Nurses make a meaningful difference every day — providing patient-centered care, a comforting bedside manner, and contributing to the success of healthcare teams across all medical settings. At University of Bridgeport, our Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is ideal for prospective healthcare professionals like yourself. With a comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and hands-on learning opportunities, UB can serve as your launchpad for a fulfilling career in nursing.
As you pursue your Nursing degree, knowing where to begin can be confusing. Depending on what specific requirements you need to fulfill, you’ll start your journey either as a Nursing major or a Pre-Nursing major. Read on and discover which entry point to a Nursing program is the right fit for you!
Defining the Paths — Pre-Nursing vs. Nursing
When distinguishing these degree paths, grasping their basic definitions is essential. Let’s break down the differences.
What is a Pre-Nursing major?
Embarking on your Nursing journey requires you to meet specific prerequisites, and the Pre-Nursing major is your key to building the foundational knowledge necessary to begin your BSN adventure!
Ideal for learners in the early stages of their academic pursuits, this program lays the groundwork for essential courses and experiences — ensuring you’re well-prepared to meet the qualifications for formal entry into the BSN program.
How is it different from a Nursing major?
In contrast, a Nursing major is ideal for students who have already completed the necessary prerequisites — preparing them to dive into a tailored curriculum that will mold them into skilled and compassionate nurses. From hands-on clinical experiences to theoretical foundations, the Nursing program teaches you to provide collaborative, high-quality care in diverse medical settings.
Coursework and requirements
Now that we understand the overarching definitions of these two paths, let’s explore the specific coursework and requirements that distinguish Pre-Nursing from Nursing.
What requirements do Pre-Nursing students need to satisfy?
As a Pre-Nursing student, you’ll build a solid foundation in the fundamentals of the field — completing prerequisite coursework in algebra, chemistry, psychology, and other essential subjects. While your math and science prerequisites will help you build technical knowledge, your interdisciplinary coursework will help you develop the soft skills necessary to provide compassionate patient care in professional settings.
Satisfying these initial requirements provides a steppingstone for formal BSN coursework. Your academic advisors will work closely with you to ensure you’re on the right track — guiding you through the steps necessary to begin your BSN.
In contrast, what is the coursework like for a Nursing major?
As a Nursing student, you engage in a specialized curriculum that refines your understanding of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other nursing principles. You also begin growing your skills on-site — completing supervised clinical rotations to gain invaluable hands-on experience. As you fulfill your fieldwork requirements, you’ll hone your patient care skills while developing professional confidence and competence — preparing you to excel as a caregiver in diverse medical settings.
Interested in a career dedicated to patient care? Learn more today!
Length and duration of studies
When embarking on your professional path, it’s critical to understand the timeline you must traverse to achieve your goals. While most bachelor’s degrees take four years to complete, one size doesn’t fit every student.
Here’s what you need to know when you pursue your BSN.
How long will it take to complete my Pre-Nursing coursework?
Most first-time college students have not met the prerequisites necessary to enter the BSN program. Consequently, many prospective Nursing students begin their journey with the Pre-Nursing curriculum. This preparatory stage typically takes one year.
The year spent completing Pre-Nursing coursework doesn’t necessarily mean it will take more than four years to earn your bachelor’s degree. At UB, our BSN curriculum accounts for these requirements — allotting the first year of studies to this essential phase. As a Pre-Nursing student, you will apply for the Nursing program during the spring semester of your first year.
How long does it take to earn a BSN?
Like most bachelor’s degrees, a BSN takes approximately four years to earn. However, because UB’s BSN curriculum accounts for the Pre-Nursing requirements, it may take some students less time to complete their degree. For example, if you apply to UB with these prerequisites already under your belt, you’ll be positioned to earn your BSN in three years’ time.
Begin your journey at UB
In the intricate tapestry of healthcare education, Nursing and Pre-Nursing studies are both vital — molding today’s dedicated students into tomorrow’s distinguished professionals. Whether you’re ready to immerse yourself in the in-depth Nursing curriculum or take the first steps by beginning your Pre-Nursing coursework, you’ll be investing in your future success.
At University of Bridgeport, we’re dedicated to your dreams. With a rigorous curriculum, expert instruction, and hands-on learning opportunities, we’ll help you achieve your goal of earning a Nursing degree. It’s time to take the first steps — learn more about beginning your BSN journey today!