How Many Gen Ed Credits Do You Need for Nursing School- the definitive credit hour breakdown for nursing prerequisites — total credits by program type (BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN, ADN), category-by-category breakdown, and the complete prerequisite course list with online completion options
How many gen ed credits do you need for nursing school? Typically 30-66 credits depending on program type. Traditional BSN programs require 45-66 gen ed credits (verified examples: UAMS BSN 58 credits, Cizik School of Nursing 60 credits, UNC Chapel Hill 60 transferable credits, Nightingale College 48 credits). RN-to-BSN programs typically require 30-60 additional credits beyond ADN coursework. ABSN programs typically have gen ed requirements satisfied by the prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree — so additional gen ed completion is usually minimal. ADN programs typically require 20-30 gen ed credits integrated within the 2-year curriculum. The breakdown across categories typically includes: English Composition (3-6 credits), Math/Statistics (3-4 credits), Social Sciences (3-9 credits — psychology, sociology, lifespan development), Humanities/Fine Arts (3-6 credits — philosophy, ethics, art, music, foreign language), Communications/Speech (0-3 credits), and Sciences (16-24 credits including Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry — the heaviest single category). The specific credit allocation varies substantially by program; verify each target nursing program’s specific requirements.
The structural variation across programs reflects three institutional patterns. Traditional BSN programs structure gen ed as a 2-year pre-nursing component (60 credits typical) followed by a 2-year nursing major. ABSN programs assume gen ed is satisfied by the prior bachelor’s degree and require only specific science and nursing-related prerequisite courses. RN-to-BSN bridge programs accept ADN coursework as partial completion and require additional gen ed credits to reach the 120-credit bachelor’s threshold. ADN programs compress gen ed into the 2-year associate degree alongside nursing coursework. Understanding which pattern applies at your target programs determines the total preparation scope you need to plan for.
This article walks through the specific credit hour requirements by program type with verified examples, the category-by-category gen ed breakdown that nursing programs typically apply, why credit totals vary substantially across programs, the structural distinction between gen ed prerequisites and nursing science prerequisites (which affects how programs evaluate applicant preparation), and the complete prerequisite course list with online completion options through PrereqCourses.com delivered by Upper Iowa University. The audience: prospective nursing students at any preparation stage — typically early-stage planning when applicants are first understanding the total scope of preparation required.
| Gen ed credits for nursing school: the quick factsTraditional BSN: 45-66 gen ed credits (UAMS 58, Cizik 60, UNC 60, Nightingale 48, American National 66)ABSN: Typically minimal additional gen ed (satisfied by prior bachelor’s degree); some programs require specific named prerequisites in addition to existing degreeRN-to-BSN: 30-60 additional credits beyond ADN coursework to reach 120-credit bachelor’s degree thresholdADN: 20-30 gen ed credits integrated within 2-year associate degree alongside nursing curriculumStandard category breakdown (BSN typical): 3-6 English, 3-4 Math/Statistics, 6-9 Social Sciences, 3-6 Humanities, 0-3 Speech, 16-24 SciencesMinimum grade typical: C (2.0) at most programs; B (3.0) at competitive ABSN; letter grades required (pass/fail not accepted at most programs)Total time to complete: 12-24 months typical for full prerequisite stack through self-paced online providers like PrereqCourses |
Total gen ed credit requirements vary substantially across the four major nursing program types. Understanding which program type you’re targeting determines the total preparation scope you need to plan for.
Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs structure curriculum as a 2-year pre-nursing component (typically 60 credits including gen ed and prerequisite sciences) followed by a 2-year nursing major. The pre-nursing component covers most gen ed requirements before students begin the upper-division nursing coursework.
Per UAMS’s traditional BSN program: “In the traditional BSN program, the curriculum leading to the BSN degree requires the completion of 58 semester hours of required general education courses, which may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university.” The 58-credit total represents the comprehensive gen ed requirement at UAMS BSN — including English Composition, College Algebra, Social Sciences (9 hours), Fine Arts/Humanities (6 hours), Speech Communication (3 hours), and electives.
Per Cizik School of Nursing’s Pacesetter BSN: “The full prerequisite list includes 60 credit hours; however, an application to our Pacesetter BSN track will be considered for admission if, at the application deadline, at least 48 prerequisite credit hours have been completed.” The 60-credit prerequisite total reflects the comprehensive gen ed + prerequisite science requirement that BSN programs apply.
Per UNC Chapel Hill’s BSN program: “Must have earned at least 60 credit hours prior to beginning the program.” UNC’s structure: 60 credit hours minimum at matriculation, including gen ed requirements and nursing science prerequisites. The 60-credit minimum is consistent across many traditional BSN programs.
Per UTHSC College of Nursing: “Applicants must have sixty (60) credit hours of non-nursing course work from an accredited US higher education institution (or approved international equivalent) upon entry to the program.” UTHSC additionally specifies: “thirty (30) credit hours in General Education” specifically — distinguishing gen ed from nursing science prerequisites in the 60-credit total.
