All nursing programs, regardless of whether the program results in an associate or bachelor's degree, require that applicants have a high school diploma or GED. Nursing programs are very competitive, so maintaining a high GPA and participating in a variety of extracurricular activities is recommended. Classes and activities that focus on the sciences and medical sciences are favored. Building a strong academic foundation in high school helps set students up for future success in college.
Nursing is a career that requires the use of mathematics skills on a daily basis. Although many nursing classes focus on math, there are a few requirements that need to be met prior to beginning these classes. The most common math course required for nursing school is a basic, entry-level statistics course. Statistics courses often have prerequisites of their own, so students should check requirements prior to registering for a stats course.
Science is the basis of many nursing classes, thus the majority of nursing prerequisites are science based. Most programs require general biology and chemistry coursework prior to acceptance. These courses may take one or two semesters to complete, depending on the structure of the science curriculum at the specific institution providing the courses. These courses are generally accompanied by laboratory sessions, which are also required. More advanced science coursework is generally required once applicants are accepted into nursing programs.
Medical science classes such as human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology are almost always required as prerequisites for nursing programs. Anatomy and physiology courses are accompanied by laboratory work that must also be completed. Although some programs may accept online coursework, online anatomy courses are generally not allowed.