Become a Nurse >> Browse Articles >> Nursing School
Take the Prerequisites
Beth Anderson, RN
If you elect to go the BSN or ADN route, here is a list of the prerequisites you most likely will be required to take:
- General Biology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Developmental Psychology
- English Composition
- Multicultural Studies
- General Education
This list is not comprehensive, but it will certainly give you an idea of where to start. Expect to find some variations depending on where you will be applying. You can take these courses at your local community college or at an online school, so the process of taking them can be affordable and convenient. Explore your options.
The most important and possibly the most challenging course you will take will be Anatomy and Physiology. In this class you will learn the basics of the human body: how it works, and all its parts. You will also develop a sense of what kind of study skills you will need to get through nursing school, so it is advisable to take this course very seriously. It’s going to be the framework that your nursing knowledge is built upon. Remember that when you are memorizing the names of all 206 bones—there’s a reason for it.
-
Do you want to learn more about careers in nursing? Find one here.
- Looking for scholarships to take your skill set to the next level? Find a scholarship here.
Some advice on getting through the rest of the classes: Try to find ways that you will apply the course to your future nursing career. For example, Microbiology can be challenging, but in this class you’re going to learn about organisms that affect your every day life as a nurse who works in a hospital.
You may ask yourself, “Why do I need to take statistics?” In nursing school you will spend a considerable amount of time with research studies. Once you’ve mastered the art of statistics you will have a much better grasp of what these studies contribute to nursing. In contemporary nursing there is a big trend towards “evidence-based practice,” and it means applying nursing research to what you do at the bedside.
linasmith
over 1 year ago
40 comments
I am very impressed to your post and appreciate to you also such a great sharing. custom essay | custom term paper | buy research paper
lisag1166
over 2 years ago
4 comments
How important is it for me to take the course of "Fundamentals in Biology" before taking my Anatomy & Physiology? They seem quite different. I am going for my LPN and then transitioning into the RN and I know the NCLEX test has the biochemistry questions on it, but can I get by with the regular Biology until after my LPN clinicals? Can A & P be done without the Biology?
Tolulope
about 4 years ago
186 comments
I'm seeking for an opportunity to run BSN online, If there's anyone with a clue or with a better idea, contact me.
Thank you in anticipation.
locaspice
over 4 years ago
4 comments
I am looking for an online nursing school in which I can get my BSN, but will also consider one that will allow me to get ADN. I have explored some schools, but you need to already have ADN.
Shelli78
over 4 years ago
16 comments
I am taking A & P right now but that's not my problem, my problem is math. Anyone have ideas on how to improve??
nursetobedave
over 4 years ago
2 comments
How hard is the nursing enterance test to get into nursing school? I bought the kaplian nursing enterance test prep book is that a good one? please let me know thanks david
EvangelisticSistah
almost 5 years ago
88 comments
Not sure any more whether I want to do the LVN-RN or just continue taking pre-req courses for the RN program. I am also not sure whether I want the Associate's RN or the Bachelor's RN. For the Assosciate's I only have to take Anatomy&Physiology, General Chemistry, MicroBiology, and Oraganic chemistry. For the Bachelor's Id have to also take another Spanish course to add to that. LVN is faster to get but with me being so close to the RN program, that would be alot of money for LVN and RN school.
jessicamw
about 5 years ago
2 comments
I dont know if I should start with CNA, and more to RN, or try for somethin different to start. Any suggestions?
sammie1975
about 5 years ago
2 comments
I will be done with my MA program in May . Do internship for that this summer. I really want to continue my education and become a nurse. Problem is I can't seem to find any money. We don't make enough to servive but apparentley we make enough money to pay for school according to financial aid. Any suggestions?
mlima
about 5 years ago
2 comments
I have a BS in Natural Science and concentration in Nuclear Medicine Technology. I woukd like to become a nurse , do I need to start from scratch to earn a nursing degree?
Thank you,
Josee
mjblakemo
about 5 years ago
2 comments
I have only a GED but want to go to nursing school.. Where do i start and how long does it take to complete all the prerequisites? This is the information i need to go further.
Tsarie
about 5 years ago
14 comments
I already have biology,chemistry math, and english. I will need to take anatomy and physiology.Can i get into nusing school with only 5 prereq?
tfrancis
about 5 years ago
2 comments
i'm considering becoming a nurse, but i'm extremely nervous about the career..... just to start it seems so long and far but i'm willing to go at it.....anyway i love working with the elderly and i now will be good at it i just don't know how and when to start..... i don't know the right path.....any word of advice please reach out to me
thanks
tfrancis, NY
Chip
about 5 years ago
4 comments
Hello! I love to be a nurse because I love people and love to help them feel better. I have a B.Sc. and Masters degrees in Ed/Christian. Since my undergrate and graduate schools, I've worked with both the elderly and the young in the healthcare field. Before I went to college, I worked as an NAR (nursing assistant registered) for 7 years. I've loved it ever since. Currently I work as a medication assistant. I have been giving medications now since 1999. I went to school to learn about medications, their classifications, their names, and their generic names, as well as their side effects. I love to go further to nursing school to become a nurse. I have completed the following prerequistes, Nurtritions, intro to psychology, psychology, life span, English 1157, etc. I want to be a nurse and if anyone can help me to achieve my dream, I can be reached at chip4041@aol.com Thank you for help. Jay
hester
over 5 years ago
20 comments
I am currently in the last of my prereq's and CNA. By the end of this semester, I will be finished with everything. I will find out around Mar 15 whether or not I will be accepted into the Nursing Program. I am attending Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Best of luck to everyone currently in nursing and those going into it as well as those considering the career.