6 answers
Rehoboth
Student
Gorham, Maine
1
Question
Asked
962 views
How do I get into nursing school(pre-reqs)?
Hi my name is Rehoboth and I’m a sophomore and I want to be a nurse but I’m confused between pre
reqs classes and the actual nursing school.So where do I get the pre reqs,in a nursing school or a community college and do I have to apply to nursing school again after getting the pre reqs?I'm just confused on where exactly am I supposed to be getting the pre reqs if not at a nursing school.Also what’s the difference between nursing school and pre reqs classes and are they 2 separate majors ? So what do I apply for to get into pre reqs classes? I hope this makes sense.Thank you
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1758
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Whether you attend a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or start with baby steps as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), there are four basic steps to becoming a nurse:
1️⃣ CNA - Certified nursing assistants are entry-level healthcare professionals who work under the direct supervision of an RN. Starting as a CNA is not necessary, but a great way to quickly enter the nursing field and learn whether it's right for you. CNA requirements include attending an accredited program and earning a certification or license, depending on the state.
2️⃣ LPN - LPNs are entry-level nurses who provide essential care to patients and assist RNs and doctors. Becoming an LPN requires attending an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. LPN programs are easy to get into and affordable, making them ideal for waitlisted students and aspiring nurses on a budget.
3️⃣ ADN-RN - Earning an ADN is the fastest way to become a registered nurse. Most ADN programs last just two years and are available at community and technical colleges. At the end of the program, you take the same NCLEX-RN exam as those who complete a bachelor's education. Since some hospitals pay for RNs to earn a BSN, many nurses earn an ADN first to quickly enter the workforce and save money.
4️⃣ BSN-RN - BSN is the gold standard in nursing degrees, allowing you to become a registered nurse in four years. Typically found at universities, BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce. Employers at coveted hospitals tend to prefer BSNs over ADNs, and the degree sets you up to easily advance your education later.
PREPARE FOR NURSING CAREER
Taking science and math courses in high school can provide students with the knowledge and skills required for a nursing career. These courses help build a solid understanding of scientific concepts, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. Some recommended science and math courses include:
• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: The most important subjects for aspiring nurses. Many high schools offer advanced courses in anatomy and physiology. These classes provide an in-depth exploration of the human body’s structure and function, preparing you for the more intricate aspects of nursing education.
• CHEMISTRY: Equips students with a basic understanding of chemical reactions, which is crucial in understanding medication administration.
• BIOLOGY: Introduces human anatomy, physiology, and other fundamental biological principles.
• ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY: Strong mathematical skills are vital for administering medications, calculating dosages, and interpreting medical data accurately.
• STATISTICS: Understanding statistics is valuable for interpreting research studies, patient outcomes, and medical data analysis.
1️⃣ CNA - Certified nursing assistants are entry-level healthcare professionals who work under the direct supervision of an RN. Starting as a CNA is not necessary, but a great way to quickly enter the nursing field and learn whether it's right for you. CNA requirements include attending an accredited program and earning a certification or license, depending on the state.
2️⃣ LPN - LPNs are entry-level nurses who provide essential care to patients and assist RNs and doctors. Becoming an LPN requires attending an accredited program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam. LPN programs are easy to get into and affordable, making them ideal for waitlisted students and aspiring nurses on a budget.
3️⃣ ADN-RN - Earning an ADN is the fastest way to become a registered nurse. Most ADN programs last just two years and are available at community and technical colleges. At the end of the program, you take the same NCLEX-RN exam as those who complete a bachelor's education. Since some hospitals pay for RNs to earn a BSN, many nurses earn an ADN first to quickly enter the workforce and save money.
4️⃣ BSN-RN - BSN is the gold standard in nursing degrees, allowing you to become a registered nurse in four years. Typically found at universities, BSN programs prepare students to take the NCLEX-RN exam and enter the workforce. Employers at coveted hospitals tend to prefer BSNs over ADNs, and the degree sets you up to easily advance your education later.
PREPARE FOR NURSING CAREER
Taking science and math courses in high school can provide students with the knowledge and skills required for a nursing career. These courses help build a solid understanding of scientific concepts, critical thinking abilities, and problem-solving skills. Some recommended science and math courses include:
• ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY: The most important subjects for aspiring nurses. Many high schools offer advanced courses in anatomy and physiology. These classes provide an in-depth exploration of the human body’s structure and function, preparing you for the more intricate aspects of nursing education.
