Nursing prerequisites are the classes you must complete satisfactorily before enrolling in an accelerated nursing program. These classes provide foundational knowledge in essential subjects such as human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, statistics, and algebra.
When most people think about nursing, they visualize a career rooted in caring and compassion. Though accurate, there’s much more to the job than having a good bedside manner. Nurses need a solid understanding of math, science, and humanities to provide safe and effective patient care, which is why prerequisites for nursing school are crucial.
While every nursing school establishes its own prerequisite requirements, many nursing schools require a foundation in math, science, and humanities, and the University of St. Thomas’ Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is no different. Note that you need either a completed non-nursing bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 non-nursing college credits, along with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, to be eligible for our 12-month ABSN program in Houston, Texas. If your GPA is below 3.0, consult an admissions advisor about your options.
H2: Why Prerequisites Matter for Accelerated Nursing Programs
You must satisfy the prerequisites for nursing as a part of the ABSN enrollment process. These courses help ensure you have the preliminary knowledge required to undertake professional nursing study. With foundational knowledge in math, science, and humanities, you’ll be better prepared for success, both in nursing school and when you start professional practice as a registered nurse (RN).
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What Prerequisites Do I Need?
An understanding of human anatomy and physiology, for example, is what allows doctors and nurses to restore and maintain balance within a patient’s body. And it’s because of microbiology that healthcare providers are able to maintain patient environments that are free of contamination and infection.
Here are the prerequisites necessary for the ABSN@UST program.
| Nursing Prerequisites | Min. Grade Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II | B- | 6-8 |
| Microbiology | B- | 3-4 |
| Algebra or Statistics | C | 3 |
| Nutrition (recommended, not required) |
Depending on your previous field of undergraduate study, you may have credits that are eligible for transfer. For instance, if you have a degree in biology or health sciences, there’s a good chance you’ve satisfied most of the nursing school prerequisites. But the only way to know for sure is to speak with one of our admissions counselors.
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Core Curriculum
In addition to the nursing prerequisites, you must also satisfy our core curriculum requirements. Given you already have a bachelor’s degree, there’s a good chance you’ve satisfied most, if not all, of the core courses below. But again, the only way to know for sure is by speaking with an admissions counselor.
| Courses | Min. Grade Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English | C | 6 |
| Social/ Behavioral Science | C | 6 |
| History | C | 6 |
| Fine Arts | C | 3 |
| Theology | C | 6 |
| Philosophy | C | 6 |
Now you’re probably wondering what these core courses have to do with nursing. After all, how can history and philosophy possibly influence on modern nursing? You’d be surprised.
Being well-versed in the humanities broadens a nursing student’s mindset, giving them the ability to relate to multiple points of view and be flexible in the face of change—which, by the way, is key in a continuously evolving healthcare environment.
Furthermore, nurses are responsible for patient advocacy and often serve as positive change agents within the medical field. For this to be possible, they must have the English and communication skills necessary to write and speak persuasively.
How Can I Complete My Prerequisites?
Prospective students can complete their prerequisites for nursing at a community college or another accredited institution. You can complete your nursing prerequisites through our University. This is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with our intuitive e-Learning platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you still not sure which prerequisites to take, or if you can apply without having completed all of them? Here are some frequently asked questions about prerequisites.
How do I Know Which Prerequisites I Need?
Talking with the ABSN@UST admissions team will help determine exactly which prerequisite courses you may need to complete. They will look through your transcript and create a prerequisite completion plan that aligns with your preferred start date in the program.
Can I Apply to Nursing School if I Haven’t Completed All my Prerequisites?
You can apply to our program with some prerequisites in progress. You just need to satisfy all the ABSN admissions requirements ahead of your target start date.
What Happens After I Receive my Acceptance?
While easier said than done, don’t let the fear of the unknown get in the way of your excitement. Because we’ll do everything we can to prepare you for the first day of class. And we won’t stop there. Once you’re in the program, our faculty and staff will be there to see you through graduation.
Ready to Get Started?
If you have a non-nursing bachelor’s degree and are interested in accelerating your nursing career, contact our admissions team to get started. Our 12-month ABSN program has three start dates per year—January, May, and August.