Applications are now open for the new Pre-Nursing pathway at Cizik School of Nursing at UTHealth Houston. Beginning in the Fall 2025 semester, undergraduate students can complete science prerequisites and advance to the accelerated Pacesetter Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.

Students who complete each of the Pre-Nursing courses with a grade of “B” or better will be eligible to apply for direct admission to the 15-month Pacesetter program without taking nursing school entrance exams.^*

“Our BSN program is ranked No. 1 in Texas by U.S. News and World Report, and the new Pre-Nursing pathway ensures that students will receive the high-quality science education needed for our rigorous Pacesetter program,” said Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Erica Yu, PhD, RN, FNAP.

The Pre-Nursing curriculum will consist of 24 hours of core nursing prerequisites, and students may choose to take the Communication in Health Care Settings elective, a three-hour course. Hybrid instruction will combine some online learning with in-person classes and labs.

Prior to admission to the Pre-Nursing pathway, students must complete at least 24-30 hours of general education courses at another institution, including 13 hours in these specific subjects:

• English (6 hours)
• General Chemistry with labs (4 hours)
• Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)

Serving as track coordinator for the Pre-Nursing pathway and the school’s RN to BSN program is Assistant Professor Sara Lewandowski, DNP, MS, RN, CNE, HNB-BC, NC-BC. Lewandowski holds certification as a nurse educator through the National League for Nursing as well as certification as a holistic nurse and nurse coach. In 2024, she was honored as one of the city’s top 200 nurses by the Houston Chronicle and received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurse Educators.

“Whether students enroll in the Pacesetter program or the RN to BSN program, a degree from Cizik School of Nursing can open the door to career opportunities,” Lewandowski said. “I am honored to lead our new offering that will give students a pathway for admission to our affordable and top-ranked Pacesetter program, which boasts consistently high job placement rates and first-time pass rates on the NCLEX licensure exam.”

Apply using this form by March 15 for the Fall 2025 semester, and learn more about the Pre-Nursing pathway.

^*Students who complete Cizik School of Nursing’s Pre-nursing curriculum with a GPA lower than 3.0 are not eligible for direct admission. They may apply through the regular admissions process to the Pacesetter BSN program. Admission requirements are here.