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When you are going to college, it can seem like it will never end. Year after year, you go to class hoping that your group projects and endless papers will lead to a promising career. However, when you do finally reach the end of your college career, it feels like a giant burden has been lifted. Once you have that degree in hand, you can apply for jobs confidently. I know how important education has been in my own life, which is why I want to help you to understand why you should go back to school. Check out my blog to find out more.

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Making The Most Of College

FAQs About Nursing School Prerequisites And Non-Degree Courses

by Nora Gardner

Are you ready to start nursing school? Do you need to complete non-nursing or prerequisite classes before you begin the clinical phase of a nursing degree? If you're at the beginning of your nursing bachelor's degree journey, take a look at what you need to know about basic science and general education courses.

Does A Nursing Degree Really Include Non-Nursing Classes?

Yes, most bachelor's level nursing programs require students to take non-nursing or non-clinical courses to graduate. These classes provide new students with the basic science knowledge necessary to understand how the human body functions and reacts to illnesses/diseases. Along with science, students may need to complete math courses (used later for pharmacology or higher-level chemistry/biology classes), English language, cultures, psychology/behavioral sciences, and human development.

A school of nursing may also require students to complete electives of the student's choosing or groups of liberal arts courses. These may include content areas such as the arts or philosophy. While you may not directly use what you learn in an art history course as a nurse, these types of classes can help you to build critical thinking and other similar skills.

Will You Need To Take Non-Nursing Classes Before Your Nursing Classes?

The answer to this question depends on the specific non-nursing classes and the nursing program's curriculum requirements. Basic science and math courses are typically prerequisite classes. This means you will need to take and pass the classes before you can move on to more advanced nursing classes or clinical experiences.

While science prerequisites vary by school, they may include biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. You may also need to complete labs with each of these classes. Basic math requirements also depend on the school's curriculum. Statistics, algebra, drug calculation, or a basic math refresher are possible nursing program math-related prerequisites.

You may not need to complete non-nursing courses that are outside of your major before you start clinical classes. Unlike science classes, you won't directly build on coursework in English language, writing, public speaking, the arts, or philosophy as you advance through your program. 

How Can You Learn More About Specific Prerequisite and Non-Nursing Classes?

More specifically, how can you learn more about the classes your program requires and when you will need to complete these courses? The first step is meeting with an academic advisor. Your advisor will help you to plan your degree and outline which prerequisite and non-nursing classes you will need to graduate. 

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