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What classes should I take in high school if I want to become a registered nurse during
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Nevaeh because nursing relies heavily on the understanding of math and science, you should prioritize on taking as many AP courses as possible in these subjects, as this can help you meet nursing requirements while still in high school and become familiar with college-level topics. Many different nursing degrees exist at various levels, making it important for you to get a clear sense of the path that best serves your needs. Those who are unsure about a lifelong nursing career may pursue a Licensed Practical Nurse qualification (LPN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Others who feel confident in their decision may move directly to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Before we get started, I’ll just say that it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your school’s guidance counselor to discuss your future plans. He or she will work to ensure that you’re taking all of the classes you need to take to prepare you for your nursing school journey.
CHOOSE YOUR DEGREE
• LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) – This is a 1 – 2 year program, offered at many community colleges and technical schools. This is an attractive option for students who wish to pursue more limited higher education, and/or to begin working sooner after high school. The disadvantages of this degree include a more limited scope of practice in comparison with RN’s, lower pay, and perhaps a shrinking number of jobs due to increases in healthcare educational standards and ongoing changes in healthcare regulation.
• ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN) – This is a 2 – 3 year program, offered at many community colleges. This degree will prepare you to take the nursing licensing examination (the NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This can be a cost-effective option for many students. However, because it is not a 4 year degree, it will not prepare you as well to assume management or leadership positions later in your career. (RN to BSN “bridge” programs, for RN’s who hold an Associates Degree in Nursing and wish to earn a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, are also available, and may be attractive to RN’s already in the workforce).
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) – This is a 4 year undergraduate degree, offered at many public and private colleges and universities. It will prepare you to take the nursing licensing examination (the NCLEX-RN), to become a Registered Nurse, and to assume management and leadership positions later in your career, if you so choose. This is a longer, and usually more expensive, route to becoming an RN, albeit one that affords greater long-term opportunities. While many RN’s do not hold a BSN, for younger nurses the BSN is becoming a national standard, and RN’s without a BSN may find their career opportunities more limited both employer preference and possibly by future regulation.
Hope this helps Nevaeh
VOLUNTEER – Spending a couple of hours each weekend at a hospital, assisted living facility, or in another healthcare setting can help students learn more about the profession and understand whether it offers a good fit for their personal and professional needs. Volunteer work hours also look great on a college application.
BECOME A HOSA MEMBER – Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) provides an opportunity for future health leaders — including nurses — to take advantage of professional and academic resources while still in high school. The group offers events, competitions, scholarships, and plenty of resources to help connect learners with the nursing world while still in high school.
LEARN CRP/FIRST AID – First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills come in handy for a variety of professionals, including students who aspire to become nurses. Weekend training courses can help familiarize learners with basic skills and help boost college applications.
CHOOSE YOUR DEGREE
• LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSE (LPN) – This is a 1 – 2 year program, offered at many community colleges and technical schools. This is an attractive option for students who wish to pursue more limited higher education, and/or to begin working sooner after high school. The disadvantages of this degree include a more limited scope of practice in comparison with RN’s, lower pay, and perhaps a shrinking number of jobs due to increases in healthcare educational standards and ongoing changes in healthcare regulation.
• ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN NURSING (ADN) – This is a 2 – 3 year program, offered at many community colleges. This degree will prepare you to take the nursing licensing examination (the NCLEX-RN) to become a Registered Nurse (RN). This can be a cost-effective option for many students. However, because it is not a 4 year degree, it will not prepare you as well to assume management or leadership positions later in your career. (RN to BSN “bridge” programs, for RN’s who hold an Associates Degree in Nursing and wish to earn a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, are also available, and may be attractive to RN’s already in the workforce).
• BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING (BSN) – This is a 4 year undergraduate degree, offered at many public and private colleges and universities. It will prepare you to take the nursing licensing examination (the NCLEX-RN), to become a Registered Nurse, and to assume management and leadership positions later in your career, if you so choose. This is a longer, and usually more expensive, route to becoming an RN, albeit one that affords greater long-term opportunities. While many RN’s do not hold a BSN, for younger nurses the BSN is becoming a national standard, and RN’s without a BSN may find their career opportunities more limited both employer preference and possibly by future regulation.
Hope this helps Nevaeh
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Thank You Athena. “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
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Courtney’s Answer
If your school offers any college credit classes so you can get pre reqs out of the way definitely do that. You can look into taking a class to get your BLS to get some hands on training!
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Raquel’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh, though there are classes that will help you in your journey to becoming a RN there aren't any in high school that you absolutely have to take, so make sure not to overload yourself! Nursing programs require basic math and English courses, many require statistics specifically for math, so you could take AP courses in math/English if available to you. Programs also require general and organic chemistry so you could similarly take AP classes of those. Keep in mind some colleges/programs are no longer accepting AP credit as college credit and you would still have to take these classes in the college setting, but it wouldn't hurt to get good exposure to the material while in high school. Courses that I personally would recommend as being the most useful for preparing you for success in nursing school would be to take an Anatomy and Physiology class if available as well as an introductory psychology class if available. The A&P will give you a good basis to prepare you for the classes you will need to take as pre-requisites to applying for nursing school as well as set you up for success once you are in nursing school. But again, there are not classes that will make or break your nursing school acceptance or success that you should take in high school. Prioritize making good study habits, really learning the material for classes you are taking, and enjoying yourself! Best of luck!