Per Nightingale College’s BSN program: “The BSN Program requires an additional forty-eight (48) semester credits of general education coursework. A total of one hundred twenty (120) semester credits is required for graduation.” The 48-credit gen ed requirement at Nightingale represents the lower end of traditional BSN gen ed totals — reflecting some institutional variation in how gen ed is structured.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs are designed for applicants who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree. The prior bachelor’s degree typically satisfies the broader gen ed requirements that traditional BSN programs apply. ABSN programs add specific science prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry) and sometimes specific named gen ed prerequisites (Statistics, Lifespan Development, Nutrition, Ethics at faith-based programs).
Typical ABSN preparation: 24-40 credits of specific named prerequisites (sciences plus specific gen ed) added to the existing bachelor’s degree foundation. The compressed timeline reflects the ABSN audience — applicants who don’t need full gen ed completion because they already have a bachelor’s degree containing general education breadth.
Strategic note: ABSN applicants verify whether existing bachelor’s degree coursework satisfies specific named ABSN prerequisites. For example, an ABSN program requiring “Statistics” specifically may require additional Statistics completion even from applicants whose bachelor’s degree included College Algebra but not Statistics. Verify each target ABSN program’s specific named requirements against your existing bachelor’s degree coursework.
RN-to-BSN bridge programs accept ADN coursework (typically 60-72 credits) as partial completion toward the bachelor’s degree. Additional credits required to reach the 120-credit bachelor’s threshold typically total 30-60 credits — including gen ed completion gaps from the ADN curriculum plus upper-division nursing coursework specific to the BSN.
Per Cizik School of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN program: “The full prerequisite list includes 60 credit hours; however, an application will be considered for admission if, at the application deadline, at least 40 prerequisite credit hours have been completed.” The structural pattern: RN-to-BSN bridge programs typically require the same 60-credit prerequisite foundation as traditional BSN programs, with ADN coursework counting toward partial completion.
The variation across RN-to-BSN programs is substantial. Some programs (those with formal articulation agreements with specific ADN programs) accept ADN coursework as comprehensive gen ed completion — requiring minimal additional gen ed for the BSN bridge. Other programs require specific named gen ed courses (Statistics, Ethics, additional humanities) that ADN curriculum didn’t include. Verify each target RN-to-BSN program’s specific gen ed completion requirement against your existing ADN coursework.
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) programs compress the 2-year curriculum to include both nursing coursework and required general education. Typical ADN gen ed totals: 20-30 credits integrated within the 60-72 total credit hours that the associate degree requires.
The structural difference: ADN gen ed often runs concurrent with nursing coursework rather than as standalone prerequisite completion. Students in ADN programs typically complete English Composition, Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Psychology during the program’s first year alongside introductory nursing courses. Some prerequisite gen ed (English Composition, basic math) may be required before program admission; most ADN gen ed completion happens within the program itself.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) and LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) programs have similar compressed structure — typically 12-18 months total with minimal pre-program gen ed prerequisites. Most general education content for LPN/LVN credentials is integrated into the program curriculum rather than required as prerequisite.
Beyond total credit hours, understanding the category-by-category gen ed breakdown clarifies which specific course types you need to complete. The typical BSN gen ed structure includes six major categories with varying credit allocations across programs.
Universal requirement across virtually all nursing programs. Most BSN programs require 6 credits total (English Composition I + English Composition II); some ADN programs accept 3 credits (single semester). The structural reasoning: nurses produce extensive written documentation (patient assessments, care plans, incident reports, progress notes), making strong written communication a core clinical competency.
Course completion details: see the dedicated article on English Composition for Nursing School for verified citations, program-specific requirements, and online completion guidance.
Required at virtually all BSN and ABSN programs; some ADN programs require math specifically. Statistics is increasingly preferred over College Algebra at competitive nursing programs nationwide — the structural reasoning: evidence-based practice requires statistical literacy that College Algebra doesn’t develop. Most programs require minimum C (2.0) grade; some competitive ABSN programs require B (3.0) or higher.
Course completion details: see the dedicated article on Statistics for Nursing School for the Statistics-vs-College-Algebra analysis, verified citations, and MATH 220 Elementary Statistics completion through PrereqCourses.
The social sciences category typically includes Psychology and Sociology, often with Lifespan Development as a separate or integrated component. Specific allocation varies by program.
Per UAMS’s traditional BSN program: “9 hours — Social Science (examples: psychology, anthropology, economics, geography, sociology, or history).” UAMS’s structure provides 9-credit flexibility within social sciences. Per Texas A&M’s BSN: “General psychology (3), lifespan psychology (3)” appear as separate named requirements totaling 6 credits in psychology alone. Per most ABSN programs: Sociology, General Psychology, and Lifespan Developmental Psychology often required as separate 3-credit courses (9 credits total).
Standard breakdown of social sciences for nursing prerequisites:
Most BSN programs require humanities or fine arts coursework as part of the broader liberal arts gen ed structure. Per UAMS’s BSN program: “6 hours — Fine Arts/Humanities (examples: logical reasoning, art, foreign language, philosophy, or music).”
