A lot of people are intimidated by math, myself included.
When deciding what to major in during college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in nursing. But the thought of having to take upper-level math classes made me second guess my decision.
I did some research and talked to a few nursing students and professors, and I found out that the math requirements for nursing school are not as bad as I thought.
In this article, I’ll go over the math classes you’ll need to take for nursing school to set your mind at ease (if you’re like me and math gives you anxiety).
What Math Class Do I Need to Take For Nursing School?
The math requirements for nursing school is usually a basic algebra class or a statistics course. The math requirements for a nursing program will vary from program to program, but most will require at least 1 math class.
Why Do Nurses need to Know Math?
The primary reason nurses need to know math is for dosage calculations and medication administration. While it’s not advanced math, nurses must understand this well since it can affect patient care.
You Don’t Need to Be a Math Genius to Be a Nurse
The good news is that you don’t need to be a math genius to succeed in nursing school. In most cases, the math requirements are not overly strenuous.
However, there are a few specific math classes that you will need to take to get your degree.
Here’s a look at some of the most common math classes required for nursing students:
Algebra
Algebra is a critical class for nursing students. You’ll use algebraic equations to solve problems related to medication dosages, IV drip rates, and more.
If you struggled with algebra in high school, don’t worry – plenty of resources are available to help you brush up on your skills.
Geometry
Geometry is another important math class for nursing students. This is usually a requirement for high schoolers, which may be required once you’re looking at the LPN or the ADN pathway.
Statistics
In statistics, you’ll learn how to collect and analyze data. This data can be used to track the progress of patients, compare treatment options, and more.
Key Takeaways
As you can see, the math requirements for nursing school aren’t too bad. And who knows? You might even find that you enjoy some of the classes!
Just remember to stay focused and do your best, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career in nursing.
