what course you need to take in high school nursing

by Ryann Funk 4 min read

Coursework should include English/language arts, algebra, geometry, biology and chemistry. Other recommended courses include physics, psychology, speech, foreign language, and anatomy/physiology. Many college advisors recommend higher-level Advanced Placement (AP) classes when possible.

What high school classes should you take to become a RN?

You should also take any type of health science courses offered at your high school. While every high school may offer different courses (or call them by different names), here is a list of courses you’ll want to take (if offered): Medical terminology; Anatomy and Physiology (may be called Human Anatomy) First Aid; CPR; Nutrition; Health science

What are the hardest and easiest classes in nursing school?

If you are considering nursing, take classes now that will prepare you for college later. In Indiana, you should aim, at a minimum, for the Core 40 diploma. Coursework should include English/language arts, algebra, geometry, biology and chemistry. Other recommended courses include physics, psychology, speech, foreign language, and anatomy/physiology.

What classes in college are needed to become a nurse?

Just follow your normal curriculum and be a well rounded student. Pay special attention to science, biology and some basic algebra. If anatomy and physiology is offered, that will definitely be a plus. Also study chemistry well. Microbiology is a killer in nursing school, at least it was in mine. As long as you have your credits to graduate, and your core classes in college before …

What school subjects are needed for nursing?

Philosophy and/or Ethics. You’ll also be required to take a couple composition courses and some basic math in your first years of nursing school. Later, you’ll study: Pathophysiology, the science of disease. Pharmacology, the science of medications. Nutrition, or how various nutrients affect the body and healing.

What classes do you take in nursing school?

These may include courses like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, and sometimes classes in subjects like philosophy, ethics, or religious studies . If you pursue nursing in college, you’ll likely enroll in these classes during your freshman or sophomore year.

How to become a nurse in college?

Take courses that develop your reasoning and critical thinking skills, and you’ll be well prepared to pursue nursing in college. Build the right academic foundation. While nursing is a health-related career, the best-prepared nurses are well grounded in a range of academic subjects.

Is nursing a profession?

It takes a lot of hard work to become a nurse, and more hard work to practice as a nurse. Nursing is a values-driven discipline. Nursing is not simply a job; it is a profession, and really, a sort of calling.

What is the role of compassion in nursing?

Compassion. Nursing is a caring profession; compassion and the desire to help others is central to the values of nursing. Nursing follows a bio-psycho-social model; it demands that its practitioners integrate physical health with other roots of human wellbeing. A desire to keep learning.

What is nursing in nursing?

Nursing is a caring profession; compassion and the desire to help others is central to the values of nursing. Nursing follows a bio-psycho-social model; it demands that its practitioners integrate physical health with other roots of human wellbeing. A desire to keep learning.

What is the nursing model?

Nursing follows a bio-psycho-social model; it demands that its practitioners integrate physical health with other roots of human wellbeing. A desire to keep learning. Nursing, like healthcare generally, is always changing; a willingness and desire to keep learning throughout your career is important.

Why is nursing important?

Nursing, like healthcare generally, is always changing; a willingness and desire to keep learning throughout your career is important. An aptitude for science. Nursing is academically rigorous, and requires a deep understanding of how the human body works, and consequently, how the body can also fail. Science is central to that understanding.

How to Prepare for a Career in Nursing

You can prepare for a nursing career as a high school student by exploring the coursework needed for a prospective program, along with other requirements. Outside of taking high school classes for nursing, you can gain experience by volunteering with healthcare facilities.

Find the Right Nursing Program for You

Applying for college is a complex process. These are some of the most important issues to consider when choosing a program that best meets your goals.

Reviewed by

Brandy Gleason is a nursing professional with nearly 20 years of varied nursing experience. Gleason currently teaches as an assistant professor of nursing within a prelicensure nursing program and coaches graduate students. Her passion and area of research centers around coaching nurses and nursing students to build resilience and avoid burnout.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

What courses do you take in advanced nursing?

Advanced Nursing Courses. After you’ve completed the basics, you’ll study: the Nursing Care of Adults. Children and Childbearing Families. Each course will likely last a semester and include classroom and clinical sessions. You’ll also take courses in: Gerontology (the care of older adults) Mental Health.

What is the foundation of nursing practice?

the Foundations of Nursing Practice, where you’ll be introduced to nursing as a profession. Health Assessment; that’s when you’ll learn how to take blood pressures, assess lung sounds and detect signs of disease.

