If you are still in high school, you can begin taking college preparatory classes now that will make the transition to nursing school easier. Many colleges expect their students to have taken four years of English courses, three years of social studies classes and at least two years of a foreign language. Potential nursing students will want to take more than the minimum math and science courses required for graduation (a full four years of each is recommended).
Once you begin college, whether at a nursing school, community college or other institution, you can expect to take classes in the maths and sciences that will prepare you for nursing-specific courses. Prerequisite material will include anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, nutrition, statistics, sociology and psychology.
College prep classes in any subject area will help prepare you for college-level courses, whether in your nursing program or in your general educational requirements. In addition, classes in communications (written or oral), computers and foreign languages can be beneficial as you enter a career in nursing. Volunteering or working part time at a care facility can also provide valuable experience for your future resume.