Columbia University School Nursing is committed to preparing future nurses by offering an excellent education, beginning with prerequisitecourses.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 schools 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 modules are set up independently and allow registration for courses to be taken concurrently. Upon completion, all grades are posted on an official transcript from Columbia University. The courses are fully accredited and transferable.
In alignment with our commitment to social justice and health equity, these courses are offered online and at a discounted tuition.
OPEN Program Calendar
Fall 2022
- August 29 - September 9, 2022: OPEN Early Registration Period (New Students)
- September 12, 2022:OPEN Fall Session Begins
- September 12-16, 2022:OPEN Change of Program Period
- September 16, 2022:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded
- November 21, 2022:OPEN Fall Session Ends
Spring 2023
- January 9 - 20, 2023:OPEN Early Registration Period (New OPEN Students)
- January 23, 2023:OPEN Spring Session Begins
- January 23 - 27, 2023:OPEN Change of Program Period
- January 27, 2023:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded
- April 3, 2023:OPEN Spring Session Ends
Summer 2023
- May 30 - June 9, 2023: OPEN Early Registration Period (New Students) (Anticipated)
- June 12, 2023:OPEN SummerSession Begins(Anticipated)
- June12-16, 2023: OPEN Change of Program Period(Anticipated)
- June 16, 2023:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded (Anticipated)
- August 21, 2023:OPEN SummerSession Ends(Anticipated)
Fall 2023
- August 28 - September 8, 2023:OPEN Early Registration Period (New Students) (Anticipated)
- September 11, 2023:OPEN Fall Session Begins(Anticipated)
- September 11-15, 2023:OPEN Change of Program Period(Anticipated)
- September 15, 2023:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded (Anticipated)
- November 20, 2023:OPEN Fall Session Ends(Anticipated)
Spring 2024
- January 8- 19, 2024:OPEN Early Registration Period (New OPEN Students)
- January 22, 2024:OPEN Spring Session Begins
- January 22- 26, 2024:OPEN Change of Program Period
- January 26, 2024:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded
- April 1, 2024:OPEN Spring Session Ends
Summer 2024
- May 27 - June 7, 2024: OPEN Early Registration Period (New Students) (Anticipated)
- June 10, 2024:OPEN SummerSession Begins(Anticipated)
- June10-14 2024: OPEN Change of Program Period(Anticipated)
- June 14, 2024:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded (Anticipated)
- August 9, 2024:OPEN SummerSession Ends(Anticipated)
Fall 2024
- August 25- September 6, 2024:OPEN Early Registration Period (New Students) (Anticipated)
- September 9, 2024:OPEN Fall Session Begins(Anticipated)
- September 9-13, 2024:OPEN Change of Program Period(Anticipated)
- September 13, 2024:Last Day to Add/Drop Course with Tuition Refunded (Anticipated)
- November 15, 2024:OPEN Fall Session Ends(Anticipated)
School of Nursing Academic Calendar
For program related questions please contact cuson-open@cumc.columbia.edu.
Registration Policies & Procedures
The OPEN Program is a remote online non-degree program. Students in the OPEN program can only enroll in Columbia Nursing OPEN courses. OPEN students do not receive Columbia University ID cards, and do not have access to University campus buildings or events.
Students Enrolled or Applying to other Columbia University (or Affiliate) Schools
Columbia students can only enroll underoneschool at a time.
Cross-Registration for Non-Nursing Columbia University Students
If enrolled in another Columbia University program, Columbia Nursing allows a limited number of students tocross-register in OPEN courses during the OPEN Change of Program period. Students thatcross-register will be billed by their home school. Students enrolled in other Columbia programs can complete theOPEN Cross-Registration Request Formto indicate your interest incross-registering in OPEN courses. Students will be added to a waitlist tocross-register in OPEN courses at Columbia Nursing. Please note that submission of this form does not guarantee permission tocross-register. Students approved tocross-register will be emailed by the Office of Student Services at Columbia Nursing during the OPEN change of program period.
