The nursing field is a growing one, and it's not hard to see why: there are more than 4.2 million registered nurses (RNs) nationwide, and the demand for more nurses is only going to increase as more people live longer healthier lives.
Nursing school can be a tough road to travel, but it's also incredibly rewarding—and the benefits go far beyond just earning a paycheck.
If you're interested in becoming a nurse, you'll want to know what the general prerequisites for nursing school are. There are many different paths into nursing school, so we've written this guide for you so that you can get started on the right foot.
What Exactly Are Nursing School Prerequisites?
Nursing school prerequisites are the courses students must take before they can apply to nurse programs.
Every nursing program has its own set of nursing school prerequisites, so it's important to check with the schools you're interested in before you begin your education.
In addition, some schools will require that you have a minimum GPA (grade point average) or have passed a certain number of college credit hours.
Other schools may require an additional year of study after graduation from high school before applying to the program.
To determine whether or not you meet the requirements for any given nursing program, contact the admissions office at the school directly and ask them which courses they recommend taking before applying.
5 Reasons Why Nursing Schools Require You To Complete Prerequisites
1) Academic Foundation
Prerequisite courses help prepare students academically for more advanced nursing courses by providing them with a broad base of knowledge in multiple areas, such as anatomy and physiology, chemistry, biology, psychology, and sociology.
These courses also give students an understanding of how each part works together to form a whole unit so they can better understand how things work in real-life situations.
2) Commitment
Nursing school is very demanding, both academically and emotionally. Nursing students often spend long hours in class and must also put in time studying on their own outside of class time.
It's important for nursing schools to make sure that students can handle the commitment of attending classes full-time while working full-time as well.
Completing prerequisites shows that you are able to commit yourself fully to your education so that you can make the most out of it while earning your degree.
3) Educational Prowess
The most obvious reason why nursing schools require you to complete prerequisites is to ensure that you have the right educational prowess.
For example, if somebody wants to study anesthesia, but they did not complete any biology courses, they will likely not be accepted into an anesthesia program.
Nursing schools want their students to have a solid foundation in all of their subjects so that they can learn as much as possible during their time at school.
4) Prepare You For Advanced Nursing Courses
Prerequisites prepare you for advanced nursing courses by giving you a foundation in basic sciences such as anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, and physics.
These classes will help you understand how the human body works and how diseases impact it.
By taking these courses before entering nursing school, you will be better prepared for advanced courses such as pharmacology, microbiology, and pathophysiology that are required before earning your nursing degree.
5) Learn Terminology
Nursing school often starts out with an overview of clinical terminology so students can get an idea of how nurses communicate with each other and with doctors.
While this may seem like a minor detail, it's actually very important when it comes to communicating with patients and understanding medical terms used by doctors or other healthcare professionals who aren't nurses themselves but who still play an important role in patient care.
8 General Prerequisites for Nursing School
1) Microbiology
Required Semesters/Credits: One semester with lab
This course provides students with an understanding of the different types of microorganisms, their characteristics, and how they interact with living organisms.
Furthermore, it covers topics such as infectious diseases, immunology, and medical laboratory techniques. This knowledge equips nursing students with essential skills vital to providing care for patients.
Without this foundational knowledge, nurses will be ill-equipped to recognize infections and other health issues in their patients.
For these reasons, taking a microbiology course should be considered an absolute must for those interested in pursuing a nursing career.
2) Chemistry
Required Semesters/Credits: One semester with lab
This course provides a foundation in the principles of chemistry, which is vital to understanding the medical field. It covers topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, properties of matter and solutions, reaction kinetics and equilibrium, acids and bases, and more.
In addition to providing a basic understanding of these topics, it also introduces students to problem-solving skills that are necessary for success in the nursing profession.
3) English Composition
Required Semesters/Credits: Two semesters
This course will help prepare students to communicate in a clinical setting effectively. It will also teach them how to write reports and complete paperwork, which is an integral part of the nursing profession.
Additionally, this course will provide instruction on how to create patient care plans, understand medical terminology, and recognize basic grammar and punctuation rules.
For these reasons, it’s crucial for aspiring nursing students to take an English Composition course prior to attending nursing school.
This course can help build a solid foundation upon which they can develop their knowledge and skills as they progress through their nursing program.
4) Human Anatomy, With Lab
Required Semesters/Credits: 1-2 semesters
This course provides an in-depth study of the structure and function of the human body. It includes both lectures and laboratory experiences, which allow students to learn about and identify anatomical structures.
In addition, the course teaches students how to apply their knowledge to clinical situations and use medical terminology when describing anatomical structures.
Students also gain an understanding of how different systems interact within the body and are able to recognize common pathological conditions.
Through this course, students gain a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy that will serve as a foundation for their future nursing studies.
5) Human Physiology, With Lab
Required Semesters/Credits: 1-2 semesters
This course covers the body's structure and function and provides an understanding of how different systems interact. Topics typically covered include cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, homeostasis, and metabolism.
Having a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology is essential to understanding how disease processes affect the body.
Additionally, the laboratory portion can provide hands-on experience with testing specimens such as blood or urine to identify abnormalities that may indicate disease.
A human physiology course with a lab gives students a solid foundation in health science that they can build upon throughout their nursing education.
