Pre-Nursing Associate Degree (AS) Programs

Overview

What Is an Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing?

An Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing is a two-year community college degree designed to prepare students for transfer or admission into a registered nursing program. Unlike an Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN), this program does not lead directly to Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. Instead, it focuses on completing prerequisite science and general education courses required for entry into an ASN or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Many students pursue an AS in Pre-Nursing while waiting for acceptance into a nursing program or while strengthening their academic record. Community colleges often offer open enrollment, lower tuition costs, and structured academic advising that helps students build a competitive application. Although some colleges label the degree as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS), the title itself is less important than the coursework completed. Nursing schools evaluate applicants based on prerequisite science grades, cumulative GPA, entrance exam scores, and overall academic readiness.

It is also important to distinguish between a Pre-Nursing degree and a Pre-Nursing designation. Some universities assign students a pre-nursing status during their first year of a BSN program before formal admission into upper-division nursing courses. An AS in Pre-Nursing, by contrast, is a standalone associate degree earned at a community college prior to entering a professional nursing program. For students who are not immediately admitted into an ASN or BSN program, this pathway provides a practical and cost-effective way to stay academically active, complete required sciences, and prepare for transfer.

Admissions

Pre-Nursing Program Admissions Requirements

Admission into an Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing program is typically less competitive than direct-entry nursing programs that have limited seats. Most community colleges operate under an open enrollment model, allowing students to begin coursework without formal acceptance into a nursing cohort.

Applicants generally must meet the following requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Completion of a college application.
• Submission of high school or prior college transcripts.
• Completion of placement testing in math and English.
• Enrollment in developmental coursework if placement scores indicate additional academic preparation is needed.

Academic performance during this stage is critical. Nursing schools closely evaluate grades in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, and other core sciences when reviewing transfer or program applications. A strong GPA can significantly improve acceptance chances into competitive ASN or BSN programs.

Curriculum

What Is the Pre-Nursing Curriculum?

An Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing program focuses on completing prerequisite science and general education courses. Students are strongly encouraged to work with an academic advisor to ensure that coursework aligns with transfer agreements and state university articulation pathways. Taking unnecessary electives or missing required prerequisites can delay entry into nursing school. While specific course requirements vary by institution and transfer agreement, most programs follow a two-year structure similar to the outline below.

Unlike an ASN program, pre-nursing coursework does not include structured clinical rotations. However, many students choose to complete Basic Life Support (BLS) training, obtain CNA certification, or work part-time in a healthcare setting to gain hands-on patient care experience.

Students who are performing well academically may choose to complete CNA training during their first year. Those who find prerequisite science courses challenging may benefit from delaying certification until after core sciences are completed to protect their GPA.

While not mandatory, healthcare experience can strengthen nursing school applications and build clinical confidence prior to entering a professional nursing program.

Clinicals

Are Clinicals Required in a Pre-Nursing Program?

An Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing program does not require clinical rotations. Students are not enrolled in supervised hospital or patient care placements as part of their degree. Some students, however, choose to create their own clinical experiences during this time. These experiences may include:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) training: A short certification course that introduces CPR and emergency response skills commonly required before entering nursing school.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training: A 4–12 week program that provides hands-on patient care experience in long-term care or hospital settings.
• Part-time CNA employment: Paid healthcare work that builds clinical confidence and familiarity with patient care environments.
• Volunteer work: Service in hospitals, long-term care facilities, retirement communities, or community health settings to gain exposure to patient care environments.

Students who are performing well academically may benefit from gaining early patient care exposure. However, prerequisite science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology and Microbiology should remain the priority. Those who find the academic workload challenging may choose to delay or forgo optional clinical experiences in order to protect their GPA.

Some students complete CNA training after earning their pre-nursing degree, particularly if they are waiting for admission into an ASN or BSN program. This approach allows students to focus fully on academic performance during their coursework while still gaining healthcare experience before entering nursing school.

While healthcare experience can strengthen nursing school applications and confirm interest in the profession, it is not required for admission into most ASN or BSN programs.

Tuition Cost

How Much Does a Pre-Nursing Degree Cost?

The cost of earning an Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing varies by state and residency status. Most programs are offered at public community colleges, where in-state tuition is significantly lower than four-year university tuition. Because this degree focuses on prerequisite coursework rather than clinical training, overall program costs are typically limited to tuition, books, and standard academic expenses.

In addition to tuition, students should budget for housing, transportation, textbooks, and general college supplies. Optional certifications such as Basic Life Support (BLS) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training may involve additional fees.

^* Source: U.S. Department of Education, Academic Year 2022-23.
^— Indicates that not enough schools participated in the survey.

The table above reflects recent average annual tuition figures by state and residency status published by the U.S. Department of Education. These estimates represent tuition rates at public two-year colleges offering associate degrees. Financial aid may be available in the form of federal Pell Grants, student loans, institutional scholarships, or state-based assistance programs. Use this data as a starting point when comparing programs offered by colleges and universities in your area.

Outcomes

What Can You Do with a Pre-Nursing Degree?

An Associate of Science (AS) in Pre-Nursing prepares students for academic progression rather than immediate nursing licensure. Graduates are not eligible to take the NCLEX-RN or practice as Registered Nurses upon completion of this degree.

The primary outcome of a Pre-Nursing associate degree is eligibility to apply to professional nursing programs, including:

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) programs
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs
• CNA-to-RN programs
• LPN-to-RN programs

Students who complete this degree with strong grades in prerequisite sciences may be more competitive applicants when applying to limited-seat nursing programs. Successful completion also demonstrates college-level readiness and academic discipline.

If a student is unable to continue directly into a nursing program after graduation, alternative pathways remain available. Some graduates choose to complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and enter the workforce while awaiting admission to a nursing program. Others may pursue a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, where previously completed coursework in biology, anatomy, and general education may strengthen their application.

While the Pre-Nursing degree itself does not confer licensure, it provides a structured academic foundation that can support multiple entry points into the nursing profession.