Nursing School Prerequisites and Admissions Requirements: 2026 Comprehensive Guide

If you are preparing to enroll in a nursing program, the first thing you need to consider is the set of nursing school requirements and prerequisites for admission and enrollment. Tackling this subject can seem daunting at first, especially given the importance placed on it by academic institutions, but there’s no reason to feel overwhelmed.

The first fact you need to keep in mind is that nursing school prereqs exist to help your educational process, as nursing programs will build on the fundamental sciences and skills they familiarize you with. The second fact is that you are not alone in this journey, and to show this, we created a comprehensive guide to nursing school prerequisites and requirements that will provide you with all the necessary information, as well as actionable steps to get started on your nursing academic journey.

At Nightingale College, we aim to support learners every step of the way, including the pre-enrollment phase. So, let us get you started on your journey!

Basic Nursing School Requirements for Admission

Every nursing program will outline a basic list of general admission requirements and prerequisites that represent the industry standard for your education. These are considered the academic standards and apply to all nursing programs you may consider.

• High school diploma or GED – Proof that you have completed secondary education is mandatory for admission into 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.
• Minimum GPA – Nursing programs usually set a minimum cumulative GPA for admission. This threshold can be dependent on the type of program you choose, with ADN programs usually requiring at least a 2.5-2.7 GPA, whereas BSN programs require a 3.0 GPA or higher. As far as GPA goes, the higher your score, the better, particularly in science.
• Entrance Exam Scores – Most nursing programs require applicants to pass an entrance exam, with common examples including the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or the HESI A2. These cover subjects such as maths, science, reading comprehension, and English, their aim being to gauge prospective students’ readiness for higher education. Note that some institutions will waive exam requirements if you have previously earned a Bachelor’s or if you are enrolling in a bridge program (such as the LPN-to-ASN or the RN-to-BSN paths). At Nightingale College, for instance, you are required to take the ACCUPLACER exam, which tests your abilities in arithmetic, reading, and English skills.
• Prerequisite Coursework – In many cases, you also need to complete certain college-level courses before starting nursing coursework. Some programs require all such prerequisites to be done before the application, while others allow a few to be in progress. 
• Screenings, Background Checks, and Records – Once you are accepted into a nursing program, you are usually required to clear some background checks and drug screenings, as well as provide proof of immunizations (such as for Hep B or TB), and possibly recent physical exam clearance, the latter being typically required before starting clinical rotations. These all represent insurance checks for working in clinical settings with vulnerable populations.
• CPR Certification – CPR or BLS certification is often required or recommended for attending clinicals. You should check with your chosen institution if you need to complete such prereqs before (via 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 receiving tutorship and early guidance, you should also build relationships with science teachers, working nurses, or employers early on, so you can safely request strong recommendation letters in time for the application.
• Personal Essay or Statement – Most nursing program prerequisites also include a personal statement from the applicant. 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.
• Interview – Lastly, you would generally need to attend an admissions interview. In order to prepare for this step properly, ensure that you choose professional attire, check some standard interview questions, and go through some nursing scenarios and ethical questions. Although not all schools perform this step, it’s worth being prepared to speak about your goals and be able to respond to basic questions regarding 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.

Core Prerequisites for Nursing Programs: What Courses to Take?

As you have seen, one of the basic requirements for nursing programs is represented by some core prerequisite courses that most, if not all, schools expect applicants to have completed prior to admission (but not necessarily prior to application).

Here are the core prerequisites for nursing programs:

Sciente Prerequisites for Nursing School

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (usually 2 semesters): This dual course provides a fundamental baseline, teaching students the structure and function of the human body, from organs to systems. The courses also include lab components, with dissections and simulations, providing hands-on learning in addition to theoretical basics. Nightingale College mandates 8 credits of A&P as part of the entry requirements for the BSN Program.

• Microbiology (1 semester including lab): It covers topics related to microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and is vital for understanding core knowledge in infection control, disease transmission, and public health. Many programs require a microbiology course with a lab. Some schools may allow General Biology as a prerequisite or an A&P/Micro co-requisite instead, but typically an introductory biology is covered within A&P in many curricula.

