✅ Quick Answer: Start by researching nursing programs you want to apply to, obtain their specific prerequisite lists, register at an accredited college offering those courses, and create a completion timeline that fits your schedule.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Nursing Prerequisites
Step 1: Research Your Target Nursing Programs
Before enrolling in any courses, identify 2-3 nursing programs you're interested in attending. Check their websites for:
- Complete prerequisite course lists
- Minimum GPA requirements (overall and science GPA)
- Application deadlines and admission cycles
- Additional requirements (TEAS exam, volunteer hours, etc.)
- Transfer credit policies and approved course lists
Pro Tip: If you're unsure which nursing school to attend, choose prerequisites common to most programs: A&P I & II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology, English, and Math.
Step 2: Choose Where to Take Prerequisites
You have several options for completing nursing prerequisites:
Community College (most popular)
- ✅ Affordable tuition ($100-200/credit)
- ✅ Designed for transfer students
- ✅ Evening and weekend sections available
- ✅ Well-established articulation agreements with nursing programs
- ⚠️ Classes fill quickly; register early
Four-Year University
- ✅ Same institution you may attend for BSN
- ✅ Guaranteed credit transfer if you stay
- ⚠️ Higher tuition costs
- ⚠️ May have enrollment priority for degree-seeking students
Online Accredited Programs (like StraighterLine)
- ✅ Self-paced, flexible scheduling
- ✅ Lower cost than traditional colleges
- ✅ Can complete faster
- ⚠️ Must verify transfer acceptance with your nursing program
Step 3: Meet with an Academic Advisor
Schedule an appointment with an advisor at the school where you'll take prerequisites. Bring:
- Prerequisite lists from your target nursing programs
- Any previous transcripts (high school or college)
- Questions about placement tests, course sequencing, and timelines
The advisor will help you:
- Determine if you need placement tests for math or English
- Create a course sequence plan
- Understand transfer credit policies
- Identify any developmental courses you may need first
Step 4: Take Placement Tests if Required
Most colleges require placement testing for math and English to ensure you're ready for college-level coursework. Common tests include:
- Accuplacer
- Compass
- ALEKS (for math)
Important: If you place into developmental courses (remedial math or English), you'll need to complete those first before taking prerequisites—adding time to your plan.
Step 5: Register for Your First Courses
For your first semester, consider starting with:
Recommended first-semester combination:
- General Psychology or Sociology (easier course to build confidence)
- English Composition I (needed early; builds writing skills)
- College Algebra or Statistics (if required)
OR, if you're ready for science:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with lab
- English Composition I
- Psychology or Sociology
Avoid in your first semester: Taking multiple science courses with labs (A&P + Chemistry + Microbiology) unless you have a strong science background and can dedicate 30+ hours per week to studying.
Creating Your Prerequisite Timeline
Full-Time Student Path (1-1.5 Years)
Taking 12-15 credits per semester, most students complete prerequisites in 3-4 semesters.
Part-Time Student Path (2-3 Years)
Taking 6-9 credits per semester while working allows for slower, more manageable progress.
Accelerated Path (6-12 Months)
Online self-paced programs or intensive summer courses can compress timelines significantly.
Important Considerations When Starting
Course Expiration Dates
Many nursing programs have time limits on prerequisites (typically 5-7 years). Science courses often expire first. If you're starting prerequisites years before applying, confirm your courses will still be valid.
GPA from Day One
Every grade counts toward your prerequisite GPA—even "easy" general education courses. Nursing programs are competitive; aim for As from the start.
Lab Course Availability
Science courses with labs (A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry) have limited seats and often require separate lab registration. Register as early as possible.
Prerequisites for Prerequisites
Some courses have prerequisites of their own:
- A&P II requires A&P I (obviously)
- Microbiology often requires A&P I or General Biology
- Chemistry may require College Algebra
Plan your sequence carefully to avoid unnecessary delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not confirming transfer credit policies
Taking courses without verifying they'll transfer to your nursing program wastes time and money.
❌ Overloading your first semester
Taking too many courses leads to burnout and lower GPAs. Start conservatively.
❌ Ignoring application deadlines
Nursing programs have specific admission cycles. Work backward from deadlines to ensure prerequisites are complete in time.
❌ Waiting too long to take sciences
If you delay all sciences until the end, you may face expired courses or gaps in your application timeline.
Financial Aid and Enrollment Status
To qualify for federal financial aid, you typically need to be enrolled in a degree or certificate program as a half-time student (usually 6+ credits). Options:
- Enroll in an Associate's degree program (like General Studies) while taking nursing prerequisites
- Non-degree seeking status for flexibility, but no financial aid eligibility
- Private loans or payment plans if you don't qualify for federal aid
💡 Take the Fast Track to Nursing with StraighterLine
StraighterLine makes completing your nursing prerequisites online simple and affordable. You can take accredited courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Psychology, and more — all self-paced and designed to transfer easily.