Pre-Nursing

- Houghton Does Not Offer an Independent Nursing Major -

Start your nursing education in an intentionally Christian environment.

Pre-nursing at Houghton University can give you the prerequisites you need for institutions offering a BS in Nursing (BSN) or an accelerated BSN. Our optional global studies emphasis can prepare you for nursing in global service careers, medical missions or in under-resourced areas. Houghton students interested in nursing typically pursue one of three paths:

Enroll in Houghton's pre-nursing program in partnership with D'Youville University
Enroll in an accelerated BSN degree after completing a BA or BS in another field at Houghton University
Transfer to a BSN degree after completing two years at Houghton University

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Pre-Professional Pathway

Recommended Majors: Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Psychology, Global Studies

Pre-Med Advisor: Jamie Potter

Explore Course Requirements

What will I learn?

Two Houghton biology students working on dissection together during lab class.

Through Houghton’s Pre-Nursing program you will gain hands-on experience as you:

Build a foundation in the natural sciences and psychology
Serve as a volunteer EMT with the local fire department
Volunteer at an inner-city clinic in Buffalo with Jericho Road Ministries
Conduct, publish and present real research with one or more of Houghton University’s faculty members
Decide to travel to a developing country to study foundations of health development

Why study Pre-Nursing at Houghton?

Christ-Centered Foundation

Through Houghton’s holistic approach to general education and Christ-centered foundation, you’ll approach the ethical, cultural and moral challenges faced by medical professionals with Biblical compassion. In addition, Houghton’s global studies opportunities prepare you for global service opportunities in missions, NGOs, public health organizations and educational institutions.

Personal Attention from Invested Faculty

At Houghton, you'll be mentored, supported and cared for. Invested faculty care about your academic success as well as your spiritual, emotional, and professional growth. Pre-nursing students have many opportunities to get to know their professors on a personal level. Professors teach the labs as well as lectures instead of relying on teaching assistants.

Undergraduate Research

As a pre-nursing student, you'll do real research with one or more of the faculty at Houghton. Work towards publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals or present talks and posters at regional and national conferences. Opportunities for research include, collaborative research in a biology course, independent study, senior honors projects, and or collaborative research with faculty (e.g., Shannon Summer Research Institute, Cornell University and the Sierra Nevada mountains of California)

Courses Requirements

Typical Courses

General Education Curriculum (required for all students)
BIOL 217 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 218 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II
CHEM 151 – General Chemistry I
CHEM 152 – General Chemistry II
BIOL 242 – Microbiology
BIOL 209 – Introduction to Nutrition
PSY/BADM 309 Statistics or MATH 181 Calculus I
PSY 213 – Developmental Psychology

Other courses that may be required by specific BSN or accelerated nursing degrees (either BSN or MSN) include Introduction to Psychology, Pathophysiology, Theology/Religious Studies, Medical Ethics, Human Growth and Development, Sociology, and Pharmacology.

Global Studies Interest

Students interested in the nursing profession in global service careers might consider taking the following courses in addition to the ones listed above.

GBS 201 – Introduction to Global Issues
INCL 243 – Cultural Anthropology
INCL 310 – Intercultural Competencies
INCL 311 – Intercultural Experience

Other helpful courses for students interested in nursing and missions or related international careers:

MISS 241 – History of the Global Christian Movement
MISS 242 – Missions and the Global Church
Various courses as advised by the Global Service advisor: (MISS, REL, LING, INCL, BIBL, THEL options)

Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

97%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2022

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Related Pre-Professional Programs

Houghton student standing at podium during biology lecture.