Nursing school prerequisites for Marian ABSN include the topics of biology, anatomy, chemistry, psychology, and human growth and development. There are ways to complete prerequisites for second degree and transfer students, and by completing these you will be ready for the fast-paced nature of the program.
If you’ve recently decided to change career paths and begin your nursing education, you’re likely eager to start as soon as possible. You might consider enrolling in a faster educational pathway like Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, which can be completed in as few as 16 months.
To enroll and start our curriculum of online courses, in-person labs, and clinical rotations at leading healthcare facilities, you must first complete a series of prerequisite courses.
How long does it take to complete prerequisites for nursing school, and what are they? The answers depend on your educational background. In this blog post, we will explore everything you need to know about taking prerequisite courses for the Marian University ABSN program. We’ll look at which courses you’ll need to complete before you’re eligible to enroll, the registration process, how long it will take to complete your nursing prerequisites, and how you can complete them successfully.
What Are the Prerequisites for Nursing School?
To qualify for our accelerated nursing program, you must meet our admissions criteria. These requirements are based on meeting one of two admissions pathways: second degree or transfer. Our second-degree pathway is offered at our Indianapolis and Nashville locations. Transfer students are required to earn an Associate of Science in Health Sciences degree prior to transferring into the program.
As far as prerequisites go, our 16-month ABSN program has four science course requirements and two general education course requirements. You must earn a grade of “C+” or better in each of the following science courses and a grade of “C” or better in each of the general education courses that we will explore more below. Earning an A.S. in Health Sciences as a transfer student will complete all prerequisite requirements.
See more about how you can prepare for nursing school as a prospective ABSN student.
Note that your prior general education credits don’t expire; however, if you’ve already completed one or more of the science prerequisite courses, you must have done so within seven years of entering the program. To ensure your past college credits are eligible for transfer, we encourage you to speak with one of our admissions advisors.
Core Science Course Requirements
What courses are required for nursing school? The prerequisite science courses you must complete before enrolling as a Marian ABSN student are:
- BIO 214: Introductory Microbiology
- BIO 225: Human Anatomy
- BIO 226: General Human Physiology
- CHE 100: Elements of General and Biological Chemistry
These courses will equip you with the robust science foundation you need to successfully progress through the ABSN curriculum.
General Education Courses
The prerequisites for nursing general education are:
- PSY 230: Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 220: Human Growth and Development
These courses are also required to give a better grasp of the knowledge you will need to effectively work with patients across a range of life experiences and populations.
Additional Prerequisites and Electives
Also, because our ABSN program curriculum is framed within the context of Franciscan Values, it is suggested, but not required, that the following courses be completed before admission to the nursing program:
- PSY 205: Statistical Methods
- THL 105: Introduction to Theology
- THL 200 level or above
These co-requisites build critical thinking skills and help you to understand the importance of compassionate care — so you can better relate to those around you.
How Prerequisite Requirements Vary Based on Educational Background
If it’s been a while since you stepped into a classroom, your nursing school prerequisites can help to ease your way back into an educational setting. The prerequisite courses you’re required to pass before enrolling in the Marian University ABSN program include foundational knowledge you must understand before progressing in your nursing education. The requirements for the format you complete prerequisite courses within, however, can vary.
For Students with a Non-Science Bachelor's Degree
Students who have earned a non-science bachelor’s degree will need to complete our science and general education prerequisite courses before enrolling. Because of the challenging nature of the accelerated curriculum, we need to ensure that every student is working from the same base of knowledge. Those who have earned a science-oriented degree will be able to apply their credits, as long as they were completed within seven years of the start of the ABSN program.
For Students with Some College Experience
Transfer students must have completed at least 30 non-nursing college credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to enroll in Marian’s Associate of Science in Health Sciences program. Upon earning an A.S. in Health Sciences degree through Marian with a cumulative GPA of 2.80 or higher, you will have completed all prerequisite courses and will be ready to begin taking nursing courses as an ABSN student.
For Career Changers and Adult Learners
For career changers and adult learners, Marian University offers a way to take nursing prerequisites online: Marian University Online, which provides the convenience and flexibility for second-degree students to complete our ABSN program prerequisite requirements while working full-time. MU Online offers:
- Accredited prerequisite classes taught 100 percent online by Leighton School of Nursing faculty and Marian University adjunct faculty credentialed in their fields of study.
- Five-week course options available nine times a year.
- Eight-week course options available six times a year.
- Engaging coursework: video, audio, PowerPoint, readings, discussion boards, and interactive labs.
Want more tips on how to study and succeed in prerequisites? Explore study methods here.
How Long Does It Take to Complete Prerequisites for Nursing?
Marian University allows students to take up to 18 credits per semester, which on MU Online’s accelerated timeline is equivalent to two eight-week sessions or three five-week terms. Our ABSN admissions advisors will work with you to determine the best academic plan based on your individual academic history and personal situation.
Factors Affecting Completion Time
Your prerequisites can vary in completion time based on your own schedule and situation. If your commitments mean that you cannot complete more than one or two prerequisites at a time, then you will naturally need to complete these on a longer timeframe. It is better to focus on keeping your prerequisite grades up than to take on too much and risk failing a class.
Utilizing Online Learning for Prerequisite Courses
As a pre-nursing student enrolled in MU Online, you can expect to:
- Read and complete homework assignments
- Take part in class presentations
- Watch, listen, and learn as instructors solve problems
- Practice what you learn in virtual, interactive labs
- Participate in discussion groups
- Take non-proctored exams online
You’ll access all components for nursing prerequisite courses offered through MU Online through the same online learning platform you’ll use once you become a student in our ABSN program. There, you can view course syllabi, modules, and discussion posts as well as take exams.
Ready To Take On Prerequisites and Pursue Nursing?
Are you ready to shift gears and become a nurse? Learn how you can complete your nursing school prerequisites online through Marian University Online and enroll in our accelerated BSN program. Contact an admissions advisor today!