Program Overview
Pre-Nursing Program
College of Humanities and Sciences
The pre-nursing program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in nursing. To be eligible for the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program, students must complete a minimum of 28 credits and meet the minimum cumulative GPA requirement. Applicants whose native language is not exclusively English must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores.
Program Description
Students in the pre-nursing program must complete the pre-health major in nursing requirements prior to application. Completion of the pre-health major in nursing does not guarantee admission to the traditional program for the B.S. in Nursing nor does it result in a college degree.
Career Opportunities
Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients, providing them with treatment, counseling, and education. RNs work closely with a patient's physicians and other health professionals as part of the healthcare team. Depending on their area of specialization and work setting, RNs perform some or all of the following:
- Develop and implement individualized plans for a patient's care.
- Monitor and record patients' needs and changing conditions.
- Administer prescribed medications and treatments.
- Educate individuals on self-care, including maintaining health and preventing illness/injury.
With a Master's or Doctoral Degree, you could also become a Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse Midwife, or an Advanced Practice Nurse.
Change of Major Requirements
Current VCU students who wish to change their major to the pre-health major in nursing must meet the following criteria to be considered for the major:
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- No more than 75 credits completed. Students who do not meet these requirements may see a pre-health adviser, but they will be referred for programming and not assigned to an adviser.
Bachelor-Level Job Titles
- Acute Care Nurse
- Community Health Nurse/Public Health Nurse
- Critical Care Nurse
- Geriatric Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- School Nurse
Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles
- Educator/Instructor
- Healthcare Administrator
- Public Health Specialist
- Researcher
Professional Associations and Resources
- National Student Nurses Association
- VCU School of Nursing
- Virginia Nurses Association
Degree Requirements
The pre-health major in nursing requires a minimum of 28 credits. The highest level of math required is MATH 141, and 3-4 additional science courses are required. There are no foreign language requirements, but additional tuition/fees may apply. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 is required to progress and graduate in the major.
Plan of Study
The plan of study for the pre-health major in nursing can be found in the Bulletin. Students are advised to review the Bulletin for course requirements and to meet with their academic advisor to discuss their plan of study.
Concentration(s)
There are no concentrations available for the pre-nursing program.
Program Structure
The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive education in nursing. The following are some of the key components of the program:
1st Semester
- Explore MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING by scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor and attending an Application Workshop with Pre-Health Advising.
- GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY by applying to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs and getting involved in student clubs and organizations.
- DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY by learning about study abroad options and reviewing the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website.
- EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS by applying for a federal work-study job and completing your Handshake profile.
- PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE by exploring "What Can I Do With This Major" and completing a "Gap Analysis" Strategic Plan.
Remainder of 1st Semester
- Experience MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING by going to your professors' "Office Hours" and exploring admission requirements for other Nursing programs.
- GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY by volunteering in the community and joining a healthcare student organization.
- DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY by participating in an Alternative Spring Break trip and reviewing your major's study abroad advising sheet.
- EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS by creating a draft of your resume and having it reviewed at VCU Career Services.
- PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE by conducting an informational interview and reflecting on your involvement.
2nd Semester
- Experience MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING by applying to the Nursing program and completing all pre-requisites.
- GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY by creating and completing a community-engaged research project and attending civic meetings.
- DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY by considering becoming a diversity ambassador and experiencing VCU's richness of diversity.
- EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS by going to an Information Session or Tour of The School of Nursing and taking on a leadership role in a student organization.
- PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE by attending Career & Internship Fairs and learning how to cope with stress.
Remainder of 2nd Semester
- Experience MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING by considering taking Medical Microbiology and taking a foreign language.
- GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY by serving in a leadership role and participating in VCU Arts Qatar Day.
- DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY by getting to know other VCU students from around the world and reviewing activities to engage.
- EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS by joining a professional association and participating in a mock interview.
- PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE by understanding your interests and career goals and making a list of your skills.