If you are searching “what are the prerequisites for nursing school?” you likely have an interest in hands-on patient care. Pursuing a career in nursing is one of the most rewarding paths in healthcare, but before you can start caring for patients, you need to meet specific academic requirements. Understanding what are the prerequisites for nursing school is crucial for planning your educational journey and ensuring you’re fully prepared for the rigorous coursework ahead.
At PrereqCourses.com, we help aspiring nurses navigate the complex landscape of prerequisite requirements and find the right courses to achieve their goals.
Nursing education builds upon foundational knowledge in the sciences, mathematics, and social sciences. Prerequisites lay the groundwork for your success in both nursing school and future clinical practice by demonstrating that you’re academically prepared and capable of handling the challenges of a rigorous nursing curriculum. These courses teach critical skills needed for effective patient care and help nursing programs identify students who are ready for advanced healthcare training.
Anatomy and physiology are among the most important prerequisites for nursing school, providing essential knowledge of the human body structures and functions. These courses typically cover:
Most programs require both courses to include laboratory components where you’ll engage in hands-on learning, including dissections and microscopic examinations.
Need help finding anatomy and physiology courses? Visit our science prerequisites guide to explore accredited programs that meet nursing school requirements.
General Chemistry I or Inorganic Chemistry is typically required as a 4-credit course, including lab. This course covers:
Note: Organic chemistry and biochemistry typically do not satisfy this requirement, though some accelerated programs may require them.
An appropriate microbiology course will include bacterial metabolism, growth, and genetics; biology of viruses and fungi; control of microorganisms; host-microbe interactions; microorganisms and disease; and applied microbiology. This course is essential for understanding:
Looking for microbiology courses? Check our microbiology course finder to locate programs in your area or online options that transfer to nursing schools.
Biology provides foundational knowledge about living organisms, covering cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecosystems. For nurses, biology provides a foundational understanding of how the human body functions at the cellular level and how diseases affect it.
Biostatistics teaches students how to collect, analyze, and interpret health data, which is a key skill in evidence-based nursing. This course typically includes:
For specific information about statistics requirements, visit the University of Minnesota School of Nursing prerequisites page.
Need statistics course options? Our statistics prerequisites database helps you find courses that meet nursing program requirements.
Psychology coursework helps future nurses understand human behavior, mental health, and patient interactions. Common psychology prerequisites include:
This developmental psychology course must cover the entire human lifespan (infancy through older adulthood, death/dying). The course examines:
Nutrition courses examine how food affects health and well-being. A comprehensive exploration of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), including food sources, diet analysis, and nutrition across the lifespan.
Strong communication skills are essential for nursing practice. English composition courses focus on:
Minimum Grade Requirements:
Overall GPA Expectations:
Most nursing programs have specific time limits for prerequisite completion:
Community colleges are often the most cost-effective option for completing prerequisites. Many have transfer agreements with nursing programs at local universities, making the transition smoother.
Several prestigious institutions offer online prerequisite courses:
Many students complete prerequisites during their first two years at a four-year institution before declaring nursing as their major.
Different states and regions may have varying prerequisite requirements. For example:
Beyond prerequisites, nursing programs typically require:
For specific admission requirements, check programs like:
ADN programs typically have fewer prerequisites than BSN programs and may be completed in 2-3 years total.
BSN programs typically require more prerequisites than ADN programs and include additional liberal arts requirements.
For students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN programs may allow some prerequisites to be completed concurrently with nursing courses.
Recommended Course Sequence:
Important sequencing notes:
Solution: Retake courses if needed, seek tutoring, and consider taking fewer courses simultaneously to focus on quality over speed.
Solution: Check each program’s recency requirements and plan to retake courses that have exceeded time limits.
Solution: Always verify course transferability before enrolling and keep detailed syllabi for evaluation purposes.
California and Washington state nursing programs often emphasize cultural competency courses and may require additional diversity-focused prerequisites.
Many northeastern programs require additional writing-intensive courses and may have higher GPA thresholds.
Southern nursing schools frequently require specific religion or ethics courses and may have unique clinical experience expectations.
To help offset the cost, students can explore and apply for various financial aid options by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many community colleges offer prerequisite courses at significantly lower costs than four-year institutions.
Once you’ve completed your prerequisites:
Meeting nursing school prerequisites requires careful planning and dedication, but these foundational courses are essential for your success as a nursing student and future healthcare professional. Strong performance in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, biology, and statistics can strengthen your application and prepare you for the rigors of nursing education.
At PrereqCourses.com, we’re committed to helping you navigate every step of your prerequisite journey. From finding the right courses to planning your timeline and managing costs, our comprehensive resources and tools are designed to support your nursing school dreams.
For the most current and specific prerequisite information, always consult directly with the nursing programs you’re interested in, as requirements can vary between institutions and may change over time. PrereqCourses.com provides general guidance and resources to support your educational planning.
