Pre-Nursing

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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2023-2024

College of Humanities and Sciences

Program description

Students interested in the pre-health major in nursing must complete the one-year program requirements for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in nursing offered by the VCU School of Nursing. Once accepted, students will spend three years in the nursing degree program, which begins in the fall.

Because admission to the B.S. in Nursing 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 advisor to consider parallel majors that satisfy similar career outcomes.

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

Pre-health major in nursing

Plan of study in Bulletin

Pre-health major in nursing

Requirements

Highest level of math required

STAT 208

Science required

3-4 additional science courses

Foreign language requirements

Additional tuition/fees

GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)

Contact information

Department name:

University Academic Advising

Building/room location:

Hibbs Hall, First Floor

Phone:

(804) 827-8648

Email:

prehealthadv@vcu.edu

https://uaa.vcu.edu/prehealth/

Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):

Monroe Park

Major map

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

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.

Remainder of 1st semester

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.

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

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.

Remainder of 2nd semester

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.

Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost

2023-2024

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
Explore	1st semester (By Nov. 1 Or April 1)	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.	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.	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.	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.	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	Remainder of 1st semester	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.	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.	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.	Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed at drop-ins at VCU Career Services.	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	2nd semester (By Feb. 1 or Sept. 1)	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!	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.	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.	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.	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	Remainder of 2nd semester	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.	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.	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.	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.	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.