Pre-nursing is the preparatory phase of becoming a nurse, typically lasting one to two years, where you complete prerequisite courses before applying to a formal nursing program. It is not a nursing degree itself. Think of it as the academic foundation you build before you’re accepted into a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, where the clinical training and nursing-specific coursework begin.
Most schools structure their nursing track as a “2+2” model: two years of pre-nursing prerequisites followed by two years in the nursing program. Some schools use a 1+3 model, where you spend roughly one year on at least 45 credits of prerequisites and then three years in the nursing program. Either way, you won’t start your actual nursing classes until you’ve cleared the pre-nursing stage and been formally admitted.
How Pre-Nursing Differs From a Nursing Major
Being a pre-nursing student means you’ve declared your intent to pursue nursing, but you haven’t yet been accepted into the nursing program at your school. You’re completing foundational coursework and building the GPA you’ll need to apply. A nursing major, by contrast, has already been admitted and is taking clinical rotations, pharmacology, and other nursing-specific courses.
This distinction matters because admission to the nursing program is competitive and not guaranteed. You can be a pre-nursing student at a university and still not make it into that school’s BSN program if your grades or test scores fall short. Understanding this early helps you plan strategically from the start.
Courses You’ll Take as a Pre-Nursing Student
Pre-nursing coursework is heavy on science. The core prerequisites at most programs include human anatomy, human physiology, and microbiology. These science courses typically require in-person labs, not just lectures, and you’ll need a grade of C or higher in each one to qualify for admission. Many competitive applicants aim well above that minimum.
Beyond the sciences, you’ll also complete general education requirements that vary by school but commonly include:
- Psychology: introductory or developmental psychology, sometimes listed as human growth and development
- Sociology or anthropology: at least one social science course
- Math: college algebra or statistics, sometimes both
- English composition: a writing-intensive course that satisfies your school’s communication requirement
- Chemistry: general or introductory chemistry, often with a lab component
Some programs also require courses in nutrition, ethics, or ethnic studies as part of their general education framework. The exact list depends on the school, so checking your target program’s prerequisite page early saves time and prevents taking courses that won’t count.
GPA and Test Score Expectations
A minimum GPA of 2.5 is the floor at many BSN programs, but preference goes to applicants with a 3.0 or higher. At more competitive schools, admitted students often carry GPAs of 3.5 and above, especially in their science prerequisites. Your science GPA is frequently weighted more heavily than your overall GPA, so earning strong grades in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology is critical.
Most nursing programs also require an entrance exam, either the TEAS or the HESI A2. The TEAS covers reading, math, science, and English language usage. The HESI A2 tests similar areas but may also include anatomy and physiology sections depending on the school. A minimum TEAS score of 60% is a common baseline, though competitive programs expect scores in the 70s or higher. You can retake these exams, but schools often limit the number of attempts or require a waiting period between sittings.
What Else Nursing Programs Look For
Grades and test scores are the foundation of your application, but many nursing programs now use holistic admissions. This means they also evaluate non-academic factors: volunteer experience, community service hours, healthcare-related work, personal statements, and sometimes group interviews or on-site essays. Being a first-generation college student, having experience with underserved populations, or coming from a medically underserved area can strengthen your application at schools that prioritize diversity.
If you’re early in the process, starting to accumulate healthcare experience now gives you an advantage. Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or volunteering at a hospital or clinic demonstrates commitment and gives you real exposure to patient care. Some applicants begin this work during their first year of pre-nursing coursework so they have meaningful experience to discuss by the time they apply.
How to Use the Pre-Nursing Phase Strategically
The biggest mistake pre-nursing students make is treating this phase as something to rush through. Your pre-nursing GPA follows you into your application, and a weak start in science courses is difficult to recover from. If you’re working or managing other responsibilities, it’s better to take fewer courses per semester and earn strong grades than to overload yourself and end up with Cs in anatomy or chemistry.
Use this time to identify your target nursing programs and their specific prerequisites. Requirements vary enough between schools that a course accepted at one program may not count at another. Build your course plan around two or three programs you’re seriously considering, so you cover all the bases. Many universities have pre-nursing advisors who can help you map this out, and using them early prevents wasted credits and delayed timelines.
Plan for the entrance exam well before your application deadline. Studying for the TEAS or HESI A2 while also managing your regular coursework takes real time, and scoring well on the first attempt is ideal even if retakes are allowed. Free practice tests are available online through both testing organizations, and many students find that a structured study guide or prep course makes a noticeable difference in their scores.