If you’re thinking about a career in nursing but do not yet have a license, a prelicensure nursing program is the ideal starting point. This degree program provides you with the foundational education and clinical training necessary to tackle the challenges of today’s healthcare environment and deliver safe, effective care.

Nursing offers long-term job stability, multiple career pathways, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. Whether you are interested in pediatrics, critical care nursing, oncology, or other practice areas, your journey begins by enrolling in an accredited nursing program. This guide outlines nursing degree options, including coursework, clinical training, admission requirements, and the licensure process.

Understanding Prelicensure Nursing Programs 

Prelicensure nursing programs are designed for people who are not yet registered nurses (RNs) and want to enter the profession for the first time. These programs combine nursing theory with the hands-on skills needed for professional practice. Students complete coursework in human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other nursing fundamentals. They also gain crucial hands-on experience through supervised clinical placements. This real-world exposure allows students to apply their classroom knowledge to actual patient care scenarios and strengthen their clinical decision-making skills under the guidance of experienced nursing mentors.

Who Should Consider a Prelicensure Nursing Program? 

Prelicensure programs can suit a diverse range of individuals. Some nursing students are recent high school graduates starting their first career, while others are career changers who transition to nursing after years or even decades in another field. Students can enter the program with some pre-nursing coursework already completed, or they may start with little to no prior experience. In other words, these programs are designed to meet learners where they are, regardless of their educational or professional background. 

Types of Prelicensure Nursing Programs 

There are several distinct pathways to becoming an RN, each offering a unique route to licensure. As you consider your options, think about factors such as program duration, course format, your learning style preferences, and your state's licensure requirements. 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). BSN programs usually take four years to complete and include both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experiences. While an associate degree is the minimum educational requirement for RN licensure, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing offers substantial advantages over an associate degree. Many healthcare organizations now require or prefer BSN-prepared nurses because these programs offer more comprehensive clinical training and can lead to broader career opportunities. 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). An accelerated degree offers a fast-track pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to become an RN. Most programs take between 12 and 18 months to complete. 
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). An ADN program usually takes two to three years to complete, depending on its structure and prerequisites. These programs focus on core nursing competencies such as patient assessment, care coordination, and pharmacology. An associate degree program is often appealing to individuals who want to graduate and begin working as soon as possible. However, some employers may expect nurses with an associate degree to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing within a certain timeframe.  

Program Formats: Traditional vs. Online and Competency Based 

While nursing programs vary in terms of format, they all share core components that prepare students for real-world nursing practice. These programs include a combination of science-based coursework, nursing theory, and training on how to care for diverse populations across various healthcare settings. Students apply what they’ve learned through hands-on experiences such as skills labs, simulation activities, and clinical rotations. 

Traditional academic programs usually follow a fixed calendar with set course schedules and a standard pace for all students. In contrast, competency-based programs emphasize demonstrated mastery of subjects rather than the amount of time spent in class. This approach allows students to progress more quickly through subjects they already understand. Online programs provide greater flexibility regarding when and how coursework and tests are completed, which can help students balance their studies with work or personal responsibilities. It's important to note that online programs still require in-person clinicals to ensure that students receive supervised practice in applying their skills to real-world situations.

Prelicensure Curriculum and Coursework 

Nursing curriculum is usually organized in stages that move from foundational learning to more advanced nursing concepts. Many programs begin with pre-nursing coursework that builds the academic groundwork for a thorough nursing education. Early courses typically include general education courses as well as science-based courses like anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, and pathophysiology. 

After pre-nursing coursework, the curriculum moves to skills-based courses that focus on direct patient care and the nurse’s professional role. Students learn how to assess patients, make sound clinical decisions, and apply evidence-based practices to improve patient outcomes. They gain insights into how to care for specific populations, including older adults, expectant mothers, children, surgical patients, and individuals with chronic conditions. To reinforce these concepts, students participate in high-fidelity simulations where they practice nursing tasks such as inserting IVs and performing wound care. 

Clinical Experiences  

Clinical rotations immerse nursing students in real healthcare settings where they care for actual patients under supervision. These experiences may take place in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, or community organizations. During clinicals, students gain hands-on experience taking vital signs, administering medication, assisting with mobility and feeding, and performing other direct patient care tasks.

Each student is paired with a clinical preceptor or coach who provides real-time guidance, feedback, and support. A clinical instructor oversees the entire experience, ensuring that students adhere to professional and ethical standards while acquiring the necessary competencies for practice. During these rotations, students have the opportunity to gain experience across different specialties, such as emergency care, mental health, and surgical units. This experience enables them to apply their skills in different contexts, discover their areas of interest, and identify potential career paths.

Admission Requirements 

Admission requirements vary by institution and program. Candidates are usually expected to complete specific prerequisite courses and achieve a minimum GPA to demonstrate their academic readiness. Many programs require students to pass an entrance examination that evaluates their abilities in subjects like math, science, and reading comprehension. Candidates may also need to undergo a criminal background check and provide proof of immunizations. In some programs, applicants are required to submit an application essay or personal statement that outlines their motivations and commitment to the profession. Applicants should review admission requirements carefully, as criteria vary by institution.

Common Prerequisites 

Common prerequisites for nursing programs include foundational courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. These courses ensure that students have a solid scientific foundation before diving into more advanced nursing coursework. Many programs set a minimum GPA for these courses to ensure students have mastered the material. Completing these prerequisites strengthens their knowledge and boosts their confidence as they move forward in their nursing journey. 

