What Are the Math Requirements for Nursing?

Nursing programs are widely available and help prepare students to work as a nurse in a medical setting.

While specific requirements depend on the program, there are some basic courses that most nursing programs require.

The high school math requirements for nursing vary, as do other high school and general college requirements.

Keep reading to learn more about the high school math requirements for nursing as well as other core requirements.

What Are the High School Math Requirements for Nursing?

Requirements for high school math will vary between nursing programs.

Some programs do not require any specific coursework beyond what the university requires for admission.

For most programs, you will need to take anywhere from two to four years of high school math.

Often, this includes algebra and geometry, as these are typically required by most high schools.

But again, this can vary.

New York University, for example, expects three to four years of high school math, while Ohio State University doesn't list any math courses in its nursing prerequisites.

High school students looking to become nurses should fulfill all math requirements from their high school but also look at the program requirements for the colleges and universities they're interested in.

What Are the College Math Requirements to Become an RN?

The college math requirements to become a registered nurse, or RN will depend on whether you are earning an associate degree or bachelor's degree.

It also depends on the specific program.

Associate nursing degrees will sometimes not require any math at all, while others will require a statistics course.

Typically, there is not more than one math course required.

For bachelor's degrees in nursing, the math required will depend on the program as well as the college or university's core general education courses.

General education courses are the foundational courses that all students need to take.

Students usually spend the first two years of their undergraduate program completing these courses before moving on to their major courses.

Most colleges require at least one math course as part of the core general education curriculum.

Often, you can choose which type of math you want to take.

Some bachelor's programs in nursing do not require any additional math outside of the general curriculum.

Statistics is a common requirement, but can often be fulfilled as your general education math course.

Occasionally, a college or university may require advanced math courses for their programs.

For example, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), requires its Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students to take a calculus course.

Before you begin choosing your courses, speak with your advisor to determine the best courses for you and ensure that you meet all nursing program requirements.

Other Requirements to Become an RN

Again, it's important to stress that requirements may vary between programs.

However, generally speaking, there are a few types of courses that are commonly required.

Bachelor's nursing students will need to fulfill their general education requirements, which, in addition to a math course, often include things like:

• English Composition
• Public Speaking
• A Foreign Language
• History or Social Sciences
• Natural Sciences

Often, students will have a variety of elective choices that they can fill with courses that will help them toward their major.

Some programs will require that you've used these courses to fulfill requirements like biology, chemistry, and life science before you can begin your nursing courses.

Within the nursing program itself, you will often take courses that center on topics like:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Community and Public Health
• Foundational Nursing Concepts
• Geriatric Nursing
• Healthcare Ethics
• Maternal Nursing
• Pediatric Nursing
• Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
• Physical Assessment
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing

You will also likely be required to complete clinical experiences or practicum. During this time, you will be getting hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

RN to BSN Programs

Because it's possible to become a registered nurse with an associate degree, some students prefer to first earn their associate degree, obtain their license, and then return to school for their bachelor's degree.

This is called an RN to BSN program.

In this case, the requirements to complete the BSN program may vary somewhat.

For example, some programs allow students to bypass certain courses if they've passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), an exam required for licensure.

Not all RN to BSN programs require you to fulfill clinical experiences.

Those that do often allow you to fulfill these requirements at your current place of employment, provided you are working as a nurse.

Often, students with their RN license can finish their bachelor's degree in nursing in as little as one year of study.

Additionally, these programs are often conveniently offered online.

Find a Nursing Program Today

The math requirements for nursing vary between programs, but most don't require any high school math beyond traditional high school requirements.

For more information on nursing programs, contact Learn.org today!