2020-2021
Pre-nursing
College of Humanities and Sciences
Program description
Students interested in the highly competitive nursing program must complete the pre-health major in nursing requirements prior to application. A total minimum of 28 credits is required for application to the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program. A minimum cumulative GPA is also required. Applicants whose native language is not exclusively English must submit TOEFL or IELTS test scores. For more information about these requirements, visit the School of Nursing’s website.
Because admission to the B.S. in Nursing program is highly competitive, it is imperative that all pre-health students who intend to pursue a major in nursing work in tandem with their UAA pre-health major academic adviser to consider parallel majors that satisfy similar career outcomes. 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
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 141
Science required
- 3-4 additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 3.0
Transfer Maps
Contact information
Department name:
University Academic Advising
Building/room location:
Hibbs Hall, First Floor
Phone:
(804) 827-8648
Email:
prehealthadv@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- 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.
PREPARING 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.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- 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.
PREPARING 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.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- 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.
PREPARING 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.
Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- 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.
PREPARING 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.
2020-2021
Pre-nursing
College of Humanities and Sciences
Concentration(s):
No concentration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Explore | 1st semester (By Nov. 1 Or April 1) |
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| Experience | Remainder of 1st semester |
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| 2nd semester (By Feb. 1 or Sept. 1) |
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| Experience | Remainder of 2nd semester |
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