Nursing Prerequisites: What You Need Before Applying to Nursing School (2025 Guide)

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Nursing prerequisites are the classes and requirements you complete before you can start a nursing program. Getting these right is the first big step toward becoming an RN, whether you’re aiming for an associate (ADN) or bachelor’s (BSN) degree.

This guide breaks down common nursing prerequisite classes, GPA expectations, entrance exams, and other requirements so you can plan your path with less guesswork.

🧬 What Are Nursing Prerequisites?

Nursing prerequisites are usually science and general education courses that build a foundation for nursing school. Most programs require them to be completed with a minimum grade (often a C or B) before you can start nursing classes.

While every school is different, prerequisites usually help schools answer questions like:

• Can you handle college-level science and math?
• Do you understand basic human biology and chemistry?
• Have you built strong writing, communication, and critical-thinking skills?

Always check the exact list on your nursing program’s website — but the sections below will give you a clear starting point.

🏫 Common Nursing Prerequisite Classes

Most nursing programs require some version of the courses below. Names and credit hours vary by school.

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• General or Introductory Chemistry (sometimes Organic/Biochem)
• Human Growth & Development / Lifespan Psychology
• Introductory Psychology
• Introductory Sociology or another social science
• College Algebra or Statistics
• English Composition (often I and II)
• Nutrition
• Public Speaking or Communication (required by some schools)

Some BSN programs may also require:

• Humanities electives (ethics, philosophy, literature)
• Cultural diversity or global studies course
• Additional statistics or research-focused coursework

📊 GPA, Grades & Repeat Policies

Prerequisites aren’t just “boxes to check” — schools look closely at how well you did in them.

• Minimum cumulative GPA: Many programs require a 2.75–3.0 overall.
• Science GPA: Some schools calculate a separate GPA for A&P, Microbiology, and Chemistry and may require a higher minimum (3.0+).
• Minimum course grade: A C is often the lowest accepted grade, but competitive programs may prefer Bs or better.
• Repeats: Many schools allow 1–2 repeats, but will still see your original grade. Too many repeats can make admission more competitive.

If your grades are lower than you’d like, focus on:

• Retaking key science courses you struggled in (if your program allows)
• Taking fewer classes per term to boost your GPA
• Using free or low-cost tutoring, office hours, and study groups

🧪 Entrance Exams (TEAS, HESI & Others)

Many nursing programs require an entrance exam in addition to prerequisites. The most common are:

• ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
• HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc.)

These exams usually test:

• Reading and English skills
• Basic math (fractions, ratios, algebra)
• Science (A&P, biology, chemistry, sometimes physics)

Check your school’s website for:

• Which exam is required
• Minimum score (or composite score) needed
• How often you can retest and required waiting periods

👣 Non-Course Requirements to Expect

As you get closer to starting a nursing program, you may also need to complete:

• Background check and fingerprinting
• Drug screening (often before clinicals)
• Immunizations (such as Hep B series, MMR, Varicella, Tdap, flu)
• TB testing (skin test or blood test; sometimes chest X-ray)
• CPR certification for healthcare providers (American Heart Association or equivalent, depending on program)
• Physical exam or health clearance

Most of these are tied to clinical placements, but it helps to know about them early so you’re not surprised by extra time or costs.

📅 How Long Do Nursing Prerequisites Take?

Timing depends on your starting point and whether you study full- or part-time:

• 12–18 months: Common for full-time students who already have some college credits.
• 2+ years: More likely if you’re working, studying part-time, or starting from scratch.

Many students complete prerequisites at a community college to save money, then apply to ADN or BSN programs. If you plan to transfer, confirm that your courses will actually transfer to the nursing school you’re targeting.

🧭 Simple Planning Roadmap

Here’s a general way to plan out your prerequisites:

1. Pick your target programs. Choose 2–4 nursing schools you’d seriously consider.
2. Print each school’s prerequisite list. Highlight similarities and differences.
3. Meet with an advisor. Confirm which classes you still need and how they transfer.
4. Map your terms. Spread out science courses (A&P, Micro, Chem) so you’re not overloaded.
5. Schedule your entrance exam. Give yourself time to study and retake if needed.
6. Track deadlines. Application and testing windows can be strict.

📌 Example Nursing Prerequisite Checklist

You can copy this into your notes or planner and check items off as you go:

• Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab)
• Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab)
• Microbiology (with lab)
• General / Intro Chemistry
• English Composition I
• English Composition II (if required)
• College Algebra or Statistics
• Intro Psychology
• Human Growth & Development / Lifespan
• Sociology or other social science
• Nutrition
• Public speaking / communication (if required)
• Entrance exam (TEAS or HESI) completed
• GPA meets minimum (overall and science)
• Immunizations and TB test up to date
• CPR for healthcare providers completed

🔗 Where to Check Official Requirements

Every program is a little different, so your school’s website is the final word on prerequisites. Look for pages like:

• “Prerequisites” or “Admission Requirements” for the nursing program
• Program guides or advising sheets you can download as a PDF
• Transfer guides if you’re coming from another college

For license renewal, CE rules, and staying active once you’re an RN, you can always return to the main Renewal Requirements homepage for state-by-state RN license renewal checklists.

🔗 Related Guides

• California RN License Renewal
• Nursing Jobs for New Grads
• Telehealth Nursing Jobs

❓ Nursing Prerequisites: Common Questions

Do all nursing schools require the same prerequisites?

No. Most programs share core classes like A&P, Microbiology, and English, but schools can differ on chemistry, math level, and which electives they accept. Always match your plan to specific programs you want to apply to.

Can I take nursing prerequisites online?

Many schools accept online lecture courses, especially for general education. Some are more strict about science labs, so check whether they allow online labs or require in-person. When in doubt, ask the nursing advisor before you register.

Can I apply to nursing school before finishing all my prerequisites?

Often yes. Many programs let you apply while you’re still taking your last few prereqs, as long as they’re done before the program start date. Your acceptance may be conditional on passing those courses with the required grade.

What if my GPA is too low for the program I want?

You may be able to raise your GPA by retaking key courses, spreading out difficult science classes, or taking additional electives and earning strong grades. Some students also apply to less competitive programs first, then bridge to a BSN later.

Is it better to do prerequisites at a community college or university?

Community colleges are often more affordable and a popular place to complete prerequisites. The key is making sure your credits will transfer to the nursing program you want. Use official transfer guides or talk with both schools’ advisors before you commit.