Nursing School Requirements

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Hey everyone!

Do you recommend taking college algebra as a prerequisite for nursing school?

Some nursing schools require it, but not all. Most nursing schools require that you only go up to statistics, which is what I'm going to be taking next term.

But should I take college algebra just to stay on the safe side of things?

I've noticed that the nursing schools that require college algebra are private and generally more competitive (even more so than what's considered normal for nursing school).

With that said, I'm not sure that I even stand a chance at a university like that, any way.

I just don't want to lower my expectations, and I kind of am by only applying to schools that don't require college algebra.

... Suggestions? Any life experiences to share?

Thanks!

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I'd probably see if you can either take a CLEP exam for credit for the schools that require it, or just hold off taking it until after you are conditionally accepted. I wouldn't waste the time and money if you don't need to.

College algebra was a pre-req for statistics for me, but I took a placement exam which placed me directly into stats. I applied to one school - that even with an A in my stats course - still wanted me to take college algebra. I found it silly, and ultimately accepted a program which didn't require algebra. My plan if I did go to the school that wanted algebra would have been to take the CLEP exam (which the university accepted) as proof of competency.

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Algebra was a pre-req for statistics for me, too.

If you ever want to get a BSN, you should take it. I'd probably recommend taking it anyhow, especially if it's been a while since you've done any type of math.

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Well I'm in math 95 now which is my school's pre-req for stats. But math 95 is not college algebra. Math 111 is, and some nursing schools require it, just not the ones I've looked at so far (and yeah I'm going for my BSN).

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

In my state, college algebra is a requirement for all bachelor's degrees in public institutions, no matter what the major.... even Fine Arts. Nursing programs at the private (not tax supported) schools require it. I believe it is also highly recommended as a pre-req for Chemistry.

I don't have information on all the commercial (for-profit) schools, so it's entirely possible that they may not have the same requirements.

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