Some universities, like WGU, build these prerequisite courses into their nursing programs. This means students can complete the required science foundation as part of their degree, rather than taking courses elsewhere and transferring them in.

Application Process 

The application process may differ depending on whether a program uses rolling admissions or a competitive selection model. In some cases, students must first apply to the institution and then submit a separate application to the nursing program once they meet the eligibility requirements. Nursing schools usually review applications holistically, considering factors like academic performance, entrance exam scores, personal statements or essays, and letters of recommendation. 

Prelicensure vs. Post-Licensure Programs 

Prelicensure nursing programs are designed for individuals who want to become an RN but do not yet hold a nursing license. These programs provide foundational education and training in nursing principles, patient care, and clinical skills, while preparing students to take the NCLEX-RN exam.

In contrast, post-licensure nursing programs are designed for individuals who are already licensed RNs. These programs often focus on advanced practice, leadership, and specialized areas of nursing, allowing RNs to enhance their skills and move into leadership roles. If you’re already a nurse, consider enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program that provides a streamlined path to earning your bachelor’s degree. 

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN 

The NCLEX-RN is a national licensing examination that students take after graduation to evaluate their readiness for entry-level registered nursing positions. Candidates must pass this test to obtain their nursing license. This rigorous assessment tests graduates’ understanding of care management, health promotion and maintenance, safety, infection control, and other essential topics. 

While licensure testing occurs after graduation, students should begin preparing well ahead of this milestone. This includes answering NCLEX-style questions from online question banks or study guides and taking practice tests that mimic the format, pacing, and difficulty of the actual test. It is also advisable to review course material, notes, textbooks, and any supplementary resources provided during the nursing program.

Getting Started with Prelicensure Nursing

When you choose nursing, you step into a career where your skills and compassion can change someone’s day, and sometimes their life. The journey begins by researching accredited nursing programs. Accreditation means that a nursing program has been formally reviewed and approved by a recognized accrediting body to meet established quality standards. Once you’ve chosen a reputable program, complete any required prerequisites and prepare for entrance exams. Submit your application along with transcripts and any required essays or documentation. 

Next, explore your financial aid options. Start with the FAFSA, which is the federal form used to determine your eligibility for student aid, including grants and loans. You can also look for nursing-specific scholarships. If you are currently employed, ask whether your employer offers tuition assistance or reimbursement programs.

Career Outlook and Opportunities After Graduation  

Nurses are in especially high demand, and the future is bright for this vital profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of registered nurses is projected to grow by 5% from 2024 to 2034. On average, about 189,100 RN openings are expected each year during that period, creating abundant opportunities to build a stable career while making a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.

Once you graduate, a world of opportunities opens up for you as a nurse. You may want to pursue bedside roles in specialties such as medical-surgical nursing, emergency care, mental health, or women’s health. Or maybe you’re interested in options beyond direct patient care, like nursing education, informatics, or public health. Perhaps you want to pursue telehealth roles or become a travel nurse and explore different care settings across the country. No matter where your interests lead, nursing offers countless paths to grow, specialize, and build a career that fits your goals while making a lasting impact.

FAQs About Nursing Programs

How Long Does a Prelicensure Nursing Program Take? 

Most prelicensure nursing programs take four years and include both coursework and in-person clinicals. Students who have completed relevant coursework at other institutions may be able to transfer credits, which can expedite their graduation process and help them graduate sooner.

Can I Work During a Nursing Program? 

It's certainly possible to maintain a job and attend school, but doing so requires discipline and adaptability. If you want to continue working while earning your degree, make sure to choose a degree program that’s flexible enough to allow you time to balance work and studies. 

Are Online Nursing Programs Legitimate? 

Many respected colleges and universities now offer legitimate online nursing programs that allow students to complete pre-nursing coursework from home. When choosing a nursing school, it's essential to do your research about the school’s reputation and accreditation status. Verify the program's accreditation through the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), or the U.S. Department of Education's database, and also verify directly on the school's website. 

Do I Get to Choose My Clinical Placement? 

WGU coordinates clinical placements through established partnerships with healthcare employers who provide practice sites and clinical coaches or preceptors. Clinical assignments are based on several factors, including your location, your program status, and clinical site availability.

What Is the Difference Between an Associate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing?

An associate degree in nursing (ADN) typically takes two years to complete and covers the core nursing concepts needed for entry-level practice. A bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) usually takes four years to complete and includes foundational nursing concepts as well as broader coursework in areas such as healthcare policy, public health, and nursing leadership and management. Both degrees qualify students to take the national licensing exam and enter the nursing profession. 

While an ADN allows graduates to enter the nursing workforce more quickly, a BSN can better support long-term career growth and advancement. Data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing shows that 28% of employers require nurse candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and 72% express a strong preference for BSN-prepared nurses.  

Take the First Step Toward Your RN Career 

Are you ready to start building your future through an accredited nursing degree? WGU’s B.S. in Nursing (Prelicensure) program can equip you with the industry knowledge and skills needed for professional nursing practice. Our healthcare programs are designed with input from industry leaders and employers, so they reflect the latest best practices and current workforce demands. With a competency-based format and one-on-one support from your Program Mentor, WGU helps you maintain steady progress from application to graduation. Speak to an Enrollment Counselor today to learn more.