Online Nursing Prerequisites: Your Path to Healthcare
Do you dream of a career in nursing but worry about the school requirements? What if you could finish your nursing degree prerequisites easily and affordably? Welcome to online nursing prerequisites, your gateway to healthcare on your terms.
With prerequisites for nursing programs online, you save time and money. You learn at your pace. These courses meet most nursing and health profession prerequisites. Plus, you can transfer the credits to nursing programs or other colleges. This way, you can balance school with life and work towards your healthcare dream.
Key Takeaways
- Online nursing prerequisites offer flexibility and affordability for aspiring nurses
- Courses are designed to fulfill prerequisite requirements for nursing and health-related professions
- Credits earned from online nursing prerequisites are often transferable to nursing programs and colleges
- Students can save time and money while learning at their own pace
- Online courses allow for a better balance between education, personal life, and professional responsibilities
Why Take Your Nursing Prerequisites Online?
Online prerequisites for nursing are a great way to start your healthcare career. They offer flexibility and save money. You can balance school with work and life while preparing for nursing.
Decide if Nursing is the Right Path in a Low-Risk Environment
Online courses let you try nursing without big risks. You can learn about the field and see if it fits your goals. This way, you can explore nursing without the big costs and time of a full program.
Pay Less for Your Required Courses & Degree
Online classes are cheaper than traditional ones, saving you money. A single class can cost $500 at college, but online it starts at $79 with a monthly fee. This helps make nursing education more affordable.
Online Course Provider | Cost per Course | Monthly Membership Fee |
---|---|---|
StraighterLine | $79 | $99 |
Portage Learning | $97 | N/A |
Ed4Credit | $225 | N/A |
Prepare for Success in Your Nursing Program
Online prerequisites give you a strong base in key subjects. Mastering anatomy, physiology, and microbiology prepares you for nursing’s tough courses and clinical work. This prepares you for success from the start.
Transfer Course Credits to Your School
Many online courses are transferable to nursing programs. You can transfer credits to over 150 colleges or through the American Council on Education. This lets you finish pre-nursing online and move to your chosen nursing program easily, saving time and money.
“Taking my nursing prerequisites online allowed me to balance my education with my family and work responsibilities. The flexibility and affordability of online courses made it possible for me to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse.” – Sarah Thompson, Online Nursing Student
Common Prerequisites for Nursing Degrees
Most nursing programs require certain courses before you start. These courses give you a solid base in sciences and humanities. They make sure you’re ready for the tough nursing program ahead.
Though each school may have its own list, there are common courses needed. These include:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II (1-2 semesters)
- Biology I and II (2 semesters)
- Microbiology (1 semester with lab)
- Chemistry (1 semester with lab)
- English Composition I and II (2 semesters)
- Lifespan Growth and Development (1 semester)
- Nutrition (1 semester)
- Introduction to Psychology (1 semester)
- Statistics (1 semester)
Remember, you must finish these courses within five years before applying. You also need to get at least a “C” in each course, especially in sciences and math.
Nursing is a diverse field that requires a strong understanding of the human body, effective communication skills, and the ability to think critically. By completing these prerequisite courses, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of nursing school and excel in your future career.
For nursing programs, the GPA needed can vary. Usually, Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs look for a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 2.75. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs often want a GPA of at least 3.0. Some are even more selective, requiring a 3.25 or higher.
Prerequisite Course | Typical Duration |
---|---|
Anatomy and Physiology I and II | 1-2 semesters |
Biology I and II | 2 semesters |
Microbiology | 1 semester with lab |
Chemistry | 1 semester with lab |
English Composition I and II | 2 semesters |
When looking at nursing programs, check their specific prerequisites. Knowing these requirements and planning ahead will help you on your path to becoming a skilled and caring nurse.
English Composition: Developing Clear Communication Skills
Starting your journey to meet online nursing prerequisites, you’ll find English Composition is key. It’s a must-have for many college majors, including nursing. It’s crucial for improving your communication skills.
English Composition courses, like ENGL& 101, ENGL& 102, and ENGL 201, are worth 5 quarter credits or 3 semester credits. They aim to boost your grammar, critical thinking, and research skills. These skills are essential for doing well in school and your future job.
