Overview
There is a high demand for Registered Nurses throughout the State of Alaska. Seeking to help meet this demand, APU has created the Pre-Nursing program. Pre-Nursing at APU is grounded in cultural safety and delivers the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for our students to successfully continue to APU’s Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program.
The Pre-Nursing program at APU will prepare interested students to pursue our Associate Degree in Nursing. During the Pre-Nursing programs, students will attend a series of pre-requisite, campus-based courses including Anatomy & Physiology, Behavioral Sciences for Healthcare Professions, and Culturally Safe Healthcare practices.
Pre-Nursing students can anticipate one year of full-time, campus-based enrollment in pre-requisite Nursing coursework. Upon successful completion of this coursework, Pre-Nursing students are encouraged to apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing.
Degree Fit
The Pre-Nursing concentration in Health Sciences offers two entry terms each year: Fall and Spring semesters. Pre-Nursing students will work through a series of required courses to be eligible to apply for the Associate Degree in Nursing at APU.
Pre-Nursing courses are primarily offered on campus, during the day. Pre-Nursing coursework includes the following:
- Principles of Biology I
- Principles of Chemistry I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- Algebra for Health Sciences
- Lifespan Human Development
- Writing & Research I: Argumentation
- Culturally Safe Healthcare
Career Outcomes
Upon successful completion of Pre-Nursing and admission to the Associate Degree in Nursing program, students will work towards the initial career goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. With the knowledge, skills, and abilities gained through our program, our graduates can go on to provide holistic care for communities across Alaska.
Degree Roadmap
APU Pre-Nursing students who have successfully completed all pre-requisite coursework are eligible to apply for the Associate Degree in Nursing. Please visit the Associate Degree in Nursing site to learn more about the application and admissions process.
Pre-Nursing students who have successfully completed equivalent pre-requisite coursework at an accredited institution, may have their transcript(s) evaluated to determine coursework transferability. Pre-requisite coursework completed more than ten (10) years ago and any Nursing Major Courses are not eligible for transfer.
A sample pre-nursing course schedule* is listed below:
Fall
- Principles of Biology I
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I
- Algebra for Health Sciences
- Writing & Research I: Argumentation
Spring
- Human Anatomy & Physiology II
- Principles of Chemistry I
- Lifespan Human Development
Spring or Summer
- Culturally Safe Healthcare
*This is a sample schedule only and not meant to represent the final pre-nursing program schedule. Math and Writing course depend on academic placement test or previous college credits earned. Please work with your Academic Advisor to finalize your course schedule.
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Institute & Program Area
The Institute of Health & Wellness promotes the advancement of knowledge, understanding, and reasoning in Counseling Psychology, Health Sciences, and Nursing. Honoring Alaska’s complex and distinctive histories, health care services, and systems of care, the Institute prepares students to address and engage in stewardship of our peoples and communities to promote community health and wellness for all.
The Nursing & Health Program Area is grounded in cultural competence and cultural safety, our nursing, community health, and health sciences programs provide pathways to professional goal attainment. We partner with care providers, health services, and Tribal organizations to ensure that our programs are relevant, respectful, and responsible. Join us now to meet the critical care needs of our communities.