Pre-Nursing Coursework
There are a variety of ways to start a career in nursing. It is up to each individual to determine which pathway best matches their interest and goals. The information below is designed for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor’s in nursing (BSN) degree straight out of high school.
Students may choose to complete two years of pre-requisite coursework at SMSU and transfer into a BSN program or they may choose to complete a bachelor’s degree at SMSU and enter an accelerated BSN program after graduation. SMSU provides the required pre-requisite coursework for students interested in either option. Please note this is only a general guideline for entrance into a typical BSN program. Please check the BSN program to which you intend to apply to see if other courses are required. Additionally, successful completion of these courses (C or higher) is necessary but does not guarantee acceptance into a nursing program. Also note that there may still be general education requirements of the university housing the BSN program. Students should fill their schedules each semester to include some of these general education requirements.
Science Department Office
SM 178
Southwest Minnesota State University
1501 State St.
Marshall, MN 56258
- Telephone: 507-537-6178
- Fax: 507-537-6151
- Email: science@smsu.edu
- Website: www.smsu.edu/academics/departments/science
Course Guidelines
Due to variation in each school’s curriculum, the following is merely a guideline of typical requirements. To determine the exact requirements for each program, the student should work with their academic advisor to review each school to which he/she is applying.
| SMSU Course Number | Pre-Requisite courses for Program | Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Biol 200 | Introduction to cellular biology with lab | 4 |
| Biol 305/306 | Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab | 8 |
| Biol 377 | Principles of nutrition | 3 |
| Chem 121/122 | Basic Chemistry with lab / Introductory organic/biochemistry with lab | 8 |
| Psyc 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Psyc 340 | Developmental psych | 3 |
| Soc 100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Math 110 | College Algebra | 3 |
| Math 200 | Statistics | 3 |
| Eng 151 | Academic Writing | 4 |
| Comm 110 | Essentials of Speaking and Listening | 3 |
| Phil 103 | Ethics | 3 |
Please note that the nursing program at SMSU is an RN to BSN program and is designed for specifically for individuals that have already earned their RN credentials through a community college. It is not intended for students coming directly from high school.
FRESHMAN ADMISSION PROCESS
- Complete Application
- $20 Non-refundable Application Fee
- Official High School Transcript(s)
- ACT or SAT Test Scores
FRESHMAN ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Rank in the upper half of graduating class
- or
- Score a composite of 21 or above on the ACT or 990 on the SAT
Last Modified: 8/21/23 5:08 PM | Website Feedback