Core Prerequisites and Science Foundations
To become a nurse, you must complete a mix of foundational sciences, math, and liberal arts courses before entering a nursing program. Most accredited programs require anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics, along with English composition and psychology. These prerequisites build the knowledge base you will rely on when studying pharmacology, patient care, and clinical decision-making.
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High school students can get ahead by focusing on biology, chemistry, and algebra. Adult learners returning to school should check whether their target program accepts transfer credits for previous coursework, which can shorten the timeline.
Degree Pathways and Their Required Classes
The classes you take depend heavily on the degree you pursue. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) concentrates on core nursing theory and clinical skills, while a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) adds leadership, community health, and research methods. Both pathways require the same foundational sciences, but the BSN includes more humanities and elective credits.
ADN Coursework
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Pediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing
- Basic Pharmacology
BSN Coursework
- All ADN courses plus:
- Public and Community Health Nursing
- Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Nursing Leadership and Management
- Ethics and Professional Issues
Clinical and Hands-On Training
Classroom instruction is only half the preparation. Every accredited nursing program includes supervised clinical rotations in hospitals, clinics, or long-term care facilities. These rotations let you apply what you learn in class to real patient care under the guidance of licensed nurses and instructors.
Licensing Exam Preparation
Before you can practice, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam. The classes you take in your final semester typically include dedicated review sessions that cover test-taking strategies and the full scope of nursing content. Your program's pass rate and career placement outcomes can help you judge whether it offers enough support to succeed.