ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing)
A two-year nursing degree program typically offered by community colleges. Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN exam to become a registered nurse.
A
Anatomy & Physiology
A prerequisite course that studies the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body. Often split into two sequential courses (A&P I and A&P II).
ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)
A specialized accrediting agency for nursing education programs in the United States, ensuring programs meet quality standards.
B
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
A four-year undergraduate degree in nursing that provides comprehensive preparation for nursing practice. Many healthcare facilities prefer or require BSN-prepared nurses.
Bridge Program
Educational pathways that allow nurses to advance their credentials, such as LPN-to-RN or RN-to-BSN programs.
C
Clinical Hours
Supervised hands-on patient care experiences required in nursing education programs. Students apply classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings.
Credit Transfer
The process of applying college credits earned at one institution toward degree requirements at another institution.
Cumulative GPA
The average of all grades earned across all completed courses. Most nursing programs have minimum GPA requirements for admission.
D
Direct Admission Program
A nursing program where students are admitted directly into the nursing major upon acceptance to the university, bypassing separate competitive nursing school applications.
E
Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)
The integration of clinical expertise, patient values, and the best research evidence into the decision-making process for patient care.
F
Full-Time Enrollment
Enrollment status typically defined as taking 12 or more credit hours per semester. Full-time status may be required for certain financial aid and affects program completion timeline.
G
General Education Requirements
Core courses required across all degree programs covering areas like mathematics, English composition, sciences, and humanities. These must be completed alongside nursing prerequisites.
H
HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.)
A standardized exam used by many nursing programs for admission and as an exit exam. HESI A2 is the entrance exam testing science, math, reading, and English skills.
I
Intensive Prerequisites
Accelerated prerequisite courses offered in condensed timeframes (typically 6-8 weeks) compared to traditional 15-16 week semesters.
J
Joint Commission
An independent organization that accredits and certifies healthcare organizations in the United States, ensuring they meet quality and safety standards.
K
Knowledge Application
The ability to use learned concepts and theories in practical clinical situations. A key skill assessed throughout nursing education and on the NCLEX exam.
L
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse)
A licensed nurse who has completed a practical nursing program (typically 12-18 months) and passed the NCLEX-PN exam. LPNs work under the supervision of RNs or physicians.
M
Microbiology
A prerequisite science course studying microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Essential for understanding infection control and disease processes in nursing.
N
NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses)
The standardized exam all nursing graduates must pass to obtain RN licensure and practice professionally. Tests clinical judgment and nursing knowledge.
Nutrition
A prerequisite course covering nutritional science, dietary requirements, and the role of nutrition in health and disease. Essential knowledge for patient education and care planning.
O
Online Prerequisites
Prerequisite courses completed through distance learning platforms, offering flexibility for working students. Can be self-paced or follow traditional semester schedules.
P
Prerequisites
Required courses that must be completed before admission to a nursing program. Common prerequisites include anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology, psychology, and English composition.
Pathophysiology
The study of changes in body functions that result from disease or injury. Often required in nursing programs to understand disease processes and patient conditions.
Q
QSEN (Quality and Safety Education for Nurses)
A national initiative defining competencies needed to continuously improve the quality and safety of healthcare systems. Core competencies include patient-centered care, teamwork, and evidence-based practice.
R
RN (Registered Nurse)
A licensed professional nurse who has completed an ADN or BSN program and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. RNs assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
Regionally Accredited Institution
A college or university accredited by one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Credits from these institutions transfer more readily.
S
Self-Paced Learning
An educational format where students control their learning timeline, progressing through course material as quickly or slowly as needed without fixed weekly deadlines.
StraighterLine
An online education provider offering affordable, self-paced general education and prerequisite courses with ACE credit recommendations that transfer to 180+ partner colleges.
T
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
A standardized entrance exam used by many nursing programs to assess academic preparedness. Tests reading, mathematics, science, and English language usage.
Transfer Credits
College credits earned at one institution that are accepted and applied toward degree requirements at another institution. Transfer acceptance depends on accreditation and course equivalencies.
U
Upper-Division Nursing Courses
Advanced nursing courses typically taken in the junior and senior years of a BSN program, focusing on specialized clinical areas and leadership skills.
V
Virtual Labs
Online simulations used in science prerequisite courses to replicate hands-on laboratory experiences. Quality varies; some nursing schools require verification that virtual labs meet their standards.
W
Waitlist
A list of qualified applicants who have not yet been admitted to a nursing program due to limited seats. Students may be admitted from the waitlist as openings occur.
X
X-Ray Technology (Radiology)
Imaging technology nurses must understand to interpret diagnostic results and provide patient education. Often covered in nursing program coursework and clinical rotations.
Y
Year-Round Enrollment
Programs that admit and start new cohorts multiple times per year rather than only in fall or spring semesters, allowing for more flexible start dates.
Z
Zero-Cost Courses
Courses that use free or low-cost educational resources instead of traditional textbooks, reducing the financial burden on students. Also known as Open Educational Resources (OER) courses.