If you’re reading this, you have probably decided to answer a calling for nursing and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Considering how quickly the role of nurses in healthcare is evolving, and the many career opportunities that will be open to you with a BSN degree, you have made a wise choice.
Luckily, a nursing degree is closer than you think thanks in part to your previous non-nursing college experience. With Concordia University Texas’ Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) track, you can graduate ready to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in as few as 16 months.
Before you can enroll in ABSN@CTX, however, you will need to complete a number of nursing prerequisites and prove that you have the foundational knowledge necessary to take on this accelerated second-degree nursing track. These nursing school prerequisites are essential because they lay the foundation for everything you will do as a registered nurse. The prerequisites also introduce you to Concordia University’s mission and vision, and help you feel more confident and comfortable with nursing fundamentals before embarking on your nursing school journey.
Based on your existing education, we’ll help you map out which courses you’ll need to take before you’re eligible to enroll, clarify how prerequisite courses are offered through CTX specifically, and go over more of the admissions process as a prospective student.
What Nursing Prerequisites Do I Need to Complete?
If you’re wondering about which nursing prerequisites you will have to take before becoming an ABSN@CTX student, the answer depends on two things:
- The status of your previous academic history, like holding a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- How many transferable credits you have, with a minimum of 60 necessary to enroll without taking additional prerequisite courses.
Regardless of any other factors, however, you will need to complete all prerequisites with a grade of “C” or higher while maintaining both cumulative and science GPAs of 3.0 and above.
Before attempting to enroll, be sure to speak with an admissions counselor. They will be able to help guide you through the process by forming a personalized academic plan and highlight the exact courses you need to complete as well as a recommended order in which to take them. All ABSN@CTX prerequisite courses are offered online, allowing you the greatest possible level of flexibility while preparing to enroll.
I Have a Non-Nursing Bachelor’s Degree
If you hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, you will need to complete a series of prerequisite courses to ensure you have the skills and knowledge necessary to take on this challenge. These courses sharpen your study skills and allow you to transfer skills into practice later during the ABSN track.
Some subjects you will cover include chemistry, biology, anatomy, nutrition, statistics and more, as well as several courses distinctive to CTX and aimed at forming each student into a future compassionate nursing leader. If you earned your degree in a scientific background, the process is made even smoother because for our ABSN track, science prerequisites do not expire. However, for those with degrees in non-scientific fields, previous science experience is not a requirement for admittance into the ABSN@CTX track.
I Have a Minimum of 60 Transferrable College Credits
If you do not hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and are applying to the ABSN track with at least 60 credits, then in addition to completing the nursing school prerequisite courses linked to above, you will have to complete the Concordia Common Experience CORE courses which include:
- Academic Research and Writing
- Fundamentals of Communication
- Fine Arts
- U.S. History
- Psychology
- Other general education courses.
These, as well as completion of our other prerequisite courses, are required to ensure you are as academically well-rounded as possible. During the course of your prerequisites you will build a foundation of general education, learn about the structure and function of the human body, discover how to interpret multiple types of data, become familiar with human growth and development at all life stages, and be introduced to Concordia’s Christ-centered curriculum.
Nursing Prerequisite FAQs
When it comes to completing nursing prerequisites, it’s natural to have plenty of questions. The prerequisite process depends on multiple factors, and is unique to each student’s academic status and history. Read on and learn more about what you can expect from nursing prerequisites completed through ABSN@CTX.
Where Can I Complete My Prerequisites?
The ABSN@CTX track is offered in a hybrid format, blending online coursework and in-person learning through skills and simulation labs as well as clinicals. Because of our emphasis on online learning, we offer our prerequisites through an online accelerated format as well.
How Long Will My Prerequisites Take to Complete?
Nursing prerequisites can be completed online in 8-week increments, allowing each student to forge a faster path toward admittance into the ABSN track and pursue a rewarding career in nursing more quickly. However, we remain flexible and dedicated to finding the best option for each student.
Admissions counselors for our ABSN track do their utmost to help students find an option through Concordia first. For students missing CORE classes, we offer many online eight-week sessions, but because students in this situation are fewer and further in between, sometimes lack of demand does not allow us to offer one online. When this happens, we always have 16-week in-person courses available at our Austin satellite campus.
Four Reasons Why Prerequisite Courses are Important:
- You'll get "back into the groove."
- You'll acquire an important base of knowledge.
- You'll become familiar with online learning.
- You'll get in the nursing mindset.
How Can I Be Accepted into CTX’s ABSN Track?
Once you have completed the prerequisite coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, you’re eligible to apply for our ABSN track. This includes submitting your transcripts, a personal essay explaining why you want to earn your BSN from Concordia, and three professional recommendations. Our admissions counselors will guide you throughout the process, and with their help you can feel confident about your chances of admittance.
Start Completing Your Prerequisite Courses Today
Now that you understand the rationale behind our Accelerated BSN track prerequisites and see the process of how you can complete these courses online before becoming a CTX student, it’s time to move forward and open a dialogue toward completing your courses.
If you have any questions about the nursing prerequisites that you will need to complete before becoming eligible to enroll in our Accelerated BSN track, contact an admissions counselor today. They will be able to review your transcripts alongside you and recommend the best course of action for you to complete prerequisites and become a nursing student sooner. Take the first step toward fulfilling your calling through the nursing education available through Concordia University Texas.