Pre-Clinical Nursing Students
At UNC, Pre-Nursing is your first step toward a rewarding career in healthcare. As a pre-nursing student, you complete the foundational coursework in biology, chemistry, math, and other sciences that prepares you for admission to the clinical nursing program. While in pre-nursing, you also gain exposure to the profession through advising, workshops, and opportunities to learn about nursing practice, helping you build a strong foundation before entering the clinical phase.
Is Nursing For You?
Nursing is a diverse and rewarding field that combines compassion, critical thinking, and advanced health technology. If you want to help people meet basic health needs, adapt to physical changes, recover from illness, or die with dignity, nursing could be the right fit. Success in the profession benefits from an aptitude in math and science, and it offers a wide range of career opportunities — from hospital staff and school nurses to community health, home care, and emergency services. Graduate education opens doors to teaching, advanced practice, and leadership roles. The UNC School of Nursing provides a highly respected, accredited program that prepares students to meet the demands of this in-demand, worldwide profession.
Prerequisites for Application to the Clinical Program
To be eligible to apply to the BSN Program (add link), pre-nursing students must complete all prerequisite courses (or equivalents) earning a grade of C- or higher in each. Only the most recent grade from the first two attempts counts for admission, and all courses must be completed within the past 10 years—older courses will need to be retaken. Students may have up to four prerequisites in progress when applying for the BSN (Clinical Major).
| BIO 110*+ | Principles of Biology (4 credits) |
| BIO 245+ | Intro to Human Anatomy & Physiology (4 credits) |
| BIO 246+ | Advanced Human Anatomy & Physiology (3 credits) |
| BIO 251+ | Allied Health Microbiology (4 credits) |
| CHEM 281*+ | Fundamentals of Biochemistry (4 credits) |
| ENG 123*^^ | College Research Paper (3 credits) |
| FND 250* | Principles of Nutrition (3 credits) |
| NURS 326 | Pathophysiology (3 credits) |
| PSY 230*^^ |
Human Growth & Development (3 credits) |
| STAT 150*^^ | Introduction to Statistical Analysis (3 credits) |
* Courses also meet LAC requirements
^^ Exempt from 10 year policy
+ Courses must have a lab component to be considered equivalent
The following prerequisite courses – BIO 110, 245, 246, 251; CHEM 281, 281L and NURS 326 – will not be accepted if the course is delivered in a self-paced, self-directed, or an independent study format.