What college classes are important for a future in nursing?

I'm planning my course schedule and want to make sure I'm set up for a nursing career. What college classes should I focus on to best prepare myself for a nursing program?

If you're interested in a career in nursing, you'll want to take classes that not only fulfill nursing program prerequisites, but also develop a strong foundation in science and patient care. Having said that, here are a few classes that are often crucial to success in nursing:

1. Anatomy and Physiology: These courses provide the baseline for understanding the human body and its functions. They are fundamental to nursing practice, as they cover the body's systems, diseases, and treatments.

2. Microbiology: This class delves into the world of microorganisms and their role in human health. It's especially important for understanding infectious diseases.

3. Statistics: Nurses often use statistical data to understand community health trends, research, and evidence-based care. Ensuring a good grasp of statistics will help prepare you for this aspect of nursing.

4. Chemistry: Chemistry, particularly organic and biochemistry, is important for understanding how different substances interact in the body. It's a key class for understanding drug interactions and side effects.

5. Psychology: Understanding human behavior can be crucial for patient interaction and care. A course in psychology not only helps you understand your patients better, but also helps in dealing with various behaviors and psychological conditions.

6. Sociology: This course provides insight into how social and cultural factors can impact health and healthcare. It might boost your ability to understand diverse patient backgrounds, which can in turn help you provide more personalized care.

7. Pathophysiology: This gives you an understanding of the processes that lead to disease. It is an extension of anatomy, and any nursing program will treat it seriously.

Remember that the exact prerequisites can vary by program, so definitely check with each specific nursing program you're interested in. It's also helpful to build up related skills through your extracurriculars, like volunteering at a health clinic or taking a certified nursing assistant (CNA) role!