Prerequisites for nursing program

This often involves relaying complex medical information in nontechnical terms. Strong communication skills in nursing involve not only providing information to others but also listening carefully and receiving information. Aspiring RNs should know that there are multiple prerequisites for nursing and nurse licensing. The first nursing prerequisite involves graduating from high school or obtaining a GED, as this is the first step toward gaining acceptance to an entry-level nursing program. However, licensing requirements vary from state to state.

For example, Missouri, New Jersey, and North Carolina require that nurse candidates pass a criminal background check before their initial licensure. Other states, such as California, require nurses to pass a background check before transferring a license from another state. The path toward a career in nursing starts with education. Aspiring nurses can choose from multiple educational options that require varying amounts of time in the classroom.

Future nurses must decide which educational track best aligns with their goals. American Nurses Association, Workforce. Skip to main content.

Get Program Details. Are you currently a licensed RN in the U. Please select an option Yes No. Next Step We value your privacy. Basic Nursing Educational Requirements There are three educational pathways to becoming a registered nurse.

Diploma in Nursing A nursing diploma is the minimum educational requirement to pursue entry-level jobs in this field. Nurse diploma programs should be accredited by state nursing boards, and may also be accredited through the National League for Nursing.

Most programs can be completed in two to three years, and they blend classwork with hands-on training. The primary difference between an ADN and a diploma in nursing is that ADN programs are offered by colleges and diploma programs are hospital-based.

Students enrolled in an ADN program must also complete general education coursework in subjects such as math, English, and social sciences. Nurse diploma programs, on the other hand, do not require general education study. Nurses who have completed a BSN degree often have better job prospects than applicants who have a nursing diploma or ADN. They also tend to earn higher salaries.

Admissions Requirements While the exact BSN admissions process typically varies from school to school, requirements are often similar. As with your prerequisites, your enrollment counselor will provide detailed information regarding the program requirements. Contact us to speak with an enrollment counselor about whether this exciting program is right for you.

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Mercer Georgia Baptist College of Nursing. Is an Accelerated BSN program right for you? Start Today Fill out the form or call us at First and Last Name. First Name. Last Name. Email Address. Phone Number. Zip Code. Start Now. Prerequisites introduce students to a particular area of study, giving them background knowledge before pursuing more advanced classes. Nursing prerequisites provide the foundational knowledge in general education, math, and science courses needed to successfully progress through a nursing program.

The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as a professor's teaching style, the number of assignments, and the level of interest or skill for the subject matter. Some nursing students may find classes harder than others, doing well in a biology course, for example, but struggling with statistics.

The very first step is to get a high school diploma or GED certificate. Once you make up your mind about becoming an RN , you should investigate the type of degree program you want to enter.

Then, check with schools that interest you about nursing prerequisites and other requirements. Nursing students typically complete English composition and some science and math requirements while in high school, but others may have to take these courses before enrolling in their nursing program.

Some schools only accept current prerequisites that have been completed within years. Many colleges accept transfer credits from similar schools, allowing students to receive full or partial credit for previously completed academic work.

While a growing number of community colleges and four-year programs have made it easier for students to transfer credits, some nursing schools are more selective about what prerequisites they will accept. Gleason currently teaches as an assistant professor of nursing within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches graduate students. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout. Gleason is a paid member of our Healthcare Review Partner Network.

Learn more about our review partners here. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. What Are the Prerequisites for Nursing School? NurseJournal Staff. These experts: Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information. Provide specific, corrective feedback.

Identify critical information that writers may have missed. Featured Online Programs. Anatomy and Physiology This course studies the structure and functions of the human body and introduces students to basic terminology.