• CHEMISTRY: Equips students with a basic understanding of chemical reactions, which is crucial in understanding medication administration.
• BIOLOGY: Introduces human anatomy, physiology, and other fundamental biological principles.
• ALGEBRA AND GEOMETRY: Strong mathematical skills are vital for administering medications, calculating dosages, and interpreting medical data accurately.
• STATISTICS: Understanding statistics is valuable for interpreting research studies, patient outcomes, and medical data analysis.
Thank you so very much
Rehoboth
Bright Komor
Nurse
250
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
This should do .
Hi Rehoboth! Here’s a breakdown:
1. **Pre-requisites**: These are foundational courses (like anatomy, biology, chemistry, and math) needed before applying to nursing school. You typically take these at a **community college** or a **4-year university**—not at nursing school itself.
2. **Nursing School vs Pre-requisites**: Pre-requisite classes are not part of nursing school; they’re just the basic courses you need before you can apply to nursing programs. Nursing school is where you learn the nursing-specific skills (clinical practice, patient care, etc.).
3. **Applying to Nursing School**: After completing your pre-requisites (usually 1-2 years of coursework), you apply to a **nursing program**. Nursing schools often require you to have completed these pre-requisite courses before acceptance.
4. **Where to Apply**: To start, apply to a **community college** or a **university** to take your pre-requisite classes. Once you’ve completed them, you can apply to a nursing program (either at the same school or a different one that offers a nursing degree).
So, in short:
- Pre-requisite classes are usually taken at a **community college** or **university**.
- Nursing school is a separate program where you learn nursing-specific skills, and you apply to that program after completing your pre-requisites.
Hope that clears things up!
Hi Rehoboth! Here’s a breakdown:
1. **Pre-requisites**: These are foundational courses (like anatomy, biology, chemistry, and math) needed before applying to nursing school. You typically take these at a **community college** or a **4-year university**—not at nursing school itself.
2. **Nursing School vs Pre-requisites**: Pre-requisite classes are not part of nursing school; they’re just the basic courses you need before you can apply to nursing programs. Nursing school is where you learn the nursing-specific skills (clinical practice, patient care, etc.).
3. **Applying to Nursing School**: After completing your pre-requisites (usually 1-2 years of coursework), you apply to a **nursing program**. Nursing schools often require you to have completed these pre-requisite courses before acceptance.
4. **Where to Apply**: To start, apply to a **community college** or a **university** to take your pre-requisite classes. Once you’ve completed them, you can apply to a nursing program (either at the same school or a different one that offers a nursing degree).
So, in short:
- Pre-requisite classes are usually taken at a **community college** or **university**.
- Nursing school is a separate program where you learn nursing-specific skills, and you apply to that program after completing your pre-requisites.
Hope that clears things up!
Thank you so much!!!! That makes a lot of sense 🙏
Rehoboth
Susana Appiah
MIDWIFE
28
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hey Rehoboth! No worries—I totally get why this is confusing! Let me break it down step by step so you can clearly understand how to get into nursing school and what role pre-requisites (pre-reqs) play in the process. 🚀
1. What Are Pre-Reqs and Where Do You Take Them?
✔ Pre-requisites ("pre-reqs") are college-level courses you must complete before applying to nursing school.
✔ You do not take pre-reqs at a nursing school; instead, you take them at a community college, university, or online.
✔ Nursing schools require pre-reqs to ensure students have a strong foundation in science, math, and critical thinking before starting the actual nursing program.
📌 Where Do You Take Pre-Reqs?
You can take them at a community college (cheaper option) or a university.
Some students start at a community college to save money and then transfer to a nursing program.
💡 Do You Apply to Nursing School Right Away?
❌ No, you first complete pre-reqs and then apply to nursing school separately once they’re done.
2. What’s the Difference Between Pre-Reqs and Nursing School?
Yes! They are two separate things. Here’s how they compare:
Pre-Reqs (Before Nursing School) Actual Nursing School
You take general education & science courses You take nursing-specific courses & clinicals
Usually takes 1-2 years Usually takes 2-3 years (for BSN or ADN)
Courses: Anatomy, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, etc. Courses: Pharmacology, Nursing Skills, Pathophysiology, etc.
