Save time and money while building your career foundation with online nursing prerequisites.
Whether you're testing the waters to see if nursing is right for you or ready to dive into your healthcare career, online nursing prerequisites offer flexibility, affordability, and the chance to build a strong academic foundation at your own pace.
Nursing offers one of today's most rewarding and stable career paths. As a nurse, you'll be on the healthcare front lines, requiring skills in critical thinking, patient care, medical knowledge, and clear communication under pressure. While earning your nursing degree typically takes 2-4 years, you can significantly reduce both time and costs by completing essential nursing prerequisites online before entering your program.
Why Take Nursing Prerequisites Online? 4 Key Benefits
1. Test Your Interest in Nursing with Lower Financial Risk
Online prerequisite courses cost significantly less than traditional college classes, giving you an affordable way to explore nursing coursework. If you discover that Anatomy & Physiology or Chemistry isn't your strong suit, you'll have learned this valuable information without the hefty price tag of a full nursing program.
2. Dramatically Reduce Your Nursing Degree Costs
The average nursing prerequisite course at a traditional college costs $500 or more. Compare this to online options starting at $79 per course plus a monthly membership fee. Students taking multiple prerequisites online can save thousands of dollars while maintaining the same academic quality and transferability.
3. Build Academic Confidence Before Nursing School Begins
Online nursing prerequisites allow you to master challenging subjects like Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology at your own pace. When you enter your nursing program, you'll already have a solid foundation in these critical areas, setting you up for success from day one.
4. Flexible Credit Transfer to Your Chosen Nursing Program
Quality online prerequisite providers offer credits guaranteed to transfer to hundreds of partner schools. Even if your preferred nursing school isn't a direct partner, credits can often transfer through accreditation services to thousands of additional programs nationwide.
Essential Nursing Prerequisites You Can Take Online
Most nursing schools require similar prerequisite coursework, though specific requirements vary by institution and degree type (ADN vs. BSN). Always verify requirements with your target nursing programs before enrolling in prerequisite courses.
Core Science Prerequisites for Nursing Success
Anatomy & Physiology I and II
Why it's essential: These courses form the foundation of nursing knowledge, covering human body systems, disease processes, and physiological functions.
What you'll learn:
Muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems
How diseases and injuries affect body systems
Medical terminology specific to body structures
Laboratory techniques and hands-on experience
Online advantage: Take your time mastering complex concepts like cellular respiration and cardiac cycles without the pressure of a fast-paced classroom environment.
Biology and Microbiology
Why it's essential: Understanding living organisms and microorganisms is crucial for infection control, patient safety, and disease prevention.
Course options:
What you'll learn:
Cell structures and functions
Genetics and evolution basics
Pathogen identification and control
Laboratory safety and techniques
Chemistry for Nursing Students
Why it's essential: Chemistry knowledge helps nurses understand medication interactions, IV solutions, and biochemical processes in the human body.
What you'll learn:
Atomic structure and molecular interactions
Chemical reactions in biological systems
pH balance and acid-base chemistry
Drug metabolism basics
Communication and Critical Thinking Prerequisites
English Composition I and II
Why it's essential: Clear communication is vital for patient documentation, care plans, and professional collaboration.
Skills developed:
Professional writing and grammar
Critical thinking and analysis
Research and citation methods
Clear, objective communication
Psychology and Lifespan Development
Why it's essential: Understanding human behavior, mental health, and development across the lifespan improves patient care and therapeutic relationships.
What you’ll learn:
Identify major psychological theories and their real-world applications
Analyze developmental milestones and challenges at each life stage
Recognize signs of psychological distress and understand common intervention approaches
Specialized Health Science Prerequisites
Pharmacology Fundamentals
Why it's essential: Nurses must understand drug actions, interactions, side effects, and safe medication administration.
What you'll learn:
Drug classifications and mechanisms
Medication safety protocols
Drug interactions and contraindications
Dosage calculations basics
Nutrition and Wellness
Why it's essential: Nurses educate patients about nutrition, diet modifications, and wellness strategies throughout their healthcare journey.
What you'll learn:
Nutritional requirements across the lifespan
Therapeutic diets for various conditions
Exercise and wellness principles
Patient education strategies
Medical Terminology
Why it's essential: Healthcare has its own language, and nurses must be fluent in medical terms for accurate communication and documentation.
What you'll learn:
Root words, prefixes, and suffixes
Body system terminology
Disease and condition terminology
Abbreviations and symbols
Nursing Prerequisite Requirements by Program Type
Program Type | Typical Prerequisites | GPA Requirement | Timeline |
| ADN (Associate Degree | 8-10 courses | 2.5-2.75 minimum | 12-18 months |
| BSN (Bachelor's Degree) | 12-15 courses | 3.0+ required | 18-24 months |
| Accelerated BSN | 10-12 courses | 3.0+ required | 6-12 months |
Which Prerequisites Are Hardest to Take Online?
