Pre-Nursing Program
UNDERGRADUATE ≫
Nursing is a fulfilling and vital career with enormous growth potential. Nurses are essential members of health care delivery teams, often serving as the most direct link to the patient while orchestrating the best possible care. They can advocate for patients and families, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves. Nurses improve patients’ quality of life and support people at their most vulnerable moments. They serve as essential members of health care teams, working together with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other providers to coordinate care. Nurses benefit from opportunities for continuous learning throughout their careers, and they may gain greater responsibility and autonomy through increased education and experience. They serve in a variety of settings and specialties, and they also may opt to pursue research or teaching opportunities.
The Pre-Nursing Program at the School of Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is for students who wish to complete prerequisites before continuing on to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. Students receive individual advising in order to create a course plan that fulfills the prerequisites for their future nursing programs of choice. The pre-nursing curriculum provides students with an ideal foundation for their professional studies: strong communication skills, practical analytical and problem-solving abilities, an appreciation for complex ethical questions, and an introduction to human sciences. Students who complete this course sequence will be well equipped to continue on to a variety of clinical nursing (BSN) programs.
Students who complete 54 units of nursing prerequisites with CAPS may, with an additional 6 units, earn an Associate in Arts degree. Students interested in the associate degree should speak with an academic advisor about applying to that program and fulfilling degree requirements.
The Pre-Nursing program is not eligible for local, state, or federal aid options unless students are concurrently enrolled in a degree program eligible for financial aid. WashU employees may use their tuition benefit for the program.
There are no formal requirements for admission to the Pre-Nursing program. Students should speak with an academic advisor regarding their preparation for specific courses.
US Citizenship or Eligible Noncitizen
CAPS cannot sponsor an I-20 for the Pre-Nursing program. International students are eligible to apply for the Pre-Nursing program if they already hold a visa that permits part-time study. International students holding a B-2 or F-2 visa are only permitted to register for courses that are recreational or avocational.
Note
The School of Continuing & Professional Studies is designed for students with adult responsibilities who may require part-time and flexible course schedules. Current high school students and recent graduates seeking a traditional WashU college experience should apply through the undergraduate admissions office: admissions.wustl.edu.
Application Deadlines
Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit all materials by the following dates:
- Fall 2022: Sept. 12, 2022
- Spring 2023: Feb. 1, 2023
- Summer 2023: June 19, 2023
Completed Application Form
The online application is available on our Apply page. Applications are ready for review when all fields on the application form are completed and the required documents have been received.
We are here for you every step. Getting started at CAPS is easy.
1. Meet with an Advisor
- Schedule an appointment with an advisor online.
2. Start Your Application
- Applying is easy, and our advisors are here to help you find the path that fits your needs. Apply Today!
3. Plan Ahead
- Explore ways that can help you afford your education such as tuition payment methods, scholarships and financial aid.
Take a course today. Apply later.
At CAPS, students can take courses without applying to a degree program. If you are interested in taking a class to get to know CAPS, to fulfill credits, for professional development, or to follow a passion, the non-degree option is for you. Learn more.
Examples of Common BSN Prerequisites* and the CAPS Equivalents
Students should work with an advisor to arrange a schedule that fits their previous college record and timetable.
| General Elective | Select from a variety of introductory and upper-level courses; Quantitative Reasoning (U74 117 or 117M) highly recommended |
| College Algebra | Algebra (U20 140) |
| Statistics | Introduction to Statistics (U20 1011) or Applied Statistics (U20 205) |
| Introduction to Sociology | Introduction to Sociology (U68 220) or other courses in Sociology with approval |
| English Composition I | Analytical Writing (U11 111 or 111M) |
| English Composition II | Critical and Researched Writing (U11 203 or 203M) |
| History or Political Science | Select from a variety of introductory and upper-level courses in these departments |
| Social Science Elective | Select from a variety of introductory and upper-level courses in the departments of Anthropology, Economics, History, Political Science and Psychology |
| Humanities Elective | Select from a variety of introductory and upper-level courses in the departments of Art History, Classics, History, Literature, Philosophy, and Religious Studies |
| Ethics | Biomedical Ethics (U22 233) |
| Select courses in Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, or Physics | Concepts in Biology (U29 1001) or other courses with approval |
| Nutrition | Nutrition (U29 204) |
| Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab | Anatomy and Physiology I (U29 220) |
| Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab | Anatomy and Physiology II (U29 240) |
| Microbiology with Lab | Microbiology for Health Professions (U29 280) |
| General Psychology | Introduction to Psychology (U09 100) |
| Human Growth and Development | Human Growth and Development (U09 230) |
| Oral Communication/Speech | Introduction to Public Speaking (U48 2111/U48 211M) |
* Examples from admissions requirements for the Barnes Jewish College Goldfarb School of Nursing.
Our Pre-Nursing Program prepares employees for high-demand, high-paying nursing jobs.
Connect with an Advisor
Elisa Wang
Academic Advisor & Coordinator of Student Services
- Phone: 314-935-6793
- Email: Elisa.wang@wustl.edu
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Student Advising
Our CAPS advisors go the extra mile to help you navigate your path and needs. We will provide you with the tools to make each moment spent on your education as valuable as possible. Students will receive:
- individual appointments with an experienced advisor;
- career planning services to prepare you for opportunities after graduation;
- a partner throughout your journey to ensure success.
HOURS
Student advising is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday.
Still have questions?
Director of Advising and Student Services:
Elizabeth Fogt
314-935-6778
Efogt@wustl.edu
Academic Advisors:
Lily M. Dollan
314-935-3499
Lily.m@wustl.edu
Rebecca O’Laughlin
314-935-6742
Rolaughlin@wustl.edu
Elisa Wang
314-935-6793
Elisa.wang@wustl.edu