9 Best Online Schools for Nursing Prerequisites Under $32,000

Before you can earn your nursing licensure, you’ll need to attend one of the best online schools for nursing prerequisites. Nursing prerequisites are key topics that act as the foundation for advanced nursing knowledge. With the right online nursing prerequisites school, you’ll be well prepared to take your nursing exam or progress straight to an online BSN program. Let’s take a closer look.

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Where to Take Nursing Prerequisites Online

Nursing prereqs can be taken at four-year universities, community colleges, online nursing schools, and much more. Many of the best schools offer fully online programs. Nursing prerequisites are the courses required to either sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) or be admitted to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

NCLEX licensure is required to practice as an RN or registered nurse. To sit for the exam to acquire licensure, you must first complete nursing prerequisite courses. Those courses are included in BSN programs by default.

To be admitted to a BSN program, you must also have completed certain prerequisites, most of which are included in associate nursing programs. By taking nursing prerequisites online before entering a BSN program or sitting for nursing licensure, you’ll ensure you are prepared for your future as a nurse no matter what. This provides additional schedule flexibility if you have to work or care for your family. Many online schools for nursing pre-reqs have specific program schedules or plans for this reason. Generally, nursing prerequisites must be completed within five years of pursuing a BSN.

Plus, nursing prerequisites online don’t have to be part of a degree program. You can take the best online nursing prerequisites one at a time and eventually qualify for nursing licensure examination.

Pre-Nursing Associate Degree vs. ADN

When you take online nursing prerequisite classes, you can join either a pre-nursing associate degree program or an ADN program.

An ADN or associate degree in nursing is an undergraduate-level credential distinct from “regular” associate degrees, like associates of science or the arts. An ADN qualifies students to sit for the NCLEX exam and become registered nurses.

ADN programs are focused on practical nursing and medical knowledge so graduates have what they need to succeed in medical environments. ADN programs are typically 2 to 3 years long. They’re not 100% online since they require you to complete some in-person practicum classes.

Pre-nursing associate degrees in science or the arts, on the other hand, are more traditional associate pathways. They include general education courses, while ADNs typically do not. They also include the nursing prerequisites needed to qualify for bachelor’s degrees in nursing.

So, which should you choose? An ADN leads you straight to licensure and lets you start working as a registered nurse quickly. You’ll gain valuable experience and earn a good salary right from the get-go.

However, a pre-nursing associate degree program is lower-cost and more accessible. On top of that, you can attend a pre-nursing associate degree program to discover more about the nursing profession and common topics before committing to it more directly. Either program could be good depending on your needs and how quickly you want to start working as a nurse.

Online Nursing Prerequisites Courses

Whether you take an online pre-nursing associate program or an ADN, you must complete important nursing prerequisite courses. Some of the most important accredited online prerequisites for nursing include:

• Anatomy and physiology, which covers the functionality and structure of the human body. It also covers important medical terms that future nurses will need to know.
• Biology, which covers many foundational aspects of living things, including genetics, reproduction, taxonomy, cellular structures, and more
• Microbiology, which focuses on cell-sized biological concepts in topics. You’ll learn about microorganisms, infection, immunology, and much more.
• Chemistry, which covers the chemical processes that dictate all biological processes and functions
• Nutrition, which teaches students about nutritional science, dietary principles, and similar topics which can impact patient care quality
• Psychology, which covers the basics of psychological science, human development and growth, memory, and brain science
• Statistics, which teaches students how to understand and use statistics to provide important care to their patients. Nurses need to know about statistics since this type of math can heavily impact whether a certain treatment is effective and what conclusions nurses can glean from available medical data.
• Lifespan growth and development teaches nurses about human growth from conception to death and how human bodies can change over the lifespan. It may also cover cognitive, social, and psychological development at distinct life stages.

Best Online Schools for Nursing Prerequisites

If you’re looking for the best online schools for nursing prerequisites, look no further. These 9 universities offer excellent programs and classes that teach you the prerequisites for nursing online.

1. Columbia University in the City of New York

   Degree Offered: Online Prerequisites for Entry to Nursing (OPEN)
   In-State Tuition: $6,300
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   Columbia University in the City of New York’s OPEN program is perfect for non-nurses who want to take the courses they need to apply for future nursing school. Each course is taught by a trained, highly experienced Columbia University faculty member, and courses are available three times per year. Each course lasts for 10 weeks.

   More importantly, the modules here are set up totally independently. Thus, students can register for courses separately or concurrently, depending on their preferences. The courses in OPEN are fully accredited and transferable to future nursing programs.

   For many students, the OPEN program will be even better, as some accredited online nursing prerequisite courses come with discounted tuition rates for minority students or those who come from difficult backgrounds. The program’s courses cover topics including but not limited to human anatomy, microbiology with a laboratory component, and introduction to human nutrition. It’s 18 credits in total.

