Demonstrated interest in nursing, minimum high school diploma and some community college preferred.
Includes required science courses and general electives.
Completion of 18 credit requirements (minimum of two semesters).
If accepted into this program, you can also apply for this scholarship opportunity. Learn more about the UC Excelerator Scholarship.
Are you passionate about health care and are ready to take the first step toward a rewarding and in-demand nursing career? The Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program (PNPP) is designed to prepare you to earn a certificate in pre-nursing and/or become a competitive applicant for entry into a 2+2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
The PNPP certificate will help academically prepare you for success in a BSN program. To earn the certificate of completion, see requirements below.
Not sure what your year or two years could look like on your way to earning the PNPP certificate? This Certificate Pathway Model can help you visualize your journey in our Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program.
See what your certificate pathway could look like!
A BSN degree generally takes a minimum of four years to complete. Most nursing programs employ what is called a 2+2 pathway: two years are usually spent in a pre-nursing program taking prerequisite courses, and two more years are spent in a BSN program.
Even with the completion of the PNPP certificate, you may need additional courses to transfer to a 2+2 BSN program. We offer all science, general education and psychology/sociology courses required as part of a pre-nursing curriculum for transfer to a BSN program.
Not sure what your year or two years could look like on your way to transferring to a 2+2 BSN program?
To be eligible to apply for this preparatory program, you must be a U.S. resident or permanent resident, and either:
In order to earn the Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program certificate of completion, you must successfully complete 18 credit requirements as outlined below:
Substitutions are only allowed for the elective courses and will be approved by the Program Director on a case-by-case-basis.
*These courses must be taken/repeated at UC Berkeley Extension to earn the certificate.
We accept applications to our Pre-Nursing Preparatory Program (PNPP) on a rolling basis through NursingCAS. The following are general guidelines for the application/selection process:
Current community college students on pre-nursing/health-related tracks or high school graduates who have completed little to no college courses but with some health care experience are eligible to apply. Must be a U.S. or permanent resident.
All applicants must apply through NursingCAS. Be sure to add the "UC Berkeley Extension" program to your application.
There is a $1,500 nonrefundable program fee for students admitted into the program. This is a one-time program fee for the entirety of time that you are in the program, regardless of how long you are enrolled or how many courses you take.
In addition to the program fee, you will pay the fees associated for any courses that you enroll in each semester. The course fee only covers instruction, so you are also responsible for extra associated costs such as textbooks.
The Pre-Nursing Excelerator Scholarship increases access to learning opportunities for motivated adults who have faced challenges in pursuing education due to financial limitations, institutional or social barriers, or other adversities. The scholarship covers:
Once you have completed the program coursework, notify UC Berkeley Extension that you have completed the curriculum and request your Award of Completion. Send an email to extension-prehealth@berkeley.edu. After your records have been reviewed, verified and approved (usually within two to three weeks), your Award of Completion will be mailed to you.