Get the Foundation You Need to Become a Health Care Provider

Complete nursing prerequisites and begin your path to a high-demand career as an RN.

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Length of Program

10 Weeks

Spring 2025

Deadline:
October 21, 2024
Starts:  
July 8

Summer 2025

Deadline:
March 24, 2025
Starts:  
November 4

Fall 2025

Deadline:
June 23, 2025
Starts:  
April 1

This program is offered entirely online

The Online Prerequisites for Entry to Nursing (OPEN) program allows non-nurses to take courses needed to apply to nursing school or other health professions that require science prerequisites.

All courses are taught by Columbia University faculty and are undergraduate-level. Course offerings are available three times per year with each session lasting ten weeks. The courses were developed to allow students to take the courses at their own pace, simultaneously or one course per term, no prerequisites needed. Upon completion, all grades are posted on an official transcript from Columbia University.

Please note that upon completion of the OPEN program, students who want to continue their education at Columbia School of Nursing should review admissions requirements for the degree program of their choice.

Program Director
Sally Aboelela, PhD, RN

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Growth Rate

12%

Average Salary for an RN

$73,300*

In alignment with our commitment to social justice and health equity, these prerequisite courses are offered online and at a discounted tuition.

-75%
$350/credit for a 3-4 credit course*excludes university fees

What Makes an Education at Columbia Nursing Unique

Educational Excellence

We prepare students to excel as clinicians, researchers, and nurse leaders. Our reputation for innovation and excellence attracts highly motivated students who are eager to apply the knowledge they acquire and practice at the highest level of the profession.

Global Health

Columbia University School of Nursing prepares nurses with the knowledge, clinical expertise, and leadership skills to contribute to the vast health challenges facing most of the world's population.Our mission is to instill in nursing students a sense of global citizenship and ethical responsibility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after I complete the application?

Once the application has been submitted, enrolled OPEN students will be contacted by the admissions office and will receive registration information for courses prior to the term starting.

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What is the process for paying my bill?

Once you have activated your student account and registered via the University system, you will receive a final bill. This will be emailed by the Bursar’s office to your Columbia University email address and will include the process on how to pay your bill. This bill will need to be paid prior to the first day of class.

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I am enrolled in the OPEN program. Does this mean that I am automatically accepted into the MDE program?

No, enrollment in the OPEN program does not mean that you are accepted to any of our degree granting programs. If you are interested in any of our degree granting programs, you will need to complete an admissions application during the application period.

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Is this program on campus?

All courses offered through the OPEN program are hosted online.

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Am I eligible for financial aid?

No, as this is a non-degree seeking program, you will not be eligible for financial aid.

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Are these courses accredited and transferable?

The courses are fully accredited and transferable. All courses are hosted by Columbia University faculty and transcripts are provided by the university.

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Unlock a Variety of Career Opportunities

There are a variety of career paths and opportunities you can take as you enter the nursing field. Completing your prerequisites is the beginning to gaining the foundational knowledge you need to enter nursing or other health care professions.

Hospitals

Physicians' Offices

Nursing Care Facilities

Home Health Care Services

Courses

Human Anatomy & Physiology I

Human Anatomy & Physiology II

Introduction
to Human Nutrition

Microbiology

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