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I want to be a nurse but, I don't know where to start when it comes to high school.

What classes should I take to prepare myself for college if I pursue nursing?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Marie’s Answer

Many students are now doing duel enrollment. Duel enrollment is what you are looking at from community College also some state universities may also have the program. If you are taking AP classes you should be OK with College classes.. There is grant money available to pay for classes. If you start early enough you can get College degree soon after getting high school degree.
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Jami’s Answer

Biology, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, health assessment, physiology, human anatomy, take math courses all the way up to Statistics, if offered, psychology, English writing courses, human development, any cultural classes you can take, economics, business classes
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Abigail’s Answer

When picking a career since you’re in highschool, i highly suggest to do some volunteering- not just in healthcare field but in different industries as well.

Now pertaining to your nursing inquiry, i would suggest you research schools and pick your choices. Look at the curriculum, see what you can cover when in highschool. See what subject you need to strengthen. From the subjects that each school requires you can go from there and be able to plan well.
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Vamshee’s Answer



These are some courses that would help for an undergraduate nursing program.

English (4 years)
Maths ( 4 years incl Algebra, Calculus and Statistics if avaialble)
Science (4 years incl Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Microbiology etc)
Health Sciences/Nutrition like special course if they are offered and you can do it.

Gain some Volunteer and Work Experience
- Volunteer at local hospital or clinic or care facility
- Interview a nurse
- Learn basic life support and first aid skills
-Get CPR Certification
- Join the clubs in school/communities to develop leadership and public speaking skills

Get good GPA , prepare good SOP (Statement of Purpose), have good references from teachers. All these will boost your college application.

Don't stress out. Make a plan and work towards it slowly.....i am sure you will do good.


My friend's daughter completed the CNA certification, her school offers this for only 20-30 students per year .so check with your school if they offer you.
This will help you to get volunteering job in hospitals and job shadow nurses. This is not mandatory, just sharing the approach they followed..


Hope this helps.
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Megan’s Answer

Well, everyone so far has made very good suggestions. Mine are just about the same. Definitely as much science as you can. You will need math to do conversions the further you go in your degree as well. That pesky algebra sneaks in there. Lol.
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Candice’s Answer

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant is usually the first step in an entry level nursing career. Most states require that you are at least 18 years old and a high school graduate to enroll in an accredited course and sit for the certification exam, but not always. So this would be an option you could take immediately after high school, before or while furthering your education. Obtaining your CNA certification is also a great way to gain money and experience on the side while attending a licensed or registered nursing program that will train you to officially become a nurse. Some high schools do offer healthcare career or nursing assistant courses, or they have a healthcare program or focus, so I would check into that in your area.

There are usually opportunities available at local major hospitals for teen volunteers. This will orient you to the healthcare environment as you may be responsible for tasks such as greeting patients, assisting visitors, and organizing things for staff. Also getting a CPR certification may be helpful and required to work in the hospital setting.

I think the following basics in high school will definitely have you well prepared for completing the CNA course.

1. Any healthcare exploration or health science courses

2. Biology, Anatomy and/or Physiology

3. Psychology

4. Humanities or critical thinking courses, writing and research courses, ethics or business courses

5. Physical Education/Health
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Annie’s Answer

Hi Owen!

I agree with everyone's answers here! Showing that you have an interest in science and that you can do well in those classes is important. The other thing to remember is nursing is 50% science and 50% knowing how to deal with people and doing it in a compassionate way. I've watched straight-A students struggle once they are working on the floor. Get experience in the medical field (medical assistant, CNA etc.), volunteering or in a leadership position at school. Showing a potential nursing program that you have good interpersonal and communication skills will help you stand out.

Another great way of showing a nursing program that you can excel in such a rigorous environment is by taking a college-level course as a high school student! Some state universities and community colleges offer a discounted summer course to high school students to help prepare them for college.

Good Luck!
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Ann’s Answer

I agree with everyone's answer here and only have one thing to add. Select the nursing program you're most likely to enter and find out from their counselors what high school courses you can get college credit for and which ones you can challenge. Some schools will give you credit for, say, chemistry, for example if you can take a special exam and pass. Lots of community colleges have programs like these and they are the most economical way for students to get an ADN. You can then move on to a BSN program.
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Michele’s Answer

I highly recommend that anyone in high school or about to go into the high school first check out any local Technical High Schools. They very often have nursing trade programs and very often these programs enable you to form connections as half your high school time is spent on academics and the other half in co-op or hands on experience. Often you can also gain credits that are college-worth and/or fulfill some of the required hours of training depending on the trade you are looking for. Otherwise, check out your local community college for stater courses that you could even take a night that could serve to provide a foundation for how to pursue a career in these areas. Lastly, look for someone that you know who knows someone in the field and see if you can arrange either a meeting with the person to ask them questions about their experience and how they started or perhaps they could even allow you to shadow them for a day (if their institution allows for it which I believe some teaching hospitals may have some programs that do allow of it - so checking with local hospital event pages may be a good idea too!
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