Most Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs require students to have at least 40 hours of prerequisite coursework completed before applying. The prerequisites can be taken at the university where the student plans to enroll in the nursing program or at a junior/community college. These courses include basic freshman and sophomore classes in English, mathematics, history and literature. Additional prerequisites for BSN candidates include human anatomy and physiology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and life science electives. Some universities may also require microbiology and physics, among others.
Depending upon the specific school's requirements, a minimum of 52 to 68 credit hours of upper level nursing courses must be completed during a student's junior and senior years. This often requires one summer in addition to the two academic years necessary to complete the courses. Subjects covered in these courses include pharmacology, patient health assessment, child and adolescent health, public health, professional nursing and leadership, nursing research, patient management and health care for the elderly.
During the final two years of study, nurse candidates gain practical experience through extensive clinical rotations. These rotations are conducted at hospitals, nursing homes and other medical care facilities. Clinical rounds may require students to attend sessions on evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.