Nursing school prerequisites are the college-level courses, GPA thresholds, and other requirements you must complete before you can apply to a nursing program. Most programs require between 8 and 12 prerequisite courses, covering sciences, general education, and math. You can expect to spend one to two years completing them if you’re starting from scratch.
Quick reference — prerequisites most programs require:
- Anatomy & Physiology I and II (with lab)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Chemistry or Biochemistry (often with lab)
- Statistics or college-level math
- English Composition
- Psychology (general or developmental)
- Human Growth and Development
- Nutrition (required at many programs)
The exact list varies by program and degree level. ADN programs at community colleges typically require fewer courses than four-year BSN programs, and LPN programs require fewer still. This guide covers everything you need to know before you start planning your application.
What are nursing school prerequisites and why are they required?
Nursing school prerequisites are foundational courses that prepare you for the rigorous clinical and academic content of a nursing program. Programs require them because nursing education moves fast — instructors cannot spend time teaching anatomy from scratch when students are learning to start IVs and interpret lab values simultaneously.
Accreditors and state boards of nursing also require programs to admit students who meet a minimum academic standard. Prerequisites serve as a filter, ensuring that students entering clinical programs have demonstrated they can handle college-level science before they’re caring for patients.
Most programs specify that prerequisite courses must be completed at a regionally accredited institution, within a defined timeframe (often five to seven years for science courses), and with a minimum grade — typically a C or better, though competitive programs often require a B or higher in sciences.
Core science prerequisites
These are the courses that appear on nearly every nursing school prerequisite list in the United States:
Anatomy & Physiology I and II
A&P is the most heavily weighted prerequisite in nursing admissions. Most programs require both A&P I and A&P II with a lab component. Some programs accept a combined full-year course; others require the full two-semester sequence. UNC Chapel Hill’s BSN program, for example, requires a B– or better in both courses completed within five years of applying.
Why it matters: A&P provides the foundation for pharmacology, pathophysiology, and clinical assessment. You’ll draw on it every week of nursing school.
Microbiology
Microbiology with a lab is required at nearly all programs. It covers bacteria, viruses, fungi, the immune system, and infection control — all of which are directly relevant to hospital nursing. Many programs require it to be completed within five to ten years of application.
Chemistry
General chemistry (one to two semesters, often with lab) is required by most BSN programs and many ADN programs. Some programs accept biochemistry or an allied health chemistry course as a substitute. Chemistry underpins pharmacology and acid-base balance — areas students frequently struggle with if they skip it.
Statistics or college-level math
Statistics is the more commonly required of the two. Some programs accept College Algebra as an alternative, but statistics is increasingly standard at BSN programs because of its relevance to evidence-based practice and research literacy.
English Composition
One or two semesters of college-level writing are required at most programs. Nursing requires precise written communication — clinical documentation, care plans, handoff reports. Composition courses build that skill.
Psychology and Human Growth and Development
General or introductory Psychology is required at most programs. Many also require a separate Human Growth and Development course (covering the lifespan from infancy through older adulthood). These courses prepare students for patient communication and the psychosocial dimensions of care.
Nutrition
Not universal, but common — particularly at ADN programs. Nutrition connects to care for patients with diabetes, renal disease, eating disorders, and many chronic conditions.
| Course | Typical credit hours | Lab required | Minimum grade (common) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 | Yes | B or B– |
| Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 | Yes | B or B– |
| Microbiology | 4 | Yes | C or B |
| Chemistry (General or Allied Health) | 3–4 | Often | C or B |
| Statistics or College Algebra | 3 | No | C |
| English Composition | 3 | No | C |
| General Psychology | 3 | No | C |
| Human Growth and Development | 3 | No | C |
| Nutrition | 3 | No | C (where required) |
GPA requirements
Most nursing programs set separate GPA thresholds for overall (cumulative) GPA and science GPA. The science GPA — calculated from biology, chemistry, A&P, and microbiology — is often weighted more heavily because it predicts clinical performance.
Typical minimums by program type:
- LPN programs: 2.0–2.5 cumulative; science GPA not always calculated separately
- ADN programs (community college): 2.5–2.8 cumulative; 2.8 science GPA common
- BSN programs (four-year): 2.8–3.0 cumulative; 3.0 science GPA common
- Accelerated BSN (ABSN): 3.0 minimum, often 3.2–3.5 for competitive programs
These are minimums. At programs that admit more applicants than they have seats — which is most programs — the average admitted GPA is substantially higher than the stated floor. A 2.5 may qualify you to apply; it may not be enough to be selected.
