Pre-Nursing – Pre-Health Advising Blog

VCU offers baccalaureate degrees in four different healthcare fields. These degrees are designed to prepare students to gain professional licensure and begin work in the field as soon as they graduate. Students working on the prerequisites for the programs are advised to declare a pre-health major in the appropriate field, which will give them access to specialized pre-health advisors who help with course selection, volunteer opportunities, and preparing for the application process.

Do I have to be a pre-health major?

You can apply to the School of Nursing regardless of your major. However, becoming a pre-nursing major ensures that you’re eligible to register for courses restricted to certain majors. You’ll be assigned a pre-health advisor who will work with you individually to ensure that you’re the most competitive candidate possible. Changing your major and registering for our newsletter is also a great way to keep track of opportunities and workshop designed to make you more competitive.

Is the pre-nursing major just for the traditional program?

Yes. If you are interested in accelerated nursing or the RN to BSN program, please contact Mr. Alex Fisher at the School of Nursing

Can I get a degree in pre-health or pre-nursing?

No, all the pre-health majors are non-degree granting majors. These majors are designed to make sure you are assigned to a pre-health advisor and have access to the resources that will assist you while you work towards applying to the School of Nursing.

Does the pre-health major make it easier to get into the programs?

The pre-major does not guarantee admission to the major for any of our baccalaureate health programs. The pre-nursing major makes it easier for you to access helpful resources; however, all of the prerequisites and criteria for the programs remain.

What kinds of courses does the pre-health major require?

Prerequisite courses vary by program, but all require biology, writing, and math. Other common prerequisites include chemistry, anatomy, physiology, physics, and psychology. Program courses focus on theoretical and practical knowledge and skills you will need to be able to earn licensure and work in your chosen field. See the question below the video about pre-requisites.

How do I find my current major?

How do I change my major?

This major has some requirements; you must have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA and no more than 75 credits. To change to a Pre-Health major, please follow the steps below:

1) Submit a change of major form to declare.
2) You will receive an email inviting you to complete a mandatory online orientation on Blackboard.
3) When you have completed the orientation module on Blackboard, please email prehealthadv@vcu.edu indicating it is complete.
4) Once Pre-Health Advising receives your email and verifies that the module has been completed your request will be processed.

Admissions information for VCU School of Nursing

The slideshow below gives a brief overview of the nursing profession and the requirements for admittance to the VCU School of Nursing. For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact VCU Pre-health Advising.

For more career information, please use these resources: Explore Health Careers website, VA Health Workforce Development Authority, USA Bureau of Labor Statistics, and How to Become a Registered Nurse.

What are the prerequisite courses?

If high school chemistry (with laboratory) with a minimum grade of C has not been completed, one semester of chemistry (CHEM 101 and CHEZ 101, CHEM 100, or CHEM 110) must be taken. In order to be eligible for CHEM 101, students must meet the following placement requirements: placement into MATH 151 Precalculus and CHEM 101. Although math is not required for admission to the School of Nursing, students admitted into the nursing program complete a statistics class. Therefore, we recommend that students who place into college algebra complete a math class during the first year.

For more information, please see the VCU Bulletin

What are the other admission requirements?

Please see the School of Nursing Admission Website

When can I apply to the program?

The application is open from Jan 1 to Mar 1. The decision will be made May 1 for admittance in the next fall.

Where can I apply to the program?

Once you’re sure that you’re ready, the link is here. Please meet with one of us if you have any questions!