Prerequisites for Nursing: What’s needed for a BSN program?

A career in nursing presents a wide range of opportunities if you're willing to commit to your education and profession. While earning your nursing license, the RN, is the first step on the way into the field, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a cornerstone of healthcare education that imparts the fundamental and advanced skills necessary for success in the nursing profession. Pursuing a BSN not only enhances core nursing competencies but also opens doors to greater opportunities and earning potential.

Benefits of earning a BSN

The bachelor's in nursing degree is an undergraduate degree that covers general education topics for nurses including conducting health assessments, applying research to practice, the basics of community health, and leadership skills.

One of the strongest arguments for registered nurses to earn BSNs is the body of evidence showing that nurses with more years of nursing school education tend to have better patient outcomes and provide higher levels of care. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing calls out studies with evidence including:¹

• Having a higher proportion of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in hospital settings, regardless of educational pathway, is associated with lower rates of 30-day inpatient surgical mortality
• A greater proportion of professional nurses at the bedside is associated with better outcomes for patients and nurses.
• Reducing nursing skill mix by adding assistive personnel without professional nurse qualifications may contribute to preventable deaths, erode care quality, and contribute to nurse shortages.

For you, as an individual, a BSN can also help boost your confidence in your abilities and help you reach more career opportunities and higher salaries. At a minimum, nurses with BSNs can typically expect to find roles that offer more predictable, daytime hours.

What are prerequisites for nursing school?

Prerequisites for nursing school are screening criteria put in place to ensure students possess the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in nursing school. These nursing prerequisites typically include a combination of educational accomplishments, specific prerequisite courses, licenses, and sometimes, relevant healthcare experience. Together, these prerequisites set the stage for nursing students to take on advanced learning and future success in the field. The following are possible nursing program prerequisites but you should check the requirements set by the specific nursing school you're interested in to ensure you're prepared.

Academic prerequisites for nursing

While it ultimately depends on your nursing program, you most often need a high school transcript and diploma from an associate's degree RN program approved by a state board of nursing. Minimum GPAs also vary but typically hover around a 2.5 requirement.

Nursing school education prerequisites often require prospective students to have completed core science courses to liberal arts, ensuring a well-rounded academic background. Typical pre-nursing classes include:

• Human anatomy: Human anatomy/physiology courses introduce nursing students to the human body, common medical terminology and increase knowledge of body systems.
• Statistics: Statistics is crucial for pre-BSN students as it equips them with analytical skills to interpret medical research, understand health trends, and engage in evidence-based practice, leading to informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.
• Biology: Biology is foundational knowledge for nursing students who need to understand the five kingdoms of life, cell structures, taxonomy and reproduction, evolution, ecology, and an introduction to genetics.
• Microbiology: In microbiology courses nurses begin to learn about bacteria, viruses, and the fundamental principles of infection and immunity.
• Chemistry: Chemistry courses help nursing students gain an understanding of matter's composition, structure, properties, and the reactions that transform our world.

Many programs will permit you to apply without some of these courses on your transcript, under the condition that you complete them prior to the term starting. You can often complete them at a community college or pre-nursing program in your area or online.

Admissions requirements

When it comes to non-academic nursing prerequisites and admissions requirements, any nursing school will require Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and/or CPR certification. A nursing program may also request students supply letters of recommendation or personal essays to complement their applications. Additionally, hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, though not always mandatory, can be advantageous, providing practical insight into the daily responsibilities of nursing professionals.

Preparing for Your BSN Program

Preparing for a bachelor's in nursing program isn't just about meeting the prerequisites; it's also about honing effective techniques tailored to the demanding nature of nursing school. Developing strong skills in self-discipline, building a support system, and taking care of yourself, can significantly ease your transition into the program.

Developing study skills

Developing robust study skills for nursing school involves mastering time management and active learning techniques. Embrace methods like spaced repetition, mnemonics, and simulation exercises to retain knowledge, enhance critical thinking, and prepare for the practical applications of nursing care that you will encounter in your future career.

Building a support system

Building a support system is integral to thriving in nursing school, especially if you choose an online program. Engage with faculty and online forums to foster connections that inspire and challenge you. If they're available, take advantage of virtual advising and tutoring services, and join online communities of nursing students where you can share experiences and resources, and find motivation. This nurturing ecosystem not only aids in your academic pursuits but also helps you build your professional nursing network. Whether it's through mentorships, study groups with peers, or tapping into resources such as student success coordinators, having a network to rely on can provide guidance and encouragement throughout your educational journey.

Balancing work and school

Balancing work and school is a challenge many nursing students face. Establishing a realistic study schedule, prioritizing your array of tasks, and practicing time management are crucial strategies that can help you maintain sanity.

Remember that investing time in preparation for a program is just as important as the program itself. By paying mind to the aspects of self-discipline needed alongside of the prerequisite courses, you'll be well-equipped to excel in your BSN studies and advance your nursing career.

Elevate your nursing career with an online RN-BSN program

The roadmap to a rewarding nursing career begins with understanding and fulfilling the BSN program prerequisites. These foundational steps—academic achievements, core course completion, and developing essential study habits—ensure that you are well-prepared for the demanding and fulfilling journey ahead. Embrace the process as you pave your way to becoming a skilled, compassionate, and confident nursing professional.

OCU's online programs don't require traditional, extensive prerequisites and won't put you on a waitlist so that you can get working toward your career goals. Additionally, all online nursing students are connected with a student success coordinator who can help them with study tips and other academic help including working with professors and managing course requirements.

Ready to elevate your career? Explore the opportunities that await at Oklahoma City University's online RN-BSN. Schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today.