If your science GPA is below 3.0, see our guide to nursing programs that accept lower GPAs for options including community college ADN pathways, grade forgiveness policies, and post-baccalaureate coursework.
ADN vs BSN vs LPN: how prerequisites differ by program level
The degree you’re applying to determines how many prerequisites you’ll need and how rigorous the requirements are.
| Requirement | LPN (certificate) | ADN (associate degree) | BSN (bachelor's degree) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology | Sometimes A&P I only | A&P I and II with lab | A&P I and II with lab |
| Microbiology | Not always required | Required (with lab) | Required (with lab) |
| Chemistry | Rarely required | Required at many programs | Generally required |
| Statistics | Not typically required | College Algebra or Statistics | Statistics required |
| English Composition | Sometimes required | Required | Required (sometimes 2 courses) |
| Psychology | Not typically required | Required | Required |
| Human Growth & Development | Rarely required | Required at many programs | Required |
| Nutrition | Not required | Required at many programs | Varies by school |
| Minimum cumulative GPA | 2.0–2.5 | 2.5–2.8 | 2.8–3.0+ |
| Total prereq courses (typical) | 2–5 | 7–10 | 9–12 |
LPN programs have the lightest prerequisite load. Many only require a high school diploma or GED, basic math, and sometimes A&P I or English. This makes them a realistic entry point for students who haven’t done much college coursework yet. You can read more about the LPN pathway on our LPN degree guide.
ADN programs at community colleges require a meaningful prerequisite load but are more accessible than four-year programs. Most require A&P I and II, Microbiology, English, Psychology, and Human Development as a minimum. Chemistry is required at many but not all. See our ADN program guide for what to expect during the program itself.
BSN programs require the most rigorous prerequisite set and typically require prerequisites to be completed more recently (within five years for sciences). Four-year BSN programs often require chemistry, two semesters of English, and statistics. If you’re pursuing a BSN degree, plan for 9–12 prerequisite courses before you apply.
Entrance exams: TEAS, HESI A2, and NLN PAX
Most nursing programs require a standardized entrance exam as part of the application. The exam score is one of several factors used to rank applicants — alongside GPA and, at some schools, healthcare experience.
ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
The TEAS is the most widely used nursing entrance exam in the United States. It covers four content areas:
- Reading – comprehension, main idea, evidence-based reasoning
- Mathematics – numbers, algebra, measurement, data interpretation
- Science – life sciences, earth/physical science, scientific reasoning
- English and Language Usage – grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
Scores range from 0–100%. Most programs set a minimum composite score (typically 58–70%), and competitive programs expect higher. The science section, which covers biology and anatomy, rewards students who have completed their science prerequisites before sitting the exam. You can find study strategies in our NCLEX study tips guide — many of the active recall and spaced repetition techniques apply equally well to TEAS prep.
HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admissions Assessment)
The HESI A2 is used by many ADN and BSN programs, particularly hospital-affiliated nursing schools. It tests similar content to the TEAS: math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics. Individual programs choose which subtests to require.
NLN PAX (Pre-Admission Exam)
The NLN PAX is less common than TEAS or HESI but is required by some diploma and ADN programs. It covers verbal ability, math, and science.
Timing tip: Sit the entrance exam after completing A&P and Microbiology, not before. The science sections cover material directly from those courses.
Non-academic requirements
Beyond coursework and test scores, most programs require:
CPR/BLS certification – Nearly universal. Programs require current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross before clinical rotations begin. Some require it at application; most require it by program start. The course takes four to eight hours.
Healthcare experience – Not always required, but consistently beneficial. Many competitive BSN programs expect 100–500 hours of direct patient care experience — as a CNA, EMT, medical assistant, or healthcare volunteer. ADN programs are less likely to require it but view it favorably. Even 80 hours of verified volunteer experience strengthens an application significantly.
Immunizations – Required at all programs. Standard requirements include:
- Hepatitis B (three-dose series)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) — two doses or documented immunity
- Varicella — two doses or documented immunity
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
- Annual influenza vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccination (required at most programs and clinical sites)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test or IGRA blood test annually
Background check and drug screening – Required by all programs. Clinical sites will not accept students with certain criminal convictions, and state boards of nursing conduct separate character reviews for licensure. Be aware that any criminal history warrants review before investing in prerequisites.
