Best Nursing School Without Prerequisites
Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by NAMS Editor
A career in nursing can be incredibly rewarding both professionally and personally. However, the journey to becoming a registered nurse often requires years of prerequisites, general education courses, and other academic hurdles before even being accepted into a nursing program. For students without a background in science or who are changing careers, the prerequisites alone can seem overwhelming and prevent them from pursuing their dream of nursing school. Fortunately, there are some excellent nursing schools that have minimal or no prerequisites, opening the door for a wider range of students to begin this life-changing educational path.
In this article, we will explore what it means for a nursing school to have no prerequisites, examine whether prerequisites are truly necessary, and provide an in-depth overview of ten top-rated nursing schools across the United States that require little to no previous coursework. By learning about these options, any aspiring nurse can find an affordable way to turn their passion for caregiving into a meaningful and in-demand career.
What is a Nursing school without prerequisites?
A nursing school without prerequisites is an institution that allows students to enroll in and complete a nursing program without having taken specific science and general education courses that are usually expected as foundational knowledge before beginning clinical nursing training. These types of programs aim to remove barriers to help more people enter the nursing field who may not have initially pursued or completed the standard prerequisites due to various life circumstances.
Nursing school prerequisites commonly include college-level courses in biology, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, psychology, English composition, and college algebra or higher math. Programs without prerequisites provide flexibility by not requiring these courses as admission criteria, instead incorporating prerequisite content into the nursing curriculum itself. This allows students to gain the necessary science knowledge concurrently while progressing through clinical nursing coursework.
Do You Need Prerequisites for Nursing School?
While prerequisites are not a requirement at certain nursing schools, having met them is still important for laying a strong academic foundation before embarking on rigorous nursing training. The science and math prerequisites help ensure students have baseline understanding of subject matter they will encounter in-depth within their nursing education program. Prerequisite courses also demonstrate the ability to succeed in college-level science, which is instrumental for nursing.
However, life circumstances like needing to work or raise a family while in school may have previously prevented students from completing prerequisites. For these learners, nursing programs without prerequisites provide a valuable second opportunity at a nursing career through an integrated, supportive educational pathway. Proper academic advising can help students at these schools effectively manage prerequisite material being taught alongside clinical classes.
1. Georgetown University
Located in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is a prestigious private research institution whose nursing program welcomes students without requiring specific prerequisites. Acceptance is based on academic performance, personal statement, recommendation letters, and a phone interview. The program incorporates science coursework into the nursing curriculum, with students completing prerequisites and clinical nursing classes concurrently in a 3-year period.
2. Oklahoma City University
This private, Catholic university in Oklahoma City offers a pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program without separate science prerequisites. Students take integrated science and nursing courses together in a 4-year schedule. Acceptance is dependent on high school GPA, entrance exam scores, experience in healthcare, and a background check. Academic advising ensures students thrive studying multiple subjects at once.
3. Regis College
Part of Regis University in Denver, Colorado, Regis College provides a traditional 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway requiring no specific prerequisites outside of high school diploma or equivalent. Professors help weave general education classes together with nursing fundamentals, health assessment, pathophysiology and more. The program fosters collaboration, and student advisors are available for extra support.
4. Loyola University Chicago
This private Jesuit research university in Illinois offers Bachelor of Science in Nursing options without separate prerequisites. Students complete general education and science foundation courses integrated within the core nursing curriculum over four years of full-time study. The program cultivates leadership qualities through service learning, and strong faculty mentorship helps smooth any transitional challenges.
5. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metro State’s Gentle Nursing program provides an alternative nursing education for those without college prerequisites. Students learn science material, like anatomy and physiology, as part of a Nursing career pathway that prepares graduates for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in 3 years of full-time enrollment. Close advising and a supportive learning community help students succeed.
6. University of Memphis
The Loewenberg College of Nursing at the University of Memphis in Tennessee admits students to its pre-licensure BSN option through a selective admission process, not requiring specific prerequisites. Students take science and general education classes as built-in components of the nursing degree curriculum. Small class sizes and skilled faculty facilitate learning across multiple concurrent subjects.
7. Purdue University
This major public research institution offers pre-licensure BSN pathways at its West Lafayette, Indiana campus without separate prerequisite courses. Purdue incorporates foundational sciences, like microbiology and human anatomy, into its nursing curriculum. Students enjoy resources like tutoring, counseling and advising to help integrate diverse learning areas over three years of full immersion.
8. California Baptist University
Located in Riverside, California Baptist University allows students to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing through concurrent enrollment in prerequisite and clinical nursing courses. Personal skills and experience in healthcare are emphasized for admission consideration over specific prerequisites. Academic support is readily available to help students succeed in an integrated curriculum completed in four years full-time.
9. Idaho State University
Idaho State’s nursing program in Pocatello provides options without separate science prerequisites required. Students combine courses like microbiology, nutrition and pathophysiology with clinical nursing classes toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Dedicated advisors assist with course planning to help keep prerequisite and nursing standards on track.
10 Montana State University
The College of Nursing at Montana State University in Bozeman offers a pre-licensure BSN curriculum which does not mandate certain course prerequisites separately. Students enjoy the flexibility to complete integrated science prerequisites in either three years full-time or take longer if preferring part-time study. Faculty are highly engaged to foster student success across curricular areas.
