What courses are required before I apply?
By the time you apply: at least five of the six prerequisite courses must be in-progress or completed and at least one science course (Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy, Physiology) must be completed with a letter grade posted.
All six of the prerequisites need to be completed with a grade of C- or better on an A-F grading scale prior to enrolling in the program. We do not accept pass/fail grades or grades below C- for prerequisites.
All prerequisites must be 3-credits, with the exception of Nutrition which may be 2-credits.
Required Prerequisites:
The prerequisite courses below are required for admission to the School of Nursing.
Biology
An introduction to the major concepts and principles of modern biology. Topics include: structure/function of biological molecules, cell structure/function, energy recruitment/utilization, cellular reproduction, flow of genetic information through organisms and populations, principles of inheritance, evolution and ecology.
Human Biology courses are not accepted to satisfy this requirement.
Biology Waiver: The Biology prerequisite will be waived for applicants who have Anatomy or A&P I, Physiology or A&P II, and Microbiology completed/in-progress at the time of application.
Chemistry
Choose a course that is a college-level general chemistry course and covers concepts such as measurements in chemistry; ionic and molecular compounds; chemical reactions and chemical equilibrium; gasses, liquids, solids, and solutions; acids and bases. A lab is not required, but highly recommended.
Courses designed to prepare students for college-level chemistry or survey courses are not adequate. Biochemistry, organic/inorganic chemistry are not accepted to satisfy this requirement.
Lifespan/Human Growth & Development
This is a developmental psychology course and must cover the entire human lifespan (infancy through older adulthood, death/dying). Two separate courses may be used to fill this requirement.
Nutrition
A nutrition course that addresses topics such as essential nutrients needed from the diet; major functions of nutrients; digestion, absorption, and metabolism of nutrients; scientific method and nutrition; food safety issues.
Psychology
Scientific study of human behavior. Problems, methods, findings of modern psychology.
First Year Writing
Covers critical reading, writing, and thinking. Appropriate courses will include practice writing expected in a college career, such as summaries, essays, academic arguments, bibliographies, and papers built on research.
What other courses can I take toward the BSN major before I transfer?
Optional Prerequisites
The courses listed below are required in the BSN curriculum, but are not required for admission into the program. These courses are recommended if you have finished the required prerequisites and want to make additional progress toward the BSN program. If you take an optional prerequisite prior to application, it will be factored into your prerequisite GPA.
Anatomy and Physiology
Between two courses, the following is covered:
- Human Anatomy: Anatomical relationships, function based upon form, clinical applications. Gross (macroscopic) anatomy, histology (microscopic anatomy). Neuroanatomy (nervous system), embryology (developmental anatomy). Lab not required for Anatomy-only course.
- Human Physiology: How major organ systems function (nerve, muscle, circulation, respiration, endocrine, renal, gastrointestinal, temperature regulation and energy metabolism). Must include a lab for Physiology-only course.
Comparative or animal anatomy/physiology courses are not accepted to satisfy the requirement. Courses cannot be more than 10 years old in order to meet requirements.
Microbiology*
An appropriate course will include bacterial metabolism, growth, and genetics; biology of viruses and fungi; control of microorganisms; host-microbe interactions; microorganisms and disease; applied microbiology.
* Molecular/cellular biology or immunology courses are not appropriate. Course cannot be more than 10 years old in order to meet requirements.
Statistics
An appropriate course will include standard statistical reasoning with simple statistical methods such as: probability, confidence intervals, proportions, correlations, and linear regression.
How do I know if my course is accepted to fulfill requirements?
To learn how your previous coursework will fulfill requirements, please use Transferology. We accept courses that are equivalent to the U of M Twin Cities courses listed below:
Biology: BIOL 1009
Chemistry: CHEM 1015 or 1061
Lifespan/Human Growth & Development: FSOS 1201 or NURS 2001*
Nutrition: FSCN 1112
Psychology: PSY 1001
Writing: WRIT 1301
Anatomy: ANAT 3001, ANAT 3651, or KIN 3027*
Physiology: PHSL 3051*
Microbiology: VBS 2032 or MICB 3301
Statistics: STAT 3011 preferred, others accepted
*We will also accept most standard combined Anatomy & Physiology sequences if two semesters are completed before enrollment in the program.
What should I do if I don’t see my course in Transferology?
Submit a Course for Review through the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Lifespan note: FSOS 1201 and NURS 2001 have limited equivalencies listed in Transferology. The School of Nursing will accept more coursework than you will find listed, please reach out if you are uncertain whether your course meets the requirements.
All prerequisite courses are subject to approval by the School of Nursing and University of Minnesota for meeting content and credit requirements. Final review for credit evaluation and approval by the university will occur after an offer of admission has been accepted.
Attending another U of M campus?
We’ve compiled a list of accepted courses from all of the U of M campuses for your convenience.
U of M Crookston
Biology: BIOL 1009
Chemistry: CHEM 1001 or CHEM 1061
Lifespan/Human Growth & Development: PSY 1093
Nutrition: HSCI 1123
Psychology: PSY 1001
Writing: COMP 1011+1013
Anatomy & Physiology I: BIOL 2103
Anatomy & Physiology II: BIOL 2104
Microbiology: BIOL 2032
Statistics: MATH 1150 preferred, may be others
U of M Duluth
Biology: BIOL 1011
Chemistry: CHEM 1113 or CHEM 1153
Lifespan/Human Growth & Development: PSY 2021
Nutrition: HLTH 1470
Psychology: PSY 1003
Writing: WRIT 1120
Anatomy: BIOL 3771
Physiology: BIOL 3772
Microbiology: BIOL 3502
Statistics: STAT 2411 preferred, may be others
U of M Morris
Biology: BIOL 1111+2101
Chemistry: CHEM 1101
Lifespan/Human Growth & Development: PSY 2411
Nutrition: BIOL 1002
Psychology: PSY 1051|
Writing: ENGL 1601
Anatomy: BIOL 2102
Physiology: BIOL 2103
Microbiology: BIOL 4111
Statistics: STAT 1601 preferred, may be others
U of M Rochester
Biology: BIOL 2311
Chemistry: CHEM 1331+1333 (CHEM 1331 will satisfy requirement for science course complete at time of application, CHEM 1333 may be in-progress at time of application)
Lifespan/Human Growth & Development: PSY 3510
Nutrition: n/a
Psychology: PSY 1511
Writing: WRIT 1501
Anatomy & Physiology I: BIOL 2331
Anatomy & Physiology II: BIOL 2332
Microbiology: BIOL 3344
Statistics: MATH 1161 preferred, may be others