Nursing school requirements provide a necessary foundation for nursing education, especially with accelerated programs. Requirements typically include prerequisite courses, such as statistics, nutrition, chemistry, microbiology, and anatomy and physiology. They may include a number of college credits or a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, a minimum GPA and minimum grades in prerequisites.
If you’ve decided to enroll in a nursing program, you’ve probably been researching nursing school requirements. Every university establishes its own eligibility requirements, but which prerequisite courses are most commonly required for nursing programs and how will they set you up for success?
Pacific Lutheran University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program enables students to graduate in as few as 16 months by leveraging their previous education. Requirements include a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or 60 non-nursing college credits and completion of seven prerequisite courses.
Review the requirements before applying to PLU’s ABSN program and consider your academic background. As you review the requirements and consider your academic background and aspirations, your dedicated admissions representative can assist you at every step of the process and help you navigate any obstacles.
What Are Nursing School Requirements?
Nursing school requirements are in place to set students up for success once they join a nursing program. Because our ABSN program is accelerated, the curriculum is fast-paced and thorough, covering complex topics on a condensed timeline. Meeting the eligibility requirements shows the admissions team that you can complete advanced coursework and do well in the program.
Common Nursing School Prerequisites You Should Expect
Nursing school prerequisites vary by university but typically include introductory math and science courses to build a strong nursing foundation. For instance, PLU’s ABSN program asks that applicants satisfy the following prerequisite course requirements:
- Intro to Microbiology + Lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I + Lab
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II + Lab
- Chemistry of Life + Lab
- Development Across the Lifespan
- Introductory Statistics
- Nutrition in Health Care
Ready to go back to school for nursing? Here’s what you need to know.
Microbiology in Nursing
Microbiology studies the structure, metabolism, growth, and genetics of microorganisms, especially bacteria and viruses, with emphasis on their role in human disease. The associated laboratory classwork focuses on cultivation, identification, and control of bacterial growth.
Nurses need a deep understanding of microbiology because they use this knowledge in many ways, from properly disposing of biomedical waste to interpreting laboratory reports. A solid understanding of microbiology can also support best practices in health care, such as ensuring the correct antibiotics are given, performing sterile procedures, collecting swabs, and providing safe care.
Anatomy and Physiology in Nursing
Anatomy studies the structures of the human body, and physiology studies how these structures function. In this course, students will explore the body’s structure and function, learning how the body’s cells, organs, and systems work together in tandem rather than as separate, isolated parts.
Anatomy and physiology are the cornerstones of nearly every health care profession. By understanding the complexities of how systems within the human body work together to function properly, you’ll be well-suited to identify when they aren’t functioning correctly and how that affects your patient.
Chemistry of Life + Lab
Chemistry covers basic organic and biochemistry as they relate to chemical processes in human systems. Topics include acids and bases, chemical reactions, gas laws, solutions, and general organic chemistry concepts. Labs give you hands-on experience applying these concepts.
Some nursing programs require chemistry because it prepares you to understand how the body’s systems function. A solid grounding in chemistry helps nurses grasp pharmacology, fluid and electrolyte balance, and understand metabolic processes, all of which are essential knowledge for safer patient care.
Development Across the Lifespan
Development Across the Lifespan covers biological, cognitive, social, and emotional development from conception through adulthood to death. It provides both a theoretical and practical understanding of individual growth and change, distinguishing the characteristics and issues of different life stages.
Nurses care for people of all ages, so understanding developmental milestones is key to providing appropriate care and education. Knowledge of lifespan development enables nurses to address age-specific health issues, improve communication, and tailor treatment plans.
Nutrition in Health Care
This course explores the science of nutrition and the foundational concepts of diet and nutrition related to health across the lifespan within the context of health care professions. Nutrition courses introduce the basic principles of human nutrition, exploring essential nutrients, their sources, and their absorption and metabolism.
Understanding dietary needs helps nurses identify malnutrition, support recovery, educate patients about specialized diets, and collaborate with dietitians. A nutrition course prepares nurses to promote health through diet and to integrate nutritional considerations into patient care plans.
Statistics in Nursing
Statistics is the science of learning from data. It includes finding ways to organize, summarize, and describe quantifiable data and creating methods for drawing conclusions and generalizing from them.
Statistics are used in health care for many purposes, from studying disease patterns to determining the timing of when patients should take prescribed medication. Nurses use statistics when reviewing research on patient care, outcomes, and evidence-based practice to determine whether the data are valid and reliable.
Before deciding, learn more about the benefits of online learning in a hybrid nursing program.
ABSN Requirements: What You Need to Enter an Accelerated Nursing Program
While every nursing school has different admission requirements, students applying to any program must meet specific academic criteria. ABSN programs are for individuals with a non-nursing undergraduate education or the requisite number of non-nursing college credits.
To be eligible for PLU’s ABSN program, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
- A minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits OR a non-nursing bachelor’s degree
- A minimum grade of B- in ABSN prerequisite courses
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
How Meeting Nursing School Requirements Sets You Up for Success
Nursing is a profession that requires proficiency in science and mathematics, emotional intelligence, and communication skills to practice safely. Pacific Lutheran University seeks applicants who demonstrate a level of ability through their previous education to ensure that ABSN program graduates possess these skills, as well as the academic proficiency to succeed in our rigorous ABSN curriculum.
Tips for Meeting Nursing School Requirements Efficiently
The best way to set yourself up for success and make sure you’re on the right track is to connect with a PLU admissions representative. Reaching out to a representative will give you personalized assistance and allow you to ask any question you might have about the process. Have a copy of your unofficial transcripts so your admissions rep can review your academic background.
Even if you didn’t quite finish your non-nursing bachelor’s degree, you may still be able to apply to nursing school. If you have fewer than 60 college credits from an accredited institution, you’ll need to complete additional coursework.
Strive For Nursing Success at Pacific Lutheran University
Pacific Lutheran University invites you to take the next step in your journey and transition to nursing with our ABSN program. Our curriculum combines extensive student support services, including Academic Success Coaches, dedicated nursing instructors, and NCLEX prep resources. With three start dates each year, a nursing education is within reach.
Request more info today to learn how you can meet our nursing school requirements.