• Chemistry (1 semester with lab): Nursing programs typically require at least one college-level chemistry course, which provides a background in the interaction of substances – knowledge that is essential for pharmacology and for understanding physiological processes. Similar to microbiology, some schools may accept General Chemistry or a combined Organic/Biochemistry course for health sciences. Nightingale’s GE requirements allow a choice among sciences like Chemistry, but not all programs mandate Chemistry.

• Nutrition (1 semester): Many BSN programs include Human Nutrition as a prerequisite or as part of the nursing curriculum to ensure that applicants understand diet, nutrients, and how nutrition affects health outcomes, all topics that are essential for patient communication and care plan application and development. Nutrition is not always required,d but remains a highly recommended course to take before enrollment. At Nightingale College, Nutrition is an elective but not a mandatory course.

• Human Growth & Development / Lifespan Psychology (1 semester): Also labeled developmental psychology, the course covers topics related to human development from infancy through old age. It’s usually required so nurses understand the developmental stages and can provide age-appropriate care. Many programs list the course as a prerequisite separate from general psychology. Human Growth & Development is an elective course for Nightingale College applicants wishing to transfer in for credit.

Math and Analytical Prerequisites

• College Algebra (1 semester): Also referred to as Higher Math, the course is often required as it develops quantitative reasoning skills required for multiple nursing practices (dosage or IV drip rate calculations and logical problem-solving). If Algebra is not expressly required by a program, it may be replaced by a placement test to ensure mathematical competency. Nightingale College requires at least 3 credits of College Algebra or equivalent before starting courses. 

• Statistics (1 semester): Programs place increasingly more emphasis on introductory Statistics, given its importance for evidence-based practice and data comprehension. A Stats course will familiarize you with the basics of data analysis, probability, and data interpretation, which will be particularly useful in nursing research or community healthcare paths. 

Communication and Humanities Prerequisites

• English Composition I and II (1-2 semesters): Strong writing and communication skills will prove useful for various nursing duties, including charting, writing reports, or patient instructions. Programs may require one to two college English composition courses. For instance, Nightingale College requires prospective learners to complete a Technical Writing course (an English Composition variant).

1. General Psychology (1 semester): In addition to developmental psychology, a more general Intro to Psychology course is commonly required or recommended for applicants. As a nurse, you will work with people in distress, so understanding psychological principles helps in providing holistic care and empathy. Programs might not list it if they list development psych, but many require both. At Nightingale College, Psychology is accepted as a part of the social sciences credits.
2. Sociology and Other Social Sciences (varying length): Some nursing programs include Intro to Sociology as a prerequisite (required or elective) or part of their curriculum, to help applicants understand social determinants of health, cultural diversity, and societal structures impacting healthcare. Nightingale College, for example, lists Sociology among possible transfer electives for social science credits. 
3. Humanities (electives): Notably, many BSN degrees often require some general education in humanities, including philosophy and ethics, speech communication, or even history. Although not necessarily prerequisite courses, they can be transfer electives for credits. Nightingale College accepts GE humanities courses such as Introduction to Philosophy or Religion as optional electives.

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 earned grade is another key point for your application process, with many programs requiring, for instance, a grade of C or better in each prerequisite course, while others demand a B- or higher in core critical courses, such as A&P or Microbiology.

Prerequisites for Nursing Programs at Nightingale College

At Nightingale College, in order to complete the BSN Program, you will need to obtain a total of 120 credits. Of those credits, 48 will be general education, and 72 will be nursing credits. While still in high school,l you can take some concurrent enrollment classes through local colleges that can possibly transfer over to Nightingale College, or other nursing schools, which will go toward the 48 general credits of general education.

Below, you can discover the list of prerequisite courses (both obligatory and elective) for enrolling and completing Nightingale College academic programs:

Physical and Life Science

A minimum of 15 semester credits is required in this category. The others are not required but may transfer. With these classes, you need to earn a B- grade or higher to transfer credit.

• CE Medical Anatomy and Physiology (mandatory)
• CE Pathophysiology (mandatory)
• CE Biology
• CE Chemistry
• CE Environmental Science
• CE Physics

English and Composition

A minimum of 6 credits is required in this category. These classes require a B- grade or higher to transfer credit.

