Nursing School Requirements and Prerequisites: What You Need to Apply

If you're preparing for nursing school, you probably have three immediate questions: What do I need to qualify? Which classes have I already completed? And what requirements do I still need to meet?

Nursing school requirements vary by program. They can include prior education, prerequisite or general education courses, official transcripts, an entrance or placement exam, and requirements connected to clinical learning. If you've already completed college coursework, you may also be able to apply eligible credits toward your nursing degree instead of starting from the beginning.

This guide explains the most common nursing school prerequisites and admission requirements, how they differ by nursing pathway, and what prospective learners should know about prerequisites and transfer credit at Nightingale College.

Nursing Prerequisites vs. Admission and Degree Requirements

A nursing program may let you enroll before you finish every general education requirement, so it's important to distinguish between nursing school prerequisites and degree requirements. As a rule of thumb, check when a course must be completed, not just whether it appears in the curriculum.

Use the table below to differentiate between three terms that are often used interchangeably: 

Basic Nursing School Requirements

Nursing school admission requirements vary by institution, degree level, and applicant type. Some requirements are common, while others apply only to specific programs. Before applying, check the current requirements published by each nursing school you are considering.

• High school diploma or GED

  Proof of secondary education is required for admission to all nursing programs, pre-graduate or graduate. Additionally, strong performance in science and math during high school is recommended and will give you an advantage in the selection process.

• GPA requirements

  Academic record or GPA – Some nursing programs set a minimum cumulative GPA, prerequisite GPA, or science GPA, while others use different academic criteria. No single GPA requirement applies to every nursing program, so check the published threshold for the specific program you plan to enter.

• Entrance or placement exams
  Some nursing programs use entrance or placement testing to assess academic readiness. Depending on the school, this may include the TEAS, HESI, ACCUPLACER, or another assessment. 
• Prerequisite coursework
  In many cases, you must complete certain college-level courses before starting nursing coursework. Some programs require you to complete all prerequisites before applying, while others allow a few to be in progress. Nightingale College's current prelicensure BSN admission requirements include the ACCUPLACER Diagnostic Test, which assesses Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, and Sentence Skills.
• Screenings, background checks, and records
  Once you are accepted into a nursing program, you usually must pass background checks and drug screenings, provide proof of immunizations (such as Hep B or TB), and possibly submit a recent physical exam clearance, which is typically required before starting clinical rotations. These all represent insurance checks for working in clinical settings with vulnerable populations.
• Other certifications
  CPR or BLS certifications may also be required or recommended for attending clinicals. Check with your chosen institution to see whether you need to complete these prereqs beforehand (through organizations like the American Heart Association), or you can pursue certification during the program.
• Letters of recommendation
  You may also need to provide one to three letters of recommendation from instructors or professionals who can attest to your capabilities, motivation, and character. Beyond tutoring and early guidance, build relationships with science teachers, working nurses, or employers early so you can request strong recommendation letters in time for the application.
• Personal essays or statements
  Most nursing programs also require a personal statement. The statement or essay should convey your motivation for applying, your passion for nursing, your healthcare experience (like volunteer work or CNA practice), and the reasons why you would be a good candidate and nurse later on.
• Interviews
  Lastly, you would generally need to attend an admissions interview. To prepare, choose professional attire, review standard interview questions, and practice nursing scenarios and ethical questions. Although not all schools require this step, it’s worth being prepared to discuss your goals and respond to basic questions about your preparation and experience.

If you want to find out more about the application process at Nightingale College, explore our dedicated Admissions Hub, where you can find all the relevant information. Each academic program we host also provides valuable information on its overview page, which should be consulted before applying for admission.

If you've already completed college coursework, you may not need to repeat every class. Nightingale College reviews eligible previous coursework to determine whether it can apply toward your program requirements, including general education courses and, in some cases, previous nursing coursework. An official transcript review is required before we can confirm transfer credit.

Haven't completed these courses yet? That does not necessarily mean you cannot start your path at Nightingale College. Depending on your program and previous education, some General Education requirements may be completed as you progress through the curriculum.

See how previous credits may apply. Request more information →

Core Prerequisites for Nursing Programs: What Courses to Take?

