Nursing school prerequisites typically include a set of science courses, a few general education classes, an entrance exam, and a competitive GPA. The exact list varies depending on whether you’re pursuing an associate degree (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree (BSN), and every school has its own specific requirements. But the core expectations are remarkably consistent across programs, and knowing them early lets you plan your coursework strategically.
Science Courses Form the Foundation
Every nursing program requires a block of science prerequisites, and these courses are where admissions committees focus most of their attention. The standard lineup includes human anatomy, human physiology (sometimes combined into a single two-semester sequence), microbiology, and chemistry. At a school like UCLA, for example, the required science preparation spans general chemistry, organic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, physiology, human anatomy, and medical microbiology. That’s roughly 30 semester units of science before you even start nursing classes.
BSN programs generally require more science than ADN programs. Both expect anatomy, biology, chemistry, and psychology, but a bachelor’s program often adds coursework in pathophysiology, organic chemistry, or additional biology. ADN programs at community colleges cover many of the same subjects but in fewer total courses, making them faster to complete on the prerequisite side.
A few things to keep in mind about science prerequisites: most programs require that you earn at least a B in each course, many won’t accept courses older than five to seven years, and repeating a science course more than once can hurt your application even if your final grade is strong.
General Education Requirements
Beyond the sciences, nursing programs require a handful of non-science courses. The most common are English composition, statistics, developmental psychology, and nutrition. NYU’s nursing program, for instance, lists statistics, nutrition, and developmental psychology as prerequisites alongside its science requirements.
These courses serve a real purpose in nursing practice. Statistics prepares you to read and interpret clinical research. Developmental psychology covers how people grow and change across the lifespan, which is directly relevant to pediatric and geriatric care. Nutrition ties into patient education and chronic disease management. English composition matters because nurses document constantly, and clear writing prevents errors.
Some BSN programs also require a speech or communications course and one or two humanities electives. ADN programs typically have a shorter general education list, sometimes only English and psychology.
GPA Expectations Are Higher Than You Think
Nursing programs are competitive, and the GPA numbers reflect that. While many schools list a minimum GPA of 2.75 to 3.0, the students who actually get admitted tend to have much higher grades. Data from California nursing programs shows average admitted GPAs ranging from 3.4 at less competitive schools to 3.95 or higher at the most selective ones.
At Cal State Long Beach, the average admitted GPA was 3.95, with science GPAs in the same range. Cal State Sacramento reported an average of 3.99 among admitted students. Even programs outside California show similar patterns: Arizona State University’s average admitted GPA falls between 3.8 and 3.9, and the University of Portland averages 3.6 overall with science GPAs above 3.7. Private universities tend to be slightly less extreme but still competitive. Azusa Pacific averages around 3.43 overall, while the University of San Francisco comes in at 3.8.
Your science GPA often matters more than your cumulative GPA. Programs frequently calculate a separate GPA for your prerequisite science courses, and a weak grade in anatomy or microbiology can outweigh an otherwise strong transcript. If you’re aiming for a competitive BSN program, treat every science course as one where you need an A.
Entrance Exams: TEAS vs. HESI A2
Most nursing programs require one of two standardized entrance exams: the TEAS or the HESI A2. You won’t get to choose which one to take. Your program will specify which exam it accepts.
The TEAS is a standardized test that covers reading, math, science, and English language usage. Every student takes the same sections in the same order, and the exam takes about 3.5 hours. You receive a composite score from 0 to 100 percent along with breakdowns by category. The TEAS costs between $70 and $100, and scores are typically valid for two years.
The HESI A2 is more flexible. Schools choose which sections to include, so the test structure and difficulty can vary depending on where you’re applying. Possible sections include math, reading, vocabulary and grammar, and anatomy and physiology. The exam takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours depending on the required sections, and it costs between $40 and $100. Each section is scored individually alongside an overall score, and validity periods vary by institution.
Passing requirements differ by school. Some set minimum scores for each section, while others evaluate your overall performance. Check your target program’s website for specific score thresholds before you register.
Application Materials Beyond Academics
Prerequisites aren’t just about coursework and test scores. Most nursing programs also require a personal statement and professional references, and your application is stronger with documented healthcare experience.
Your personal statement should do more than tell your life story. Admissions officers want to see why you chose nursing, why you chose their program specifically, and evidence that you work well on a team. Duke’s nursing admissions team advises applicants to write clearly and concisely, focusing on directly answering the prompt rather than getting lost in lengthy storytelling. The goal is to reveal qualities that aren’t visible in your transcript or test scores.
For references, pick people who know you in a professional or academic capacity and can speak to your character, your competence, and your readiness for a rigorous program. The person’s title matters less than what they can actually say about you. Family members and family friends should never be listed. Strong references touch on three things: professional competency, academic capability, and personal character.
Leadership and volunteer experience also carry weight. Any role where you took responsibility for others counts, whether that’s captaining a sports team, organizing a community health event, or volunteering at a clinic. Include these on your resume even if they seem unrelated to healthcare.
Health and Background Requirements
Once you’re accepted (and sometimes as part of the application), nursing programs require proof of certain immunizations, a background check, and often a drug screen. These aren’t optional, and incomplete records can delay or prevent your enrollment.
Standard immunization requirements for healthcare workers include hepatitis B, influenza, measles/mumps/rubella (MMR), and varicella (chickenpox). Some states mandate these by law for anyone working in a hospital setting, while others require hospitals to follow CDC recommendations. You may also need a tuberculosis test. If you’re missing any vaccinations, plan to start the series early since hepatitis B, for example, requires multiple doses over several months.
Criminal background checks are standard across nursing programs because you’ll be working directly with patients during clinical rotations. Certain convictions can disqualify you from licensure, so if you have any concerns, check with your state’s board of nursing before investing in prerequisite courses.
ADN vs. BSN: How Prerequisites Differ
ADN programs, typically offered at community colleges, require fewer prerequisite courses and can be completed in about two years once you start the nursing curriculum. The core prerequisites still include chemistry, anatomy, biology, psychology, and English, but you’ll take fewer total courses before beginning the program. This makes the ADN a faster and less expensive entry point into nursing.
BSN programs include everything in an ADN and add coursework in nursing theory, public health, ethics, and additional sciences like pathophysiology. The prerequisite list is longer, the program takes four years (or about two years for students entering with a previous bachelor’s degree through an accelerated BSN), and admissions tend to be more competitive. The tradeoff is broader career options and higher earning potential after graduation. Many hospitals now prefer or require a BSN, and most graduate nursing programs require one for admission.
Regardless of which path you choose, start by pulling up the prerequisite list for your specific target programs. Map out a semester-by-semester plan, prioritize your science grades, and give yourself enough time to retake a course if needed before application deadlines.