• CE Technical Writing (mandatory, usually English 1010)
• CE English Composition
• CE Technical Writing
• CE Academic Writing
• CE Creative Writing
• CE Communications

Mathematics

A minimum of 6 credits is required in this category. B- grade or higher to transfer credit.

• CE Statistics (mandatory)
• CE Intermediate Allegra (usually 1050)
• CE Calculous
• CE Trigonometry

Human Behavior and Social Science

A minimum of 6 credits is required in the category. C- grade or higher to transfer credit.

• CE Psychology
• CE Human Growth and Development
• CE Sociology
• CE Abnormal Psychology
• CE Cultural Anthropology
• CE Organizational Behavior
• CE Macroeconomics
• CE United States History

Humanities and Fine Arts

A minimum of 6 credits is required in this category. C- grade or higher to transfer credit.

• CE Religion
• CE Introduction to Philosophy
• CE Western Civilization
• CE Foreign Language

Upper-Division Electives

A minimum of 3 credits of any additional upper-division elective course(s). Other Electives Course Semester Credits. C- or higher grade to transfer credits. Here are some examples of ones that could be helpful to you in your nursing career:

• CE Nutrition
• CE Microbiology

The above classes are examples of some classes that you can take while in high school. Taking even a few of these classes can give you a great jump start to your college career. If you do not take any of these CE courses while in high school, you will be able to take them while attending Nightingale College.

For more information, you can consult our academic program overviews, request admission information, or view our video guide below:

Differences in Prerequisites for Various Nursing Paths

Not all nursing programs have the same prerequisites and requirements, with these depending on the focus, level, and length of the program you choose for certification. Below, you can see how nursing school requirements differ based on the program or pathway you aim to pursue. 

Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN) Programs

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 as well. 

Because LPN programs are entry-level, the coursework for anatomy, basic pharmacology, and others is usually contained within the program itself. For example, a student might learn A&P basics during the LPN curriculum, so the program might not force them to take college A&P beforehand. So, you will not skip the core subjects on nursing curricula, but rather you will encounter them at a different time in your education.

Learn how to become an LPN.

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

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN) Programs

Associate Degree programs do have a more extensive list of admission criteria and requirements, since their aim is to prepare you to pursue RN licensure. The program itself covers fundamental sciences as part of training. Expect to present your diploma or GED, as well as meet certain GPA and prereq coursework demands, and pass an entrance exam. 

Commonly, ADN programs want A&P I and II and Microbiology done in advance, with some also requiring English Comp or Intro to Psychology beforehand, depending on the architecture of the program and its curriculum.

Learn how to get an ADN degree.

Note that if you pursue a bridge program, part of your required courses have been covered previously during your PN education, thus likely being equivalated or waived upon entry. For instance, Nightingale College’s LPN-to-ASN Track requires you to have 8 credits in anatomy/physiology and college algebra, either before admission or during the first-year curriculum. If your PN program covered at least part of these topics, the enrollment will be much easier.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs

The direct-entry 4-year BSN programs admit students as freshmen into the nursing program. Thus, the first 1 to 2 years are spent on general education and prerequisite courses, and only afterwards does the student enter the actual 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 have you reapply upon failure, but they can be a more difficult learning experience. 

Read our comprehensive guide to the BSN degree.

Additionally, there are also upper-division or transfer BSN programs, which 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 need to be completed before starting the actual 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 in the most effective way.

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

At Nightingale College, you are required to complete 48 general education credits; however, you can enroll in the BSN Program without having all credits if you have completed key ones (marked as mandatory). Then, you just need to continue taking any remaining general education courses concurrently each semester until finished. This system increases the flexibility and accessibility of our program, in addition to the hybrid teaching framework that blends online instruction with on-ground field experiences to deliver top-quality education in just 3 years of study.

Accelerated BSN (ABSN) Programs

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, thus not including basic sciences, resulting in a longer list of requirements and prerequisites that need to be completed 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 vicarious prerequisites 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 Programs

In case you wish to advance your level of education as a licensed registered nurse, you can pursue shorter RN-to-BSN bridge programs that build upon your prior nursing education and experience to advance your level of preparation. Many RN-to-BSN Programs market themselves as no-prerequisite programs; however, this just implies that your previous (ADN/ASN) education and your current criteria for RN certification and practice guarantee that you have already completed most, if not all, of the prerequisites. Even so, programs will still require you to have an active RN license and a certain number of transferable credits. Instead, if a bridge program truly has no prerequisites (instead of having hidden requirements), this should be a red flag, being indicative of 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.

