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. The program requires students to complete a one-year program of requirements for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing offered by the VCU School of Nursing.

Program Description

Students in the Pre-Nursing program must work closely with their academic advisor to ensure they meet the requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Admission to the B.S. in Nursing is highly competitive, and students are encouraged to consider parallel majors that satisfy similar career outcomes.

Career Opportunities

Registered nurses (RNs) care for patients, providing 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 various tasks, including:

• Developing and implementing individualized plans for a patient's care
• Monitoring and recording patients' needs and changing conditions
• Administering prescribed medications and treatments
• Educating individuals on self-care, including maintaining health and preventing illness/injury

With a Master's or Doctoral Degree, students can 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-Nursing program must meet the following criteria:

• 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

Some potential job titles for Bachelor's degree holders in the Pre-Nursing program include:

• Acute Care Nurse
• Community Health Nurse/Public Health Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Geriatric Nurse
• Registered Nurse
• School Nurse

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

Some potential job titles for graduate and professional degree holders in the Pre-Nursing program include:

• Educator/Instructor
• Healthcare Administrator
• Public Health Specialist
• Researcher

Professional Associations and Resources

Some professional associations and resources for students in the Pre-Nursing program include:

• National Student Nurses Association
• VCU School of Nursing
• Virginia Nurses Association

Degree Requirements

The degree requirements for the Pre-Nursing program can be found in the VCU Bulletin.

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the Pre-Nursing program can be found in the VCU Bulletin.

Requirements

Some key requirements for the Pre-Nursing program include:

• Highest level of math required: STAT 208
• Science required: 3-4 additional science courses
• Foreign language requirements: None
• Additional tuition/fees: Yes
• GPA requirements: 3.0

Major Map

The major map for the Pre-Nursing program outlines the recommended course of study for students. The major map is divided into several sections, including:

1st Semester (By Nov. 1 Or April 1)

• Explore:
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning for your first year, and to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
  • Go to an Application Workshop with Pre-Health Advising to learn how to be a competitive candidate for your Nursing program application.
• Get connected with your community:
  • Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
  • Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
  • Take a service-learning class.
  • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond's many museums and parks.
• Develop cultural agility:
  • Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
  • Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @vcuomsa for programs, events, resources and other ways to engage.
• Explore careers and develop essential skills:
  • Need a job to help pay for school? Apply for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through the VCU Career Services and Handshake.
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
• Prepare for life after college:
  • Explore "What Can I Do With This Major" to learn about employers in your field of study.
  • Complete a "Gap Analysis" Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
  • Explore Career Pathways for Healthcare on Career Services' website.
  • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.

Remainder of 1st Semester

• Experience:
  • Go to your professors' "Office Hours" to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • Explore and complete admission requirements for other Nursing programs throughout Virginia, and consider doing a degree completion or R.N. to B.S.N. program at VCU.
• Get connected with your community:
  • Volunteer in the community to address a social issue (ConnectVA & HandsOnRVA).
  • Join a healthcare student organization, such as the Pre-Nursing Rams or HOSA.
  • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
• Develop cultural agility:
  • Participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip.
  • Review your major's study abroad advising sheet and the list of courses other students have taken to find a program that will work for you.
• Explore careers and develop essential skills:
  • Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed at drop-ins at VCU Career Services.
• Prepare for life after college:
  • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
  • Reflect on your involvement and what has been most meaningful to you in your first year.

2nd Semester (By Feb. 1 or Sept. 1)

• Experience:
  • Apply to the Nursing program by the March 1st deadline!
  • Make sure to complete all pre-requisites by the end of the year, with a minimum of 28 credits. Review the Bulletin for course requirements. If enrolled in BIOL 205, you must have a B or higher in Anatomy!
• Get connected with your community:
  • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
  • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
  • Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other campus-wide leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
• Develop cultural agility:
  • Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
  • Experience VCU's richness of diversity by attending VCU's annual Intercultural Festival.
  • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU's National Scholarship Office.
• Explore careers and develop essential skills:
  • Go to an Information Session or Tour of The School of Nursing and meet people in the department.
  • Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
• Prepare for life after college:
  • Attend Career & Internship Fairs and events throughout the year to explore your interests.
  • Learn how to cope with stress and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment by utilizing VCU's Artfulness and Mindfulness resources.

Remainder of 2nd Semester

• Experience:
  • Consider taking Medical Microbiology at VCU (BIOL 209 & BIOZ 209) or the equivalent course at a community college over the Summer, if admitted or waitlisted to the School of Nursing.
  • Consider taking a foreign language to better communicate with a diverse group of patients.
• Get connected with your community:
  • Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a community organization that supports work you care about.
  • Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
  • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
  • Attend a program through the Wellness Resource Center.
  • Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.
• Develop cultural agility:
  • Get to know other VCU students from all over the world at a monthly Global Café!
  • Review this sheet to identify activities that you haven't tried yet and find ways to engage.
  • Consider applying for the Peace Corps.
• Explore careers and develop essential skills:
  • Join a professional association, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA), as a student member. Go to a conference.
  • Participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
• Prepare for life after college:
  • Understand your interests and career goals by taking an assessment with VCU Career Services, such as the Strong Interest Inventory - Free of charge!
  • Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them on a resume, in your personal statement, and in an interview.