Nursing school prerequisites typically include two semesters of anatomy and physiology, one semester of microbiology, general chemistry, statistics, English composition, and psychology. The exact list varies by program and degree level, but most accredited nursing schools draw from the same core set of science and general education courses. Beyond coursework, you’ll also need to meet GPA thresholds, pass an entrance exam, and clear several health and background requirements before starting clinicals.
Science Courses
The science prerequisites form the backbone of any nursing application. Nearly every program requires:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II: Two semesters, each with a lab component. These courses cover every major body system and are heavily weighted in admissions decisions.
- Microbiology with lab: One semester focused on bacteria, viruses, and infection, directly relevant to patient care and disease prevention.
- General Chemistry with lab: At least one semester. Some BSN programs require a second semester of chemistry or organic chemistry.
- Introductory Biology with lab: One or two semesters, sometimes fulfilled by your anatomy and physiology sequence depending on the program.
All of these courses require a lab section. Programs want to see that you’ve done hands-on work, not just studied from a textbook. And because science knowledge becomes outdated, many schools set expiration windows on these credits. A common policy is seven years: if your anatomy or microbiology course is older than that when you apply, you’ll need to retake it. Lehman College, for example, recently adopted a seven-year limit on all prerequisite science courses including chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology. Check each program’s policy before assuming older coursework will count.
General Education Courses
Nursing programs require a range of non-science courses that build your communication, critical thinking, and understanding of human behavior. These typically include:
- English Composition (1-2 semesters): Writing skills matter in nursing for charting, patient instructions, and reports.
- Statistics (1 semester): Programs increasingly emphasize stats because nurses need to interpret research data and understand evidence-based practice.
- General Psychology (1 semester): Covers the fundamentals of human behavior, which helps when working with patients in distress.
- Human Growth and Development / Lifespan Psychology (1 semester): Covers development from infancy through old age so nurses can provide age-appropriate care. Most programs list this as a separate requirement from general psychology.
Some programs also require introductory sociology, which covers social determinants of health, cultural diversity, and how societal structures affect healthcare access. BSN programs often add general education electives in humanities, ethics, philosophy, or speech communication. These aren’t always listed as strict prerequisites, but they may be required for the degree and can sometimes be completed alongside your nursing coursework.
ADN vs. BSN Prerequisites
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs share the same core prerequisites: chemistry, anatomy, biology, psychology, and English. The difference is that BSN programs layer on additional coursework in areas like pathophysiology, public health, nursing ethics, and research methods. This means BSN applicants often need more general education credits upfront and complete a more extensive curriculum overall.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field or have completed an ADN, accelerated BSN programs let you skip much of the general education and focus on nursing-specific classes. These programs typically run 12 to 18 months and assume you’ve already completed all prerequisite science and social science courses.
GPA Requirements
Most nursing programs set a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 to 3.0, but competitive applicants sit well above those floors. A survey of California nursing programs shows the range clearly: Fresno State and San Francisco State both require a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0, while San Jose State sets its minimum at 3.2 for prerequisites and 3.6 overall. At Azusa Pacific University, the average admitted GPA is 3.43, and science courses specifically average 3.58 among accepted students.
Your science GPA often gets scrutinized separately from your overall GPA. National University, for instance, requires a 2.75 overall but asks for 3.6 to 3.8 in core science courses. If your grades in anatomy, microbiology, or chemistry are weak, retaking those courses before applying is common and expected. Many programs allow one retake per course, though policies vary.
Entrance Exams
Most nursing programs require a standardized entrance exam, and two dominate the field: the TEAS and the HESI A2. Some schools specify one or the other, and a few let you choose.
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) covers four areas: reading, math, science, and English language usage. The science section includes anatomy, physiology, and biology questions. The HESI A2 is broader, testing anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, grammar, math, physics, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Both exams essentially confirm that you’ve absorbed the material from your prerequisites. Most students spend four to eight weeks preparing, and prep books and online practice tests are widely available. Programs typically list a minimum score, but like GPA, higher is better for competitive admission.
Health and Background Clearances
Before you set foot in a clinical setting, you’ll need to clear a series of health and compliance requirements. These aren’t part of the application to nursing school itself, but they’re mandatory before you begin clinical rotations, which usually start in your second year.
A criminal background check is standard. At Marquette University, for example, students must pass one before entering the program and submit an annual update. Some states have caregiver-specific background check laws that apply to nursing students. A drug screening is also required, typically a ten-panel urine test. A negative result means you won’t be tested again unless there’s reason for concern.
The immunization list is extensive. You’ll generally need documentation of:
- Tetanus-diphtheria booster within the past 10 years
- Two-step TB skin test (two tests administered one to three weeks apart), renewed annually
- Varicella (chickenpox): two vaccine doses or a blood test showing immunity
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella): two vaccines or a blood test confirming immunity
- Hepatitis B: a three-dose vaccination series plus a blood test, or documentation that the series is in progress
- Annual flu vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccine at some institutions
If you can’t locate childhood vaccination records, a blood titer (a simple blood draw that checks for existing immunity) can substitute for most of these. Start gathering your records early, because tracking down documentation and completing multi-dose vaccine series can take months.
CPR Certification and CNA Experience
Nearly every nursing program requires a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association before clinicals begin. This is a short, affordable course you can take at community colleges, hospitals, or the Red Cross.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) experience is not universally required, but some programs recommend or prefer it. Completing a CNA program, which typically runs about 10 weeks, gives you direct patient care experience and can strengthen your application. It also provides a realistic preview of healthcare work before you commit to a nursing degree. Even when CNA certification isn’t required, any clinical or volunteer hours in a healthcare setting work in your favor during the admissions process.