Find answers to the most common questions about nursing prerequisites, online courses, and program requirements.
StraighterLine offers a comprehensive range of nursing prerequisites that can be completed entirely online at your own pace. Core science prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with labs), Microbiology (with lab), General Chemistry I (with lab), and Introduction to Biology (with lab). Additionally, you can complete communication and critical thinking courses like English Composition I and II, Introduction to Psychology, and Lifespan Development. Specialized health science prerequisites available include Medical Terminology, Pharmacology, Introduction to Nutrition, and Personal Fitness & Wellness. All courses start at just $99/month plus course fees starting at $79, and include complimentary eTextbooks.
Taking nursing prerequisites through StraighterLine can result in substantial savings compared to traditional college courses. While a single prerequisite course at a traditional college typically costs $500-$800 (and $600-$1,000 for lab courses), StraighterLine offers courses starting at $79-$200 plus a $99 monthly membership fee. For a complete set of 10 nursing prerequisites, traditional colleges charge $5,000-$8,000, whereas StraighterLine's total cost is approximately $1,000-$2,500 — saving you between $3,000-$5,500. These savings don't include additional benefits like no commuting costs, no campus fees, and the flexibility to continue working while studying.
Yes, StraighterLine has established partnerships with over 180 colleges and universities, including many nursing programs that guarantee credit transfer. Our courses are also ACE-recommended and widely accepted at thousands of additional schools nationwide. To ensure successful transfer, we recommend contacting your target nursing schools before enrolling to confirm they accept online prerequisites, verifying the course descriptions match your program's requirements, and confirming lab components meet their standards. Most nursing schools require prerequisites to be completed within 5-7 years of application, and you'll typically need grades of C or better for credits to transfer.
The most challenging nursing prerequisites typically include Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, and Chemistry due to their complex concepts and lab requirements. However, these courses can be taken online effectively when you choose a quality provider like StraighterLine that offers virtual lab simulations and comprehensive lab components. The online format actually offers advantages for mastering difficult material — you can take your time with complex concepts like cellular respiration and cardiac cycles without the pressure of a fast-paced classroom environment. Courses most suitable for online learning include English Composition, Introduction to Psychology, Medical Terminology, and Pharmacology, which don't require extensive lab work and are well-suited to self-paced study.
The timeline for completing nursing prerequisites varies based on your pace and how many courses you take simultaneously. With StraighterLine's self-paced format, motivated students can complete individual courses in 4-6 weeks, though you can take longer if needed. A recommended sequence spans 12-18 months: Phase 1 (Foundation Courses like English Composition, Psychology, and Medical Terminology) takes 3-6 months; Phase 2 (Core Sciences including Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology I) requires 6-12 months; and Phase 3 (Advanced Prerequisites like Anatomy & Physiology II, Microbiology, and Pharmacology) takes another 3-6 months. Time-saving strategies include taking 1-2 courses simultaneously if you have adequate study time, completing easier courses during busy work periods, and planning for 6-10 hours per week per course.
Most nursing programs require a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA (typically 2.5-3.0 or higher), completion of specific prerequisite courses, and a passing score on an entrance exam such as the TEAS or HESI. For Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs, you'll typically need 8-10 prerequisite courses with a 2.5-2.75 minimum GPA, which takes 12-18 months to complete. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs require 12-15 prerequisite courses with a 3.0+ GPA, spanning 18-24 months. Accelerated BSN programs need 10-12 courses with a 3.0+ GPA and can be completed in 6-12 months. Common prerequisites across all programs include Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology, and English Composition. Background checks, immunizations, and CPR certification are typically required before starting clinical rotations.
Yes, one of the primary advantages of taking nursing prerequisites online through StraighterLine is the flexibility to study around your work schedule. Online courses allow you to complete coursework during evenings, weekends, or whenever fits your schedule best. Plan to dedicate approximately 6-10 hours per week per course for successful completion. Many nursing students work as CNAs, medical assistants, or patient care technicians while completing their prerequisites — this is actually encouraged as it provides valuable healthcare experience, helps confirm nursing is the right career path, and builds professional connections for future job opportunities. The self-paced nature of StraighterLine courses means you can accelerate through easier courses during lighter work periods and slow down during busier times, giving you complete control over your educational timeline.
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