SOS: Undergraduate nursing school prerequisites

[TiaFoot]

Hi I'm a senior in high school and just halfway through my junior year I was inspired to become a nurse. As college app deadlines are coming up, I'm doing more research about what prerequisites I've taken in high school that are required for the major, however I'm really worried I won't get accepted into any schools as a freshman in nursing. Honestly I struggled in my first 2 years of highschool, specifically in Chemistry Honors (which I should have dropped and just taken Chemistry) and received a C-. Now most schools I'm looking at, particularly CSU's, say that a C- in any prerequisite is unacceptable. I feel like it's too late to retake the class now to get a better grade. Does this mean I just don't have a chance in nursing? Is it possible if I get an A in AP Biology they'll accept that in place of my Chemistry Honors? Or maybe they'll look at the other pieces of my application and teacher recommendations and reconsider?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Typically, high school courses do not count as college credits and therefore will not count as nursing prerequisites. The AP biology may or may not depending on the school, but it will not be accepted as a chemistry class as they are two very different foci. Best bet is to contact the schools you are interested in applying to and asking them.

[nursn4me]

I know trying to determine what is needed to different nursing programs vs courses you have already taken can be a headache. I would suggest first deciding which school you would like to attend for nursing. Then choose a second and third choice for good measure. If you need chemistry take a chemistry class at a local community college and keep focused to ace that class. It may mean you wouldn't start at the college of your choice for a semester but it would put you on the right path to fulfilling your plans to be a nurse.

I am assuming you are in a dual enrollment program where some of the classes you are taking now does apply to your college major?

good luck!

[cracklingkraken, ASN, RN]

By prerequisite, I think they are referring to your college course. My nursing program did not consider my high school transcript in their decision to admit me into the program. My prereqs were not included in the program - you had to apply to the program separately. However, your high school transcript will affect your entry into a university/college.

The process varies with each program. As Rose said, it is best to speak with the programs you are interested in directly.

AP Biology is a completely different course from Chem Honors, so it would in no way influence that grade. But a single C in high school will probably not be a deal breaker.