Can be taken at a community college or university Must be taken at an accredited nursing program
No hands-on patient care yet Includes clinicals (working with real patients)
📌 Example:
Years 1-2: Take pre-reqs at a community college or university
Years 3-4: Apply & get accepted into nursing school to start actual nursing courses & clinical training
3. What Classes Are Required for Nursing Pre-Reqs?
Most nursing programs require these core pre-reqs:
✅ Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Microbiology
General Chemistry (sometimes Organic Chemistry too)
Biology
Nutrition
✅ General Education
English Composition
Psychology
Sociology
College Algebra or Statistics
✅ Bonus Courses That Help (Not always required but useful)
Medical Terminology
Ethics in Healthcare
💡 Tip: Every nursing program has slightly different pre-req requirements. Always check the website of the school you want to apply to.
4. How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
Now that you understand the difference between pre-reqs and nursing school, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose Where to Take Pre-Reqs
✔ Option 1: Community College (Best for Saving Money 💰)
Many students start here and then transfer.
Example: Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) offers nursing pre-reqs.
Apply for a General Science or Pre-Nursing track to take these courses.
✔ Option 2: University (More Expensive but Direct) 🎓
If you plan to go directly to a 4-year BSN program, take pre-reqs at that university.
Example: University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a BSN program where you take pre-reqs first.
📌 What to Apply For?
If taking pre-reqs at community college, apply as a general science or pre-nursing student (not a nursing major yet).
5. Do You Have to Apply to Nursing School Again?
✔ Yes! Once you finish your pre-reqs, you must apply separately to nursing school.
✔ Most nursing programs are competitive, so higher grades in pre-reqs = better chance of getting accepted!
✔ Some universities have direct-entry BSN programs, but they are harder to get into.
6. Should You Get an ADN or BSN? (2-Year vs. 4-Year Path)
There are two main ways to become a nurse:
Pathway Time Where? Career Impact
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) 2-3 years Community College Cheaper, but may need BSN later
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 4 years University Higher pay & better job opportunities
💡 Which is Best?
If you want to start working faster & save money, go for ADN first, then do RN-to-BSN later.
If you can commit to 4 years right away, go for a BSN (better job opportunities).
7. Summary – What Should You Do Now?
1️⃣ Start taking pre-reqs at a community college or university.
2️⃣ Apply as a general science or pre-nursing student (not nursing school yet).
3️⃣ Get good grades (C’s might not be enough—aim for B’s and A’s).
4️⃣ After pre-reqs, apply to nursing school separately.
5️⃣ Decide: ADN (2 years) or BSN (4 years)?
6️⃣ Prepare for entrance exams like TEAS or HESI (some nursing schools require them).
Final Thoughts
Rehoboth, you’re asking all the right questions! Nursing is a great career, and understanding the steps early will help you succeed.
If you need help finding pre-req programs near Gorham, Maine or choosing the best nursing school for you, let me know. You got this! 🚀👩⚕️💙
1. What Are Pre-Reqs and Where Do You Take Them?
✔ Pre-requisites ("pre-reqs") are college-level courses you must complete before applying to nursing school.
✔ You do not take pre-reqs at a nursing school; instead, you take them at a community college, university, or online.
✔ Nursing schools require pre-reqs to ensure students have a strong foundation in science, math, and critical thinking before starting the actual nursing program.
📌 Where Do You Take Pre-Reqs?
You can take them at a community college (cheaper option) or a university.
Some students start at a community college to save money and then transfer to a nursing program.
💡 Do You Apply to Nursing School Right Away?
❌ No, you first complete pre-reqs and then apply to nursing school separately once they’re done.
2. What’s the Difference Between Pre-Reqs and Nursing School?
Yes! They are two separate things. Here’s how they compare:
Pre-Reqs (Before Nursing School) Actual Nursing School
You take general education & science courses You take nursing-specific courses & clinicals
Usually takes 1-2 years Usually takes 2-3 years (for BSN or ADN)
Courses: Anatomy, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, etc. Courses: Pharmacology, Nursing Skills, Pathophysiology, etc.