Effective communication is a fundamental skill for nurses, as they must be able to convey information clearly and accurately to patients, families, and healthcare team members.
Online platforms offer English Composition I and II to help you meet nursing school needs. Learning online lets you study at your own pace. You still get top-notch teaching.
Remember, some schools might add extra fees for writing labs. For instance, Bellevue College charges $22.00 for their English Writing Lab with their composition courses.
Course | Credits (Quarter) | Credits (Semester) | Writing Lab Fee |
---|---|---|---|
ENGL& 101 | 5 | 3 | $22.00 |
ENGL& 102 | 5 | 3 | $22.00 |
ENGL 201 | 5 | 3 | $22.00 |
Putting time and effort into English Composition courses will greatly benefit you. You’ll learn to communicate well with patients, colleagues, and teachers. This skill is key in nursing school and your career.
Biology: Understanding the Fundamentals of Life
Biology is key for nurses-to-be, offering a strong base for life’s complexities. By taking biology courses online, you’ll get ready for nursing school and your future job. These courses are part of your online prerequisites for nursing.
Many online platforms offer Biology I and II courses with labs. These courses cover life’s basic principles, from molecules to ecosystems. They help you meet your nursing prerequisites.
Biology I with Lab
Biology I covers important topics like:
- Cell structure and function
- Genetics and heredity
- Evolution and natural selection
- Ecology and ecosystems
The lab lets you practice what you learn through experiments and observations. This makes your understanding stronger.
Biology II with Lab
Biology II goes deeper, focusing on areas like:
- Animal and plant physiology
- Microbiology and infectious diseases
- Biotechnology and its applications
- Comparative anatomy and physiology
The lab in Biology II lets you explore these topics through experiments and investigations.
Finishing Biology I and II prepares you for advanced nursing courses. You’ll learn about anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. These courses are crucial for understanding the human body, diseases, and healthcare.
Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose. – Richard Dawkins
Putting effort into your biology prerequisites will benefit you later. You’ll have the knowledge and skills to do well in nursing school and care for patients well.
Chemistry: Exploring the Building Blocks of Matter
As you move towards your nursing degree, you’ll see that chemistry is key. It’s all about atoms, molecules, and chemicals and how they work together. This knowledge is crucial for nurses, as it helps them understand the human body’s systems.
Many online courses include Chemistry I and its lab as part of nursing prerequisites. These courses give you a strong base in chemistry. This knowledge is vital for your nursing studies and future career.
Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, how and why substances combine or separate to form other substances, and how substances interact with energy.
By choosing chemistry as a nursing prerequisite, you’ll learn about:
- Atomic structure and periodic trends
- Chemical bonding and molecular structure
- Stoichiometry and chemical reactions
- Thermochemistry and energy changes
- Gases, liquids, and solids
- Solutions and their properties
- Acids, bases, and equilibrium
- Introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry
These topics will help you understand the human body’s chemical processes. This includes metabolism, drug interactions, and cell functions. This knowledge is crucial for your nursing program and clinical work.
Course | Credits | Lab Component |
---|---|---|
Chemistry I | 3-4 | Yes |
Chemistry II | 3-4 | Yes |
Organic Chemistry | 3-4 | Yes |
Biochemistry | 3-4 | Sometimes |
By finishing your chemistry courses online, you’ll be ready for your nursing program. You’ll get to explore matter’s building blocks. This sets the stage for a successful career in healthcare.
Anatomy & Physiology: Learning the Human Body
Starting your journey to become a nurse means learning about the human body’s structure and function. Anatomy and physiology courses are key prerequisites for nursing programs. They give you a strong base for your healthcare career. Online courses let you learn at your own speed, helping you get ready for nursing school.
Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
Anatomy and Physiology I, known as ANPS 1010, is the first of two courses that explore the human body’s details. It includes a virtual lab for hands-on learning. You’ll study the skeletal, muscular, nervous, and endocrine systems and how they keep the body balanced.
Most students finish Anatomy and Physiology I in about 16 weeks. New sessions start every two to three weeks, giving you flexibility.
