California Nursing School Prerequisites
Doing Well in Prerequisite Courses Opens Doors
© John Wu
May 26, 2009
Nearly all California nursing schools require completion of prerequisite classes before admittance to the nursing program. In most cases, the prerequisite classes are fairly consistent between different schools, thus allowing an applicant to apply to many schools simultaneously. Due to the intense competition in California for spots in nursing school, it is wise to take enough prerequisite classes so that one can apply to many schools as possible.
The Need for a High GPA
A large number of California nursing schools are at California community colleges, which use a lottery system to select students who have completed all prerequisite courses with a minimum GPA, usually a 3.0. Because there are far more applicants than spots in every nursing program, especially at the community college level, the most optimal strategy is to apply to every single nursing program within driving distance. It is not enough to barely pass the prerequisite courses with straight C’s. GPA in the prerequisite courses is the most important factor considered in making admissions decisions.
California community colleges generally require a 3.0 GPA to proceed to the lottery. Private nursing schools and baccalaureate nursing programs usually pick applicants by academic merit with GPA minimums far higher than a 3.0.
California Nursing School Prerequisites
Because nursing school curriculum is regulated by the state of California, the list of prerequisite courses for nursing schools in California tends to be similar. In general, California nursing schools require a mix of the following prerequisites to be completed before applying:
- 1 year of English composition
- 1 year of Chemistry (taken within the last 5 years)
- 1 year of Anatomy and Physiology (taken within the last 5 years)
- 1 course in Microbiology (taken within the last 5 years)
- 1 course in General Psychology
- 1 course in Developmental Psychology – Entire Life Span
- 1 course in Sociology
- 1 course in Nutrition
- 1 course in Public Speaking
- Proficiency in Intermediate Algebra
- High TEAS (Test for Essential Academic Skills) score
- General Education courses
Taking Nursing School Prerequisites Courses
In general, science courses with laboratory requirements are more difficult and time consuming than the other prerequisite courses. Depending on one’s aptitude in the sciences, work, and family obligations, it may be wise to take no more than one laboratory science course concurrently with other courses to ensure high grades. Even if the student decides to take a heavy course load, that decision can be reversed by dropping courses. Keep in mind that a grade of W, which has no effect on the GPA, is still much better than a D or F, even though some California nursing schools may weigh a high number of W grades negatively.
High Grades in Nursing School Prerequisite Courses Opens Doors
With caution and perseverance in nursing prerequisite courses, students striving to get into nursing school can greatly improve their chances of admittance despite the intense competition in California. It is important not to rush the process by overloading too many science courses at the same time. A bad grade in a nursing school prerequisite course could delay nursing school admission far longer than waiting that extra semester to avoid having an overloaded class schedule.
Reference:
Chandler, Genevieve. The Ultimate Guide to Getting into Nursing School. McGraw-Hill Professional (2007).
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