What Is a Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Program?

Whether you're exploring a future in nursing or preparing for competitive nursing school admissions, a Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program offers the essential foundation you need. Designed to build your academic readiness, strengthen your science GPA, and introduce key healthcare concepts, this pathway is an excellent starting point for aspiring nurses and healthcare professionals.

Understanding Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Programs

What a Pre‑Nursing Program Is (and Is Not)

A Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program is not a nursing program itself, but a preparatory academic track that helps students meet the prerequisites for admission into nursing school. It  includes four lab science courses (A & P I & II, Chemistry, and Microbiology) which align with the expectations of Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and accelerated nursing programs (ABSN).

Who Should Consider a Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Program

This academic pathway is ideal for:

• High school graduates interested in becoming a registered nurse (RN)

• Adults returning to college who want to switch careers into healthcare

• Students unsure whether to pursue medicine, therapy, or nursing but seeking a solid healthcare foundation

• Future applicants to a school of nursing who want to improve their academic standing

What You Study in a Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Program

Anatomy, Physiology, and Biology Essentials

Courses in human anatomy and physiology are at the heart of the program. You'll explore how the body works, from cells and systems to disease and treatment. Biology and microbiology further deepen your understanding of living systems—critical knowledge for any future nurse.

How a Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Program Supports Nursing Goals

Preparing for Nursing School Prerequisites

Every nursing school has its own admissions criteria, but nearly all require completion of specific courses before applying. A Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program helps you meet those requirements in a structured, supportive environment—reducing the stress of figuring it out alone.

Strengthening Academic Readiness for Competitive Nursing Programs

Top nursing schools are competitive, and applicants with a strong science GPA and relevant coursework stand out. Completing your pre-nursing studies through a health science degree improves your transcript and gives you the confidence to succeed in a rigorous Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Building a Strong Science GPA

Since your GPA in science courses plays a major role in your nursing application, excelling in subjects like biology, anatomy and physiology, and general chemistry is critical. These courses help develop the academic discipline and lab experience needed for future success in nursing school and beyond.

Career and Academic Pathways After a Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Program

Transitioning Into Nursing Programs (ADN, BSN, ABSN)

Once you've completed a Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program, you’re well-positioned to apply to nursing schools. Whether you're pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or an Accelerated BSN (ABSN), your completed prerequisites, strong science GPA, and healthcare exposure give you a competitive edge in the nursing application process.

Alternative Health and Allied Health Careers

Not all students in a pre-nursing program end up in a school of nursing. Fortunately, the flexibility of a health sciences degree opens doors to other healthcare professions. Graduates may explore careers in public health, medical laboratory technology, health insurance, physical therapy assistance, or patient advocacy—roles that value interdisciplinary education in biology, anatomy, and public health.

Online Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Programs for Adult Learners

Benefits of Online Learning for Future Nurses

Online learning provides convenience and accessibility—especially important for adults managing work, family, or financial responsibilities. With asynchronous options, students can complete lectures, labs, and assignments on their own schedule while staying on track toward their long-term goals in nursing or health professions.

Balancing Coursework with Work and Family

A fully online health sciences program supports learners who may be working in healthcare already or exploring a new career path. Accelerated terms and flexible pacing allow you to maintain balance without sacrificing academic rigor.

What to Look for in an Online Health Sciences Program

When choosing an online program, consider:

• Regional accreditation to ensure quality and recognition

• Transfer-friendly policies if you have prior college credits

• Access to virtual labs for anatomy, physiology, or microbiology

• Support services, including tutoring, academic advising, and financial aid

• Programs that align with your nursing school’s prerequisites will offer the best return on your investment.

Why LAPU’s Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program Is a Smart Choice

Fully Online, Faith‑Integrated Learning Environment

Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU) offers a fully online Pre-Nursing Health Sciences program with a Christ-centered foundation. Students gain both academic knowledge and ethical insight, preparing them to serve in healthcare with compassion and purpose.

8‑Week Courses Designed for Focus and Momentum

LAPU’s accelerated 8-week terms let students focus on fewer courses at a time—ideal for mastering complex subjects like human anatomy or microbiology. This structure supports faster degree completion and greater academic engagement.

Transfer‑Friendly Curriculum and Academic Support

LAPU accepts up to 90 undergraduate transfer credits, helping students fast-track their degree. With personalized advising and built-in tutoring support, students receive the guidance needed to stay motivated and meet their nursing or healthcare career goals.

Preparing Students for Purpose‑Driven Healthcare Careers

Whether you’re planning to become a registered nurse, public health worker, or enter another healthcare profession, LAPU’s curriculum emphasizes both science and service. Students graduate with the confidence and qualifications to succeed in health professions and nursing applications.

Is a Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences Program Right for You?

Students Exploring a Future in Nursing

If you’re considering a nursing career but want to strengthen your academic foundation first, this program gives you time to explore the field while completing essential coursework.

Career Changers Entering Healthcare

Professionals transitioning into nursing from other industries benefit from a structured curriculum, academic support, and exposure to key healthcare principles—all without committing to a full BSN program upfront.

Learners Seeking Flexibility and Long‑Term Options

For those unsure of their final destination in healthcare, a Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program offers broad applicability. Whether your path leads to medicine, therapy, or health management, your education remains relevant and valuable.

Conclusion: Building a Strong Foundation for a Nursing Career

A Pre-Nursing Health Sciences Program is more than a stepping stone—it’s a powerful launchpad into the world of healthcare. With the right mix of science, support, and flexibility, students can confidently pursue nursing school or explore other rewarding roles in the health professions. Programs like the one at LAPU provide the academic excellence and faith-based support that future nurses need to succeed with purpose.

Ready to Start Your Pre‑Nursing Journey?

Whether you're planning to become a registered nurse, pursue a degree in public health, or explore allied health careers, LAPU’s fully online Pre-Nursing Health Sciences program offers the flexibility, guidance, and academic quality you need to take the next step.

Apply today or connect with an LAPU advisor to learn how you can build a meaningful career in healthcare—starting with a strong academic foundation.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is a pre‑nursing program required for nursing school?

Not always, but it can significantly strengthen your nursing application by fulfilling science prerequisites and boosting your GPA. It's especially helpful for students transitioning into healthcare.

Can I complete a pre‑nursing health sciences program online?

Yes. Many universities like LAPU offer fully online programs designed for adult learners pursuing nursing and other healthcare careers.

Does this program guarantee admission into nursing school?

No program can guarantee nursing school admission, but completing a pre-nursing track with strong grades in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology gives you a competitive edge.

How long does a pre‑nursing health sciences program take?

At LAPU, the Pre‑Nursing Health Sciences pathway is a non‑degree option, meaning the timeline depends on the specific prerequisite courses a student needs to complete rather than a fixed degree length. Many students finish their required coursework in as little as 1 year, especially if they have transfer credits or enroll in LAPU’s accelerated 8‑week courses. An academic advisor can help determine the most efficient path based on your nursing school goals.

What’s the difference between health sciences and nursing?

Health sciences focuses on the foundational knowledge and skills used across health professions, while nursing involves direct patient care and clinical training. Health sciences prepares you for nursing or other healthcare careers.