Just like medical, dentistry, and optometry schools, nursing schools also have their own pre-requisites that must be completed before you start attending. Most nursing schools require the basic core classes, such as chemistry and human anatomy but some will require their own additional courses. Depending on the type of accelerated nursing program that you're applying to, you need to make note of what pre-requisites are required.
Pre-Nursing Society has organized pre-requisites reference sheets of nursing schools in California. Please take in mind that the spreadsheets have not been updated they are just an example on how you can organize pre-requisites.
Pre-Nursing Society has organized pre-requisites reference sheets of nursing schools in California. Please take in mind that the spreadsheets have not been updated they are just an example on how you can organize pre-requisites.
ACCELERATED BACHELORS IN NURSINGAlso known as ABSN, this program offers the quickest route to licensure as a registered nurse (RN) for those who have already completed a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field. ABSN is a fast-track baccalaureate program that typically takes between 12 to 18 months to complete. Students in this track take the same nursing courses and undergo the same clinical hour requirements as traditional BSN programs, but the curriculum is much more compact, rigorous, and intellectually and physically demanding.
Before applying to an ABSN program you must fulfill prerequisites. Below is a list of the most common classes needed. This list is just a guide, so remember to double check each school for specifics!
Many classes offered at UC Berkeley will overlap with these requirements, but courses taken at community colleges are also acceptable. |
ENTRY LEVEL MASTERS IN NURSINGAlso referred to as MEPN or ELMNS, this program leads to a Masters of Science degree in nursing. These programs are specifically made for individuals without previous nursing preparation, but who hold a bachelor's degree in another field. It typically takes about 2-3 years to earn your masters. Graduates from this program are considered "advanced practice nurses" because they are able to specialize. There are plenty of titles one can earn with a masters in nursing; Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse-Midwifery, Case Management Nurse, just to name a few.
The MEPN typically has more prerequisite courses than the ABSN. Below are courses the masters entry level programs usually ask for in addition to the courses from the ABSN list.
As with the ABSN many of the classes offered at UC Berkeley will overlap with these requirements, but courses taken at community colleges are also acceptable. |