As you have seen, one basic requirement for nursing programs is a set of core prerequisite courses that most, if not all, schools expect applicants to complete before admission (though not necessarily before applying).

Here are the core prerequisites for nursing programs:

Remember that prerequisites will vary not only by school but also by nursing program, with the ones listed above being the most common – generally considered to be core courses. Some schools may require a pathophysiology course; others might require medical terminology or an ethics course. You should always check the exact list of prerequisites provided by each academic institution. 

Your grade is another key part of your application, and many programs require, for instance, a C or better in each prerequisite course. Others require a B- or higher in core critical courses, such as A&P or Microbiology.

Prerequisites for Nursing Programs at Nightingale College

Nightingale College's prelicensure BSN Program requires 120 semester credits for graduation: 72 nursing core credits and 48 general education credits. However, you do not need to complete all 48 GE credits before entering the program. Before enrolling in any nursing core course, learners need at least 14 GE credits, including eight credits of Human Anatomy and Human Physiology, at least three credits of College Algebra or an equivalent course, and at least three credits of college-level English. Additional GE-credit thresholds apply as learners progress through the nursing curriculum, and you must complete all 48 GE credits by graduation.

These are examples of courses you may be able to complete before enrolling in an academic program at Nightingale College. Taking eligible courses in advance may help you make progress toward applicable requirements, while courses you have not yet completed may be taken as part of your Nightingale College pathway, subject to program and transfer-credit requirements.

For more information, you can consult our academic program overviews or request admission information.

Do My Previous Credits Count at Nightingale College?

If you've already completed college coursework, you may not need to repeat every class. Nightingale College considers eligible general education and nursing coursework for transfer after an official review.

For general education transfer credit, courses must be college-level and completed with a C or better. Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, mathematics, and Pathophysiology must have been completed within seven years of your anticipated Nightingale start date. Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology must include a lab component to qualify for transfer. Other GE courses do not have a general recency requirement under the current transfer policy.

We evaluate previous undergraduate nursing coursework under different criteria. Among other requirements, an eligible course must closely match the corresponding Nightingale course and is normally completed within the previous three years with a B- or better.

Qualified learners with previous nursing education may also have advanced-placement opportunities. Nightingale offers advanced placement in its BSN and LPN-to-ASN pathways for learners transferring eligible nursing credit, with additional testing or competency requirements applying in some cases.

Find out more about credit transfers for academic programs at Nightingale College.
Request information →

How Long Are Nursing School Prerequisites Good For?

Nursing school prerequisites do not have a standard, universal expiry date; each nursing institution sets its own transfer and recency requirements. For instance, science or technical coursework may be treated differently from other general education courses.

For instance, at Nightingale College, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, mathematics, and Pathophysiology used for GE transfer must have been completed within the seven years before your anticipated start date. Undergraduate nursing courses considered for transfer normally must have been completed within the previous three years with a B- or better, and must meet other current transfer criteria.

So, if you completed some prerequisites several years ago, you should have them evaluated, preferably with the aid of an admissions advisor, rather than simply assuming that you need to retake them.

Get in touch with an Admissions Advisor →

What Classes Should You Take in High School for Nursing?

While requirements may vary from one school to another, some of the frequently required classes include:

• Biology
• Chemistry 
• Algebra or other higher-level math courses
• English
• Psychology
• Health science

These high school classes can provide a strong academic foundation and help prepare you for later nursing and general education coursework.

Additionally, dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) courses can sometimes allow you to earn college credit earlier. However, you should not assume that all such courses will transfer to every nursing school. Instead, check the receiving institution’s transfer-credit rules before considering any dual enrollment or AP course. 

Prerequisites for Different Nursing Programs

Not all nursing programs have the same prerequisites and requirements; these depend on the focus, level, and length of the program you choose for certification. Below, you can see how nursing school requirements differ by program or pathway. 

• Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN)

  PN diploma programs, i.e., the 12-to-18-month-long educational paths required to become a licensed practical nurse, generally have the fewest prerequisites, with most requiring only a high school diploma or GED and some background coursework in science. In some cases, you may still need to take an entrance exam like the TEAS. 