Course | Credits | Duration |
---|---|---|
Anatomy and Physiology I with Virtual Lab (NURS 3103) | 4 | 10 weeks |
This course focuses on real-world applications, critical thinking, and how body systems work together. You don’t need any prior knowledge to start, but knowing a bit about cells and biology helps. The book “Human Anatomy and Physiology with Modified Mastering A&P access” is often used, and labs and quizzes are done on McGraw Hill Connect.
Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
The second course builds on what you learned in the first one. It covers the cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Anatomy and Physiology II with Virtual Lab (NURS 3104) is a 4-credit course that deepens your understanding of the body’s systems and how they interact.
The course aims to improve your ability to apply knowledge, solve problems, and understand the effects of changes in the body.
Anatomy and Physiology II is also fully online, so you can study from anywhere. Major exams are taken online through ProctorU, needing a webcam and whiteboard. You pay for the course all at once when you sign up.
For extra help, The Anatomy Zone has videos that make complex ideas clearer. By finishing both Anatomy and Physiology I and II with labs, you’ll be ready for nursing school and your healthcare career.
Pharmacology: Studying Drugs and Medicine
Pharmacology is all about learning how drugs interact with our bodies. It’s key for pre-nursing requirements and prerequisites for nursing admission. Nurses need to know how medicines work, their side effects, and the risks of giving them out wrong. This knowledge keeps patients safe and helps them get better.
Online courses in pharmacology give future nurses the knowledge they need. They cover topics like how drugs move through the body and their effects. Students learn about giving drugs safely for different body parts.
These courses also have fun activities, case studies, and quizzes to help students learn. Tools like diagrams and flashcards make remembering drug names easier. Talking about what you’ve learned with others helps you remember it better.
Course Component | Description |
---|---|
Video Lessons | 406 video lessons covering key medications for each body system |
Qbank Questions | Over 1,200 questions with supporting AI-tutor |
Spaced-Repetition Quizzes | More than 1,300 questions to reinforce learning |
Expert-built Learning Path | Preconfigured study plan for optimal exam preparation |
Adhering to the Six Rights of Medication Administration helps ensure safe and effective drug administration in healthcare settings.
To do well in pharmacology, students should:
- Follow a structured study schedule
- Break down materials into smaller, manageable snippets
- Use critical thinking to figure out the right drug for patients
- Document each medication given right away
By learning pharmacology well through hard work and real-world practice, nurses-to-be can meet the pre-nursing requirements and prerequisites for nursing admission. This sets them up for success in their nursing careers.
Nutrition & Wellness: Promoting Healthy Lifestyles
As a nurse, you’re key in teaching patients about nutrition and wellness at all stages of life. Taking online courses like Introduction to Nutrition and Personal Fitness & Wellness can give you the skills to help patients live healthier.
Introduction to Nutrition
Introduction to Nutrition is a basic course that teaches how certain foods can help or harm patients, based on their health conditions and medicines. You’ll learn how to guide patients in making smart food choices to support their health. Topics covered include:
- Cancer and heart disease prevention
- Foodborne illness
- Weight management
- Eating disorders
- Nutrition throughout the lifespan
The need for nutritionists and dietitists is rising, with a 11% growth expected from 2020 to 2030, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Completing nutrition courses can set you up for a successful career in this growing field.
Personal Fitness & Wellness
Personal Fitness & Wellness courses highlight the importance of staying active and safe, sharing these tips with patients. These courses focus on how exercise keeps us healthy and prevents chronic diseases. For example, NUR 1310 “Healthy Beginnings: Wellness Across Pregnancy and Birth” prepares women and families for a healthy pregnancy through lifestyle changes.
“The employment in the field of Community Health and Wellness is expected to grow by 17% through 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022.”
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health and Wellness, you’ll have many career paths to choose from, such as:
- Health educator
- Case manager
- Wellness coach
- Health navigator
- Occupational health and safety professional
This program covers nutrition, community health, lifestyle medicine, and more. By finishing these prerequisites, you’ll gain skills to promote healthy living and positively impact your patients’ lives.
Medical Terminology: Mastering Healthcare Language
Starting your journey to become a nurse means diving into Medical Terminology. This is a key prerequisite course for nursing. Nurses need to know this complex language to talk with colleagues, write reports, and explain conditions to patients.
Online Medical Terminology courses are here to help you learn this language fast. They cover terms for diseases, medicines, symptoms, and more. This way, you’ll feel ready to move through the healthcare world with confidence.
