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Envision a Rewarding Career Improving Patient Care
You have goals, and ACU Online illuminates the way there with a format designed for busy working adults like you. Take your nursing school prerequisites while balancing work, life and other commitments and experiencing the support of ACU’s vibrant, virtual, Christ-centered community.
Introducing
Locked-In Tuition.
Our Locked-In Tuition program guarantees you’ll pay the same price for your entire undergraduate degree.
About the Program
You are ready for nursing school, but first, you need your prerequisites. Our online Pre-Nursing program sets you up for success. Course rigor and outlook reflect that of ACU’s School of Nursing: preparing you for compassionate, competent service through subjects strengthening technical and critical-thinking skills. Whether you intend to matriculate into ACU’s on-campus BSN program or continue somewhere closer to home, this 68 credit–hour program covers the health sciences, liberal arts and key competencies rooted in statistics, biology and chemistry with flexible courses you can take around your existing schedule. Take the first step toward a rewarding career in nursing.
Program Structure
All the Details on Your Degree
Blending the liberal arts, ACU’s spiritual mindset and natural and social sciences, the online Pre-Nursing Track helps students complete the necessary prerequisites required to apply to the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)–accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ACU or another four-year institution. Keep in mind this 68 credit–hour track does not result in an associate degree or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
Required Hours
68 Hours
Example Coursework
Introductory Chemistry
Introductory Nutrition
Anatomy and Physiology I & II
General Microbiology
Department
Upcoming Start Dates
May 2, 2023
June 27, 2023
Curriculum & Format
Helping you develop a passionate, multifaceted mindset, ACU divides the online Pre-Nursing track into two portions: pathway courses that directly help you fulfill prerequisites for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and general education requirements.
Because nurses need to develop strong communication skills and a solid understanding of the body’s workings, the Pre-Nursing Track courses cover:
- general statistics, including how to collect, analyze and interpret data;
- psychology concepts in relation to biological, cognitive, moral and psychosocial development;
- human anatomy and physiology, exploring musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and genitourinary systems;
- general microbiology, including immunology, pathogenic, environmental and industrial microbiology and how to characterize and identify microorganisms;
- fundamental chemistry principles, including anatomic structure, chemical reactions and the behaviors of solids, liquids and gases; and
- nutrition and wellness, from current trends to food safety and the influence of nutrients, diet and weight on one’s health.
General education requirements further empower you to apply to a BSN program and play off the technical aspects of the pathway courses, emphasizing critical thinking and communication skills—aspects all registered nurses need to develop for interacting with patients. Refine and advance your composition, speech, rhetoric and communication skills, and broaden your understanding of literature, history and Christian vocation.
Throughout, you’re recommended to be mindful of admission requirements for ACU’s BSN program to stay on track toward your goals. Specifically, interested candidates must have completed at least 60 hours of prerequisites with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Meet the Program Director
Dr. Scott Self is the Assistant Provost for Academic Initiatives and Innovation and program director for the Pre-Nursing Track at ACU Online. He also serves as the program director for the Integrated Studies degree. Most recently, he was assistant professor in the School of Educational Leadership. Prior to that, he held the roles of director of university access programs and university disability compliance officer on ACU’s main campus. He earned his Ph.D. at Texas Tech University in Higher Education Research. His research and passion centers upon issues of college access for historically marginalized populations, and how specific policies or practices in higher education affect those students.
Spotlight
Why You Should Go Into Pre-Nursing
Registered nurses are the largest group of healthcare workers in the nation, and they aren’t just healthcare professionals. They are bridge-builders and collaborators with communities and organizations that promote health and well-being worldwide. Read our latest blog to hear how ACU Online is equipping the next generation of nurses through our Pre-Nursing Track.
ACU named among America’s Top Online Colleges by Newsweek
Abilene Christian University has been named one of America’s Top Online Colleges for 2022. The award is presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The America’s Top Online Colleges ranking highlights the nation’s top 150 colleges based on an online survey with more than 12,000 assessments from more than 9,000 respondents who participated in online college degree programs and/or general online learning courses in the United States.
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To be considered for admission, students must:
- Submit official high school and/or college transcripts.
- Complete the online program application accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee.
Students are not required to submit ACT or SAT test scores.
Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Ga. 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of ACU.
Abilene Christian University enjoys a strong national reputation as one of the leading private Christian universities in the west and southwest, indicated by various ratings (such as U.S. News and World Report and other reports).