  Because LPN programs are entry-level, the coursework for anatomy, basic pharmacology, and other subjects is usually covered within the program itself. For example, a student might learn A&P basics during the LPN curriculum, so the program might not require college A&P beforehand. So, you will not skip core nursing subjects; you'll just encounter them at a different point in your education.

  Learn how to become an LPN.

  Nightingale College’s PN Diploma Program emphasizes meeting general admissions criteria, such as having a high school diploma and passing an entrance exam, rather than completing specific college courses beforehand. This lets you join the course and pursue licensing for a fast track into the workforce as a nurse.

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN)

  Associate Degree programs have more extensive admission criteria and requirements because they prepare you to pursue RN licensure. The program itself covers fundamental sciences as part of training. Expect to present your diploma or GED, meet certain GPA and prerequisite coursework requirements, and pass an entrance exam. 

  Commonly, ADN programs want A&P I and II and Microbiology completed in advance, with some also requiring English Comp or Intro to Psychology beforehand, depending on the program's structure and curriculum.

  Learn how to get an ADN degree.

  Note that if you pursue a bridge program, some required courses may have been covered during your PN education and may be equivalated or waived upon entry. For instance, Nightingale College’s LPN-to-ASN Track requires 8 credits in Anatomy/Physiology and College Algebra before admission. If your PN program covered at least part of these topics, the enrollment will be much easier.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

  The direct-entry 4-year BSN programs admit students as freshmen into the nursing program. Thus, students spend the first 1 to 2 years on general education and prerequisite courses, and only then enter the nursing school portion. However, even so, some prerequisites are still required, usually involving maintaining your GPA above a certain threshold, particularly in some critical courses, in addition to high school-related criteria, such as specific grades or SAT/ACT scores. If a student fails to meet the progression criteria, they might not move on to the nursing courses. However, direct-entry BSN programs do not require you to reapply upon failure, but they can be a more difficult learning experience. 

  Read our comprehensive guide to the BSN degree.

  Additionally, upper-division or transfer BSN programs require applicants to complete some (60 or more) credits of prerequisite coursework at a college and then apply as transfer students into the last 2 years of nursing school. In this case, all the nursing school requirements and prerequisites listed above apply and must be completed before starting the nursing program. Admissions can be more competitive, with GPA in prerequisite courses and test scores being tie-breakers.

  Learn how to get your BSN degree most effectively.

  Either way, a BSN program will require completing a full spectrum of prerequisites, from sciences to math and English, often totaling 50-60 credits. They may have higher non-academic requirements, such as more emphasis on volunteer experience or an interview, since BSN programs can include a leadership or holistic admissions component.

  At Nightingale College, you must complete 48 general education credits; however, you can enroll in the BSN Program without all credits if you have completed the key ones (marked as mandatory). Then, you can take any remaining general education courses each semester until you finish. This system increases the flexibility and accessibility of our program, along with a hybrid teaching framework that blends online instruction with on-ground field experiences to deliver top-quality education in as few as 32 months.

• Accelerated BSN (ABSN)

  Accelerated BSN programs are accessible for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in another field. They condense nursing training into 12-18 months of intensive preparation and do not include basic sciences, resulting in a longer list of requirements and prerequisites to complete before starting the accelerated program. 

  Usually, if you have a B.A. or B.S. in related fields, you should have taken Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry, Human Growth & Dev, Nutrition, and sometimes Pathophysiology or Statistics. One particular criterion in this case is recency, with applicants being required to have completed prerequisite courses within, say, the last 5 years. ABSNs also require a higher GPA (some settings set a minimum of 3.0 in both the degree and in prerequisite courses) and passing the TEAS or HESI.

  One additional issue is that ABSN students usually need to take their prerequisites in informal, post-baccalaureate formats, either at local colleges or online. 

  Discover the difference between accelerated and bridge programs.

• RN-to-BSN Bridge

  If you want to advance your education as a licensed registered nurse, you can pursue shorter RN-to-BSN bridge programs that build on your prior nursing education and experience. Many RN-to-BSN Programs market themselves as no-prerequisite programs; however, this usually means your prior (ADN/ASN) education and current RN certification and practice requirements already cover most, if not all, of the prerequisites. Even so, programs will still require an active RN license and a certain number of transferable credits. If a bridge program truly has no prerequisites (rather than hidden requirements), that should be a red flag, indicating a less rigorous program. 

