Nursing Prerequisite Coursework
Both the BSN Conventional and BSN Integrative Health pathways require specific coursework to be eligible to apply and be prepared for the professional nursing curriculum. The MS-MEPN program has similar requirements to the BSN programs but does not require the Composition and Introductory Biology coursework for admission.
All Nursing Prerequisite Coursework is required to be completed with a C or higher grade to satisfy admission and graduation requirements. Below you will find the required Nursing Prerequisite Coursework offered at the University of Arizona:
The College of Nursing requires completion of the University of Arizona Foundation Writing requirement. This requirement can be met with a variety of course sequences, per a student’s writing placement determined by the Foundation Writing Program.
Common course sequences accepted include:
The MS-MEPN program does not include Composition coursework in Prerequisite GPA calculations.
Students have the choice to complete their Chemistry requirement with either a 2 course General Chemistry sequence (including labs) or a one course Allied Health Chemistry course (including lab):
General Chemistry sequence options include:
- CHEM 151 and CHEM 152
- CHEM 141/145 and CHEM 142/146
- CHEM 161/163 and CHEM 162/164 (Honors College students)
- CHEM 181 and CHEM 182 (quantitative option for science majors)
Allied Health Chemistry:
Students are required to take one Introductory Biology lecture, MCB 181R.
Students may also satisfy this requirement with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Biology exam or other similar approved options for Credit by Exam.
The MS-MEPN program does not include Introductory Biology in Prerequisite GPA calculations.
The College of Nursing requires students to complete one Microbiology lecture, MIC 205A. We will also accept MIC 285R.
If you are considering becoming an RN in California, we recommend that you complete a Microbiology laboratory course, MIC 205L or MIC 285L, to meet their state requirements for licensure.
Students are required to complete one semester of Statistics coursework.
Common options include:
The College of Nursing will also accept some discipline specific statistics courses offered at the University of Arizona, including: BIOS 376, HECL 201, and BNAN 276. Please consult a College of Nursing Academic Advisor if you have questions about statistics offerings.
Students are required to complete one Lifespan Development course, looking at the physical, emotional, and cognitive development of human beings from birth through death.
Accepted course options include:
If a student chooses to take Nursing Prerequisite Coursework at another regionally accredited institution or by approved Credit by Exam, the course should be pre-approved as an equivalent to the required University of Arizona course:
- For courses taken at a public institution in Arizona, students may download the Arizona Course Equivalency Chart which includes the courses that are acceptable for prerequisite transferability. Not all courses are recommended for best preparation for the BSN and BSN-IH programs so please consult a College of Nursing Academic Advisor before enrolling.
- Pre-established equivalencies can be searched and viewed on the University of Arizona's Transfer Credit Guide. If a course does not appear in this guide, students will need to submit a course equivalency request to the Office of Transfer Credit & Articulation for evaluation.
At the time of application to the BSN or BSN-IH pathways, students can be enrolled in no more than 2 remaining Prerequisite Courses, which are scheduled to finish prior to the Prerequisite deadline posted.