✅ Quick Answer: Start with basic sciences (Chemistry I, Biology I), then take A&P I, followed by A&P II and Microbiology. Take math and English early, psychology and sociology mid-sequence, and save nutrition and public speaking for last. This builds knowledge progressively.
Optimal Course Sequence
Semester 1: Foundation Sciences
Recommended courses:
- General Chemistry I with lab
- College Algebra or Statistics
- English Composition I
Why this order: Chemistry provides foundation for A&P, math skills support science courses, and English helps with all future writing assignments.
Semester 2: Core Sciences Begin
Recommended courses:
- General Chemistry II with lab
- Anatomy & Physiology I
- Psychology
Why this order: Chemistry II reinforces concepts from Chem I, A&P I builds on chemistry foundation, and psychology introduces behavioral sciences.
Semester 3: Advanced Sciences
Recommended courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology II
- Microbiology
- English Composition II
Why this order: A&P II requires A&P I foundation, microbiology builds on both chemistry and A&P knowledge, and advanced writing prepares for nursing school applications.
Semester 4: Final Requirements
Recommended courses:
- Nutrition
- Sociology
- Public Speaking
Why this order: These courses complement completed sciences and prepare for nursing school interviews and communication requirements.
Science Course Sequencing Rules
Chemistry Before A&P
Always take Chemistry I before A&P I.
- Chemistry explains cellular processes in A&P
- Understanding pH and solutions helps with body fluids
- Chemical bonding knowledge supports tissue structure learning
- Laboratory skills transfer between courses
A&P I Before A&P II
Never take A&P II before completing A&P I.
- A&P I covers foundational body systems
- A&P II builds directly on A&P I knowledge
- Medical terminology from A&P I is essential
- Most schools require sequential completion
Microbiology After Chemistry and A&P I
Take Microbiology after Chemistry I and A&P I.
- Chemistry explains microbial metabolism
- A&P I provides immune system foundation
- Understanding body systems helps with infection processes
- Laboratory techniques build on previous labs
Math and English Sequencing
Math Early in Sequence
Take math courses in your first or second semester.
- Math skills support chemistry calculations
- Statistics helps with research understanding
- Algebra skills needed for dosage calculations
- Early completion allows focus on sciences later
English Composition Sequence
Take English I early, English II mid-sequence.
- English I supports all course writing requirements
- English II prepares for nursing school essays
- Writing skills improve with practice across courses
- Research papers in English II prepare for evidence-based practice
Behavioral Sciences Timing
Psychology Mid-Sequence
Take Psychology during semesters 2-3.
- Psychology complements A&P learning
- Understanding behavior helps with patient care concepts
- Provides balance to heavy science course load
- Foundation for mental health nursing
Sociology Later in Sequence
Take Sociology during semesters 3-4.
- Sociology builds on psychology foundation
- Understanding social determinants of health
- Complements completed science knowledge
- Prepares for community health nursing concepts
Specialized Course Timing
Nutrition Last
Take Nutrition in your final semester.
- Requires A&P and chemistry foundation
- Builds on understanding of body systems
- Directly applicable to nursing practice
- Recent completion valued by nursing schools
Public Speaking Final
Take Public Speaking in your final semester.
- Prepares for nursing school interviews
- Builds confidence for clinical presentations
- Communication skills essential for nursing
- Less stressful when other courses are complete
Alternative Sequencing Plans
Accelerated Timeline (12 months)
For strong students with full-time availability:
- Fall: Chemistry I, Biology I, English I
- Spring: Chemistry II, A&P I, Math
- Summer: A&P II, Microbiology
- Fall: Psychology, Sociology, Nutrition
Part-Time Timeline (24 months)
For working students or those needing more time:
- Year 1: Chemistry I, English I, Math
- Year 1: Chemistry II, Psychology
- Year 2: A&P I, English II
- Year 2: A&P II, Microbiology
- Year 2: Sociology, Nutrition, Public Speaking
Summer-Heavy Plan
For students wanting to finish faster:
- Spring: Chemistry I, English I
- Summer: Math, Psychology
- Fall: Chemistry II, A&P I
- Spring: A&P II, English II
- Summer: Microbiology, Sociology
- Fall: Nutrition, Public Speaking
Course Combination Guidelines
Good Combinations
- One science + one non-science (Chemistry + English)
- Math + English (both require different skills)
- Psychology + Biology (complementary sciences)
- Nutrition + Public Speaking (both application-focused)
Poor Combinations to Avoid
- ❌ Two difficult sciences (Chemistry II + A&P I)
- ❌ A&P I + A&P II (must be sequential)
- ❌ Chemistry I + Chemistry II (take sequentially if possible)
- ❌ Three sciences at once (overwhelming for most students)
Timing for Nursing School Applications
Application Deadlines
Plan your sequence around application timelines:
- Fall applications: Complete most prerequisites by spring
- Spring applications: Complete most prerequisites by fall
- Rolling admissions: Apply as soon as prerequisites are complete
Strategic Course Completion
Complete critical courses first:
- Chemistry I & II (often required for application)
- A&P I (shows science capability)
- Math (demonstrates analytical skills)
- English (shows communication ability)
- Remaining courses can be in-progress during application
Special Considerations
If You Struggled with Science
Modified sequence for science-challenged students:
- Start with basic biology or preparatory chemistry
- Take only one science per semester initially
- Build confidence with math and English first
- Progress to A&P when ready
- Take extra time for difficult concepts
If You Have Science Background
Accelerated sequence for science-strong students:
- Test out of basic chemistry if possible
- Take Chemistry II immediately
- Combine A&P I with another science
- Consider summer courses for faster completion
- Focus on earning A's in all courses
If You're Working Full-Time
Extended sequence for working professionals:
- Take only 1-2 courses per semester
- Prioritize courses with flexible scheduling
- Consider online self-paced options
- Plan for 2-3 year completion timeline
- Focus on maintaining strong grades over speed
💡 Plan Your Perfect Sequence with StraighterLine
StraighterLine's self-paced nursing prerequisites let you follow the optimal course sequence on your schedule. Start with chemistry and math, progress through A&P and microbiology, and finish with behavioral sciences - all at your own pace with guaranteed credit transfer.