How do Online Prerequisite Courses work?

Each Online Prerequisite Course from the University of Rochester School of Nursing is made up of a number of modules. These modules may include readings from a textbook or articles, PowerPoint presentations and/or video instruction. At the end of each module, you will take an online test covering that material. The nature of the learning and testing varies from knowledge-based learning to applied learning.

There are also optional assignments designed to help you learn the material. These assignments generally do not need to be turned in to the instructor unless you would like faculty assistance or feedback.

Average Course Length: 4-12 Weeks

The length of time to complete each course depends on the type of course and its requirements, as well as other individual considerations such as your learning style and schedule. If you begin a course on the first available start date, you have at least 12 weeks to complete the modules. You may also finish sooner depending on your needs, speed, or availability. On average, a 3-credit course will require 135 hours of work. Lab courses also require purchase of a lab kit and may take additional time for observation and analysis.

3-Credit Didactic Courses

Online Prerequisite Courses are entirely online. Each course is comprised of 10 to 15 modules. Modules might include video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, readings, or other activities. Once students feel they have mastered the material, they take a graded quiz at the end of the module and move on to the next one. There are no written papers, midterms or finals.

Each course is taught by a School of Nursing faculty member who is available for questions. Online Prerequisite Courses are asynchronous, which means students work on their own time and at their own pace.

1-Credit Lab Courses

To conduct hands-on labs in your home setting, you will purchase a kit from eScience Labs or the UR Barnes & Noble Bookstore, depending on the course and whether you are receiving financial aid. The lab kit includes all the necessary resources to complete every course experiment.

In addition, your course faculty will provide instructional support and eScience Labs will provide technical support for every experiment. You will complete the lab at your own pace via the interactive online modules, by submitting lab reports, pictures of your progress, and taking a knowledge quiz for each lab topic. Your work will be graded by your School of Nursing course faculty.