Pre-Nursing at a Glance

Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston will offer up to 27 semester credit hours (SCH) of nursing science prerequisites for students seeking a BSN. Students who earn a grade of “B” or better in each required science course in the Pre-Nursing pathway will be eligible to apply for direct admission to the accelerated Pacesetter BSN program without taking nursing school entrance exams.*

• The admit terms are only in the Fall semesters.
• The average completion is two semesters.
• Credit requirements consist of 24 or 27 SCH (with 3 SCH elective).
• Education mode will be on campus with some online and hybrid courses. 
• Enrollment level is full-time only.
• Estimated tuition is among the lowest in Texas.

Prerequisites for Pre-Nursing

As a leading health science center, UTHealth Houston offers curriculum focused on preparing the next generation of health professionals. Students admitted to our undergraduate programs must complete several freshman- and sophomore-level courses at other institutions before admission to UTHealth Houston.  

Prior to admission to the pre-nursing pathway at Cizik School of Nursing, students must complete at least 24-30 SCH of general education courses at another institution, including 13 SCH in these specific subjects:

• English (6 SCH)
• General Chemistry with labs (4 SCH)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 SCH)

A grade of “B” or better in the courses listed are required for admission to the pre-nursing pathway, as well as a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all prerequisite courses, and a grade of “C” or better in each prerequisite taken at accredited higher education institutions. Applicants must be TSI (Texas Success Initiative) complete.

To plan which additional courses to take before applying to the Pre-Nursing pathway, please review the 60 SCH of prerequisites that are required for admission to the Pacesetter BSN program.  

*Students who complete Cizik School of Nursing’s Pre-nursing curriculum with a GPA lower than 3.0 are not eligible for direct admission. They may apply through the regular admissions process to the Pacesetter BSN program. Admission requirements are here.

Why choose Cizik School of Nursing?

Graduates of our BSN program are highly valued by employers. Our first-time pass rates on the NCLEX licensure exam for registered nurses consistently exceed the state and national averages, and the job placement rate for our 2023 graduates was 96%. Cizik School of Nursing is also among the most affordable nursing schools in the state. 

Completing your pre-nursing science courses at Cizik School of Nursing can help you gain a strong science foundation and direct acceptance to our rigorous, fast-paced accelerated Pacesetter BSN program.

Admissions Criteria

I. Policy and General Statement

A. Applicants are considered for admission into the pre-nursing program according to specified criteria.

1. Completion of at least 24 semester credit hours (SCH) of the required 60 SCH to include 13 SCH from the English (6 SCH), General Chemistry with labs (4 SCH), and Introduction to Psychology (3 SCH) at the time of application.
2. A grade of “B” or better in English, General Chemistry with labs, and Introduction to Psychology.
3. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in all prerequisite courses.
4. A grade of “C” or better in each prerequisite taken at accredited higher education institutions.

B. Pre-Nursing Courses:

Semester 1

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credit hours

• Introduction to Statistics - 3 credit hours

• Human Growth and Development across the Lifespan - 3 credit hours

• Communication in Health Care Settings (Elective) - 3 credit hours

Semester 2

• Human Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 credit hours
• Introduction to Nutrition - 3 credit hours
• Ethics - 3 credit hours
• Microbiology for Science Majors - 4 credit hours

Total: 24 or 27 (with elective) credit hours

C. Admission to Pacesetter BSN Program:

1. Upon completion of the above pre-nursing courses with a B or better in each course (GPA 3.0 or higher) and completion of all 60 credit hours of prerequisites within two years, the student is eligible for direct admission to the first semester of the BSN program (J1).
2. Students with a GPA of less than 3.0 on pre-nursing courses taken at Cizik School of Nursing are not eligible for direct admission and must meet BSN admission criteria to apply for the Pacesetter BSN program under the regular admission process. 

II. PROCEDURE

1. The student, regardless of type of admission sought, will complete the application online.
2. The student will agree to complete a Criminal Background Check.
3. If approval is required, the student will apply to the Baccalaureate Council.

Course Descriptions

BIOL 1322W Introduction to Nutrition (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction to nutrition that focuses on the basic scientific principles of  nutrition for the optimal well being of the person. The course will include properties of nutrients and their digestion, absorption, and metabolism. Emphasis is placed on  nutrition that will promote and maintain health across the continuum from illness to wellness throughout daily life and across the lifespan. 

BIOL 2401 Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 (4 Credits)

Anatomy and Physiology I is the first of a two-course sequence that examines the terminology along with the structure and function of the human body. It covers a range of topics, including cells, tissues, organs, and systems. The course also includes a laboratory component where the knowledge from the classroom is reinforced through computer simulations and critical thinking exercises.

BIOL 2402 Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 Credits)

A continuation of BIOL 2401. Emphasis will be given to the study of the anatomical and physiological interrelationships of the circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. The course also includes a laboratory component where the knowledge from the classroom is reinforced through computer simulations and critical thinking exercises. Designed primarily for students entering health careers. PRE-REQUISITE 2401

BIOL 2421 Microbiology for Science Majors (4 Credits)

A study of the morphology, biochemistry, physiology, genetic and taxonomy of microorganisms with an emphasis on bacteria. The biological principles and relationships of microorganisms to
man in agriculture, sanitation, industry, medicine, and the environment will also be emphasized. Laboratory exercises will include aseptic techniques, microscopy, culture techniques, and
determination of bacterial morphology, staining, and biochemical differentiation.

COMM 1307W Communication in Health Care Setting (3 Credits)

This elective course introduces pre-nursing students to essential communication skills in the healthcare setting. Emphasis is placed on building rapport, active listening, and effective interaction with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members. 

NURS 3560 Ethics: Historical Lessons (3 Credits)

This course will explore ethics through the perspective of historical case studies. Examples include the response of communities and governments to infectious diseases, research without consent of subjects, as well as the central role played by physicians and nurses in planning and implementing genocide in the name of eugenics and racial hygiene during the Holocaust and other genocides. The course will focus on exploring the lessons we can learn from history as we confront the challenges of problems in today's society and in the future.

PSYC 2314W Human Growth and Development Across the Lifespan (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the principles of human development from prenatal stages through late adulthood. Students will explore major developmental theories and perspectives and their applications to patient care, equipping them to recognize and address the needs of patients at various life stages. The course also examines how cultural, historical, and socioeconomic factors influence health outcomes, preparing students to deliver culturally competent and empathetic care. Through the critical evaluation of research in developmental psychology, students will develop the skills to apply evidence-based knowledge to enhance patient care and promote health across the lifespan.

PSYC 2317W Introduction to Statistics (3 Credits)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the building blocks of statistics at undergraduate level. This course will provide the basic information to gain the minimum level of statistical literacy which will include interactions with data visualization, descriptive statistics, and a general overview of inferential statistics. Conceptual descriptions of concepts will be combined with real-life examples.