Getting into a nursing program requires a combination of strong prerequisite grades, a solid entrance exam score, and a well-timed application. Competition is steep: in 2024, more than 80,000 qualified applications were turned away from nursing schools nationwide, largely because programs lack enough faculty, clinical placement sites, and classroom space to accommodate demand. Knowing exactly what’s required and when to apply gives you a real advantage.
Choose Between an ADN and a BSN
Your first decision is which type of nursing degree to pursue. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) is a two-year program typically offered at community colleges, with some accelerated tracks finishing in 18 months. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is a four-year program at a college or university. Both paths qualify you to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensing exam and work as a registered nurse.
The practical differences come down to time, cost, and career trajectory. ADN programs cost less and get you working sooner, but many hospitals now prefer or require a BSN for hiring. BSN-prepared nurses also have more options for advancement into leadership, education, or specialized clinical roles. If you start with an ADN, bridge programs (RN-to-BSN) let you complete a bachelor’s degree later while working.
Complete the Right Prerequisites
Nearly every nursing program requires a set of science and general education courses before you can apply. The standard list includes anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, nutrition, human growth and development, and a statistics or math course. Some programs add introductory biology or biochemistry. These prerequisites carry real weight in admissions: your grades in these courses often matter more than your overall GPA.
A few things to keep in mind as you plan your coursework. Anatomy is typically required before physiology, and many schools won’t let you take them in the same semester. Lab components are usually mandatory. Prerequisites taken more than five to seven years ago may need to be repeated, depending on the school. If you’re working full-time, some universities now offer these courses online with virtual labs, which can make scheduling more manageable. Just verify that your target nursing program accepts online prerequisites before enrolling.
Aim for a Competitive GPA
The national average GPA for admitted nursing students is around a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Most programs set their minimum somewhere between 2.5 and 2.7, but meeting the minimum is not the same as being competitive. Programs with limited seats often look for a 3.2 or higher, and at selective schools, admitted students frequently land above 3.5.
Your science GPA gets special attention. Admissions committees typically calculate it separately from your cumulative GPA, and a strong performance in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology signals that you can handle the rigor of nursing coursework. If your GPA is on the lower end, retaking one or two key science courses and earning A’s can make a meaningful difference. Some programs also use a points-based system where GPA, test scores, and other factors are scored individually, so a weaker GPA can sometimes be offset by a strong entrance exam.
Prepare for the Entrance Exam
Most nursing programs require either the TEAS or the HESI A2 as part of your application. Which one depends on the school, so check before you start studying.
- TEAS: Covers reading, math, science, and English language usage. It’s the more commonly required of the two.
- HESI A2: Covers math, reading, vocabulary, grammar, and anatomy and physiology, with additional sections that vary by school.
There’s no universal passing score for either exam. Each program sets its own cutoff, and some evaluate your overall composite score while others require minimum scores in each section. Retake policies also vary. Some schools allow two or three attempts with a waiting period between each; others accept only your first score. Dedicated test prep over four to six weeks, focusing on the science sections, tends to yield the biggest score improvements. Study guides from the test publishers (ATI for the TEAS, Elsevier for the HESI) are the most aligned with actual exam content.
Build a Strong Application
Beyond grades and test scores, nursing programs look for evidence that you understand the profession and are genuinely motivated to pursue it. The most common application components include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and any relevant healthcare experience.
Personal statement prompts typically ask why you chose nursing as a career, what experiences drew you to the field, and what your professional goals are. The strongest essays are specific. Instead of writing broadly about wanting to help people, describe a concrete moment that shaped your decision, whether that was caring for a family member, volunteering in a clinical setting, or shadowing a nurse. Admissions readers review hundreds of essays, and the ones that stand out tell a real story.
Healthcare experience isn’t always required, but it strengthens your application considerably. Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), medical assistant, or EMT demonstrates that you’ve seen patient care up close and still want to pursue it. Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations counts too. Even a few months of direct experience gives you material for your essay and shows the admissions committee that your decision is informed.
Know the Application Timeline
Nursing program deadlines vary widely, but most follow a pattern. For a fall start, early decision deadlines can land as early as November 1 of the prior year, with priority deadlines around mid-January. Spring cohorts, where available, often have early deadlines around July 1 and priority deadlines near October 1.
Community college ADN programs sometimes operate on a rolling admissions basis or hold a lottery among qualified applicants. Others use a points-based ranking system and accept applicants in score order until seats are filled. Either way, applying early in the cycle is better than waiting. Start gathering your materials at least three to four months before the deadline. Transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters all take time to process, and a missing document can delay your application to the next cycle.
Complete Clinical Clearance Requirements
Once you’re accepted, you’ll need to meet clinical clearance requirements before you can begin working with patients. These aren’t part of the admissions decision, but failing to complete them on time can delay your start. Most programs require six components:
- Background check: A criminal background check, typically valid for two years.
- Drug screening: A urine drug test, usually valid for two years. You’ll pay for the test yourself, and results take 5 to 10 business days.
- Immunizations: Up-to-date records including an annual flu vaccine (administered after August 1 each fall) and annual tuberculosis screening.
- CPR certification: Must be American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers, covering adult, child, infant, and AED use. Valid for two years.
- Health clearance: A physical exam or health form completed by your provider.
- Disclosure form: A signed acknowledgment of program requirements and policies.
These requirements reflect what hospitals and clinical sites demand. Programs can’t place you at a clinical site without them, so treat these deadlines as seriously as any academic deadline.
What to Do if You Don’t Get In
With more than 80,000 qualified applications turned away in 2024 alone, rejection doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for nursing. The biggest barriers are capacity issues on the school’s side: not enough instructors, not enough clinical spots, not enough space. Many qualified applicants get in on their second attempt after strengthening one or two weak areas.
If your GPA was the issue, retake your lowest prerequisite courses. If your entrance exam score was borderline, invest in structured test prep and retake it. If your application was otherwise strong, consider applying to a broader range of programs, including community college ADN programs that may have less competitive admissions. You can always bridge to a BSN later. Some applicants also use the gap time to gain CNA certification and clinical experience, which both strengthens the next application and confirms that bedside care is the right fit.