✅ Quick Answer: Required nursing science classes include Anatomy & Physiology I & II, Microbiology, General Chemistry, and often General Biology—typically 15-20 credit hours with labs.
Core Science Requirements for Nursing
Science prerequisites form the foundation of nursing education, providing essential knowledge about the human body, disease processes, and medication interactions. All nursing programs require these core sciences, though specific requirements may vary slightly.
Essential science courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab (3-4 credits) - Structure and function of body systems including skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems
- Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab (3-4 credits) - Continuation covering cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and other systems
- Microbiology with Lab (3-4 credits) - Study of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and infection control principles
- General Chemistry with Lab (3-4 credits) - Chemical foundations for understanding pharmacology and body processes
- General Biology with Lab (3-4 credits) - Cellular and molecular biology, genetics, and life processes
Lab Components Are Essential
All science prerequisites must include laboratory components. Labs provide hands-on experience with:
- Microscopy and specimen analysis
- Chemical reactions and solutions
- Human anatomy models and dissection
- Physiological measurements and experiments
Why These Science Classes Matter
Anatomy & Physiology teaches you how the body works normally, which is essential for recognizing when something is wrong with a patient. You'll use this knowledge daily in clinical practice.
Microbiology is critical for understanding infectious diseases, proper sterile technique, and how antibiotics work. This knowledge directly impacts patient safety.
Chemistry provides the foundation for pharmacology—you need to understand chemical properties to safely administer medications and understand drug interactions.
Biology covers cellular processes, genetics, and how living systems function, which underlies all nursing care and medical treatments.
Additional Science Courses
Depending on your program type, you may also need:
- Organic Chemistry - Required by some BSN programs and most accelerated programs
- Biochemistry - Needed for some competitive or research-focused programs
- Physics - Occasionally required for BSN programs
- Pathophysiology - Some programs require this as a prerequisite rather than including it in the nursing curriculum
Science Prerequisites by Program Type
ADN Programs: Typically require the core 5 science courses (A&P I & II, Micro, Chemistry, Biology) = 15-20 credits
BSN Programs: Core 5 plus potentially organic chemistry or additional biology = 18-24 credits
Accelerated BSN: May require organic chemistry and biochemistry = 20-28 credits
Course Sequencing for Science Prerequisites
Science courses often have prerequisites of their own. A typical sequence:
- General Biology & General Chemistry (can take together) - 8 credits
- Anatomy & Physiology I (after biology) - 4 credits
- Anatomy & Physiology II (after A&P I) - 4 credits
- Microbiology (often requires chemistry) - 4 credits
Tips for Success in Nursing Science Classes
Don't overload: Take only one or two difficult science courses per semester. These classes are time-intensive and require significant study.
Use all resources: Attend office hours, join study groups, use online resources (Khan Academy, Crash Course), and consider tutoring if needed.
Focus on application: Don't just memorize—understand how concepts apply to nursing practice. This helps with retention and makes nursing school easier.
Lab attendance is crucial: Lab work reinforces lecture concepts and often represents a significant portion of your grade.
💡 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, and Chemistry — all self-paced and designed to transfer easily.