Posted by Nursing is not just a professional course, it is also desired by many. “What school subjects are needed for nursing?” is a fundamental question that has stirred a little confusion and the purpose of this article is to give clarity to this question.
As a bonus in this article, we will also bring to your reading screen; the types of nursing degrees, nursing school subjects, frequently asked questions, and the importance of nursing.
Table of Contents
Things To Know About Nursing
Below are a few things you need to know before one study nursing;
1. Easy Employment: As you study nursing as a major, you have an assurance of being easily absorbed into the workforce. This is because almost all hospitals need nursing staff.
In addition to this, nursing is also a profession that every country needs in the long term because it deals with health workers who are needed every day.
2. Opening an Independent Practice: There are various types of businesses that you can search for in the nursing domain. For instance, you can open your own practice affiliated to nursing needs, home care, and baby care, become a writer, or start a medical device business.
Some students who join the nursing college are students who have a big entrepreneurial spirit and want to develop a business according to the knowledge they have acquired.
3. Working Abroad: Anyone studying nursing is very capable of having the opportunity to work abroad. Not only is the pay great but there is actually a career path to become a professional nurse, such as through the RN (Registered Nurse) exam.
What School Subjects are Needed for Nursing?
The list below is the school subjects needed for nursing and they are:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Nutrition
- English Composition
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Microbiology
- Statistics
The above-listed subjects do not apply to every educational institution as some higher institutions and may solely require Biology or Chemistry
Detailed Information on the School Subjects are Needed for Nursing
1. Biology
- Required Semesters: 1- 2 semesters
- Some Courses: Introduction to Huma anatomy and Physiology Lab 1, advanced topics in hAnatomyatomy and Physiology
2. Chemistry
- Required Semesters: 1 semester with lab
- Some Courses: Introduction to Chemistry, chemistry for Nurses, organic chemistry, and chemistry lab
3. Physics
- Required Semesters: 1 semester
- Some Courses: Introduction to Physics, describing motion, work, energy and power, fluids and pressure.
4. Nutrition
- Required Semesters: 1 semester
- Some Courses: Fundamentals of nutrition, nutrition science for nurses
5. English Composition
- Required Semesters: 2 semesters
- Some Courses: English composition I, English composition II, professional writing for nurses, communication and writing for healthcare professionals
6. Psychology
- Required Semesters: 1 semester
- Some Courses: General psychology, introduction to psychology, psychology for nurses
7. Sociology
- Required Semesters: 2 semesters
- Some Courses: Introduction to Sociology, Sociology in Health practice, and Sociology in Nursing
8. Anatomy and Physiology
- Required Semesters: 1-2 semesters
- Some Courses: Introduction to human anatomy and physiology, human anatomy and physiology lab 1, advanced topics in human anatomy and physiology, human anatomy and physiology lab 2
9. Microbiology
- Required Semesters: 1 semester with lab
- Some Courses: Elementary microbiology, introductory, microbiology, microbiology lab
10. Statistics
- Required Semesters: 1 semester
- Some Courses: Introduction to Statistics, Introductory Statistics for nurses
The Required Grades in these School Subjects
As an aspiring student of this noble profession, it is not enough to answer the question you have been asking which is what school subjects are needed for nursing. You should also know the grades required in the subjects listed above. You must have an A-grade in these subjects.
The A-grades comprise A,B, B and B,B,C. These are the grades that must be gotten for you to be eligible to study nursing.
Another grade requirement is 5 GCSEs, including Mathematics and English or Functional Skills in Level 2, as well as a GCSE in any science subject with a grade of C or above.
English and Mathematics subject qualifications are there to prove your literary levels and numerical capabilities, which are a need for higher education.