Most Suitable for Online Learning:
Pharmacology (theory portions)
Requires Careful Provider Selection:
Anatomy & Physiology (need quality virtual labs)
Chemistry (need interactive lab simulations)
Biology and Microbiology (lab components essential)
Tips for Online Lab Courses:
Choose providers with virtual lab simulations
Look for programs offering lab kits shipped to your home
Ensure lab components meet your nursing school's requirements
Verify that virtual labs are accepted by your target programs
Which Nursing Prerequisites to Take Online First
Recommended Sequence for Maximum Success:
Phase 1: Foundation Courses (3-6 months)
Phase 2: Core Sciences (6-12 months)
Phase 3: Advanced Prerequisites (3-6 months)
Time-Saving Strategies:
Take 1-2 courses simultaneously if you have adequate study time
Complete easier courses during busy work periods
Save challenging sciences for when you can dedicate more focus
Consider summer sessions for accelerated completion
Traditional vs. Online Nursing Prerequisites
| Course Type | Traditional College | Online Provider | Potential Savings |
| Single Prerequisite | $500-800 | $79-200 | $300-600 |
| Lab Course | $600-1000 | $150-300 | $450-700 |
| Full Prerequisite Set (10 courses) | $5,000-8,000 | $1,000-2,500 | $3,000-5,500 |
Additional savings: No commuting costs, no campus fees, and flexible scheduling allows continued work.
How to Ensure Your Online Prerequisites Transfer Successfully
Before Enrolling:
Contact your target nursing schools to confirm online prerequisite acceptance
Verify ACE recommendation of your online course provider
Check course descriptions match your nursing school's requirements
Confirm lab components meet program standards
Documentation You'll Need:
Official transcripts from your online provider
Course syllabi and lab descriptions
Credit transfer agreements or partnerships
Academic records showing grades of C or better
Transfer Success Tips:
Maintain detailed records of all coursework
Keep course materials and lab reports
Request official transcripts immediately after course completion
Follow up with nursing school admissions to confirm credit transfer
Red Flags: When NOT to Take Prerequisites Online
Avoid online prerequisites if:
Your target nursing school explicitly prohibits online prerequisites
You struggle with self-directed learning and need classroom structure
The online program lacks proper academic recognition
Lab components are inadequate or not accepted by your nursing school
You need significant academic support and tutoring
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Nursing Prerequisites
Q: Are online nursing prerequisites as rigorous as traditional courses? A: Yes, accredited online programs maintain the same academic standards and often require more self-discipline and time management skills.
Q: How long are nursing prerequisite credits valid? A: Most nursing schools require prerequisites completed within 5-7 years of application, though policies vary by institution.
Q: Can I take online nursing prerequisites while working full-time? A: Yes, online nursing prerequisites offer the flexibility to study around work schedules, though plan for 6-10 hours per week per course.
Q: What if I fail an online prerequisite course? A: Many online providers allow course retakes. Check retake policies and ensure your nursing school accepts repeated coursework.
Q: Do online prerequisites prepare me for nursing school rigor? A: Quality online courses provide excellent preparation, especially when you actively engage with material and complete all assignments.
Getting Started with Online Nursing Prerequisites
Step 1: Research Your Target Nursing Programs
Create a list of 3-5 nursing schools you're interested in and compare their prerequisite requirements. Look for commonalities to prioritize which courses to take first.
Step 2: Choose an Accepted Online Provider
Research providers that offer:
Regional or national recognition
Transfer agreements with your target schools
Comprehensive lab components for science courses
Student support services
Reasonable retake policies
Step 3: Create Your Personal Timeline
Based on your target nursing school application deadlines, work backward to create a realistic schedule for completing prerequisites while balancing work and personal commitments.
Step 4: Set Yourself Up for Success
Designate a consistent study space
Block out regular study times
Connect with other nursing prerequisite students online
Utilize all available academic support resources
Why Choose StraighterLine for Your Nursing Prerequisites?
Unbeatable Value: $99/Month + Low Course Fees
While traditional colleges charge $500-1,000+ per prerequisite course, StraighterLine offers the same high-quality, transferable courses for just $99/month plus an affordable per course fee starting at $79. Complete multiple courses in a single month and maximize your savings.
Real Student Savings Example:
Traditional college cost for 10 prerequisites: $5,000+
StraighterLine cost for 10 prerequisites: ~$1,500
Your savings: $3,500+
Start Anytime, Learn at Your Pace
Unlike traditional semesters with rigid schedules, StraighterLine courses start when you're ready. Complete courses in 4-6 weeks if you're motivated, or take longer if you need more time to master the material. This flexibility is perfect for working adults and busy students.
Guaranteed Credit Transfer
StraighterLine has established partnerships with over 180 colleges and universities, including many nursing programs. Our courses are also ACE-recommended and widely accepted at thousands of additional schools nationwide.
Expert Support When You Need It
Get help from qualified instructors, academic advisors, and tutoring support throughout your courses. StraighterLine students receive the guidance they need to succeed, not just access to course materials.
Your Path to Nursing Success Starts with Smart Prerequisite Choices
Taking nursing prereqs online offers an affordable, flexible pathway to begin your healthcare career. By choosing recognized programs, planning strategically, and staying focused on your nursing school goals, you can build a strong academic foundation while saving significant time and money on your education.
Remember that completing prerequisites is just the first step in your nursing journey. Use this time to confirm your passion for healthcare, develop strong study habits, and build the scientific knowledge base that will serve you throughout your nursing career.
Ready to start your nursing journey?
Check out our nursing courses and see how easy it is to save on tuition while getting closer to your career — one course at a time.
You can also use our Free Preview to get a feel for what taking affordable online college courses with StraighterLine is really like.
