Nursing school prerequisites typically include six to eight college-level courses in science and general education, a minimum GPA of around 3.0, an entrance exam, and several health and background clearances. The exact list varies by program, but the core requirements are remarkably consistent across both Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tracks.
Required Science Courses
Science prerequisites form the backbone of any nursing application. Nearly every program requires the following:
- Anatomy and Physiology I & II: Two-semester sequence covering body systems. Each course is typically at least 3 credits. Some schools offer this as separate Anatomy and Physiology courses rather than a combined sequence, but you usually can’t mix and match between the two formats.
- Microbiology: Covers bacteria, viruses, and infection, which are central to nursing practice. Medical microbiology courses are generally accepted.
- Chemistry with lab: Usually general or inorganic chemistry as a 4-credit course including a lab component. Organic chemistry and biochemistry often do not satisfy this requirement.
- Statistics: A math-based course focused on interpreting data, which you’ll use when reading medical research and understanding patient outcomes.
A minimum grade of C is standard across most programs for every prerequisite course. That said, a C is the floor, not the target. Admissions committees at competitive programs weigh science course grades heavily, and the average GPA of admitted students is often well above the posted minimum. If you repeat a science course, many schools will only factor in your first and second attempts when calculating your science GPA.
General Education Prerequisites
Beyond the hard sciences, most programs require a few additional courses that prepare you for the human side of patient care:
- Developmental psychology: This is not the same as intro to psychology or general psychology. Programs want a lifespan development course that covers physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from prenatal life through death and bereavement. Courses titled “Child Psychology” or “Abnormal Psychology” typically don’t count.
- Nutrition: A course in human nutrition or nutrition science. Basic food science courses may not qualify.
- English composition: Required by many programs, though sometimes fulfilled through general education at your college.
Some programs add a few more, like sociology, ethics, or a second English course. Always check the specific prerequisite list for each school you’re applying to, because substitutions that work at one program may be rejected at another.
GPA Expectations
Most BSN programs post a minimum GPA requirement around 2.75 to 3.0, but meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission. Applicant pools are competitive, and the average GPA of students who actually get accepted is often significantly higher than the cutoff. Programs evaluate your cumulative GPA and your science GPA separately, and the science GPA carries more weight in many admissions decisions.
If your GPA is borderline, strong entrance exam scores, healthcare experience, and a solid personal statement can help, but they rarely compensate for weak science grades.
Entrance Exams: TEAS and HESI A2
Most nursing programs require one of two standardized tests: the ATI TEAS or the HESI A2. You won’t need to take both, just whichever one your target school specifies.
The TEAS has four multiple-choice sections: Reading (64 minutes), Math (54 minutes), Science (63 minutes), and English (28 minutes). A common passing threshold is 75% overall, though some programs set the bar higher or require minimum scores in each section individually. The science section sometimes has a lower cutoff, around 58% to 60%, labeled as “proficient.”
The HESI A2 tests similar material: math, grammar, anatomy and physiology, and reading comprehension. Some programs require scores of 85% or higher. Both exams are designed to measure whether you’re ready for the academic rigor of a nursing curriculum, so brushing up on high school and introductory college-level science and math is the best preparation.
How Long Prerequisites Stay Valid
Science prerequisites have expiration dates. Many programs require that courses like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry were completed within 7 to 10 years of your expected start date. General education credits like English, statistics, and psychology typically don’t expire.
This matters most for career changers. If you took anatomy 12 years ago, you’ll likely need to retake it. The reasoning is straightforward: medical knowledge evolves, and programs want students whose science foundation is current. AP exam scores are sometimes accepted in place of coursework, but the window is tighter. Some schools only accept AP scores earned within the last five years, and only if you scored a 4 or 5.
Health and Immunization Requirements
Before you can enter clinical rotations (the hands-on hospital and clinic portions of nursing school), you’ll need to clear several health requirements. These aren’t technically admissions prerequisites, but you’ll need them completed early in your program and some schools require proof before you start.
Standard immunization requirements for nursing students include hepatitis B, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. COVID-19 vaccination requirements vary by state and institution. You’ll also need a tuberculosis screening, and most programs require current BLS (Basic Life Support) or CPR certification through the American Heart Association.
A drug screening is standard. Many programs test at admission and again before clinical placements.
Background Check Requirements
Every nursing program requires a criminal background check, and state boards of nursing conduct another one before granting your license. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing recommends that all applications include biometric (fingerprint-based) checks at both state and federal levels, and that applicants disclose all misdemeanors, felonies, and plea agreements.
Not every offense is automatically disqualifying. Boards evaluate the nature and seriousness of the crime, how much time has passed, its relationship to patient care, and evidence of rehabilitation. However, certain offenses carry very serious consequences. Crimes of a sexual or predatory nature can result in outright denial. A pattern of repeated offenses, criminal mistreatment of children or vulnerable adults, or violent felonies like murder or assault are treated with similar gravity. A history of substance use triggers a mandatory evaluation, with the outcome depending on your state board’s policies.
If you have any criminal history, it’s worth contacting your state board of nursing directly before investing in prerequisites. They can give you a clearer picture of how your specific situation would be evaluated.
Healthcare Experience
Most nursing programs don’t require prior healthcare experience, but it strengthens your application. Volunteer or work experience in a clinical setting is typically listed as “strongly recommended” rather than mandatory. Programs that do award points for experience often cap the credit at around 50 to 100 hours completed within the last two years.
Relevant roles include certified nursing assistant (CNA), emergency medical technician (EMT), medical assistant, licensed vocational nurse, respiratory therapist, pharmacy technician, and lab technician. Even informal volunteer work at a hospital or clinic counts at some schools. Beyond boosting your application, this kind of experience helps you confirm that direct patient care is something you actually want to do for a career.
Prerequisites for Accelerated Programs
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN programs let you become a registered nurse in 11 to 18 months. The prerequisite courses are largely the same: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, statistics, and developmental psychology. The key difference is the pace and the admissions bar. Accelerated programs typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA and put applicants through a thorough prescreening process.
Many career changers can apply general education credits from their first degree and only need to complete the science prerequisites before starting. If your original degree was in a science field, even more of your coursework may transfer, as long as those courses fall within the program’s validity window.