  Learn more about what you will learn in RN-to-BSN programs and why an RN-to-BSN program with no prerequisites may hurt your career.

   

Beyond Academics: Other Key Nursing School Requirements and Considerations

As you have seen, in addition to course prerequisites for nursing programs, you may also need to complete other specific requirements to be eligible for nursing school. 

Entrance Exams

Entrance exams are the first non-course requirements that are common to most nursing programs. These can include the TEAS, HESI, ACCUPLACER, or other similar standardized tests that test competence in basic fields, such as English language, math, science, and reading. Ideally, you should take these exams early in case you need to retake them, as some schools allow multiple attempts. Note that you can use study guides. For example, you can find relevant study guides, relevant information and materials, as well as an ACCUPLACER study app on our Admissions Exam page. Additionally, some entry-level programs may require SAT/ACT scores, which can offset a slightly lower GPA and make your application competitive.

Background Checks and Fitness for Practice

Nursing education requires background checks to ensure patient safety and meet clinical site requirements. Violating fitness-for-practice standards can jeopardize your application, so professionalism is key. If something on your record could jeopardize your chances of entry, you may need to disclose the details and possibly provide documentation or letters of explanation. Background-check, drug-screening, immunization, and clinical-readiness requirements vary by institution and experiential-learning site.

Additionally, you will also need to provide immunization records and screenings for a variety of illnesses. Some programs may also require a current physical exam signed by a provider stating the student can meet the physical demands of nursing, such as lifting patients or working long hours on their feet.

CPR and First Aid

Almost all programs require Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for healthcare providers, typically by the American Heart Association, which is valid through the duration of clinical rotations. Other recommended qualifications include first aid practice or certification for a Nursing Assistant (CNA). Although these are usually not mandatory, they can make your application more competitive, which may matter for high-standard programs.

Experience and Volunteer Work

While not a strict prerequisite, proof of healthcare experience as a volunteer or aide can strengthen your application. Many programs will reward experience or community service, which can give you an advantage over other applicants. Volunteer work is usually not required, but it will often make the difference in a competitive selection process. So, if you're competing for a spot in your nursing program of choice, consider it a prerequisite.

Financial and Life Preparedness

You should also keep a few practical considerations in mind when applying to nursing school. Financial planning and time management are the two main pain points, especially if the program you choose puts particular stress on your budget or schedule.

Nursing school will be demanding either way, so my first recommendation is to build a solid support system and a time-management plan to balance academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. Also, remember to complete your FAFSA application and check whether you are eligible for financial aid. Also, weigh your specific requirements and responsibilities carefully, and plan accordingly so nursing school doesn't jeopardize your current priorities.

If you need help dealing with nursing school, learn more about how to do so while working, as a parent, or while expecting a child.

Remember, you can get a helping hand from institutions if challenges arise, whether related to affordability or time constraints. For instance, at Nightingale College, you can consult the Tuition and Aid hub to check if you qualify for financial aid in the form of scholarships, either external or internal. Additionally, our academic programs seamlessly blend online instruction and educational activities with in-person field experiences, preceptorship classes, and seminars that can be completed in one of the numerous SOFE Areas, delivering education that accommodates your personal and professional obligations. Additionally, we provide a series of learner tools and resources to support you throughout the educational process, available in the Learner Experience hub.

Learn more about our academic programs and apply today!

How to Fulfill Nursing School Prerequisites Efficiently in 10 Steps

Now that you know all the key nursing school requirements, prerequisites, and areas to consider, you just need to apply and prepare for your educational journey. Here are the steps you should take when applying for nursing programs:

