Pursuing nursing prerequisites while working full-time is challenging but achievable. Thousands of working adults successfully balance employment with prerequisite coursework by choosing flexible learning options and implementing strategic time management.
Key Strategy
Part-time prerequisite enrollment combined with online courses is the most sustainable approach for working adults. Rather than overloading yourself with full-time course loads while maintaining full-time employment, spread prerequisites over 18-24 months with flexible, self-paced options.
Understanding the Working Adult Challenge
Nursing prerequisites are intentionally rigorous. Institutions use them to assess whether students have the academic foundation and discipline required for nursing school. For working adults, this rigor compounds the challenge of balancing employment, family obligations, and coursework.
The Time Commitment Reality
Completing nursing prerequisites typically requires:
- 8-12 prerequisite courses depending on your target program
- 12-24 months to complete all prerequisites
- 15-20 hours per week of study time per course
- Lab components for science courses (timing varies)
- Entrance exam preparation (ATI TEAS) requiring 4-6 weeks of focused study
For working adults, this timeline must fit around full-time employment, making strategic planning essential.
Flexible Learning Options for Working Adults
Online Prerequisites
Online prerequisites offer the greatest flexibility for working adults. Self-paced online providers like StraighterLine allow you to complete courses on your schedule, with the ability to accelerate or slow down based on work demands.
Advantages of online prerequisites:
- Study anytime, anywhere—fit learning around work schedules
- Self-paced progression—accelerate when work is slow, slow down during busy periods
- No commute time—save hours weekly
- Recorded lectures—review material multiple times
- Flexible lab options—many online providers offer virtual or hybrid labs
Evening and Weekend Classes
Many community colleges and universities offer evening and weekend prerequisite courses designed for working students. These traditional classroom options provide:
- Structured schedules—classes meet specific evenings or weekends
- In-person instruction—direct access to instructors
- Peer interaction—build relationships with classmates
- In-person labs—hands-on science lab experience
Consideration: Evening/weekend classes require consistent availability. If your work schedule varies, online options may be more flexible.
Hybrid and Blended Programs
Hybrid programs combine online lectures with in-person lab sessions, offering a middle ground. You attend labs on specific days while completing lectures online on your schedule.
Accelerated Programs
Some institutions offer accelerated prerequisite programs that compress coursework into shorter timeframes (6-9 months). These work well for working adults who can temporarily reduce work hours or take a leave of absence.
Strategic Time Management for Working Adults
1. Choose Part-Time Enrollment
Rather than attempting full-time course loads while working full-time, enroll in 1-2 courses per semester. This approach:
- Reduces academic stress and burnout risk
- Allows deeper engagement with course material
- Maintains work performance and income stability
- Extends timeline but increases success probability
A 12-course prerequisite sequence completed at 2 courses per semester takes 6 semesters (18 months)—a sustainable timeline for working adults.
2. Optimize Your Work Schedule
Consider these work schedule adjustments:
- Reduce hours temporarily - Negotiate part-time status during prerequisite completion
- Shift timing - Work early mornings to free afternoons for study
- Flexible arrangements - Seek remote work or flexible scheduling
- Strategic timing - Take leave during intensive exam periods
3. Build Healthcare Experience
Many working adults obtain Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification during prerequisite completion. This strategy:
- Provides relevant healthcare experience for nursing school applications
- Allows flexible part-time healthcare employment
- Demonstrates commitment to nursing
- Builds clinical knowledge that supports prerequisite learning
- Creates networking opportunities in healthcare
4. Create a Realistic Study Schedule
Establish a consistent study routine:
- Identify peak study hours - When are you most alert and focused?
- Block study time - Schedule 2-3 hour blocks rather than scattered minutes
- Minimize distractions - Use library, coffee shop, or quiet space
- Batch similar tasks - Group reading, problem sets, and review sessions
- Plan for flexibility - Build buffer time for work emergencies
Support Services for Working Adults
Academic Support
Utilize institutional support services:
- Tutoring services - Many institutions offer free or low-cost tutoring
- Writing centers - Help with essays and academic writing
- Study groups - Connect with other students for peer learning
- Office hours - Direct access to instructors for questions
Financial Support
Explore financial aid options:
- Federal financial aid - Grants and loans for eligible students
- Employer tuition assistance - Many employers offer education benefits
- Scholarships - Nursing-specific scholarships for working adults
- Payment plans - Spread costs across semesters
Career Services
Career counselors can help:
- Identify flexible prerequisite options
- Plan realistic timelines
- Explore employer tuition benefits
- Connect with healthcare employment opportunities
Realistic Timeline for Working Adults
Sample 18-Month Prerequisite Timeline
Semester 1 (Months 1-4): Anatomy & Physiology I + English Composition
Semester 2 (Months 5-8): Anatomy & Physiology II + Psychology
Semester 3 (Months 9-12): Microbiology + Statistics
Semester 4 (Months 13-16): Chemistry + Nutrition
Months 17-18: ATI TEAS exam preparation and application submission
Months 19+: Nursing school enrollment
This timeline allows working adults to complete prerequisites while maintaining full-time employment, though some flexibility in work hours is beneficial.
Common Mistakes Working Adults Should Avoid
- Overloading courses - Taking too many courses while working full-time leads to burnout
- Neglecting self-care - Sleep, exercise, and nutrition are essential for academic success
- Isolating yourself - Connect with other students and support networks
- Delaying difficult courses - Complete challenging prerequisites early when you have energy
- Ignoring GPA requirements - Maintain competitive grades (3.5+) from the start
- Skipping entrance exam prep - ATI TEAS requires dedicated preparation time
Success Stories: Working Adults in Nursing
Thousands of working adults successfully complete nursing prerequisites and enter nursing school. Their strategies include:
- Choosing online prerequisites for maximum flexibility
- Enrolling part-time (1-2 courses per semester)
- Obtaining CNA certification during prerequisites
- Negotiating flexible work arrangements
- Building strong support networks with family and peers
- Maintaining realistic expectations about timeline
Moving Forward as a Working Adult
Pursuing nursing while working is demanding but achievable. The key is choosing flexible learning options, enrolling part-time, and building support systems. By spreading prerequisites over 18-24 months with online or evening courses, you can maintain employment stability while progressing toward nursing school.
Your work experience and maturity as an adult learner are strengths. Nursing programs value the perspective and dedication that working adults bring to their studies.
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References
- LA County College of Nursing and Allied Health. (2025). "Prospective Student Admission Requirements."
- California State University San Bernardino. (2025). "Pre-Nursing Nursing Prerequisites."
- California State University Fullerton. (2025). "RN-BSN Prerequisites."
- California Board of Registered Nursing. (2025). "Steps to Become a Registered Nurse."
- AllNurses Community. (2025). "Pre-Reqs While Working Full-Time."
- Valley College. (2025). "Nursing Prerequisites."
- West Coast University. (2025). "Bachelor of Science in Nursing."
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing. (2025). "BS in Nursing."