6) Psychology
Required Semesters/Credits: One semester
Taking a psychology course will help nurses gain an understanding of human behavior and how the body works.
It will also provide nurses with the skills necessary for effective communication with patients, as well as an understanding of how mental health can affect physical health.
Additionally, taking a psychology course can help nurses learn how to handle difficult situations and develop empathy for their patients.
Ultimately, this knowledge can be used to improve patient care and ensure that nurses are providing quality care to those who entrust them with their well-being.
7) Statistics
Required Semesters/Credits: One semester
Statistics courses provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to interpret data, find trends, and make informed decisions.
Students will learn how to calculate averages, variance, probability, and other measures of central tendency.
Additionally, they will gain familiarity with survey design and data analysis techniques like regression analysis and correlation.
With this knowledge, students can apply their skills when analyzing patient health records or assessing clinical interventions.
Being able to interpret data is an essential skill that nursing students need to be successful in their studies, so having a solid foundation in statistics is essential for any aspiring nurse.
8) Nutrition
Required Semesters/Credits: One semester
This course helps prepare students for the field of nursing by teaching them about nutrition and its role in health and wellness. In this course, students learn about food groups, dietary guidelines, recommended nutrient intakes, and how to read food labels.
They also learn about how certain nutritional deficiencies can affect health and how to recommend dietary changes to patients as part of their nursing care.
This knowledge is essential for nurses who are responsible for providing comprehensive care and helping patients maintain good health.
How Long Does It Take Complete All The Nursing Prerequisites?
Completing all of the nursing prerequisites can take anywhere from one to two years, depending on the program and individual student.
Prerequisites typically include courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, psychology, statistics, and other science courses.
Most students complete their prerequisite courses at a college or university before applying to a nursing school. In some cases, it may be possible to meet some prerequisites online or through community colleges.
Depending on the number of classes taken each semester, it can take anywhere from one to two years to complete all of the nursing prerequisites.
Additionally, if a student is already working as a nurse or in a related field, they may be able to reduce the time needed by taking fewer classes each semester or taking accelerated courses.
See Also: What Does BSN Mean? All Your Questions Answered
When And Where Should You Complete The Prerequisite Courses Required For Nursing School?
When deciding when and where to complete the prerequisite courses required for nursing school, it is essential to remember that these courses must be completed within the last five years in order to be considered.
Additionally, many programs require that these courses are taken at an accredited college or university to be accepted.
For this reason, it is essential to research different schools and universities in your area to find the best options for completing prerequisites. It is also helpful to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time before applying to a nursing program to ensure all necessary courses have been completed.
Finally, consider speaking with a counselor or advisor at your local college or university who can help guide you through the process and provide additional advice on when and where would be best to complete your requirements.
Conclusion
Well, you may be thinking that this all sounds a bit dense and – quite frankly – more work than you can handle. But you would be wrong.
The prerequisite requirements are there not to discourage you but rather to ensure that once you've arrived at the nursing program, your education will meet your needs and goals.
They help ensure success for everyone who makes an effort to get in. And the better prepared you are upon arrival, the easier it will be to make the most of your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing School Prerequisites
Q1. Can I Take Prerequisites For Nursing School In High School?
Yes, you can take prerequisites for nursing school in high school. Most nursing schools require applicants to complete several prerequisite courses before admission.
These may include classes in English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, and psychology.
Many of these courses are offered at the high school level and can be taken during the years leading up to college enrollment.
Taking these courses while still in high school offers students the opportunity to better prepare themselves academically for the rigors of a nursing program while freeing up more time for other activities during college.
Q2. Is There A Time Limit On Any Of The Prerequisite Courses?
Most prerequisite courses do not have a set time limit, but some may. It depends on the school and the program you are applying for.
Generally, if you need to take a prerequisite course, it should be completed within two years before enrollment in the BSN program.
However, this timeline can vary depending on the college or university. Some schools may also require that you complete specific prerequisites with a minimum grade requirement as well as within a certain timeframe.
Q3. Can I Get Into A School of Nursing Without Prerequisites?
It is possible to get into a nursing school without prerequisites. However, it may be more difficult and require more effort to be accepted without the required coursework.
Many schools offer various options for students who lack the essential prerequisites, such as special admissions processes, bridge programs, and accelerated degrees in nursing.
Special admissions processes are designed for those with a non-traditional educational background or those who have been out of school for an extended period.
Bridge programs are designed to help students transition from their current degree program to one in nursing by completing prerequisite courses in a shorter amount of time.
Accelerated nursing programs allow students with a Bachelor’s degree in another field to complete their nursing studies at an accelerated pace.
Q4. What is a good GPA for nursing school?
A good GPA for nursing school is generally considered to be at least a 3.0 or higher. While this may vary depending on the school you are attending, having a high GPA can often be seen as proof of your dedication to the program and your commitment to excellence.
If you can maintain a GPA of 3.5 or even 4.0, it will definitely put you in good standing with nursing faculty and potential employers alike.
Q5. Are nursing prerequisites harder than nursing school?
Nursing prerequisites are generally more challenging than nursing school, as they are meant to prepare students for the rigors of nursing school.