1. Plan your prerequisite journey.
   Research schools and institutions and make a prerequisite checklist for each. Find the common courses and prioritize these first. Contact an academic advisor or use online transfer equivalency tools, if available.
2. Consider completing prereqs at a community college to save money and make graduation easier.
   Remember that you will also need to maintain a high GPA for these courses, since these grades will matter in the selection process. However, you should also check transfer limits for various programs. Alternatively, look for programs that allow partial prerequisite completion so you can enroll with your current experience and complete other requirements while receiving nursing education.
3. Look for online courses.
   These can be useful, especially if you have other commitments or your work schedule doesn't allow regular attendance. Online, self-paced courses may let you complete a course in 6 to 8 weeks at a lower cost while accommodating your lifestyle needs.
4. Consider concurrent enrollment and start early.
   Starting early on nursing school requirements can help ensure a seamless application process. If available, take AP Biology or AP Chemistry in high school. Remember that scoring well in these classes is crucial for your application later on. You can also consider dual enrollment at a local college for courses like Anatomy or Statistics to lighten your load. Also, if your AP/IB credits or prior college credits cover some requirements, be sure to send those transcripts.
5. Schedule your future student life and set a work-life balance.
   If you are currently working or have a family to look after, planning and preparing in advance to complete prerequisites is critical. Consider taking one or two prerequisite courses at a time rather than a full load to ensure you excel. You might start with an easier course alongside a harder one (such as English Comp with Anatomy) and avoid taking two heavy science classes in the same term if you’re limited on study time.
6. Look for summer classes.
   Utilize summers to knock out one or two prerequisites, especially sciences that often have long waitlists during regular semesters. Many community colleges fill A&P quickly for fall/spring. Summer intensive courses can be tough, but they help you finish faster.
7. Keep track of your progression.
   Keep a folder with all your syllabi, especially if you are taking courses out of state or online, in case you need to petition for credit transfer. This will help you not only provide documentation to admissions committees when prompted, track your progress, and see how much more you need to do.
8. Always check expiration dates.
   If you completed a prerequisite course a long time ago (for instance, over 8 years ago for courses like Microbiology), you might need a refresher or retake, since programs often ask for recent coursework. It’s better to retake and sharpen those skills than to struggle in advanced nursing classes because your knowledge is rusty.
9. Team up and look for a community.
   Studying prerequisites can be easier with peers. Join study groups to tackle challenging classes and, if possible, seek tutoring through institutional services, faculty, or working nurses. Success in prereqs is critical, so utilizing support can make a difference.
10. Tackle financial aid for prereqs.
    If you’re enrolled in a degree program (even an associate’s in general science or something), you can often use financial aid for prereqs. In other cases, you may find workforce development grants for those entering healthcare fields. You can also apply for the FAFSA to see whether you qualify for aid while completing your prereqs.

For a more in-depth look at the application process, learn more about the steps to get into nursing school.

At Nightingale College, we aim to make nursing education as accessible as possible, from the first step in the application process to graduation and joining the workforce. You can find valuable information by exploring our academic programs, the Admissions hub, or by requesting information about admissions and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Prerequisites

• What Are the Prerequisites for Becoming an RN?

  Since RN refers to a license earned by completing one of several nursing programs and then passing a standard exam, there is no single list of RN prerequisites. Instead, prerequisites fall into two categories: prerequisites for the nursing program you choose, such as an ADN/ASN or BSN, and licensure requirements.

  Some programs may require courses such as Anatomy and Physiology before admission, while others may include general education coursework within the degree plan. Among licensure requirements, passing the NCLEX-RN is most important, along with other state-specific requirements.

  To plan your journey to becoming an RN, first review the curriculum requirements for the program you are considering, determine which previous courses may transfer, and then complete the program. You can then take the NCLEX-RN and fulfill the other state-level requirements.

• What Are the Most Important Prerequisites for Nursing School?

  Generally, core prerequisites include science courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry, along with basic math (Algebra or Stats). These represent the most crucial and universal prerequisites, providing essential knowledge of the human body and scientific principles. Without them, you’d struggle in nursing classes that build on those concepts.

• How Many Prerequisite Classes Do I Need to Take?
  The number of prerequisites you need depends on the program you want to enroll in, but typically, 8 to 12 courses are required. Another way to look at it is through the credit system: a standard BSN program typically requires 60 prerequisite credits, divided into areas of study such as science, math, English, and other general education topics. Compared with ADN programs, RN-to-BSN programs may require fewer entry courses, with the rest of the general education completed during the program. You should always check the nursing school’s (and particular program’s) list of requirements.
• Do I Really Need Courses Like English or Sociology for Nursing?
  Yes. Nursing is a very interdisciplinary field. Communication is key, and English composition is usually required to ensure you can write clear charts and papers. Courses such as sociology or psychology help you understand patients from social and behavioral perspectives, which improves patient care. Nursing requires a holistic understanding of patients, so these subjects build valuable prerequisite knowledge. Plus, if you want a bachelor’s degree, regional accreditation standards require a broad general education, including humanities and social sciences.
• Can I Get Into Nursing School With a 2.7 GPA?

