Nearly all nursing schools at both the registered nurse and licensed practical nurse level will require some sort of college biology course. This course will offer a foundation in understanding of cellular structure, basic genetics and understanding of bacteria and fungi. This knowledge is essential for future health care professionals. Some schools will also require a specific microbiology course that will provide a basic understanding of how germs can affect health and cause disease.
Chemistry covers the functioning of atoms and elements of the periodic table, both in nature and in the human body. A general understanding of chemistry can be important for future nurses in understanding the theory behind using drugs (chemical agents) to treat health conditions and to understand disease processes. Different schools will require a different amount of chemistry training, with some requiring a full sequence of general college chemistry and others requiring a basic introduction course only.
Anatomy is the study of the human body's layout and structure and physiology is the study of the processes that go on inside the body. Future nurses need to have a good understanding of both, but some licensed practical nurse degree programs may not require courses in anatomy and physiology prior to admission. Nearly all registered nurse programs will require at least one course in anatomy and physiology and most commonly a two-course sequence.
Almost every college degree program requires a passing grade in English composition as a condition of graduation and nursing is no different. Some nursing school programs may not require the course to be completed prior to admission into the nursing program, but nearly all will require it. Nurses have to be effective communicators, both in speaking and in writing, and students need to be competent in writing essays at the college level. An English composition course typically involves analysis of literature and writing of essays.
The nursing profession involves a great deal of interpersonal interaction, both with patients and with members of the health care team. Thus, most nursing schools require a course in either basic public speaking or interpersonal communication as a condition of admission. This type of a course will teach effective communication tactics and provide understanding of the dynamics of two-way communication.
With the increasing diversity in American society and the different attitudes among cultures toward health, it is important for nurses to be sensitive toward cultural issues. Many nursing schools thus require a course in cultural awareness, but specifics vary. Some will look for a course such as cultural anthropology whereas others may accept a general survey of multicultural issues.
Many schools, especially those with competitive admission procedures, will look for students to have prior experience in the health care field or community service. Sometimes this will not be a requirement for admission but instead a factor that boosts the odds of acceptance to a program, in part because schools like to know that students have realistic expectations and know what they are getting into. Some students choose to become certified nursing assistants before applying to nursing school as a way to gain experience in the field and demonstrate a commitment to the profession. Having prior service or health care experience can also help in the event that the program of interest to you requires you to submit letters of recommendation. Having supervisors or coworkers who can testify to your ability can boost the strength of your application considerably.