6 answers
Camryn
Student
Antwerp, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
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Is there any high school courses you would recommend for Nursing ?
I'm a sophomore looking for advice.
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6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Great question Camryn, while in high school is the perfect time to prepare for a future nursing career. You can lay a strong foundation for your undergraduate studies and beyond by focusing on specific subjects and engaging in these relevant activities.
TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES — Many nursing schools set high admission standards, so setting yourself up with the right high school classes can give you a competitive edge when you apply. Prioritize science and math courses, such as biology, statistics, and chemistry. If your high school offers more specialized course options like anatomy and physiology, then enroll in those as well. Colleges often offer credit to incoming high school students with high AP scores. Even just seeing AP courses on an applicant’s transcript can help boost admission chances too.
EARN CERTIFICATIONS — You do not need to wait until nursing school to learn how to save lives. You can gain your first aid and basic life support certifications in high school. You can enroll in weekend or evening training programs through the Red Cross. Certifications remain valid for two years. Some colleges may require first aid certification as a prerequisite for admission to nursing programs. Even if certification is not required, first aid skills look impressive on a college application.
JOIN HOSA — HOSA-Future Health Professionals operates as an organization for students in middle school, high school, and postsecondary education. The group promotes career opportunities in the healthcare industry. It provides training for students and gets members involved with competition opportunities within local and school chapters. This will also help you get an early foot in the door of future health careers and facilitates team building and job skills. Plus, if you want to make connections before nursing school, you can do that through HOSA.
VOLUNTEERING — Even as a high school student, you can get involved in healthcare settings before college through volunteering. Find a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, assisted living facility, or clinic, and check if they host volunteer programs. If they do not have a formal program, offer to volunteer for a few hours per week. Ask if you can shadow nurses to get a sense of what their daily work is really like. Admissions representatives like to see volunteer hours on college applications. Plus, if you focus on volunteering in the healthcare industry, you can show those representatives just how serious you are about your nursing career.
Hope this was helpful Camryn
TAKE THE RIGHT CLASSES — Many nursing schools set high admission standards, so setting yourself up with the right high school classes can give you a competitive edge when you apply. Prioritize science and math courses, such as biology, statistics, and chemistry. If your high school offers more specialized course options like anatomy and physiology, then enroll in those as well. Colleges often offer credit to incoming high school students with high AP scores. Even just seeing AP courses on an applicant’s transcript can help boost admission chances too.
EARN CERTIFICATIONS — You do not need to wait until nursing school to learn how to save lives. You can gain your first aid and basic life support certifications in high school. You can enroll in weekend or evening training programs through the Red Cross. Certifications remain valid for two years. Some colleges may require first aid certification as a prerequisite for admission to nursing programs. Even if certification is not required, first aid skills look impressive on a college application.
JOIN HOSA — HOSA-Future Health Professionals operates as an organization for students in middle school, high school, and postsecondary education. The group promotes career opportunities in the healthcare industry. It provides training for students and gets members involved with competition opportunities within local and school chapters. This will also help you get an early foot in the door of future health careers and facilitates team building and job skills. Plus, if you want to make connections before nursing school, you can do that through HOSA.
VOLUNTEERING — Even as a high school student, you can get involved in healthcare settings before college through volunteering. Find a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, assisted living facility, or clinic, and check if they host volunteer programs. If they do not have a formal program, offer to volunteer for a few hours per week. Ask if you can shadow nurses to get a sense of what their daily work is really like. Admissions representatives like to see volunteer hours on college applications. Plus, if you focus on volunteering in the healthcare industry, you can show those representatives just how serious you are about your nursing career.
Hope this was helpful Camryn
Hailey Hamilton
Nurse
96
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Hailey’s Answer
Concentrate on science classes to help with a nursing career. Math is also improving in nursing. If your high school offers a health vocations class or club that could be beneficial as well.
Martin Schoen
APRN
288
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Excellent query, and it's admirable that you're planning ahead. It would be beneficial to gain some experience in the sciences, as they will provide a solid foundation for your program, even if they don't directly contribute to advanced placement. Consider taking a psychology course and familiarizing yourself with computers. The rest is about embracing your unique qualities. Volunteering in a healthcare setting could prove to be advantageous. In addition, while you're still in high school, remember to balance your studies with personal time. Engage in activities that you enjoy, be it sports, part-time work, or simply being yourself. These are all crucial aspects. As a nurse, you'll be expected to apply what you've learned in school, your practical experience, and your unique personal qualities.
Stacy Dean Seymour
Emergency Nursing
1
Answer
Portland, Maine
Updated
Stacy’s Answer
Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, a really great English Teacher. Statistics, Social Science-(learn about different cultures). Have a blast in HS!
L. M.
RN
15
Answers
Arlington, Texas
Updated
L.’s Answer
The only thing that can help in preparation for nursing is Anatomy and physiology. You will also have to take this class in college. This will prepare you to know how the body systems work. Your sciences are important in nursing.
Maureen Komperda
Nurse Practitioner
44
Answers
Elmhurst, Illinois
Updated
Maureen’s Answer
Camryn,
You've posed an excellent question. Once upon a time, college prerequisites consisted of 4 years each in science and math, along with computer science courses for navigating electronic medical records.
However, it's equally essential to nourish your personal interests and hobbies throughout your life. Whether it's the arts, sports, gaming, or any other activity that sparks joy for you, these are important outlets to maintain. The nursing profession can be demanding and may drain your energy as you devote yourself to caring for others.
Remember, it's crucial to take time for yourself and prioritize self-care. In fact, learning how to care for yourself could be considered the most vital course you can take. It's all about balance, Camryn. Keep your passions alive while pursuing your professional goals. You've got this!
You've posed an excellent question. Once upon a time, college prerequisites consisted of 4 years each in science and math, along with computer science courses for navigating electronic medical records.
However, it's equally essential to nourish your personal interests and hobbies throughout your life. Whether it's the arts, sports, gaming, or any other activity that sparks joy for you, these are important outlets to maintain. The nursing profession can be demanding and may drain your energy as you devote yourself to caring for others.
Remember, it's crucial to take time for yourself and prioritize self-care. In fact, learning how to care for yourself could be considered the most vital course you can take. It's all about balance, Camryn. Keep your passions alive while pursuing your professional goals. You've got this!