Prereq's help!

Hello!

It really, really is going to depend on where you end up applying to. (You're in OH, correct?) I'm assuming you'll be going for the BSN?

I won't be of much help since I'm in S.Florida, but I can tell you that you will need A&P 1 and A&P 2 along with Microbiology (probably w/lab). If you're going for BSN, Statistics-- yes-- and perhaps Nutrition as well.

I don't know if you'll have to take English Composition or College Algebra, though. (If you have a previous degree then it's highly unlikely.) Otherwise, most schools will require that.

From there I know that the schools down here generally want Chemistry w/lab, some kind of 'Introduction to Healthcare', and a Psychology, Critical thinking/Ethics type of class.

Just make sure whatever school you choose is NLNAC or CCNE accredited.

Hello Holly!

The first step is to decide where you want to enroll to take your nursing degree. My advice... ensure the institution is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC Accredited Nursing Programs ). Another good accreditation is from CCNE (American Association of Colleges of Nursing | Mission, Values, & History). Once you find the institutions close to you, research their tuition costs and form of instruction (online and/or classroom). Usually online classes have an extra fee when compared to classroom lectures... a gimmick if you ask me. Then make your decision. All institutions will vary a bit on what they require as pre-reqs, so pay close attention to detail.

There are different levels of education in nursing. If you wish to become a Registered Nurse, you would need to at least pursue an ADN. Below all the levels I could find...

Undergraduate Studies:

1) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

2) Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN or LVN)

3) Registered Nurse with an associate's degree in nursing (ASN or ADN)

4) Registered Nurse with a bachelor's degree in nursing (RN to BSN ... or ... BSN)

Graduate Studies:

1) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). A master's in nursing degree provides you with the background, skills and advanced training to deliver high-quality nursing care in a specialized area, such as advanced clinical training or research. Nurses who graduate with an MSN are called advanced practice nurses (APNs). These nurses deliver health care services that were previously delivered by physicians, and they typically focus on one of four advanced practice areas:

• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
  
• Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  
• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  
• Nursing Informatics
  
• Nursing Leadership
  

2) Doctoral nursing degrees are four to six year post-graduate programs that prepare nurses for top-tier careers in health administration, clinical research or advanced clinical practice. Doctoral nursing degree options include the following:

• Doctor of Nursing (ND)
  
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
  
• Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc)
  
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  

The goal of all doctoral nursing programs is to prepare nurses to be leaders, whether they pursue research, clinical advancement, policy change, or organizational transformation.

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By the way... I'm 43, just completed my ADN and will keep swimming into the BSN program!

Science pre-reqs online exist, but are hard to come by. When you do find them, they are very expensive, mostly because of the lab components. Personally, I would recommend physically taking those classes in the classroom. But I also understand sometimes that is difficult.

I'm sure there are more, but I know of one school that is approved for their science pre-reqs.

Ocean County CollegeWhatever class you take, make sure it is from an accredited school and will be accepted by the institution you will be pursuing a degree from. I would check with them before taking any pre-req classes.