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   Columbia University in the City of New York

    

2. Marian University Indianapolis

   Degree Offered: Online Nursing Prerequisites
   In-State Tuition: $8,100
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   Marian University Indianapolis also offers an excellent online nursing prerequisites program. It focuses on science prerequisites, including topics like microbiology, chemistry, and physiology. Each of the classes is offered in an accelerated five-week format or a standard eight-week format. Students can choose or mix and match depending on their needs.

   This online program also includes a variety of interactive exercises. These are meant to improve critical thinking skills and give students the opportunity to connect with peers and professors. There are 12 start dates throughout the year, further offering additional schedule flexibility and accessibility. Most courses are taught by full-time faculty, but some are taught by very well-credentialed adjunct instructors.

   Marian University recommends not taking more than two classes at a time thanks to the accelerated delivery format available. Instead, students should take advantage of the ability to jump into the program at practically any point throughout the year.

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   Marian University Indianapolis

    

3. Montgomery College

   Degree Offered: Associate of Arts in General Studies Pre-Nursing Option
   In-State Tuition: $10,254
   Out-of-State Tuition: $14,034

   At Montgomery College, students can take an AA online degree in general studies with a focus on pre-nursing prerequisites. It’s designed as a prerequisite program that prepares a student to join the MC Nursing Program, although the courses here can be transferred to different universities as well. Should a student desire it, they will be able to complete a degree in General Studies STEM with the courses they learn in this program.

   It’s an excellent way to prepare for a BSN, given the nursing prereqs online it offers. Students take courses in anatomy, microbiology, math, chemistry, and more. Furthermore, students can take advantage of a wide range of extra resources and benefits if they attend this school.

   For example, Montgomery College provides career coach access and student employment services to all students. Students can also use the College Central Network, which may help graduates find jobs after graduation. Students extending their academic credentials can find noncredit classes available at this school. These assist with career training or skill upgrades.

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   Montgomery College

    

4. Georgia Military College

   Degree Offered: Associate in Pre-Nursing
   In-State Tuition: $15,570
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   Georgia Military College offers a liberal arts-focused pre-nursing program of study. There are multiple start dates throughout the year, several of which are available in successive months. The program takes two years to complete and prepares students to become different types of nurses, including addiction nurses, cardiovascular nurses, and more.

   The online prerequisites for nursing program qualifies students to earn an associate degree and includes credits that can be transferred toward a four-year degree. Students can take the program entirely online. Though they can also choose in-person or hybrid formats. The hybrid format mixes both in-person and online classes.

   By the end, students will have the knowledge they need to successfully apply to BSN programs. Registration is only available a short time before start dates, so students should consider whether they want to join this program quickly.

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   Georgia Military College

    

5. South College

   Degree Offered: Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing)
   In-State Tuition: $15,900
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   South College’s AS in Health Science is a pre-nursing degree program with a comprehensive curriculum. It includes both general education courses and nursing-specific courses on topics like biology and nutrition. The program is available online and at many different campuses. That includes cities like Orlando, Nashville, Knoxville, and more.

   Scholarships from local Tennessee foundations and from military foundations are available for those who qualify, such as military veterans. In addition, students get access to support resources, including math and writing labs. Experienced tutors are also available for extra assistance completing assignments during this program.

   The nursing school prerequisites online credits can be transferred toward a BSN at South College or a different accredited program. South College itself is accredited by SACSCOC and its nursing programs are accredited by the CCNE.

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   Associate of Science in Health Science (Pre-Nursing)

    

6. Allen County Community College

   Degree Offered: Associate in Science Pre-Nursing
   In-State Tuition: $18,760
   Out-of-State Tuition: $21,440

   The AS in Pre-Nursing program at Allen Community College is perfect for those seeking a BSN degree in the future. It’s 67 credit hours, and prices are very similar for both in-state and out-of-state students, as well as international students. There are start options in the fall, spring, and summer, so it’s slightly more limited compared to many other online schools for nursing prerequisites.

   Regardless, students will benefit from a comprehensive curriculum. Common topics covered include chemistry, developmental psychology, and human anatomy and physiology.

   Most important for students is the variety of scholarships and financial aid available at Allen. For example, the Kansas Promise scholarship is available for in-state students who wish to attend this program. Veterans and out-of-state students can also take advantage of financial aid scholarships and grants. Most of the credits earned are transferable to other schools, though all of them are transferable to local Kansas universities.

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   Allen County Community College

    

7. Abilene Christian University

   Degree Offered: Online Pre-Nursing Track
   In-State Tuition: $26,860
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   Abilene Christian University provides an online pre-nursing program with locked-in tuition. This means that tuition prices are guaranteed throughout the entirety of your undergrad degree should you get into this program.

   It’s a 68-credit hour program in total covering liberal arts, health sciences, and more. Flexible courses are available for working adults, as the program can be completed on a part-time basis. However, it’s important to note that this is not a program that results in an associate degree. Instead, it prepares students to apply for the CCNE-accredited BSN program at ACU.

