All nursing schools – whether you’re attending a public university or a private nursing school – have general education requirements that make up part of the core curriculum. In more competitive programs, these requirements are often accomplished before students can even apply to the school. Other nursing programs might incorporate them into the regular class progress, so that all students move forward at the same pace.
For example, in four-year Bachelor programs, the first two years are generally focused on university requirements, many of which overlap with the nursing program requirements. You may find yourself taking everything from English and algebra to sociology and art, but with a few extra science classes thrown in to prepare you for the more rigorous nursing program. Many students find it more cost-effective to get these core classes “out of the way” at a community college, and then transfer to a larger school to complete the last two years.
In most cases, nursing school candidates can expect to complete coursework in:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Nutrition
- Statistics
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Child Development
In some schools, other types of math can be substituted for statistics, and there may be options to include economics, English, and ethics into the core curriculum. Some prospective nursing students also round out their prerequisites with more advanced microbiology and organic chemistry courses, especially in cases where the program is highly competitive.
Other nursing school options include getting an LPN degree prior to gaining entrance into an RN or BSN program, or even taking many core classes online. Most of the courses outlined above are textbook and lecture-based, and can be accomplished via virtual classroom. This can save students both time and money when it comes to earning a nursing degree.
Final Thoughts
Depending on which nursing school and which program you’re applying to, there will be different nursing program prerequisites, and it’s important to check with each one. You may be able to “make up” missed courses while you attend the nursing program, but since there is already a heavy academic focus, it might prove to be a bit much for the average student.
Related Topics:
You’re an RN with an Associate Degree working several 12 hour shifts per week plus overtime because of sporadic staffing shortages (even though BSN schools are matriculating and graduating nurses as quickly as humanly possible). Your goal is to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, for higher pay and more job opportunities with additional responsibilities in different clinical settings outside of the hospital such as home health.