  Possibly. Nursing school GPA requirements vary considerably by institution and program. A 2.7 GPA may satisfy the published requirement at one school and fall below it at another. Schools may also consider your cumulative GPA, science or prerequisite grades, entrance-exam results, or previous college coursework separately.

  If you are considering enrolling in an academic program at Nightingale College, you should not use GPA alone to determine your eligibility. Our current BSN and PN Diploma admissions requirements list program-specific conditions, including proof of prior education, the prelicensure nursing school entrance exam, transcripts when requesting transfer credits, and other matriculation steps. The best way to find out if you currently qualify for entry is to request more information.

• My Program Says It’s ‘Direct Entry’. Does That Mean No Prerequisites?

  Some nursing programs allow students to apply or enroll without first completing a separate set of college prerequisite courses. In those programs, general education and science requirements may be included in the degree plan or completed alongside nursing coursework.

  That differs from a nursing degree with no science or general education requirements at all. When comparing programs, check when you must complete prerequisites and what progression requirements apply.

  For example, Nightingale's BSN Program does not require all 48 GE credits to be complete before admission. However, learners need at least 14 specified GE credits before entering any nursing core course, and they must meet additional GE requirements as they progress.

   

• Can I Apply to Nursing School While Still Finishing Some Prerequisites?

  Yes, a school may allow you to apply even if you don’t have the full list of prerequisites completed, as long as you finish them before the program starts or by a date specified by the institution. Typically, you might be allowed to be enrolled in, say, your last microbiology or stats course during the application process. The admission offer might be conditional on your getting a sufficient grade in that course. However, you generally need the majority done. 

• How Do Nursing Schools Verify My Prerequisites?

  You usually need to submit official transcripts from any college or university where you completed the courses. The admissions office or registrar will evaluate whether each course meets their requirements. Some schools publish transfer equivalency guides or use common course numbering to determine equivalency. If they have doubts, they might ask for a syllabus. If you’re ever unsure if a course counts, don’t hesitate to contact the school’s admissions advisor before taking it to confirm.

• I Took My Science Prerequisites 10+ Years Ago. Will I Have to Retake Them?

  A nursing school may ask you to retake them. Many programs have statutes of limitations on science courses; a common rule is that you must have completed prerequisites within five years of starting the program. Some schools extend this to 7 or even 10 years, and a few might not have an official limit but still prefer recent knowledge. If you have extensive healthcare experience (such as working as a nurse or assistant for a long period), a program might waive the recency requirement on a case-by-case basis. But expect to refresh older coursework, especially if you don’t use that information regularly.

• Are There Nursing Programs With No Science Prerequisites?

  No. Every legitimate nursing school ensures that enrollees have learned anatomy, physiology, and other core courses before admitting them into a program. The difference is when you learn them. A program might integrate them rather than expect them beforehand, but you’ll have to learn those topics one way or another. Generally, be cautious of any program that claims you don’t need to know basic sciences.

• Do I Need to Take the NCLEX Exam as a Prerequisite?

  No, the NCLEX (RN or PN) is not a prerequisite; it's the licensing exam you take after completing a nursing program to become a licensed or registered nurse.

• If I Already Am an RN, What Prerequisites Do I Need for a BSN or MSN?

  If you’re an RN with an ADN looking to get a BSN, most of your nursing-specific prerequisites are covered by your RN license. However, you'll need to meet the bachelor’s general education requirements. Often, that means taking additional courses in subjects like statistics, advanced composition, possibly public health, or community college-level humanities if you didn’t in your ADN. RN-to-BSN programs usually list out exactly what courses you need.

  For a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program, you will need prerequisites similar to an ABSN. Requirements may differ if you have practiced and specialized as an RN. Always consult a program’s admissions information.

  Learn more about what types of Master’s in Nursing you can pursue and what prerequisites you need.