How old do you have to be to become a nursing assistant?

The minimum age to become an LNA is 16-18 years old, so some students get certified and work part-time as a nursing assistant while still in high school.

How long does it take to become a LPN?

This job requires graduating from an accredited LPN program, usually two years at a technical school or community college.

What does a nurse do?

Nurses are often on the frontlines of patient care and provide healthcare, treatments, and management of the entire patient experience. You probably interact with a nurse when you go for your annual health checkup, as they often take your general health measurements (such as blood pressure), and administer shots.

Is a nurse the same as a doctor?

In some cases, a nurse may even perform the same responsibilities as a doctor. The job requires both strong medical knowledge as well as empathy, respect, and compassion to help ensure the patient gets the best care possible. Nursing has many specializations and levels of study. These include:

How old do you have to be to become a LNA?

The minimum age to become an LNA is 16-18 years old, so some students get certified and work part-time as a nursing assistant while still in high school.

What is an APRN?

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) / Nurse Practitioner. APRNs can prescribe medication, treat and diagnose illnesses, and more with less or no supervision from a medical doctor, depending on the state. This requires at least a master’s degree in addition to the education and licenses required to become an RN.

What is the highest salary in California?

According to Nurse.org, the highest, in California, is $102,700, while the lowest is South Dakota at $57,010. Nursing is a profession that sees high job security and will always be necessary.

What classes do you need to be a nurse?

Science Courses. A solid foundation in science will help you compete for a place in nursing school. Biology , chemistry and physics classes are especially important to take in high school to help you prepare for the anatomy and physiology courses that nursing students must take in college. Nurses must understand how the body interacts ...

What is the exam for nursing?

The exam covers vocabulary and reading comprehension, chemistry, physics, earth science and biology. It also tests several areas of math, including arithmetic, geometry, graphs, algebra and math applications. Even if schools you apply to don't require the exam, taking it is good preparation for nursing school.

Why is math important in nursing?

Math classes are important classes to take in high school for nursing careers, because nurses must be able to compute the correct dosage of medications. Math proficiency will help you score well on college and nursing school admissions exams, too.

What is the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination?

Many nursing schools require applicants to take the National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination. The exam covers vocabulary and reading comprehension, chemistry, physics, earth science and biology. It also tests several areas of math, including arithmetic, geometry, graphs, algebra and math applications.

How much will the number of nurses increase in 2026?

The number of job openings for licensed vocational or practical nurses is projected to increase by approximately 12 percent between 2016 and 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Positions for registered nurses are expected to grow by 15 percent during the same period.

What are the prerequisites for nursing school?

Prerequisites for nursing school provide the foundation for advanced level college courses. They usually consist of general education and science courses taken in high school, a minimum GPA, and other requirements. Students who plan to enroll in either a two-year associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) ...

What is the average GPA for a nursing degree?

ADN programs usually admit students with an overall high school GPA between 2.5 and 2.75, while BSN degrees require at least a 3.0 GPA. More selective undergraduate programs may require GPAs of 3.25 or higher. Nursing schools often ask for an essay describing educational and career goals.

What is the introduction to general psychology?

Introductory general psychology introduces nursing students to the basic principles that form the science of psychology. This course focuses on topics like human growth and development, behaviour, learning, memory, and intelligence.

How long does it take to become a nurse?

Some schools only accept current prerequisites that have been completed within 5-7 years.

What is advanced microbiology?

Advanced microbiology focuses on the interaction of microorganisms within the human body, diseases and infections caused by microorganisms, and how to control and avoid transmission of these microorganisms. Biology courses require a laboratory component, so students can get experience handling biological samples.

What classes do you take in LPN?

The coursework you encounter during an LPN program can include anatomy and physiology, human biology and general psychology. You'll be introduced to the foundations of nursing and learn about nursing for different points in a patient's lifespan. In addition to classroom and lab coursework, you'll gain supervised clinical experience.

What are the requirements to become a LPN?

Educational Requirements for LPNs. Becoming a licensed practical or vocational nurse requires completing a certificate or diploma program in practical nursing. LPN programs typically take a year to complete and include both classroom and clinical training. Acceptance into a program requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

What is the role of a nurse?