Experienced healthcare pros teach these online nursing prerequisites. They bring their deep knowledge to the online classroom. For example:
- Carline Dalgleish and Sharon L. Blackford have over 30 years of combined experience in medical office administration.
- Stacey O’Brien has more than 10 years of experience in medical coding and reimbursement.
- Dr. Leahnata Davies has over 20 years of experience in the nursing field.
- Dr. Rox Ann Sparks has 35 years of practice in emergency medicine and has developed various healthcare programs.
“Medical Terminology is the foundation of communication in healthcare. It’s essential for nurses to understand and use this language correctly to provide the best possible care for their patients.” – Dr. Leahnata Davies, Nursing Educator with over 20 years of experience
By taking an online Medical Terminology course, you’ll learn from pros who know the healthcare language well. They’ll guide you to develop the skills and confidence you need for your nursing program and future career.
Instructor | Experience | Specialization |
---|---|---|
Carline Dalgleish | Over 30 years | Medical Office Administration |
Stacey O’Brien | More than 10 years | Medical Coding and Reimbursement |
Dr. Leahnata Davies | Over 20 years | Nursing Leadership and Public Health |
Dr. Rox Ann Sparks | 35 years | Emergency Medicine |
Putting time into learning Medical Terminology through prerequisite courses for nursing will help you a lot. It will make you ready for nursing school and help you give great care to your patients.
Psychology: Understanding Human Behavior and Development
Psychology courses are key for nurses, offering deep insights into human behavior and mental processes. They cover brain development, behavioral changes, and the mind-body link. This knowledge helps nurses understand human behavior and care for patients more effectively.
Studying psychology helps nurses learn about treating mental health issues and how illness affects the mind. Online courses like Introduction to Psychology and Life-Span Development teach about human growth. These courses help nurses meet their patients’ psychological needs, improving care quality.
Program Type | Percentage |
---|---|
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | 10% |
Graduate Certificate in Mental Health | 10% |
Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis | 5% |
Western Governors University (WGU) has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with 34 courses. Those with an associate degree can transfer up to 14 courses, leaving 27 to finish. This program prepares students for roles like behavior technicians and social services specialists in various settings.
“Completing my Bachelor of Science degree at WGU has not only positively impacted my life but has also influenced my children to go back to school and finish their degrees.” – Jayne Harrower, B.S. Healthcare Graduate, WGU
The need for psychology professionals is growing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs for counselors will increase by 18% from 2022 to 2032. WGU graduates also see a higher income after graduation, according to the 2023 Harris Poll Survey.
Adding psychology courses to nursing education helps future healthcare workers understand human behavior and mental health. This knowledge supports empathetic and holistic patient care, setting the stage for a fulfilling nursing career.
Online Nursing Prerequisites at Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University has a wide range of online courses for nursing and health students. These online prerequisites for nursing are flexible and meet Johns Hopkins’ high standards. They help students fulfill their nursing school requirements.
11-Week Online Courses Designed for Health Professions
Johns Hopkins University’s online nursing courses are made for students heading into healthcare. Each course lasts 11 weeks, giving students enough time to learn deeply without overloading. This schedule helps students balance school with other life tasks.
The courses total 17 to 21 credits and cover key subjects like:
- Anatomy with Lab
- Human Growth and Development Through the Lifespan
- Microbiology with Lab
- Nutrition
- Physiology with Lab
- Statistics
To succeed in nursing school, students must get a B- or better in each course.
Instructor-Led Courses with Facilitated Teaching Approach
Johns Hopkins University’s online prerequisites for nursing stand out because of their instructor-led format. Experienced teachers guide students, making sure they interact and participate. This method helps students get the support they need to do well in nursing school.
Courses Available in Summer, Fall, and Spring Semesters
Johns Hopkins University offers these courses in summer, fall, and spring. Students can take up to three courses per semester. But, it’s wise not to take more than two lab courses at once.
