What courses should I take at community college to prepare for a nursing transfer?

I want to start at a community college and eventually transfer into a nursing program. Which courses do I absolutely need to take to make the transfer process easier?

Starting at a community college then transferring to a nursing program is a smart and affordable way to start your nursing education. To make the transfer process smoother, aim to complete general education requirements and necessary nursing prerequisites. However, course requirements may differ among nursing programs, so always check specific transfer requirements for your target schools.

General Education: These classes are typically required regardless of major and may include English composition, different humanities (like history or literature), social sciences, and physical sciences.

Required Nursing Prerequisites: Most nursing programs require specific science courses. Anatomy and physiology (usually a two-course sequence), microbiology, and chemistry are commonly required. Other possible prerequisites are nutrition, lifespan development or psychology, and statistics. Many nursing programs prefer or even require labs for science courses.

Additional Health/Care Related Courses: Courses that aren't required but which could make your application stronger include Medical Terminology, Health Science courses, or certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs, which provide valuable skills and experience.

Remember, academic performance in these courses, especially prerequisite science courses, is essential because nursing programs often are competitive.

Lastly, it is crucial to speak with a counselor or advisor from both your community college and prospective transfer schools. They can give you a clear roadmap for your specific situation and ensure you're on track. This will save you time and ensure you're prepared for the transfer process. Good luck with your studies!