Getting into nursing school requires a combination of prerequisite coursework, a competitive GPA, an entrance exam score, and several clearances before you ever step into a clinical setting. The exact requirements vary by program, but the core checklist is surprisingly consistent across schools. Here’s what you need to prepare.
Prerequisite Courses
Every nursing program requires a set of science and general education courses completed before you can apply or enroll. The science prerequisites are the most important, and most schools require a grade of C or better in each one. These courses typically must have been completed within five years of your start date, so retaking an old anatomy class may be necessary.
The science courses you’ll need at nearly every program:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (with labs): Usually 8 credit hours total. This is the backbone of nursing education and often the most heavily weighted course in your application.
- Microbiology (with lab): Typically 4 credit hours. Covers bacteria, viruses, and infection, which is directly relevant to clinical practice.
- Chemistry or Biochemistry: Some programs require a full semester, others accept it as part of a biology sequence.
Beyond the sciences, expect to complete English composition, a humanities or fine arts elective, psychology or another social/behavioral science, and sometimes a statistics course. BSN programs generally require around 60 credit hours of total coursework before enrollment, meaning you’ll spend roughly two years completing prerequisites at a community college or university before applying. Associate degree (ADN) programs have a lighter general education load but still require the same core sciences: chemistry, anatomy, biology, psychology, and English.
GPA: Minimums vs. Competitive Averages
Most nursing programs list a minimum GPA somewhere between 2.5 and 2.75, but the students who actually get accepted have much higher numbers. At Texas State University’s BSN program, the average prerequisite GPA for the 2025 entering class was 3.78, and the average science GPA was 3.57. That gap between the posted minimum and the real competitive average catches many applicants off guard.
Programs typically calculate two separate GPAs: your overall prerequisite GPA and your science prerequisite GPA. The science GPA carries more weight because it reflects your ability to handle the material you’ll encounter in nursing courses. If your grades in anatomy or microbiology are weak, retaking those courses (where the program allows it) can make a meaningful difference. Many schools use only your highest grade from the first or second attempt, so one retake is worth considering strategically.
Entrance Exams: TEAS and HESI A2
Nearly every nursing program requires a standardized entrance exam, and the two you’ll encounter most often are the ATI TEAS and the HESI A2. Your school will specify which one it accepts, so check before you start studying.
The TEAS covers four sections: reading, math, science, and English/language usage. The HESI A2 tests math, reading, vocabulary and grammar, and anatomy and physiology, with some schools adding extra sections. Both exams are designed to predict whether you can handle nursing coursework, and both take roughly three to four hours to complete.
Passing scores vary widely by program. Some set minimum thresholds for each individual section, while others evaluate your composite score. Either way, treat this exam like a college final: buy a prep book or use online practice tests, and give yourself at least four to six weeks of focused study. Many applicants take the exam more than once, though schools sometimes limit the number of attempts per year.
Your Personal Statement
Most BSN programs and many competitive ADN programs ask for a personal statement or essay. This is your chance to stand out beyond your GPA and test scores. Strong essays typically cover four things: your educational and professional background, your motivation for choosing that specific program, relevant experiences like healthcare volunteering or work as a certified nursing assistant, and your short- and long-term career goals.
The key word is “specific.” Generic statements about wanting to help people won’t distinguish you from hundreds of other applicants. Connect your motivation to real experiences. If you watched a family member navigate a hospital stay, or if you worked as an EMT and realized you wanted deeper clinical training, say that. Programs also want to see that you’ve researched their school and can articulate why it’s a good fit for your goals.
Letters of Recommendation
Many programs ask for one to three letters of recommendation, typically from science professors, healthcare supervisors, or employers who can speak to your work ethic and character. Start building these relationships early. A professor who knows you from office hours and class participation will write a far stronger letter than one who only recognizes your name from the roster. Give your recommenders at least four to six weeks of lead time and provide them with your personal statement or resume so they can tailor their letter.
The Interview
Some nursing schools, particularly competitive BSN programs, include an interview as part of the admissions process. A growing number use the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format, which is a series of short, timed stations lasting five to ten minutes each. At each station, you might role-play a scenario, discuss an ethical dilemma, answer a direct question, or work through a task with another person.
MMIs evaluate critical thinking, communication skills, compassion, teamwork, and decision-making. You won’t be quizzed on medical knowledge. Instead, you’ll face situations like: a classmate is struggling and asks to copy your work, or a patient’s family member is upset about a care decision. The interviewers want to see how you think through problems, not whether you arrive at a single “correct” answer. Practice by talking through ethical scenarios out loud and structuring your responses: identify the core issue, consider multiple perspectives, propose a course of action, and explain your reasoning.
Health and Legal Clearances
Before you start any clinical rotations, you’ll need to clear several health and legal requirements. These aren’t part of the application itself at most schools, but they’re mandatory before you can progress in the program.
On the health side, expect to provide proof of immunity or vaccination for hepatitis B, varicella (chickenpox), measles, mumps, rubella, and usually influenza and COVID-19. Hepatitis B requires a multi-dose vaccine series and a blood test one to two months after the final dose to confirm your body developed adequate immunity. If your antibody levels come back low, you’ll need an additional dose and retesting. A current tuberculosis screening (either a skin test or blood test) and a physical exam are also standard.
On the legal side, programs require a criminal background check and a drug screening. Certain felony convictions, particularly those involving violence, theft, or controlled substances, can disqualify you from clinical placement and ultimately from nursing licensure in your state. If you have anything on your record, check with your state board of nursing before applying so you understand your eligibility.
You’ll also need current CPR certification, specifically the Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers course. This is a one-day class offered by the American Heart Association and other organizations, and it needs to be renewed every two years.
ADN vs. BSN: Choosing Your Path
Associate degree programs take about two years after prerequisites, while bachelor’s programs take four years total (or two years of nursing courses after two years of prerequisites). ADN programs are typically offered at community colleges and have lower tuition, making them a practical entry point. BSN programs require more general education coursework and often include public health, research, and leadership components.
The trade-off shows up after graduation. Many hospitals, particularly large medical centers and magnet-designated facilities, preferentially hire BSN-prepared nurses. BSN graduates also pass the NCLEX licensing exam at a slightly higher rate: 82.3% on the first attempt compared to 77.9% for ADN graduates, according to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. If you start with an ADN, RN-to-BSN bridge programs let you complete a bachelor’s degree while working, often in 12 to 18 months online.
Application Timing
Nursing programs typically admit students once or twice a year, with fall being the most common start term. Deadlines often land between November and January for a fall start. Some programs use early decision deadlines (as early as November 1) and priority deadlines (around January 15), with rolling admissions after that if spots remain.
Plan backward from your target start date. You’ll want prerequisites completed, your entrance exam taken, and your application materials assembled several months before the deadline. A realistic timeline for someone starting from scratch: begin prerequisites 18 to 24 months before you intend to apply, take your entrance exam during your final semester of prerequisite coursework, and submit your application the moment it opens. Nursing programs are competitive enough that late applications, even strong ones, risk being shut out simply because seats filled early.