Prerequisites Explained

Prerequisites trip up more aspiring hygienists than the program itself. They’re not busywork — they’re the foundation your clinical training is built on, and getting them right up front saves you time and money.

What prerequisites usually include

Requirements vary by program, but you’ll commonly see a cluster of science and general-education courses. Always confirm the exact list with each program you’re applying to, since specifics differ.

• Anatomy and physiology — often a two-course sequence, and frequently the most important prerequisite.
• Chemistry — general and sometimes organic or biochemistry.
• Microbiology.
• General education — English composition, psychology, sociology, and college-level math are common.

Why grades matter more than you’d think

Because seats are limited, many programs admit competitively based largely on prerequisite grades. A course that merely “passed” may not be strong enough to win a seat. Treat prerequisites as your admissions audition, not a checkbox — and check each program’s minimum grade and recency rules, since some won’t accept science courses older than a certain number of years.

Plan the sequence early. Some prerequisites are themselves gated by other courses, so a little scheduling now can shave a whole semester off your timeline.

A smart order of operations

• Pull the prerequisite list from every program you’re considering and build one combined checklist.
• Knock out the widely required, foundational courses (like anatomy and physiology) first.
• Protect your GPA — take a manageable load so each science grade is strong.
• Keep transcripts and course descriptions handy; you may need them to prove equivalency.