Since the job of a nurse is to help the human body regain its health, biology--the science of living organisms--plays a large part in nursing education. Most nursing degree programs require at least one year of high school biology. Such classes usually cover how the human body works on the level of the whole organism, individual organs and the cellular level.
Students applying to nursing programs should have at least three years of math, including two years of algebra and one year of geometry. If possible students should also have a year of pre-calculus. Taking these math classes prepares the students for the math courses they will have to take in college. In addition, these courses, especially calculus, also help students in their science classes.
Nurses are responsible for administering medication to patients and therefore need to understand the chemical composition of different forms of medication as well as how they affect the body's natural chemistry. Any high school student considering a career in nursing should take at least one course in chemistry.
Physics teaches students how to model the movement and behavior of matter. It provides the the foundation for an advanced understanding of biology and chemistry. High school students should take pre-calculus either before or while taking physics, since most of the equations and operations needed for physics are taught in pre-calculus.
Communication is a key skill in nursing whether it is with patients, doctors or other nurses. Most nursing programs expect high school applicants to have four years of English classes including literature and composition. These classes not only improve grammar and writing skills, they build critical thinking skills which nurses need to solve problems in the workplace.