OPEN Enrollment Policy
Students enrolled in the OPEN Program are considered active, non-degree students for a period of one academic year (three consecutive semesters). During this time, students can enroll in OPEN courses only (OPEN students cannot cross register at other courses outside of the School of Nursing) and have an active Columbia Nursing email account. Admissions does not grant deferrals in the OPEN program and will need to reapply if they cannot enroll in the semester they are applying to.
OPEN Faculty
Sally Aboelela, PhD, RN
- Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II
- View Profile
Michelle Evans, DNP
- Microbiology
Gabrielle A. Ranger-Murdock, DNP, PMHNP
- Introduction to Developmental Psychology: A Lifespan Perspective
Lora Sp*rny, Ed.D
- Human Nutrition
- View Profile
Courses
Course ID
Course Name
Credits
Description
NURS4104N
Introduction to Human Nutrition
3
Thisundergraduate-levelintroductory courseprovides an overview of the science of nutrition and nutrition's relationship to health promotion and disease prevention. The primary focus is on the essential macronutrients and micronutrients, including their chemical structures, food sources, digestion and absorption, metabolism, storage,and excretion. Studentsdevelop the skills to evaluate dietary patterns andto estimate caloric requirements and nutrient needs using tools such asDietary Guidelines for Americans,My Plate,Nutrition Facts Labels,and Dietary Reference Intakes.
NURS4105N
Human Anatomy & Physiology I with Lab
4
Thisundergraduate-levelintroductory course is the first of a two-course-series on human anatomy and physiology. Using a body systems approach, we will study the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Foundational concepts from chemistry, cell biology, and histology are reviewed and built upon through the progression of topics. Each of the body systems will be studied for their structure, function, and mechanisms of regulation. The core concepts of levels of organization, interdependence of systems, and homeostasis will be emphasized throughout the course. This beginner level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology within a nursing curriculum.
NURS4106N
Human Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab
4
Thisundergraduate-levelintroductory course is the second of a two-course series on human anatomy and physiology. Using a body systems approach, we will study the anatomical structure and physiological function of the human body. Foundational concepts from chemistry, cell biology, and histology are reviewed and built upon through the progression of topics. Each of the body systems will be studied for their structure, function, and mechanisms of regulation. The core concepts of levels of organization, interdependence of systems, and homeostasis will be emphasized throughout the course. This beginner level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of physiology and pathophysiology within a nursing curriculum.
NURS4110N
Microbiology with Lab
4
This online undergraduate-levelintroductory course focuses on the core concepts and principles of microbiology. We will explore how microorganisms co-exist and interact with humans creating both beneficial and pathological results. We will survey the diversity of microorganisms,their classification,and the essentialprocesses neededforsurvival;which will dictate the environments in which they can thrive. This exploration of microorganism diversity will include topics such as microbial nutrition and metabolism, genetics, and antimicrobialmechanisms employed by and against microorganisms. Special attention will begiven to understanding the human immune system, mechanisms of infection by pathogenic microorganisms,and the role non-harmful microbiota serve in supporting immune function.The weekly lab component of this course will support and complement each learning module and familiarize students with basic microbiologic lab techniques.
NURS4111N
Introduction to Developmental Psychology: A Lifespan Perspective
3
This introductory course covers human development across the lifespan. The course will provide an overview of development and the complexity of human growth through physical, cognitive, emotional, and social capacities. A review of historical and modern-day developmental theories as well as more complex interpersonal constructs, such as cultural variations, will be discussed. Special emphasis is placed upon examining the dynamic interplay between biology and environment with relevant application to nursing practice. The role of social and cultural stressors such as racism and socioeconomics in shaping human development will be examined. This undergraduate-level course will lay the foundation for further advanced study of human development within a nursing curriculum.
Total Credits:
18
