what are prerequisites for nursing
To start nursing, you typically need a mix of specific classes, minimum GPA, entrance tests, and health/background clearances.
What Are Prerequisites for Nursing? (Quick Scoop)
1. Core Science and General Education Courses
Most programs want you to prove you can handle science-heavy coursework before they admit you.
Common prerequisite classes include:
- Human anatomy and physiology (often a 2âcourse sequence with lab)
- Microbiology with lab
- Chemistry (general, inorganic, or organic, usually with lab)
- Statistics (collegeâlevel)
- English composition / writing course
- Oral communication / public speaking
- Psychology (intro psych; sometimes lifeâspan or developmental psychology)
- Nutrition / human nutrition
Many schools also like to see, at the high school or early college level:
- One year of biology with at least a C
- One year of chemistry with at least a C
- Two years of collegeâprep math with at least a C
These build the foundation for the heavy nursing science youâll see later.
2. GPA and Academic Standards
Nursing is competitive, so schools set minimum GPAs.
Typical expectations:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): minimum GPA around 2.5â2.75 overall or in science prerequisites
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): minimum GPA around 3.0 or higher
- Competitive programs: admitted students often sit in the 3.3â3.7+ range
- Some schools require a separate âscience GPAâ of about 3.0+ in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry.
In practice, aiming higher than the minimum gives you a real edge.
3. Entrance Exams (TEAS, HESI, etc.)
Many nursing schools want an entrance exam to confirm readiness.
Common tests:
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) â tests reading, math, science, and English.
- HESI A2 â similar idea, with sections on math, reading, science, and sometimes personality/learning style.
Schools set their own minimum scores; stronger scores can offset a borderline GPA at some programs.
4. Application Materials and âSoftâ Requirements
Beyond classes and test scores, programs also look at who you are as a future nurse.
Typical requirements:
- Official transcripts from all high schools/colleges attended
- Personal statement or essay describing your motivation for nursing and relevant experiences
- Letters of recommendation (teachers, employers, or healthcare professionals)
- Sometimes an interview (phone, video, or inâperson)
- Healthcare experience can help (CNA, MA, volunteer work, military medical experience)
Strong storytelling about why you want to be a nurse often matters almost as much as raw numbers.
5. Health, Background, and Legal Requirements
Because nurses work with vulnerable patients, programs screen for safety and readiness to be in clinical settings.
Common clinical/health prerequisites:
- Current immunizations and proof of immunity (e.g., MMR, Hep B, varicella, Tdap, flu, sometimes COVID per site policy)
- Tuberculosis screening and basic health clearance/physical exam
- Current CPR/BLS certification for healthcare providers
- Criminal background check and fingerprinting
- Drug screening before clinical placement
These often must be completed and cleared before you can step into hospitals or clinics.
6. After Prerequisites: What Comes Next?
Prerequisites get you in the door; the program then trains you for licensure.
After meeting prerequisites, you will:
- Complete an approved nursing program (ADN, BSN, or accelerated/secondâdegree BSN)
- Do clinical rotations in adult care, pediatrics, maternity, mental health, and community health.
- Graduate and then pass the NCLEXâRN licensing exam to become a registered nurse.
- Apply for state licensure through your state board of nursing.
Many nurses then add certifications or advanced degrees later, but your immediate focus is meeting entry requirements and finishing your first program.
7. Quick Comparison: ADN vs BSN Prerequisites
| Aspect | ADN Program | BSN Program |
|---|---|---|
| Typical minimum GPA | About 2.5â2.75 overall or in science prereqs | [3][10][1][7]About 3.0+ overall and in science prereqs | [3][5][10][1][7]
| Science prereqs | Anatomy & physiology, microbiology, basic chemistry with labs | [3][10][1][7]Same sciences, often with stricter grade/GPA expectations | [5][10][1][7]
| Other common courses | English, basic psychology, math/statistics (varies by school) | [10][3][7]English, statistics, psychology, communication, critical thinking, and broader general education | [5][7][10]
| Entrance exams | Often TEAS or HESI, schoolâset minimums | [1][3][7][10]Same exams, sometimes higher recommended scores | [7][10][1]
| Length after prereqs | About 2 years of nursing courses fullâtime | [3][10][7]About 2â3 additional years, depending on how many general education credits you already have | [10][5][7]
8. âLatestâ Context (2025â2026)
Recent trends that affect prerequisites and admissions:
- Competition has stayed high, so average accepted GPAs and test scores are often above the minimum.
- More schools are offering online or hybrid prerequisite courses (especially for anatomy, microbiology, and statistics), though labs usually still require inâperson or specific online formats.
- Some programs give bonus points for prior healthcare work, military service, or completion of earlier healthcare programs.
- Many schools have kept or refined health screening policies (immunizations, drug tests, background checks) for clinical placements.
Always check the exact list for each school youâre targeting, because details vary.
Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
If you tell me your country or state and whether youâre aiming for ADN, BSN, or an accelerated program, I can help you map out a very specific prerequisite checklist.
