Committing to a career in nursing can seem daunting. For students who may be interested in nursing but are not yet ready for nursing school, pre-nursing majors provide a smaller first step. Pre-nursing provides an opportunity to develop relevant skills and knowledge while deciding whether it’s the right career path for you. With Manor College, learn more about what pre-nursing majors are, what they entail, and what opportunities exist for you after graduation.

What Is a Pre-Nursing Major?

Pre-nursing degrees are often a student’s first step toward becoming a nurse. Shorter than a full nursing program, these degrees provide a small taste of the healthcare field. This is an excellent opportunity to decide whether the profession is right for you.

If you complete the degree and still feel enthusiastic about pursuing a career in nursing, then you will be set up well to complete your education. Pre-nursing programs make students more competitive when applying to nursing programs. They also teach foundational skills in nursing, which will help you succeed in your training. In addition, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals, giving you the advantage of a network of connections within the industry.

Pre-Nursing Education

The specific requirements for a pre-nursing degree may vary between institutions. However, most programs, require one to two years of prerequisite classes. Well-defined courses eliminate the need to make frequent decisions on your education. They are designed to teach the scientific knowledge necessary for nursing and may include:

• Human anatomy: These courses teach the structure of the human body, including the cells, organs, and systems, and how they interconnect.
• Physiology: Here, you will learn about how the organs and systems function to support human life, and how they interact with one another.
• Microbiology: In microbiology, you will spend time in a lab studying the bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that cause infections.
• Psychology: Basic psychology studies human minds and behavior. You will learn how the brain processes information, makes decisions, and behaves under stress.
• Psychopathology: Psychopathology studies mental distress, disorders, and illnesses, including how they develop and how to treat them.

You will also build skills for collaboration, communication, and time management – essential abilities that will help you in nursing school and beyond.

Options after Graduation

After graduation with a pre-nursing degree, a variety of paths are available to you. The first, and simplest, option is to complete your training for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). This can be accomplished in around 15 months through a Practical Nursing program, like the one offered at Manor College, and will license you to work as a practical nurse.

If you would like to open even more opportunities, you can pursue an associate degree in nursing (ADN). This takes two years to complete and will qualify you to become a registered nurse (RN). It also makes you eligible to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BDN). Many RN-to-BDN programs exist to accelerate your transition. Manor College has two dual admissions partnerships with La Salle University and Thomas Jefferson University. These partnerships automatically accept students into the RN/BSN programs if they have completed their Pre-Nursing degree at Manor College. Completing this step is worthwhile; a higher degree may increase your chances of being hired and potentially your pay.

Study Pre-Nursing at Manor College

If you are curious about a career in nursing, then a pre-nursing degree may be right for you. You can explore healthcare career options at Manor College. Based in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, Manor College is home to students throughout Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware. We strive to support our students through academics and beyond, maximizing their chances for success. Contact us today to learn more about pre-nursing and other programs at Manor College.