how long does it take to finish the prerequisites?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2008

By the time I'm done it will have taken me a year and a half. I started last spring with only 2 classes, but I've been doing 4 a semester (including the summer session) since.

akantner · Oct 5, 2008

Your school has 15 what?

akantner · Oct 5, 2008

It took most people I know (that have finished) about 4 semesters to finish.

able2009 · Oct 5, 2008

Thanks I wanted to try for 3 but I think I might go for 4 semester so I won't have an intense work load

kalley · Oct 5, 2008

For us, the only classes that we HAVE to have before being considered is a lab biology (A&PI is considered lab biology), lab chemistry, and have tested to be proficient in Prep. Algebra, and English. After being accepted to the program we then can take the other 10 classes that are needed to complete the program at the same time as our nursing classes. If you wanted to take all of the classes prior to starting the nursing portion, it would take 3-4 semesters.

Mossback · Oct 5, 2008

It depends a great deal on your program. Several schools in my area require algebra as a pre-req for chemistry, which is a pre-req for microbiology, which is itself a required pre-req for the nursing program. If you hadn't taken algebra recently, that sequence alone could consume three semesters.

In general, I'd count on at least three semesters, and that presumes you'll get every class you need, when you need it. If pre-nursing courses are impacted at your school (as is the situation with virtually all the colleges in California), four semesters is probably more realistic.

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Oct 5, 2008

our school has 9 classes that you have to take prior to the "core" classes

able2009 · Oct 5, 2008

What are the 9 that you have?

collegegirl209 · Oct 13, 2010

I am in the same boat... trying to calculate how long it takes to get through the pre-reqs. Four sounds right, especially since I have to take ALL of the math, from the beginning (gen. math, beg alg, int alg, statistics).

Most of the problem is because of the math req. I need Intermediate Algebra to get into Chem and Microbiology, so those classes can't be taken until I get that alg class done.

It's crazy and most of the time I am totally impatient. Time can't go by quickly enough for me. - At least by the time 4 semesters have passed, I'll have a great deal of hospital volunteer hrs. under my belt, which will give me more points during the application process.

mdhesch · Aug 21, 2011

one thing to consider is what your gpa will look like after the smoke clears. for example, taking on a course load of anatomy, chemistry, and statistics could lead to a ding in your transcript. in seattle if you're not applying with at least a 3.8 and some stellar extras in your application it may be hard to get accepted.

my advice is to treat your prerequisites as a "science heavy" associates degree. this opens the door to applying to the various bsn programs that in many cases, only take an extra six months to complete. don't end your nursing career by taking on too much! fit a communication or sociology course with two of the heavies. good luck.

NellieOlsen · Aug 21, 2011

Our pre-reqs are College Algebra, English comp, A&P I and II, and Psychology. They "suggest" you take a humanities class, microbiology and human development before applying as well since they are required for graduation.

The College Algebra alone will take me 3 semesters because I had to start in basic algebra, then intermediate algebra and then college algebra.

So I'm planning on 3 semesters to get everything done, including the suggested courses as well. That way I can focus solely on the core classes when I (hopefully) get accepted.