Nurses assist physicians in providing healthcare to individuals. The exact duties that you' d perform depend on your level of training. Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or vocational nurse requires less training than does becoming a registered nurse (RN). As an LPN, you'd work under the supervision of RNs and perform basic nursing duties, ...

What do nurses do?

Nurses assist physicians in providing healthcare to individuals. The exact duties that you'd perform depend on your level of training. Becoming a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or vocational nurse requires less training than does becoming a registered nurse (RN). As an LPN, you'd work under the supervision of RNs and perform basic nursing duties, such as taking a patient's blood pressure, changing dressings, inserting catheters, helping patients bathe and collecting samples for laboratory tests. You'd report the status of your patients to RNs and doctors.

How long does it take to become a practical nurse?

Becoming a licensed practical or vocational nurse requires completing a certificate or diploma program in practical nursing. LPN programs typically take a year to complete and include both classroom and clinical training. Acceptance into a program requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Oftentimes, these programs require you ...

How long does it take to become a LPN?

LPN programs typically take a year to complete and include both classroom and clinical training. Acceptance into a program requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Oftentimes, these programs require you to have taken biology, chemistry, and algebra during high school.

How long is a nursing degree?

Registered nursing programs are 2-4 years in length and can lead to a diploma, associate's degree or bachelor's degree. Some individuals who have completed a 2-year degree program transfer into 4-year programs to take additional nursing courses. Earning a bachelor's degree can lead to career opportunities in research, teaching, consulting or administration. Additionally, if you already hold a bachelor's degree in another major, accelerated 1-year nursing programs are available. As with LPN programs, RN programs require you to have completed some prerequisite courses before you may enroll.

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Is Nursing Right For You?

  1. Nursing is challenging but rewarding.Nursing demands a lot of those who join the profession, mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually – and it can give you a lot back too. Those inte...
  2. Nursing is a values-driven discipline. Nursing is not simply a job; it is a profession, and really, a sort of calling. How do you know if nursing is right for you? There’s no one way, but here are...
  1. Nursing is challenging but rewarding.Nursing demands a lot of those who join the profession, mentally, emotionally, physically, and even spiritually – and it can give you a lot back too. Those inte...
  2. Nursing is a values-driven discipline. Nursing is not simply a job; it is a profession, and really, a sort of calling. How do you know if nursing is right for you? There’s no one way, but here are...
  3. Get some experience. Even though you’re still in school, you can nonetheless get some hands-on experience to see if nursing might be right for you. Here are a few ways to do it:

Academic Preparation

  1. Nursing is academically rigorous.Nursing demands mastery of a wide body of academic and clinical knowledge. As is true for many fields, what you learn in high school (and beyond) is less important...
  2. Build the right academic foundation. While nursing is a health-related career, the best-prepared nurses are well grounded in a range of academic subjects. The following high school course…
  1. Nursing is academically rigorous.Nursing demands mastery of a wide body of academic and clinical knowledge. As is true for many fields, what you learn in high school (and beyond) is less important...
  2. Build the right academic foundation. While nursing is a health-related career, the best-prepared nurses are well grounded in a range of academic subjects. The following high school coursework will...
  3. Don’t worry about specific nursing pre-requisites.Most nursing programs have pre-requisite courses, that is courses you’re required to take before you can declare a major in nursing. These may incl...

Choose Your Degree

  • There are several degree options to become a Registered Nurse (RN). You can find more detailed information about various nursing degrees by exploring the article ‘Nursing Degree Options.’ Below is a brief description of the degree options of greatest interest to high school age students: 1. Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN).This is a 2 – 3 year pr...
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Caveats & Planning

  1. Consider nursing program waiting lists. Many schools, especially some community colleges and some public universities too, have waiting lists for their nursing programs. This means that even if enr...
  2. Research nursing major admission requirements.Nursing is a rigorous field, and most colleges and universities establish criteria for admission to their nursing major. This is usually based …
  1. Consider nursing program waiting lists. Many schools, especially some community colleges and some public universities too, have waiting lists for their nursing programs. This means that even if enr...
  2. Research nursing major admission requirements.Nursing is a rigorous field, and most colleges and universities establish criteria for admission to their nursing major. This is usually based on the s...
  3. Research NCLEX pass rates.All Registered Nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX, to practice as RN’s. While most schools ensure their students are well prepared for t...
  4. Factor in the career office and your alumni network.The career office and alumni network at y…