The Four Types of Nursing Degrees
As stated in the introduction of this post, there are 4 different types of nursing degrees and these nursing degrees follow a similar syllabus that is laid out and controlled by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). We will give details about these nursing degrees and what school subjects are needed for nursing
The types of nursing degrees are listed as follows;
Types of Nursing Degrees
We’ll explain in detail the types of nursing degrees stated above and the question which you may ask which is, “what school subjects are needed for nursing?”. Let’s begin;
1. Children’s Nursing
Children’s nursing involves every single thing from nursing a sick newborn baby to an adolescent road accident victim. As a children’s nurse, you’ll need to consider the care and support needed by the wider family, which includes the parents or guardians.
To be a child nurse is not just about caring for a small adult, it also involves working closely with the parents or guardian of that child. Children have very specific health needs and you will need to understand how a healthy child develops from childhood towards adulthood to minimize the impact of illness.
Requirements for Children Nursing
As a rule, the nursing aspirant is required to have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, in English language or literature and any science subject. Two A-levels or the equivalent level 3 are needed to be qualified for an undergraduate degree.
Some educational institutions may ask for three A-levels or the equivalent. If you already have a degree, you might be able to study for a postgraduate qualification.
2. Adult Nursing
From the beginning of training as an adult nurse till the acquisition of your first job, you’ll learn how to observe patients and assess their needs. You will also learn how to plan and deliver the most appropriate care for them and evaluate the results.
You will also be taught how tobuild trusting relationship with each patient a, whichs important. An adult nurse aims to improve your patients’ quality of life, no matter their situation.
Taking this nursing career path will mean that you’ll have to work with adults of all ages, whatever their physical health condition may be.
Requirements for Adult Nursing
As a rule, the aspiring adult nurse will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above probably in English language or literature and any science subject. Two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications are required for an undergraduate degree.
Some universities may ask for three A levels or any equivalent. Do you already have a degree? Then you might be able to study for a postgraduate qualification through an accelerated programme.
3. Mental Health Nursing
Mental health nurses specialize in working with patients with mental health issues ranging from eating disorders, to psychosis, and OCD.
They help patients overcome their challenges, leading to a person’s recovery and maintaining a state of well-being. They also help them live independent and fulfilling lives.
The major role of a mental health nurse is to build effective relationships with people who use mental health services, and also with their relatives and careers.
Requirements for Mental Health Nursing
One of the requirements needed to be qualified for this type of nursing degree is a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, probably in English language or literature and any science subject. Two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications for an undergraduate degree are also needed to be qualified. Some universities may ask for three A levels or the equivalent.
An aspiring nursing student may be able to join this type of nursing degree during the second year of a course if he/she has an existing degree in one of the following subjects:
- Psychology
- Life Sciences
- Social Work
- Health-related subject
4. Learning Disability Nursing
Being a Learning Disability Nurse requires you to teach people skills to look after themselves in daily life. You’ll help them overcome challenges, both physically and mentally, so that they’re able to manage their health.
You need to be able to interpret and understand behaviors whilst engaging with vulnerable people. Organizational skills are also crucial so that you can liaise with other healthcare professionals and coordinate healthcare reviews or care plans.
Requirements for Learning Disability Nursing
One of the requirements needed to be qualified for this type of nursing degree is a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above, probably in English language or literature and any science subject. Two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications for an undergraduate degree are also needed to be qualified. Some universities may ask for three A levels or the equivalent.
If you have one of the below degrees already, you may be eligible to enter the course in its second year:
- Psychology
- Life Sciences
- Social Work
- Health-related subject
It may be possible to complete an ‘integrated practice’ degree, which will allow you to register as a Learning Disability Nurse as well as a Social Worker.
However, you will need to make sure that the course is recognized by both professional bodies.
Some Subjects Studied in Nursing School
1. Nursing Fundamentals
Nursing fundamentals is one of the first classes a nursing aspirant will take in a nursing program, and it is often required during your first semester.
The courses imbedded in this nursing fundamentals will give the student the following insights;
- A general overview of what it entails to be a nurse
- How healthcare works
- The potential careers and roles available for nurses.
The focus of these courses is on the basics of patient care and the fundamental nursing skills that are needed. “Nursing 101” or “Introduction to Nursing,” are the names given to this course in different schools but it still covers the same topics.
