Nursing is a fulfilling and vital career with enormous growth potential. Nurses are essential members of health care delivery teams, often serving as the most direct link to the patient while orchestrating the best possible care. They are in a position to advocate for patients and families, especially those who cannot advocate for themselves. Nurses improve patients’ quality of life and support people at their most vulnerable moments. They serve as essential members of health care teams, working together with physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and other providers to coordinate care. Nurses benefit from opportunities for continuous learning throughout their careers, and they may gain greater responsibility and autonomy through increased education and experience. They serve in a variety of settings and specialties, and they also may opt to pursue research or teaching opportunities.
The Pre-Nursing Program at WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS) is for students who wish to complete prerequisites before continuing on to a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. Students receive individual advising in order to create a course plan that fulfills the prerequisites for their future nursing programs of choice. The pre-nursing curriculum provides students with an ideal foundation for their professional studies: strong communication skills, practical analytical and problem-solving abilities, an appreciation for complex ethical questions, and an introduction to human sciences. Students who complete this course sequence will be well equipped to continue on to a variety of clinical nursing (BSN) programs.
Students who complete 54 units of nursing prerequisites with CAPS may, with an additional 6 units, earn an Associate in Arts degree. Students interested in the associate degree should speak with a Student Success Navigator about applying to that program and fulfilling degree requirements.
The Pre-Nursing program is not eligible for local, state, or federal aid options unless students are concurrently enrolled in a degree program eligible for financial aid. WashU employees may use their tuition benefit for the program.
Program Course Work
Learn more about the Pre-Nursing Program and degree requirements in the WashU Bulletin.
What to expect
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