certificate

Post-Baccalaureate in Pre-Nursing Studies

Complete rigorous math and science courses to prepare to apply for accelerated undergraduate nursing programs or entry-level M.S. studies.

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This program is perfect for...

Students planning for nursing careers
Prospective nursing school applicants looking to boost their GPA
Aspiring career-transition nurses lacking previous undergraduate math and science coursework
Enrollees needing flexible part-time, full-time, and evening class schedules
Students interested in taking individual pre-nursing courses
Professionals seeking networking opportunities with program instructors and alumni

What you can learn.

Study the UCLA curriculum recognized and respected by top medical and professional schools
Learn the core disciplines of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics
Experience rigorous and research-informed academic content
Cover a wide variety of subjects from other science disciplines, in addition to the humanities and social sciences

Enhance your nursing school application.

The UCLA Extension Post-Baccalaureate in Pre-Nursing Studies is designed to provide foundational classes for students planning on applying to entry-level master’s programs or accelerated bachelor’s programs in nursing.

The Certificate is a rigorous full-service offering geared toward working adults; curriculum courses in math and the sciences may fulfill nursing school prerequisites. In addition to evening and weekend classes, expert program advisors, instructors who work in the field and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, the program delivers key continuing education needs such as:

The latest information about emerging research in the health sciences
Academic counseling and resources, including student orientation, optional resume critiques and answers to questions about completing nursing school applications
Support during the nursing school application process
Optional workshops on writing a personal statement
Help identifying sources for nursing volunteer hours, including potential opportunities with the Nursing Volunteer Program at UCLA Ronald Reagan Hospital

Format: In-Person + Limited Online Courses
Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)

Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board includes licensed, practicing health care professionals in
the nursing field. Members participated in curriculum development and review, determining admission requirements, and vetting instructors. They include:

Barbara Bates-Jensen PhD, RN, WOCN, FAAN, Professor, UCLA School of Nursing
Suzette Cardin RN, PhD, former Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at UCLA School of Nursing
Cord Kirshner RN, MSN, Clinical Nurse, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Khanh Luu RN, MSN, Nursing Volunteer Program Manager, UCLA Health System
Michelle Tolentino RN, MSN, Director of Nursing Administration, UCLA Health System

Earned credits are transferable to UC and Cal State University campuses, as well as many universities nationwide (some limitations may apply).

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Virtual Open House

Learn how our program can help you achieve your pre-nursing goals in this informative, interactive session with an opportunity for general advising.

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Courses

Click below to view the required and elective courses, if applicable, for this program.

Required (9)

Required Courses

General Chemistry for Life Scientists I

CHEM XL 14A

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

General Chemistry for Life Scientists II

CHEM XL 14B

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

General and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I

CHEM XL 14BL

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Introduction to Human Physiology

PHYSCI XL 3

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Introduction to Human Anatomy

PHYSCI XL 13

Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer

Microbiology Laboratory for Professional Schools

MIMG XL 100L

Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

Introductory Microbiology

MIMG XL 101

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Introductory Psychology

PSYCH XL 10

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Statistics Requirement

Complete one of the following courses in statistics.

Introduction to Statistical Reasoning

STATS XL 10

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Introduction to Statistical Methods for Life and Health Sciences

STATS XL 13

Typically Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

How to Get Started

Courses in this program are open enrollment, and each class is paid for individually. You may take courses without committing to the program however, establishing candidacy provides many benefits exclusive to our certificate students.

Program Requirements

To fulfill program requirements, students must complete a total of 37 units—including nine required classes and two optional electives—with a grade of “C” or better in each course.

Students are required to maintain a quarterly “B” (3.0) average GPA in the Certificate. Any student not meeting minimum scholarship standards will be contacted by the Student Affairs Officer working in the Department, and offered resources and counseling.

How to Apply

How to Apply

Click the Apply Now button below
Login or create a new student account
Once you are logged into the student portal, you can select “My Applications” from the left side menu at any time to return to your application. Click the yellow “Start” button to proceed.
On the Certificate Application page, follow the instructions and click save. Then submit your application.
Proceed to checkout and pay the nonrefundable candidacy fee to finalize your application.

International Students

This certificate is approved for international students to study full time in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

International students must meet English language proficiency requirements for admission into the program.

While most certificate programs begin each quarter, some have limited intakes for students studying on F-1 visa. Find this program on the Browse Certificate Programs page to confirm entry quarters before applying.

Learn more:

Estimated Cost Breakdown

All courses in this program are paid for individually, unless otherwise noted. An application form is required to establish candidacy in this program. From the 'Apply Now' button, complete the online application and pay the application fee if applicable.

Application & Candidacy Fee

125.00

Estimated Program Tuition

10695.00

Estimated program textbook/materials

1000.00

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*The Application & Candidacy Fee establishes your candidacy in the program for a period of time covering normal progress toward completion and may allow you to access a variety of program benefits.

Internships
Available

Approved for
International Visa

VA Benefit
Eligible

Federal
Financial Aid

**Federal Financial Aid Gainful Employment Disclosures

The U.S. Department of Education requires colleges and universities to disclose certain information for any financial aid eligible program that, “prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation”. This information includes program costs; occupations that the program prepares students to enter; occupational profiles; on time completion rate; and for the most recent award year: the number of students who have completed the program, the number of students who complete the program within the estimated duration, the job placement rate, and the median Title IV and private loan debt incurred by those who complete the program. For gainful employment information for this program, visit our Financial Aid page.

two genetic scientists chemists working together in a labratory

Prepare for Medical School

For students interested in applying to medical school or other pre-health programs, UCLA Extension also offers a post-baccalaureate certificate program in Pre-Medical and General Science Studies.

Learn More