2. Physiology
Physiology is the study of the human body and how it functions.
You as a nursing aspirant will learn about the names and functions of different parts of the body and how they all function together, both in a healthy person and throughout different types of illnesses and injuries.
In your question of what school subjects are needed for nursing, physiology is one of the earlier required classes, since many courses learned afterward will rely on your understanding of how the body works.
This course also ensures that nurses and other healthcare professionals are using the same terminology to describe the body and its functions, so you have to master this as it helps ensure effective communication and medical notes.
3. Introduction to Psychology
Introductory psychology is a prerequisite course that is needed to begin nursing programs.
This course covers the principles and practices of psychology and it helps nurses understand psychology as a medical discipline, how to use applied psychology as a nurse, and how to use it as a communicator. Some topics taught in this course include cognition (how people think and make decisions), personality and behavior, organizational psychology, and the psychology of illness.
Studying psychology can also equip you with communication skills in order to communicate better, understand not just your own personality but also those of others, and make better decisions individually and as part of a group.
4. Microbiology
Microbiology as you know is the study of microorganisms, any organism too small to see without a microscope, including viruses, bacteria, and certain types of fungi.
Just like psychology, microbiology is a prerequisite course mostly taken before entering nursing school. Some topics taught include microorganisms that cause and help prevent disease, including the emerging field of the human biome, and the microorganisms that are part of the human body.
You just don’t do classwork in this course, there is also lab work which you must perform to get good grades.
This is one of the most important nursing prerequisite classes as it sets the basics for infection control, population health, clinical theory, and nursing practices.
5. Gerontology
Gerontology is the study of aging. RN classes in gerontology include topics such as conditions associated with aging, the psychology of aging, how to effectively communicate with aging adults, and end-of-life concerns for nursing.
Gerontology is included in nursing major classes because of the important role nurses play in providing care to aging patients. Because it is a specialized class, most nursing students take it during or after their second year.
This is a foundational course for nurses who plan to specialize in gerontology but vital for all nurses because of the aging US population.
Aside from pediatrics and obstetrics, older adults make up a large and growing proportion of general and specialty care patients, so the ability to understand their needs and provide effective nursing care is vital.
Benefits of Studying Nursing
The benefits of studying nursing include but are not limited to the following;
- Nursing is a rewarding and fulfilling career path.
- Nurses enjoy job security and stability.
- Freedom to work in other countries.
- Your medical knowledge is essential outside of work.
- For nurses, no two days are the same.
- Find affordable Nursing degrees.
- Online Nursing degrees make studying easier.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing Classes
How Hard are Nursing classes?
The programs created in grooming professional nurses are intended to prepare intending nurses for a rigorous professional journey; therefore, they can be intense and challenging, but not impossible. The courses teach the complicated practices necessary for nurses to provide the best care to their patients.
The programs ensure that the nurses can execute what they learned to the best of their ability, making sure students are up to the task of committing themselves to a difficult yet rewarding profession.
What are the Easiest Classes in Nursing School?
General education courses are some of the easiest courses offered in nursing school. This course mostly focus on the memorization of key terminology or the development of soft skills, such as collaboration and communication.
Some of these general education courses that are considered easier than others include the social sciences, introduction to speech, and information technology.
What is the Shortest Nursing Program?
The shortest programs usually focus on becoming a practical nurse. Students can become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in the shortest amount of time.
CNA programs take a minimum of 4-12 weeks to complete and prepare students to assist RNs in helping patients with daily functions.
The LPN programs take approximately one year to complete, preparing them to provide basic nursing tasks but unlike CNAs, LPNs are licensed nurses.
Recommended Articles
- 25 Best Medical Schools in Florida
- How to get a degree for free
- 15 Cheap Medical Assistant Programs
- 15 Free Medical Assistant Online Courses.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have been able to answer the question which has been bothering your mind for a while which is, what school subjects are needed for nursing? Moreover, studying nursing is one thing you should be proud of, and your determination firm.
Some tips as you work as a nurse are getting a work mentor and having a good relationship with patients among others.