   Therefore, it’s only ideal for those who know they want to get a bachelor’s degree before working as licensed nurses. Admission requirements are very accessible. Students must include their high school or college transcripts and complete the online application. But they are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.

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   Abilene Christian University

    

8. Bethel University

   Degree Offered: Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing
   In-State Tuition: $29,097
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   Bethel University’s AS in Pre-Nursing is 61 program hours in total and covers all the important courses needed for a BSN program at the same school. It includes a liberal arts core, then a nursing core afterward. Topics covered include psychology, health, and sociology.

   Bethel’s program is notable in part due to its educated, helpful staff. Staff members commit themselves fully to helping all online students succeed. Generous office hours are available, and students can take advantage of one-on-one mentorship opportunities when needed.

   Transferring credits straight into the BSN program here is quick and easy. However, since the CCNE accredits Bethel, the nursing credits earned here can also transfer to any other BSN program students choose to attend.

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   Bethel University

    

9. Missouri Baptist University

   Degree Offered: Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing
   In-State Tuition: $31,812
   Out-of-State Tuition: N/A

   Missouri Baptist University’s AS degree is available with a concentration in pre-nursing. This also provides education on nursing principles and practices from a Christian worldview. It’s intended for those who plan to pursue a BSN. Most of the academic topics needed to work as a licensed nurse are covered here, so clinical classes are required afterward.

   The program is 66 semester hours at minimum. Students can transfer up to 42 semester hours into this program. Furthermore, you can earn another 15 hours by portfolio assessment from prior learning, such as LPN experience.

   The program includes courses covering topics like computer literacy, biology, chemistry, and more. Credits earned here can easily be transferred into the BSN program at Missouri Baptist University. Financial aid opportunities are available for both Missouri state residents and for veterans, so it could be much more financially accessible than it initially appears.

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   Missouri Baptist University

    

Pre-Nursing Program Admission

Pre-nursing program courses cover foundational topics in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and more. Therefore, these programs and classes don’t have very high admission requirements. An applicant typically needs:

• A high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Transcripts from prior schooling, including high school or college courses
• Proof of prior nursing-adjacent experience, if applicable

Students do not normally need a GPA over a certain amount. This is true even for pre-nursing associate programs. Remember, pre-nursing programs are entry-level and undergraduate. They are meant to be accessible to most aspiring students.

How to Choose the Right Program

Since there are so many pre-nursing programs to choose from, you might not know which one is right for you. You should consider the following key attributes and factors before signing up for any program:

• First, consider accreditation. A good pre-nursing program will have its courses accredited by the CCNE or Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. This national accreditation agency is one of the most important for nurses as a whole. A program accredited by the CCNE will be well worth your time. Credits earned in such a program can also usually be transferred to future programs, such as BSNs
• Then determine whether a program has transferable courses and credits. This is important if you ever hope to earn an online Bachelor of Science in Nursing. If your credits aren’t transferable, you’ll have to re-earn those credits at your school of choice.
• Think about the online format as well. Most of the best online schools for nursing prerequisites offer 100% online courses. Others may only be available in person or through hybrid attendance formats, however.
• Lastly, think about the program’s cost and financial aid opportunities. We’ve broken down some of the best online schools for nursing prerequisites above, and many are quite affordable. Others may not be initially affordable, but scholarships and grants could make them more financially accessible for you.

Where Do Prerequisites for Nursing Online Lead?

Prerequisites for nursing online programs can lead you in two different paths:

• A degree path leads you to a BSN, Master of Science in Nursing, or even a doctoral degree
• A licensure path leads you to RN licensure immediately and includes all needed nursing program prerequisites online or in-person, depending on your degree of choice.
• Neither path is better than the other. The licensure path is ideal if you want to start working as a licensed nurse immediately. But a degree path is better if you want to maximize your salary growth and career opportunities for the long term.

If you want to take on additional responsibilities and earn more money, you’ll eventually need a BSN and MSN. Therefore, going the degree route might be ideal if you wish to work as a nurse for your entire career. The sooner you earn those degrees, the faster you’ll be able to advance into higher-value nursing positions.

Do Nursing Schools Accept Online Prerequisites?

Yes. Provided that your chosen online nursing prerequisites courses are from an accredited program/university, then they’ll transfer to a good nursing program at another school. The fact that the courses are online does not matter – all that matters is if they contain the right information. This is also true because online nursing prerequisites are not practical courses, so they don’t require in-person work.

Find the Best Online Schools for Nursing Prerequisites

Overall, one of the best online schools for nursing prerequisites could set you up on a path to success. That’s whether you want to earn your nursing license ASAP or go to a bachelor’s degree. Use GetEducated’s resources and online school catalog to find the best program for your needs, budget, and timeline!