How many pre-req classes

amberdawn85 · May 2, 2014

My program requires 13, that's if you start at College Algebra 121 and don't require Bio156.

Cuddleswithpuddles · May 2, 2014

I had all of my prerequisites done before entering a RN program. Taking them during or after the program would have been a major, major drag. Besides, there were very little prerequisites that could be unfulfilled or in progress at the time of application to my RN program. Some schools do offer placement tests but I would bet that placement tests that would allow you to skip heavy subjects such as A&P and microbiology would be few and far between. You would have to be a very, very self-motivated learner to tackle these subjects on your own enough to successfully test out of them, if you can test out of them at all.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · May 2, 2014

My school required gen chem as a prereq to the required sciences-micro, A&P 1 and A&P 2. A&P 1 had to be taken before A&P 2.

The instructor didn't enforce the alegra prereq to get into gen chem.

Also, non sciences were English composition, nutrition, psychology and 1 social science and human development

(The above meet the ADN reqmts, none can be in progress when you apply)

Because I wanted to go to the BSN program, I also had to take speech, advanced composition, math above algebra 2 level.

1 science and 1 non science could be in progress at time of application. The BSN program wants organic Chem

also so I plan for that to be my in progress.

RunBabyRN · May 2, 2014

You will need to take things like chemistry and biology for anatomy, physiology and microbiology. Our chem grades were considered for the nursing program. You'll also need some of these things for general ed requirements.

Most programs do require several prereqs, and they're required for a reason. At some point in your program, something will come up that you'll be grateful you learned in Class X.

You will take placement exams for English and math, so that all just depends on your skill level. Some classes you can CLEP, but you'll have to find out the school's policy, and you'll need to make sure you don't HAVE to take the actual class for the nursing program.

PNW0212 · May 2, 2014

I've taken several more than what's needed for nursing pre-reqs because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do before. There's no way of getting out of the pre-reqs before pre-reqs. For example, if you have not taken an intro/general biology, you cannot take A&P classes.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 2, 2014

I have prereqs and coreqs. My prereqs go like this: A&P I and II, English 111, Psych 101, a student skills class, and either algebra or statistics. Those have to be completed before getting accepted to the program. And 4 of those classes make up your score to get into the nursing school. You need to have an understanding of A&P to even begin to tackle nursing school. Also you need psych and english comp for the purpose of being able to write a college level paper and have an understanding of the human mind to undertake nursing. Why would you want to jump into nursing school without knowing the basics? That is a recipe to fail if you ask me.

I also completed the coreqs before getting in the program because nursing school is hard enough without the added stress of other classes. I decided to take micro and advanced physiology along with sociology. I could have substituted chemistry or abnormal psych but I really liked the classes I took. Although I would have changed sociology for abnormal psych. But I would have had it over the summer and I didn't want to do that.

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · May 2, 2014

It really depends on the school. I have taken upwards of 13 prerequisites. However the direct entry program that I will be attending only has three requirements. That is microbiology ,anatomy and physiology, and statistics. Of course having a previous bachelors degree and the above with 3.2 is also required. I took enough classes to basically cover the admissions for a bunch of schools.

andrealibs · May 2, 2014

It definitely depends on the school. The program I'm in, I spent a full 12 months getting ready to apply. So, I took A&P I and II, microbio, statistics, nutrition, and pharmacology before I ever applied, and now I don't have to take them (or pay the more-expensive tuition for them) while I'm overwhelmed with clinicals! I "tested" out of a few things because I have a masters but never took a writing course, so did a CLEP exam for composition. But while my chosen strategy works for the school I'm attending, it's going to depend on each school's requirements. My advice is to ask their admissions rep or registrar. My school's registrar helped me tailor my coursework before I'd even applied. It was so helpful. You might consider asking them for a sample schedule (the schools I applied to all had one, and so I took any and all general-education/non-nursing-core courses on it), and for classes you think you can test out of you can ask them if they accept CLEP (clep.collegeboard.org).

pmabraham, BSN, RN · May 2, 2014

Good day, SeattleNurse711:

Each school has their requirements. For instance the school, I'm attending requires a physical fitness (think gym) class. Only 1 credit, but the exams are pretty much like those in the 3 credit science classes; go figure. Check if your school accepts CLEP tests as a way to place out of certain classes.

Thank you.