Semester | Available Courses | Maximum Course Load |
---|---|---|
Summer | Anatomy with Lab, Microbiology with Lab, Nutrition, Statistics | 3 courses (2 lab courses max) |
Fall | Anatomy with Lab, Human Growth and Development, Physiology with Lab, Statistics | 3 courses (2 lab courses max) |
Spring | Microbiology with Lab, Nutrition, Physiology with Lab, Statistics | 3 courses (2 lab courses max) |
Johns Hopkins University offers online prerequisites for nursing all year. This lets students plan their studies well and meet nursing school requirements. It helps them on their way to a successful healthcare career.
Online Nursing Prerequisites at Columbia University
Columbia University offers a special program for future nurses called the Online Prerequisites for Entry to Nursing (OPEN). This program helps non-nurses get ready for nursing school or other health careers. By taking online nursing prerequisites, you can get ready for a nursing program.
OPEN Program: Online Prerequisites for Entry to Nursing
The OPEN program at Columbia University focuses on social justice and health equity. It makes nursing education more accessible and affordable. You can take the prerequisites for nursing programs online, fitting your education into your life. The program’s discounted tuition rates support its goal of equal healthcare education opportunities.
Undergraduate-Level Courses Taught by Columbia Faculty
All courses in the OPEN program are taught by Columbia University professors. This means you get the same quality education as on-campus students. The courses provide a strong foundation in sciences and humanities, preparing you for nursing school.
10-Week Course Sessions Offered Three Times per Year
The OPEN program offers 10-week courses three times a year for flexibility. This lets you fit your online nursing prerequisites into your busy life. With many start dates, you can start your nursing journey when it’s best for you.
Fully Accredited and Transferable Courses
Columbia University’s OPEN program courses are fully accredited and transferable. This means your hard work is recognized by nursing programs and healthcare institutions. After finishing a course, your grades go on an official Columbia University transcript. This makes the OPEN program a great choice for those needing prerequisites for nursing programs.
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Prerequisites Completion | Must be completed before the start of classes, not by the application deadline |
Minimum GPA | No minimum GPA required for Columbia Nursing programs |
Transcripts | Required from all institutions attended, regardless of relevance to nursing |
Retaking Prerequisites | Allowed for a higher grade; better grade considered until application decision is made |
Application Timeline | Applications for 2025 programs open in July 2024 |
Prerequisite Expiration | Only Statistics must be completed within five years prior to program start date |
Labs | Not required for prerequisite courses at Columbia Nursing |
Exploring a Nursing Career with StraighterLine
Aspiring nurses can start their careers with StraighterLine’s affordable online courses. These courses are perfect for nursing prerequisites. They cost just $99 a month and $79 per class. This is much cheaper than traditional college courses.
StraighterLine works with over 150 colleges and universities. This means your credits will easily transfer to your nursing program. They offer key subjects like Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, and Pharmacology I. These subjects give you a solid base for nursing studies.
“I was able to complete my nursing prerequisites online through StraighterLine at a fraction of the cost. The flexibility and transfer credit options made it the perfect choice for me.” – Sarah, StraighterLine student
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says registered nurse (RN) jobs will grow by 6% from 2021-2031. This means 203,000 RN jobs will be added each year for the next decade. StraighterLine’s online courses can help you start this rewarding career while saving time and money.
Course | StraighterLine Cost | Average Community College Cost | Average 4-Year College Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab | $99 + $79 = $178 | $400+ | $1,100+ |
English Composition I | $99 + $79 = $178 | $400+ | $1,100+ |
StraighterLine also offers great flexibility. Most courses take about 45 days to finish, sometimes even less. This lets you fit your nursing studies around work, family, and other life things.
With StraighterLine, you can explore a nursing career without spending a lot. Their courses are affordable, credits transfer easily, and they offer great support. Start your nursing journey today with StraighterLine’s online courses for nursing prerequisites.
Conclusion
Taking online nursing prerequisites is a great step towards starting your healthcare career. You’ll learn important subjects like English, biology, chemistry, and more. These courses help you get ready for nursing school and your future career.
Top schools like Johns Hopkins University and Columbia University offer these courses online. They have experienced teachers who make sure you learn everything you need. Plus, sites like StraighterLine offer these courses at a lower cost, making quality education more affordable for everyone.
With online nursing prerequisites, you can start your healthcare career with confidence. These courses prepare you not just academically but also for the skills you’ll need as a nurse. You can learn online, which means you can keep up with your life and work while studying. This makes it easier to reach your goals and help others in the healthcare field.