Choosing a career in nursing is an exciting step, and understanding the difference between pre-nursing and nursing can help you feel more confident about your path. At Barry University, students typically begin in pre-nursing before transitioning into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. While both are part of the same journey, each serves a different purpose in preparing you to become a registered nurse.

Pre-nursing focuses on building a strong academic foundation. Students complete general education courses and key science prerequisites such as anatomy, physiology and microbiology. This stage helps develop critical thinking, study skills, and scientific knowledge needed to succeed in upper-division nursing coursework. Pre-nursing is ideal for students who are just starting college or those who still need to complete prerequisites before applying to the BSN program.

Once admitted into the BSN program, students move into professional nursing education. The curriculum emphasizes nursing theory, patient care, clinical decision-making, and healthcare systems. Students also participate in hands-on clinical experiences in real healthcare settings, which prepare them to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and enter the workforce as registered nurses.

One major difference between pre-nursing and nursing is clinical exposure. Pre-nursing centers on academic preparation, while the BSN program focuses on applied, skill-based training. Together, these stages create a clear, supportive pathway from student to nurse.

Barry University enhances this journey through small class sizes, dedicated faculty, strong clinical partnerships, and multiple BSN pathway options, including traditional and accelerated tracks. To learn more about Barry’s BSN pathways, visit www.barry.edu/en/academics/health-sciences/nursing-bsn/.