What Prerequisites Are Needed for Nursing School?
Specific prerequisites for nursing school vary from one institution to another. Some requirements, however, are common to most nursing programs. Prospective students should investigate the detailed admission requirements for each school under consideration. For high school students, the guidance counselor's office is a good source of information about prerequisites for different schools.
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General Admission Requirements
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Admission to nursing school requires a high school diploma or GED. Most schools require you to take an admissions test, such as the ACT or SAT, but minimum scores vary from school to school. Some nursing schools also require applicants to take a pre-admission test called the National League for Nursing (NLN) Pre-admission Exam. Nursing schools look for a strong academic high school record, and most require a minimum GPA. According to AllNursingSchools.com, minimum GPA requirements range from 2.0 to 3.25, depending on the school.
Assessment and Placement
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Many nursing schools administer assessment tests to applicants to determine their level of competence in particular subjects. Students that do not demonstrate proficiency must take preparatory courses in those subjects before starting the nursing curriculum. This is a common occurrence for students who have been out of high school for a period of time before starting nursing school.
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English and Foreign Language
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Nursing schools typically require four years of high school English. A foreign language is usually not a requirement, but it is highly recommended. Many schools recommend two years of study in the same language.
Math and Science
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Math and science courses are vitally important to success in nursing school. Requirements typically include three years of math, including algebra and geometry. Students should also have three years of science, including chemistry and biology. Many schools also recommend a course in physics.
Technology
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Competency in technology is usually not a formal requirement for admission to nursing school, but it is definitely an asset, according to MarylandHealthCareers.com. Students should have at least a basic working knowledge of computers.
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