At Nightingale College, you can enroll in a 1-year fully online RN-to-BSN Program if you have at least 27 out of 48 GE credits for a BSN, with the rest being completable during the program, which makes it ideal for working nurses and learners who wish to advance their education in the most effective way possible.

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 some other specific requirements to be eligible for nursing school. 

Entrance Exams

Entrance exams are the first non-course requirement 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 may 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 also require your SAT/ACT scores, which can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, making your application competitive.

Background Checks and Fitness for Practice

Background checks are required in the field of nursing education in order to guarantee patient safety and to fulfill clinical site requirements. Breaking the standards for fitness of practice can jeopardize your application, so professionalism is key here. If you have something on your record that may endanger your chances of entry, you may need to disclose the details and possibly provide documentation or letters of explanation. Similarly, drug screens are zero tolerance, and any positive test could nullify an acceptance, so avoid any substance that could risk this.

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 perform the physical demands of nursing, like 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 prove relevant in the case of 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 are facing competition for a place in your nursing program of choice, you can consider it a prerequisite.

Financial and Life Preparedness

There are also some practical considerations to keep in mind when applying to nursing school. Financial planning and time management represent the two main pain points, especially if the program you chose places particular stress on your budget or schedule.

Nursing school will be demanding either way, so the first recommendation is to build a solid support system and a time management plan to balance academic, personal, and professional responsibilities. Additionally, you should remember to fill in your FAFSA application and check whether you are eligible for financial aid. You also need to carefully weigh your particular requirements and responsibilities, and plan accordingly so that nursing school does not endanger your current priorities.

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

What you need to remember is that 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, to deliver education that accommodates your other 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. Get in touch with an academic advisor or use online transfer equivalency tools, if available.
2. Consider completing prereqs at a community college to save money and ensure an easier graduation. 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 that you can enroll with your current experience and complete other requirements while receiving nursing education.
3. Look for online courses, as they can be useful, particularly if you have other commitments or your work schedule does not allow regular attendance. Online, self-paced courses may allow you to 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 to complete nursing school requirements early can help ensure a seamless application process. You can take AP Biology or AP Chemistry during high school, if offered. Remember that scoring well in these classes is crucial for your application later on. Additionally, you can consider dual enrollment at a local college for courses like Anatomy or Statistics, in order 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 for prerequisite completion 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, but also 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 of rusty knowledge.
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, either through institutional services or by contacting faculty or working nurses. Success in prereqs is critical, so utilizing support can make a difference.
10. Tackle financial aid for prereqs. Note that 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. Additionally, you can try applying for the FAFSA to see if you qualify for aid while completing your prereqs.

If you need a more in-depth look at the application process, discover more about the steps to take 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 Most Important Prerequisites for Nursing School?

Generally, the core prerequisite courses are 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 to complete depends on the program you wish 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 credits in prerequisite courses, 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 charts and papers clearly. Courses such as sociology or psychology help you understand patients from social and behavioral perspectives, which improves patient care. Nursing entails understanding patients holistically, making such subjects valuable for your prerequisite knowledge. Plus, if you want a bachelor’s degree, regional accreditation standards require a breadth of general education, which includes humanities and social sciences.

 

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

Direct entry generally means that you do not have to reapply after being accepted. It does not mean that you can skip courses. In a direct-entry BSN, you’ll still take all the nursing prerequisite courses, but they are built into your first two years of study. You won’t need to take them elsewhere or beforehand, as the university will have you complete them, and as long as you meet the progression criteria, you move into the nursing phase. So you avoid the gap between pre-nursing and nursing, but not the courses themselves.

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

Yes, it is possible that a school may allow you to apply even though you don’t have the full list of prerequisites completed, as long as you finish them before the program starts or before 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 and receive confirmation.

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

It is possible that a nursing school may ask you for a retake. Many programs have statutes of limitations on science courses, with a common rule being 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 a lot of experience in healthcare (such as working as a nurse or assistant for a longer 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, but rather the licensing exam you take after completing a nursing program in order 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. You will, however, 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. Make sure to 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.