Nursing School Prerequisites You’ll Likely Need

A plain-English guide to the science courses, general-education classes, entrance exams, and non-academic requirements most U.S. nursing programs ask for before you apply.

Reviewed by the Pop Nursing editorial team · Updated June 2026

Why Prerequisites Exist (and Why They Vary)

Before you can start the clinical, hands-on part of nursing school, most U.S. programs ask you to complete a set of prerequisite courses and meet a few other requirements. The goal is straightforward: nursing builds directly on biology, body systems, and basic math, so schools want to see that you can handle that material before you take on patient care.

It helps to know that requirements are not identical everywhere. An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at a community college, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a university, and an accelerated BSN for people who already hold a degree may each ask for a slightly different list. Public and private schools differ too, and some details are shaped by state nursing-board rules. Because of this, treat the list below as the typical picture, then confirm the specifics with each program you're considering. Where you see "often" or "may," that's a genuine signal that the detail varies by school and state.

The Science Core You'll Most Likely Need

Across most programs, a science sequence forms the heart of the prerequisites. The courses you'll most commonly see include:

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (often abbreviated A&P) — the structure and function of the human body. These are usually two separate courses, frequently with a lab, and they tend to be the most demanding prerequisites.
• Microbiology — the study of bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, which underpins infection control and disease transmission. A lab component is common.
• Chemistry — many programs require general, introductory, or sometimes biochemistry; others list it as recommended rather than required.
• General Biology — sometimes required on its own, and sometimes the gateway course you take before A&P.

Most science prerequisites must be taken for credit at an accredited institution, and many programs expect a minimum grade in each science course (a C or better is a common threshold, though some competitive programs ask for higher). Lab sections are frequently required, so a fully online course without a lab may not satisfy the requirement at every school.

General-Education and Support Courses

Beyond the sciences, programs typically round out the prerequisite list with general-education and support courses such as:

• English composition — because clear written communication matters in clinical documentation.
• Psychology — often introductory psychology, and frequently a lifespan or developmental psychology course as well.
• Statistics — increasingly required, especially for BSN programs, to support evidence-based practice.
• Nutrition — commonly required or recommended.
• Other general education — such as sociology, communication, or humanities, particularly in bachelor's programs.

The exact mix varies. ADN programs may keep the gen-ed list shorter, while BSN programs typically fold prerequisites into a broader degree plan. If you're transferring credits, ask whether courses you've already taken will count — transfer evaluation rules differ by school and state.

Entrance Exams, GPA, and Recency Rules

Many programs require a nursing entrance exam in addition to coursework. The two most common are the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and the HESI A2 (Admission Assessment). Both test areas like reading, math, science, and English usage, and schools set their own minimum scores. Some programs accept one, some accept the other, and some require neither — the only reliable way to know is to check each program's official requirements.

Most programs also look at your GPA, sometimes a separate "prerequisite GPA" calculated only from required courses. As an approximate guide, ADN programs often list minimums in roughly the 2.5–2.75 range, while BSN programs commonly ask for 3.0 or higher, with more selective programs expecting more. These are typical ranges, not guarantees, and admission is frequently competitive even when you clear the minimum.

Finally, watch for recency rules: many programs require that science prerequisites be completed within a set window before admission — commonly around five years, though this varies. If you took A&P long ago, a school may ask you to retake it. Plan your course timing with this in mind.

Non-Academic Requirements to Expect

Coursework and exams aren't the whole story. Once you're admitted — and typically before clinical rotations begin — most programs require several health and safety items, which commonly include:

• Immunization records (such as Tdap, MMR, varicella, hepatitis B, and a TB screening), plus others your school or clinical sites may require.
• CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, often through a provider-level course.
• A criminal background check and drug screening, required by clinical partners.
• Sometimes a physical exam or proof of health insurance.

These requirements protect patients and are usually tied to the hospitals and clinics where you'll train, so they're largely non-negotiable. The specific items, deadlines, and accepted providers vary by school, clinical site, and state. Build a simple checklist for each program you apply to, keep copies of your records, and start early — some items, like immunization titers, can take time to complete. When in doubt, contact the program's nursing advising office directly; they can confirm exactly what their current cohort needs.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not admissions, career, financial, or medical advice. Program length, cost, accreditation, and licensing requirements vary by school and by state — always confirm details with the school and your state board of nursing.