Most LPN programs require a high school diploma or GED, a handful of science and math courses, CPR certification, and a clean background check. Some programs also require an entrance exam. The exact list varies by school, but the core prerequisites are consistent across the country.
Education and Age Minimums
Every LPN program requires proof of a high school diploma or GED. There are no exceptions to this. Some states also set a minimum age for licensure. New York, for example, requires you to be at least 17 years old to receive an LPN license, and most states fall in the 17 to 18 range.
If English isn’t your first language, you’ll likely need to demonstrate proficiency. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing recommends a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 84 overall, with at least a 26 on the speaking section. The council determined that language demands are the same for LPNs and RNs, despite differences in scope of practice, so the bar is identical.
Science and Math Courses
The prerequisite course list depends heavily on the program, but science is the backbone. A typical set of requirements includes:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II: Two semesters covering the structure and function of the body. Most programs require a grade of C or better in both.
- Microbiology: A study of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms relevant to infection and disease. Also typically requires a C or better.
- Introductory Biology: Some schools require a foundational biology course before you can enroll in anatomy or microbiology. Others let you test out of it or request a waiver.
- Math: You’ll need to demonstrate college-level math eligibility. This usually means basic algebra, though some programs accept a placement test score instead of a completed course.
If you’re starting from scratch with no college credits, expect the prerequisite courses alone to take about two semesters. Anatomy and physiology is often taught as a two-semester sequence, and microbiology may require introductory biology first, so planning the order matters. Taking courses out of sequence can add an extra semester.
GPA Requirements
Programs set a minimum GPA for admission, typically around 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (a C+ average) across your prerequisite and support courses. That said, meeting the minimum doesn’t guarantee a spot. When more qualified applicants apply than a program can accept, schools rank candidates by GPA. A 3.0 or higher in your science courses makes you significantly more competitive.
Entrance Exams
Many LPN programs require a standardized entrance exam, most commonly the HESI A2 or the TEAS. These tests assess reading comprehension, math, grammar, and basic science knowledge. On the HESI A2, most schools require at least a 75% on each section or a 75% cumulative score. Scores between 80% and 89% are considered very good, and anything above 90% is excellent. Scoring below 75% typically means you’ll need remediation before applying.
Some programs use a basic skills test instead of the HESI or TEAS. Your school’s admissions page will specify which exam they accept and what score they require.
CPR and BLS Certification
You’ll need Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association before starting clinical rotations. This is the healthcare provider version, not the community CPR class offered at your local rec center. The course covers adult, child, and infant CPR, mouth-to-mask ventilation, and AED training. It takes about four hours to complete and costs between $50 and $80 at most training sites. Certification is valid for two years, so time it so it won’t expire mid-program.
Immunizations and Health Screenings
Clinical sites are healthcare facilities, and they require proof that you won’t introduce or contract preventable diseases. Before your first clinical day, you’ll typically need documentation of:
- Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella: Either vaccination records or blood titers showing immunity
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap): A current booster
- Hepatitis B: A surface antibody titer proving immunity (you can decline the vaccine if your titer comes back negative, though this may limit clinical placements)
- Influenza: The most recent season’s flu shot
- TB screening: A tuberculosis test result from within 90 days of your start date
If you’re missing vaccinations or don’t have records, your doctor can order titers (a simple blood draw) to check your immunity levels. Starting this process early saves stress, since some vaccine series take months to complete.
Background Checks and Drug Screening
Nearly all programs require a criminal background check before enrollment. Certain convictions, particularly felonies involving violence, fraud, or substance abuse, can disqualify you from clinical placement and ultimately from licensure. If you have a criminal history, contact your state’s Board of Nursing directly before applying. Many boards offer a pre-determination process that tells you whether your record would prevent licensure, saving you time and tuition money.
Drug screening is standard as well. Programs typically require a urine drug test before clinicals begin, and some clinical sites conduct random testing throughout the program. A positive result can lead to immediate dismissal. If you take any prescribed controlled substances, be prepared to provide documentation from your prescribing provider.
Putting It All Together
If you already have a high school diploma and no college credits, a realistic timeline looks like this: one to two semesters completing prerequisite courses, a few weeks gathering immunization records and scheduling your BLS class, and then the LPN program itself, which runs 12 to 18 months at most schools. The prerequisites are the part most people underestimate. Anatomy and physiology courses fill up fast at community colleges, and getting a C or better in those classes takes consistent effort. Starting your background check, immunizations, and entrance exam prep while you’re finishing coursework keeps everything on track so you can enter the program as soon as you’re academically eligible.