Physical examination – Some programs require a healthcare provider sign-off confirming you are physically capable of performing nursing duties.
How long do prerequisites take?
The timeline depends on where you’re starting:
High school graduate entering community college: Expect two years to complete prerequisites if you take two science courses per semester and manage the workload. A&P I and Microbiology in the same semester is common but demanding. Chemistry before A&P II is a logical sequence at schools that require it.
Career changer with a non-science degree: One to two years is realistic if you can take courses full-time. Your prior gen-ed credits (English, Psychology, Statistics) may already satisfy several prerequisites. Focus your time on the science sequence. A post-baccalaureate certificate in health sciences at a community college is an efficient way to knock out the full science block.
Part-time student: Two to three years. If you’re working full-time, limit science courses to one per semester with labs — the time commitment for A&P or Microbiology with lab is typically 6–10 hours per week outside of class.
Career changer using online courses: Some prerequisites can be completed online (English, Psychology, Statistics, Nutrition). Most nursing programs do not accept online-only A&P or Microbiology with virtual labs — they require in-person or hybrid labs. Verify your target program’s policy before enrolling in online science courses.
How to succeed in prerequisite courses
A&P is where many aspiring nurses stumble. The volume of material is high and the pace is fast. A few strategies that make a measurable difference:
Start with the hardest science first. Take A&P I before adding Microbiology or Chemistry. Overloading your first semester with two demanding science courses leads to grades that haunt your application.
Use active recall, not re-reading. Flashcards, practice questions, and teaching the material to someone else are far more effective than rereading notes. Anki (free spaced-repetition software) is widely used by pre-nursing and nursing students for anatomy vocabulary.
Go to office hours. Most community college science professors are accessible and willing to help. A relationship with your A&P professor is also useful if you later need a letter of recommendation.
Target your grade, not just a pass. A C in A&P meets most programs’ minimum but drags your science GPA down significantly. A B or higher is the competitive target at most programs.
What to do if you have weak grades in prerequisites
Weak prerequisite grades are not necessarily disqualifying, but they require a deliberate strategy. See our detailed guide to nursing programs that work with lower GPAs, which covers grade replacement policies, post-baccalaureate retake options, and programs with more flexible admissions. The short version:
Retake the course. Most programs average the two grades; some use only the most recent. Either way, retaking A&P and earning an A replaces a C with a significantly better signal. Some programs allow only one retake per science course, so confirm policy before re-enrolling.
Complete additional science coursework. Taking and excelling in a related upper-level science course (e.g., Pathophysiology, Genetics, or Biochemistry) demonstrates that a weak grade was a stumble, not a pattern.
Consider the ADN pathway first. Community college ADN programs are generally more accessible for students with uneven transcripts. Once you’re a licensed RN, completing an RN-to-BSN program is far more straightforward than competing for a traditional BSN spot with a mixed science GPA.
Apply to multiple programs. Prerequisite standards vary meaningfully between schools. A 2.7 science GPA may not be competitive at a selective four-year BSN program but may be competitive at a community college ADN program two miles away.
Frequently asked questions
How many prerequisites does nursing school require? Most programs require between 8 and 12 courses. ADN programs typically fall in the 7–10 range; BSN programs, 9–12. LPN programs require fewer — often 2–5 courses or just a high school diploma.
Can I take nursing prerequisites online? General education courses (English, Psychology, Statistics, Nutrition) can often be taken online. Science courses with lab components — A&P, Microbiology, Chemistry — must typically be taken in-person or hybrid. Verify with your target programs before enrolling.
How old can prerequisites be? Science prerequisites usually must be completed within five years of application. Non-science courses (English, Psychology) have longer windows — sometimes ten years or no limit. Check each program’s specific policy.
Do prerequisites need to be completed before applying? At most programs, you must complete the majority of prerequisites before applying, and all before starting the program. Some programs allow you to be enrolled in your final one or two prerequisites at the time of application.
Is a C good enough in A&P? A C meets the minimum at many programs but is not competitive at selective programs. Most applicants admitted to competitive BSN programs have Bs or better in all science prerequisites. If you earned a C, a retake is worth considering.