Can be taken at a community college or university Must be taken at an accredited nursing program
No hands-on patient care yet Includes clinicals (working with real patients)
📌 Example:
Years 1-2: Take pre-reqs at a community college or university
Years 3-4: Apply & get accepted into nursing school to start actual nursing courses & clinical training
3. What Classes Are Required for Nursing Pre-Reqs?
Most nursing programs require these core pre-reqs:
✅ Sciences
Anatomy & Physiology I & II
Microbiology
General Chemistry (sometimes Organic Chemistry too)
Biology
Nutrition
✅ General Education
English Composition
Psychology
Sociology
College Algebra or Statistics
✅ Bonus Courses That Help (Not always required but useful)
Medical Terminology
Ethics in Healthcare
💡 Tip: Every nursing program has slightly different pre-req requirements. Always check the website of the school you want to apply to.
4. How to Get Started (Step-by-Step)
Now that you understand the difference between pre-reqs and nursing school, here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Choose Where to Take Pre-Reqs
✔ Option 1: Community College (Best for Saving Money 💰)
Many students start here and then transfer.
Example: Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) offers nursing pre-reqs.
Apply for a General Science or Pre-Nursing track to take these courses.
✔ Option 2: University (More Expensive but Direct) 🎓
If you plan to go directly to a 4-year BSN program, take pre-reqs at that university.
Example: University of Southern Maine (USM) offers a BSN program where you take pre-reqs first.
📌 What to Apply For?
If taking pre-reqs at community college, apply as a general science or pre-nursing student (not a nursing major yet).
5. Do You Have to Apply to Nursing School Again?
✔ Yes! Once you finish your pre-reqs, you must apply separately to nursing school.
✔ Most nursing programs are competitive, so higher grades in pre-reqs = better chance of getting accepted!
✔ Some universities have direct-entry BSN programs, but they are harder to get into.
6. Should You Get an ADN or BSN? (2-Year vs. 4-Year Path)
There are two main ways to become a nurse:
Pathway Time Where? Career Impact
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) 2-3 years Community College Cheaper, but may need BSN later
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 4 years University Higher pay & better job opportunities
💡 Which is Best?
If you want to start working faster & save money, go for ADN first, then do RN-to-BSN later.
If you can commit to 4 years right away, go for a BSN (better job opportunities).
7. Summary – What Should You Do Now?
1️⃣ Start taking pre-reqs at a community college or university.
2️⃣ Apply as a general science or pre-nursing student (not nursing school yet).
3️⃣ Get good grades (C’s might not be enough—aim for B’s and A’s).
4️⃣ After pre-reqs, apply to nursing school separately.
5️⃣ Decide: ADN (2 years) or BSN (4 years)?
6️⃣ Prepare for entrance exams like TEAS or HESI (some nursing schools require them).
Final Thoughts
Rehoboth, you’re asking all the right questions! Nursing is a great career, and understanding the steps early will help you succeed.
If you need help finding pre-req programs near Gorham, Maine or choosing the best nursing school for you, let me know. You got this! 🚀👩⚕️💙
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
384
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Rehoboth:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2025 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a nursing career. Physics, chemistry and biology will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry and statistics will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills for research; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration among team members, staff and partner departments occur on a daily basis. As a nurse, communication is essential and critical when dealing with patients, medical personnel and other hospital staff. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills. While in high school, the debate team will provide the opportunity to sharpen communication skills which are backed with research and factual data and information.
Here are the Top 10 Best Nursing Schools of 2025 per www.nurse.org:
https://nurse.org/education/top-10-best-nursing-schools/
- Duke University
- Georgetown University
- Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Michigan
- University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington
- Emory University
- University of Maryland
U.S. News & World Report has additional college listings for the best schools for a Master Degree in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice:
https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-nursing-schools
A Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing will concentrate more on math and science courses. This will be earned at a college or university for a duration of four years. Clinical experience is gained while in nursing school at a college or university. Physiology, psychology and anatomy are some additional college courses that are required for one to take to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. College and scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of college and scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship and acceptance to the applied college of choice, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to Johnson and Johnson, here is a link for Nursing Specialties:
https://nursing.jnj.com/specialty
Here is a list of some of the High Demand Nurse Specialties:
- Cardiac Care Nurse
- Certified Nurse Midwife
- Emergency Nurse
- Perioperative Nurse
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
- Labor and Delivery Nurse (L&D)
- Home Health Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
- Nurse Practitioner
- Obstetrics Nurse
- Oncology Nurse
Best wishes for your education and career path in Nursing!
Wow!! this was a very in depth explanation.Thank you so much.
