides foundational knowledge. Labs accompany these courses, allowing hands-on experience with biological samples.

Required Semesters/Credits: Two semesters

Example Courses: General biology, biology lab, elementary microbiology, microbiology lab

Microbiology

Microbiology studies microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Courses teach classification, pathogen reproduction, the chain of infection, immunology, and human disease. Understanding microorganisms and the diseases they cause helps control infection spread. Lab requirements train students to identify and eliminate dangerous microorganisms.

Required Semesters/Credits: One semester with lab

Example Courses: Elementary microbiology, introductory microbiology, microbiology lab

Chemistry

Chemistry aids understanding of cellular-level processes in the human body. Courses introduce atom, ion, molecule, and biological substance properties. They teach how to write balanced chemical equations for inorganic, organic, and biological substances. Labs, usually alongside lectures, focus on analyzing and reporting experimental data.

Required Semesters/Credits: One semester with lab

Example Courses: Introduction to chemistry, chemistry for nurses, organic chemistry, chemistry lab

English Composition

Most programs require two semesters of English composition or similar writing courses. Writing and communication skills are vital for nursing, allowing clear communication with patients and healthcare providers. Courses cover sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, critical thinking, and research report writing.

Required Semesters/Credits: Two semesters

Example Courses: English composition I, English composition II, professional writing for nurses, communication and writing for healthcare professionals

Lifespan Growth and Development

This course provides an overview of human growth from conception to death and how people change throughout life. Topics explore biosocial, cognitive, and psychological development at each life stage, emphasizing heredity-environment connections.

Required Semesters/Credits: One semester

Example Courses: Lifespan developmental psychology, human growth and development

Nutrition

Nutrition offers a strong foundation in nutritional science and dietary principles impacting patient care. It introduces principles of nutrition and nutritional requirements across life stages. Courses cover food choices, disease prevention, food safety, nutrition challenges, and public health applications.

Required Semesters/Credits: One semester

Example Courses: Fundamentals of nutrition, nutrition science for nurses

Psychology

Introductory psychology introduces psychology basics, including human growth, behavior, learning, memory, intelligence, research methods, and psychological testing. Topics cover neuroscience, personality theory, social psychology, and psychological disorders.

Required Semesters/Credits: One semester

Example Courses: General psychology, introduction to psychology, psychology for nurses

Statistics

Statistics knowledge aids evidence-based practice in patient care. It prepares students to identify patterns in vital signs, adjust medication dosages, and evaluate treatment effectiveness. Courses introduce collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. Terms like mean, median, mode, and concepts like “validity” and “reliability” are essential for research evaluation.

Required Semesters/Credits: One semester

Example Courses: Introduction to statistics, introductory statistics for nurses

Other Nursing School Requirements

Apart from discussed prerequisites, students must meet other nursing school criteria. Most schools require a grade of “C” or higher in general education and science courses. ADN programs admit students with a high school GPA of 2.5-2.75, while BSN degrees require a minimum 3.0 GPA. More competitive programs may demand GPAs of 3.25 or higher.

Many schools request an essay outlining educational and career goals. Stand out by explaining why you’re interested in nursing, your choice of program, and how your experiences led you to healthcare.

While standardized tests are no longer required by many schools, strong SAT or ACT scores

can enhance your application. Some nursing schools have entrance exams, like the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam or the Nursing Entrance Test, to gauge success likelihood. Check with your chosen schools for examination requirements.

FAQs About Nursing School Prerequisites

How do I begin nursing school?

Preparing for the Journey of Nursing School

Start by earning a high school diploma or GED certificate. Once committed to nursing, explore degree programs and their prerequisites. Research schools you’re interested in for nursing prerequisites and other requirements.

When should I complete nursing school prerequisites?

Most students fulfill prerequisites in the first two years of undergraduate study, before choosing a major. Schools often recommend experience in statistics, biology, and chemistry, which can be taken in high school or during the early years of college.

Do nursing prerequisites transfer?

Yes, many prerequisites transfer between institutions. Ensure the courses you take meet the requirements of your chosen nursing program.