Majoring in pre-nursing is actually not necessary
I have been asked before if you have to be a pre-nursing major to get into nursing school. The answer is surprisingly, no! Nursing programs actually do not care, well maybe they do a little, about what you major in. There are other more important factors that result in an acceptance letter.
What is a pre-nursing Major
A pre-nursing major is not a real major actually. This “major” represents a pathway, not a four year degree. If you are at a community college, however, there may be the option to get an associates degree in pre-nursing or nursing science, however you still need to go to nursing school to practice as a nurse.
The pre-nursing major reveals that you have an interest in nursing and are taking your pre-requisite requirements to get into a nursing program. As a pre-nursing major, you will also be taking your general education requirements. In this two year program, you will be provided the educational foundation and requirements to transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the junior level. These two years are vital as you gain the basic scientific knowledge that you need as a nurse, as well start to immerse yourself in the nursing profession.
Why Pre-Nursing?
You major in pre-nursing because you want to be a nurse, of course. Majoring in pre-nursing is necessary if you do not have a plan B. Meaning that you are set on taking your 2-3 years of prerequisite courses, transferring to a nursing program, and graduating undergrad with a nursing degree. Additionally, some schools require you to major in pre-nursing if you are going to apply to their program and stay there all four years of college.
Starting as a pre-nursing major is a lot easier when navigating the “pre-nursing” phase of your nursing journey. All your pre-requisites are laid out for you since you are on that pathway already. You do not have to think about what courses you have to take. You have a two year plan given to you to follow. This is very helpful when it comes to navigating this part of your journey and makes it less confusing. However, that also means that pre-nursing programs are tailored to the specific school that you are attending with the intention that you will go to nursing school there. For instance, the chemistry course you take will be accepted at the nursing program at your school, but not accepted at other programs. Another example is that you could be taking a course that is only offered at your school, but not accepted at others. That is something to consider when taking courses. You have to make sure they are transferable to other nursing programs.
Another benefit of being a pre-nursing major is that it shows you have a strong interest in the nursing profession. Not only does it show you are interested in nursing to nursing programs you apply to, but also at your current school. Being a pre-nursing major allows you to be around like-minded students, special opportunities, and organizations. Schools will offer workshops to pre-nursing majors from the School of Nursing, which is very helpful when networking and gaining insight. You can also learn about volunteer opportunities and organizations like Nursing Student Association (NSA). You will also have the ability to be apart of a nursing community or family. As a pre-nursing major, it is a lot easier to get involved, find fellow future nurses, study groups, and support.
Why Not Pre-nursing?
Like I mentioned before, you actually do not have to major in pre-nursing to get into nursing school. What is more important is completing your pre-requisite courses. Completing and excelling in your pre-reqs is what really matters. Although being a pre-nursing major may show that you have a high interest in nursing, what matters is what is presented in your application like your experiences, grades, test scores, and personal statement.
What is recommended, so you do not have to take to much of an extra course load, is picking a major that involves many of the nursing pre-requisite courses. Some example majors may be kinesiology, health education, and other science/health related majors. You do not want to major in art, for example, and then take your prerequisites. One, that will be a lot of extra work on your end to complete your pre-nursing courses and art major courses at the same time, two, it does not show much interest from the perspective of a nursing program, and three, you won’t get that extra knowledge and foundation that will be beneficial to you in nursing school and in your career. If you major in something that is science and health related, you will also still be able to get involved with nursing organizations, workshops, and opportunities. You may have to work a little harder to find these opportunities, but it is easier than being in a non-healthcare related major.
A benefit of not majoring in pre-nursing is that it opens up more options for you in the case that you do not get into nursing school the first or second time around. It will give you room to have a plan B. If you major in something else, health-related, you will still be able to graduate with a four year degree. With that degree you can enter another field that you love that is still related to healthcare and/or you will be able to enter post-baccalaureate programs like entry-level masters programs or physician assistant school.
Majoring in pre-nursing or not is entirely up to you! It is based on your plans, where you are at in your journey, and how motivated you are in becoming a nurse. It also dependent on your flexibility and how much support you need during your journey. Focus on getting those pre-req courses done, getting healthcare experience, and how you can reach your nursing goals!