Always verify each requirement against the official program prerequisite list at your target school — wording and credit minimums vary, and a missed line item is the #1 reason qualified applicants are denied.
Science prerequisites
Most programs want 12–18 science credits completed within the last 5–7 years.
| Completed | Course | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab) | 4 credits | Universal requirement. Often must be completed within 5–7 years. | |
| Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab) | 4 credits | Must follow A&P I. Same recency window. | |
| Microbiology (with lab) | 4 credits | Universal requirement. Recency rules vary — 5 years is common. | |
| Chemistry (with lab) | 3–4 credits | Either general chemistry or 'chemistry for health sciences'. Confirm which the school accepts. | |
| Biochemistry or Organic Chemistry | 3 credits | Required by some ABSN programs (~40%). Verify before enrolling. | |
| Pathophysiology | 3 credits | Increasingly required as a prerequisite (was historically taught in-program). |
Behavioral sciences
| Completed | Course | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introductory Psychology | 3 credits | Universal requirement. | |
| Lifespan / Developmental Psychology | 3 credits | Required by most BSN/ABSN programs. | |
| Sociology or Anthropology | 3 credits | Required by many programs to meet liberal-arts requirements. |
Quantitative
| Completed | Course | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statistics | 3 credits | Universal requirement. Most schools accept any introductory stats course. | |
| College-level Math (algebra or higher) | 3 credits | Some programs require it; others substitute statistics. |
General education
| Completed | Course | Credits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition I | 3 credits | Universal. | |
| English Composition II / Writing | 3 credits | Common for BSN; ABSN programs sometimes waive when prior bachelor's exists. | |
| Nutrition | 3 credits | Required by most BSN programs. Often offered online for working students. | |
| Public Speaking / Communication | 3 credits | Required by some programs as a liberal-arts elective. |
Finish prerequisites online
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