The last two years have proven that nurses are essential for keeping our world healthy. Being a nurse can be one of the most rewarding jobs around. And if you are someone who loves to help people and make a difference in their lives, pursuing a career in nursing will satisfy that need.
Plus, nursing is a great field to go into professionally. According to the Department of Labor, registered nurses are the largest group in the healthcare workforce. And, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses’ employment outlook will grow 9% from 2020 to 2030.
As our medical system increasingly emphasizes preventive care, the rates of chronic conditions rise, and the baby-boomer population requires more healthcare services, nursing will only get more and more essential.
So, if you want a job in a fast-growing industry, that’s offering greatly needed support and makes a positive impact on countless communities, nursing is for you.
But, to do that, there are a few steps you will need to take—starting with our Pre-Nursing Track here at ACU Online!
Wait—What’s a Pre-Nursing Program?
Pre-nursing programs are the very first step to becoming a nurse. These programs are a culmination of all the courses necessary to set you up for success before enrolling in a nursing program.
What Should I Expect in a Pre-Nursing Program?
Typically, pre-nursing programs take around two years to complete. They can take a little more or less time depending on the student and school. Our program has 68 hours of coursework, which will take between 2-3 years to complete.
Once you have been enrolled in a pre-nursing program, you will need to focus on the coursework. Most of the core courses in these programs are designed to help prepare students for the chaos that is nursing, such as:
- Introductory Chemistry
- Introductory Nutrition
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II
- General Microbiology
Of course, the study of biology and anatomy is essential to any medical degree, so you can more effectively know the human body and treat its injuries and illnesses. Beyond these, though while in the program, you’ll also take psychology and sociology courses—which enable nurses to better understand frantic patients in stressful situations. You’ll also learn from classes in communication and the humanities, which help nurses better connect, communicate, and calm patients.
Plus, in our Pre-Nursing program, you have the opportunity not only to gain essential knowledge in the classroom—but important pre-nursing experience in the field too!
What Kind of Jobs Can I Get in Pre-Nursing?
Even though completing the pre-nursing program won’t make you a registered nurse quite yet, there are still quite a few job opportunities for nursing students. Any job in the medical field is a great option because it helps provide you with work experience and a way to practice your skills. Below are some pre-nursing job examples:
- Nursing Aide: Work with registered nurses to help complete daily tasks.
- Caregiver: Assist those who cannot live alone by helping them to complete daily activities.
- Orderly: Work behind-the-scenes in hospitals by answering call signals, helping with patient needs, sanitizing rooms, and escorting patients to and from rooms.
- Monitor Technician: Read heart monitors and watch them to determine if patients need extra assistance or not.
None of these jobs require more than a high school diploma or pre-nursing program, so you will qualify for all of them. Most of the time, these jobs offer flexible hours, making it easy for busy, driven students to work and gain practical skills while they continue to study!
But Why Does Nursing Matter?
As Veronica Freeman, Senior Business Health Care Executive for Cerner Middle East and Africa, writes about the changes the nursing profession has undergone in the last century of its existence, nurses are no longer just healthcare professionals offering support to doctors. They are “now researchers, health policy advocates and educators, and have advanced their careers to decipher the role far more than it had been at inception.”
In 2021, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Academy of Sciences released the landmark The Future of Nursing study. This excerpt from this report expands on Freeman’s claim, arguing:
“…nurses are bridge builders and collaborators who engage and connect with people, communities, and organizations to promote health and well-being. But they need ongoing support from the systems that educate, train, employ them and enable them to advance health equity.”
In short, nurses are integrally related to the medical field’s future and its success. Enrolling in a pre-nursing program sets you up to join an amazing community of women and men dedicated to creating a healthier, happier society.
What’s Next?
After completing a pre-nursing program, you will be prepared for the next step: Applying to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, like ours at ACU.
Our Pre-Nursing Track is designed to meet ACU’s specific BSN prerequisite requirements! So, if you’re wanting to pursue a BSN at ACU—choosing ACU’s Pre-Nursing Track is perfect.
Are you ready to jump into an amazing career, get meaningful experience in the medical field, and expand your horizons as you pursue your calling as a nurse? Visit our website or call 855-219-7300 to learn more about how ACU Online’s Pre-Nursing Track is right for you!