Nursing programs are available at every degree level. If you want to get an idea of what nursing requires or your switching programs, you can consider a pre-nursing program.
Below, we've broken down some of these programs to help you choose the best one.
Top Online Pre-Nursing Degrees and Programs
Some schools offer specific pre-nursing associate degrees, while others offer a specific track for students to complete before they move into the nursing major. We've listed our top choices below.
1. Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a private Christian university in Abilene, TX, a city west of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.
It offers an online pre-nursing track for students looking to eventually pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Courses offered in this track include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- General Microbiology
- Introductory Chemistry
- Introductory Nutrition
The program requires 68 credit hours, and after completion, students can apply to the BSN program at Abilene Christian or another university.
2. Herzing University
Herzing University is a private university based in Milwaukee, WI, and with campuses around the country. It offers an Associate of Science in general studies–pre-nursing.
This program is flexible and classes are online. Some in-person labs may be required depending on which campus you go through.
Courses offered in this program include:
- Anatomy and Physiology for Nurses
- Nursing Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Professional Development for Nursing
The program requires 60 credits and can be completed in about 16 months, after which students can smoothly transition into a BSN program.
3. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, MD. It's known for its affiliated teaching hospital and research facility.
Its School of Nursing offers online prerequisites for health professions. These are meant to fulfill your prerequisite requirements before starting nursing school or another health profession program.
There are eight courses to choose from including:
- Anatomy with Lab
- Biostatistics
- Human Growth and Development
- Physiology with Lab
You'll purchase each course individually, ensuring that you won't end up retaking any courses. Courses are 11 weeks, with 10 weeks of instruction and a week for exams.
4. Marian University
Marian University is a private Roman Catholic university in Indianapolis, IN. It offers online nursing prerequisite courses.
These courses are for students who need to finish specific courses before they can enroll in nursing school. Available courses include:
- Elements of General and Biological Chemistry
- General Human Physiology
- Human Anatomy
- Microbiology
Courses are offered in an accelerated five- or eight-week format. The length of time it takes you to complete your prerequisites depends on which courses you still need.
5. Missouri Baptist University
Missouri Baptist University is a private Southern Baptist University in the suburbs of St. Louis. It offers an online Associate of Science in pre-nursing.
This program is meant to prepare students for advanced nursing degrees like a BSN. It's designed to be flexible for working professionals and all labs are offered fully online.
Courses offered in this degree program include:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Nutrition Science
- Pathophysiology
- Survey of Biology
Full-time students can finish in two years, after which they can transfer into a BSN program and finish out their remaining two years of undergraduate studies.
6. South College
South College is a private, for-profit college based in Knoxville, TN, and with campuses around the country. It offers an Associate of Science in health science with a pre-nursing concentration.
This program is designed to give students the foundational knowledge they need to continue on to a BSN program.
Courses in this concentration cover topics such as:
- anatomy and physiology
- chemistry
- microbiology
- nutrition
The program takes 21 months to complete. Students can earn their degree online or at one of the seven campuses across the southeast United States.
7. University of Rochester
The University of Rochester is a private research university in Rochester, NY. It offers online nursing prerequisite courses through its School of Nursing.
These courses are geared toward students who already have a degree but are interested in earning a second degree in nursing or another healthcare field.
Courses offered in this program include:
- Growth and Development Through the Lifespan
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology and Application to Health
- Nutrition and Health
Nine total courses are required. The program is self-paced, and students can finish in four to twelve weeks.
FAQs About Online Pre-Nursing Degrees and Programs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about online pre-nursing degrees and programs.
How Long Are Pre-Nursing Programs?
Nursing programs can vary in length depending on the type of program.
Undergraduate degree programs often last one to two years, while prerequisite course programs can take only a few months.
Do I Need to Take a Pre-Nursing Program?
Depending on your situation, a pre-nursing program may not be necessary.
These programs are meant to offer you the prerequisites so you can begin a nursing program. Often, associate degrees in nursing and BSNs will include these prerequisites.
If you are just starting your undergraduate degree, you likely don't need these programs. If you have already earned a degree but want to earn a second in nursing, these programs may help.
Can I Take the NCLEX with a Pre=Nursing Degree?
The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is the exam that nurses must pass to become registered nurses (RNs).
You cannot take the NCLEX with a pre-nursing degree. You must earn a degree in nursing first.
Find an Online Pre-Nursing Degree Today
Several colleges and universities across the country offer pre-nursing programs online. Check out the ones above to get started today.