Rehoboth
Cindy Muhonja
Registered Nurse
46
Answers
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Bright's answer is pretty clear. I just wanted to add that before you can get into pre-req classes, you might have to have some basic classes unless you did them under the honors programs in high school. These are like college English, math and whatever else the community college wants. All the best.
Thank you.
Rehoboth
I have a quick question if I’m applying for pre reqs what major is that considered? And how do I know which schools have that ?
Rehoboth
Go to the community college websites near you and search for nursing admissions. They should have have a checklist. Choose a college first, because each checklist is different. Once you have finished your checklist, you can do a nursing college application. The checklist will clarify which prereqs are needed and which tests will be required before application. Then go to each course on the prereq checklist on the college website to see what you need to qualify for that class. For example, for A&P, a community college may need math 101 and a high entrance score to the college. My advice is always to start by choosing your school. Be careful about choosing the brand name schools as ALL nursing schools have competitive entry
Cindy Muhonja
Example: University of Southern Maine
BIO 111 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I
The course is the first semester of a two-semester sequence concerning the structure and function of the human body. The course focuses on the study of cell chemistry, cell physiology, tissues, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscle system, and nervous system. It is appropriate for nursing and allied health majors and does not fulfill requirements of the biology major.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or higher in MAT 101, or appropriate placement test score.
Co-requisite(s):
Credits: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Summer
Course Type: Biology
Cindy Muhonja
https://usm.maine.edu/transfer/wp-content/uploads/sites/591/2022/09/WEB-2022-Renewal-SMCC-AS-Nursing-to-USM-BSN.pdf
Cindy Muhonja
Thank you very much
Rehoboth
Natasha Rieder
Occupational Health Nurse
23
Answers
Wentzville, Missouri
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hello Rehoboth,
Different colleges have different pre-reqs, mine even had a required math class that was considered a science credit! It's not that you're getting two majors, it's that you're taking the necessary classes and passing with the necessary grades in those classes to show the school that you're "worthy" of getting into their specific nursing program. They want to make sure their students can handle the difficulty of their nursing program so they don't have sky high drop out rates, the pre-reqs help make sure you can cut it before they even let you in.
Your first step would be to choose which nursing school you plan to get your degree from, but keep in mind that just because you get accepted into that school doesn't mean you're accepted into their nursing program. Be sure you're clear on this in your application. If you want to get all your pre-reqs done the same school you plan to graduate from you can, but many people choose to get them done ahead of time during high school or at a community college first and then apply to the nursing program of their choice to transfer the credits. If you do go to a community college first you don't necessarily have to declare a major, you just sign up for an enroll in whatever classes you need and qualify for (some community colleges require minimum GPAs or other high school classes to let you take them). That being said, make sure if you do choose to go to a community college first that you check to ensure the credits WILL TRANSFER! You'd hate to do all that hard work only to have to re-do some of it again later.
Once you're in the nursing program, it's typically four years of full time school (assuming you're getting your bachelors degree) but there are almost always alternative options like night and evening classes, part time and hybrid schedules (part online/part in classroom).
I hope that helps clear things up! Reach out if there are more questions!
Different colleges have different pre-reqs, mine even had a required math class that was considered a science credit! It's not that you're getting two majors, it's that you're taking the necessary classes and passing with the necessary grades in those classes to show the school that you're "worthy" of getting into their specific nursing program. They want to make sure their students can handle the difficulty of their nursing program so they don't have sky high drop out rates, the pre-reqs help make sure you can cut it before they even let you in.
Your first step would be to choose which nursing school you plan to get your degree from, but keep in mind that just because you get accepted into that school doesn't mean you're accepted into their nursing program. Be sure you're clear on this in your application. If you want to get all your pre-reqs done the same school you plan to graduate from you can, but many people choose to get them done ahead of time during high school or at a community college first and then apply to the nursing program of their choice to transfer the credits. If you do go to a community college first you don't necessarily have to declare a major, you just sign up for an enroll in whatever classes you need and qualify for (some community colleges require minimum GPAs or other high school classes to let you take them). That being said, make sure if you do choose to go to a community college first that you check to ensure the credits WILL TRANSFER! You'd hate to do all that hard work only to have to re-do some of it again later.
Once you're in the nursing program, it's typically four years of full time school (assuming you're getting your bachelors degree) but there are almost always alternative options like night and evening classes, part time and hybrid schedules (part online/part in classroom).
I hope that helps clear things up! Reach out if there are more questions!