When Should I Start Taking Nursing Prerequisites?

The Ideal Timeline

Working Backward From Nursing School Start

Most nursing programs start in Fall or Spring. Here's how to plan backward:

• Fall nursing program start: Begin prerequisites 18-24 months earlier (Spring/Summer of previous year)
• Spring nursing program start: Begin prerequisites 12-18 months earlier (Fall of previous year)

Timeline Breakdown

• Months 1-12: Complete all nursing prerequisites
• Months 10-12: Begin TEAS exam preparation (overlap with final prerequisites)
• Month 12: Take TEAS exam
• Month 12-13: Submit nursing school applications
• Month 13-15: Receive acceptance decisions
• Month 15-18: Complete background checks, immunizations, orientation
• Month 18: Begin nursing program

When to Start: Different Scenarios

Scenario 1: High School Student

Best time to start: Senior year or immediately after graduation

If you're in high school and certain about nursing, consider dual enrollment to take college prerequisites while still in high school. This gives you a 1-2 year head start. If not, begin immediately after graduation.

Scenario 2: Career Changer (Already Have Bachelor's Degree)

Best time to start: Immediately

If you already have a bachelor's degree, you only need science prerequisites for ABSN programs. Start immediately and plan for 6-12 months of prerequisites before applying.

Scenario 3: Working Full-Time

Best time to start: When you can commit 15-20 hours/week

If you're working full-time, you need 18-24 months for prerequisites. Start when you're ready to make this commitment, ideally with employer support for flexible scheduling.

Scenario 4: Returning to School After Break

Best time to start: As soon as possible, but verify credit expiration

If you took prerequisites years ago, check if they've expired (usually 5-10 years). If expired, retake them. If still valid, you may only need to complete missing courses.

Factors That Affect Your Start Date

1. Your Target Nursing Program's Application Deadlines

Research your target nursing schools' application deadlines. Most programs have rolling admissions, meaning earlier applications have better chances. Work backward from their deadline to determine when you need to start prerequisites.

2. Program Competitiveness

Highly competitive programs fill quickly. If targeting a selective program, start prerequisites earlier to ensure you're ready to apply in the first application cycle.

3. Your Academic Readiness

If you struggled with science or math in high school, start prerequisites earlier to allow extra time for mastery. Don't rush if you need to build foundational skills.

4. Your Work Schedule

If working full-time, you need more time. If able to reduce work hours or take a leave, you can accelerate your timeline.

5. Course Availability

Some courses (especially science labs) have limited availability. Check your institution's course schedule and plan around availability.

Advantages of Starting Early

• ✅ More time to earn strong grades
• ✅ Flexibility to retake courses if needed
• ✅ Less stress and burnout
• ✅ Time for healthcare experience (CNA, volunteer work)
• ✅ Better TEAS exam preparation
• ✅ Earlier application submission for rolling admissions
• ✅ More competitive application overall

Disadvantages of Starting Too Late

• ❌ Rushed timeline increases stress
• ❌ Higher risk of poor grades
• ❌ No time for course retakes
• ❌ Limited TEAS preparation time
• ❌ Late application submission (rolling admissions disadvantage)
• ❌ No time for healthcare experience
• ❌ Risk of missing application deadlines

Red Flags: Don't Start Yet If...

• ❌ You're unsure about nursing as a career (explore first)
• ❌ You're struggling with basic math/reading (take remedial courses first)
• ❌ You're in a crisis or unstable life situation (wait for stability)
• ❌ You can't commit 15-20 hours/week to studying (wait until you can)
• ❌ You're burned out from recent school (take a break, then start)

Action Steps to Get Started

1. Research target nursing programs - Identify 3-5 programs you're interested in
2. Check their prerequisites - Download prerequisite lists from each program's website
3. Verify application deadlines - Note when applications open and close
4. Calculate your timeline - Work backward from application deadline
5. Choose your course provider - Community college, university, or online (like StraighterLine)
6. Enroll in your first course - Register for your first prerequisite
7. Create a course schedule - Plan which courses to take each semester
8. Set grade goals - Aim for B's and A's, especially in sciences