The category flexibility means applicants can typically choose from a broad range of acceptable coursework — philosophy, ethics, art history, music, foreign language, literature, religion, history. For applicants targeting faith-based nursing programs that require Ethics specifically, completing Ethics within the humanities category satisfies both requirements. For applicants targeting programs without specific humanities requirements, completing courses that interest you produces the same structural credit completion.
Required at many BSN and ABSN programs; some ADN programs require Speech specifically. Per UAMS BSN: “3 hours — Speech Communication (examples: oral communications or technical writing).” Per University of Nevada Reno BSN: “COM 113 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 credits)” appears as a specifically named approved course.
Some programs include Communications within the broader English/Writing category rather than as separate Speech requirement. Verify each target program’s specific structure.
Science prerequisites typically dominate the total prerequisite credit hour count. Standard breakdown:
Per Cizik School of Nursing’s prerequisites: 16 credit hours minimum in Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology combined. The science prerequisite category typically represents 16-24 credits at BSN/ABSN programs — the largest single category within the total prerequisite stack.
Required at many BSN and ABSN programs — classified as Natural Science prerequisite at some programs (Texas A&M, University of Iowa, University of Washington), as standalone prerequisite at others (University of Minnesota, Johns Hopkins). The classification affects how Nutrition coursework contributes to science GPA calculations at competitive programs.
Required at faith-based nursing programs (Creighton, other Catholic/Jesuit/Christian programs), some competitive private universities, and some specialized health science institutions. Not universally required across all nursing programs. Most programs accept either Bioethics (preferred) or General Ethics/Introduction to Ethics.
The substantial variation in gen ed credit requirements across nursing programs (45-66 credits at BSN programs, minimal at ABSN, 30-60 at RN-to-BSN, 20-30 at ADN) reflects three structural institutional patterns. Understanding these patterns clarifies why a specific credit hour total at one program may differ from another program’s requirement even within the same program type.
Different institutions approach general education with different philosophical frameworks. Liberal arts-emphasis institutions (Catholic universities, Jesuit institutions, traditional residential 4-year universities) typically require broader gen ed for nursing students — 50-66 credits with strong humanities, social sciences, and ethics emphasis. Health-sciences-focused institutions (academic medical centers, health science universities) typically require narrower gen ed focused on health-relevant content — 45-58 credits with stronger science emphasis.
This variation reflects what institutions value for nursing professional preparation. Liberal arts emphasis produces nurses with broader humanistic foundation; health-sciences emphasis produces nurses with stronger scientific foundation. Neither approach is inherently better — both produce qualified nurses with different preparation profiles.
State public universities typically follow state-mandated general education frameworks that affect total credit requirements. Per Wichita State University’s BSN: “The General Education Program at Wichita State follows the 34-35 credit-hour KBOR systemwide GE program framework.” The Kansas Board of Regents systemwide framework applies to all Kansas public universities, producing standardized 34-35 credit gen ed across the state’s public BSN programs.
Texas public universities follow the Texas Common Course Numbering System and Texas Core Curriculum requirements. California public universities follow the CSU GE Breadth or UC Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum. State-mandated frameworks produce consistency within state systems while creating differences between state systems.
Nursing programs maintain accreditation through the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). Accreditation standards specify minimum credit hour totals for the nursing degree but allow institutional flexibility in gen ed allocation. Some programs choose more gen ed credits to support broader professional preparation; some choose fewer gen ed credits to provide more nursing-specific coursework within the bachelor’s degree.
Within the total prerequisite stack, nursing programs typically distinguish between gen ed prerequisites (broader liberal arts foundation) and nursing science prerequisites (specific health science preparation). Understanding this distinction matters because the two categories often receive different evaluation weight in competitive admission decisions.
Gen ed prerequisites include English Composition, Math (College Algebra or Statistics), Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, History), Humanities (Philosophy, Ethics, Art, Music, Foreign Language), Communications (Speech, Public Speaking), Physical Education, and Electives. These courses typically count toward overall GPA calculations and graduation requirements but may not specifically affect competitive nursing program admission decisions.
Nursing science prerequisites typically include Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, General Chemistry I (sometimes II), Nutrition, Statistics (at programs classifying it under sciences), and sometimes additional sciences like Pathophysiology or Biochemistry. These courses typically count toward separate science GPA calculations that competitive programs evaluate independently.
Per UTHSC’s BSN admission requirements: “A 2.67 or better for science pre-requisite GPA is required.” UTHSC evaluates science GPA separately from overall GPA — the science GPA standard (2.67) differs from the overall GPA standard (3.0). Per Texas State University BSN: “Applicants must have a nursing prerequisite GPA of 3.0 or higher” PLUS “Applicants must also have a Science GPA for 3.0 or higher” — both GPAs evaluated separately.
Strong science prerequisite grades support competitive admission at programs with separate science GPA evaluation — particularly important if your overall GPA is solid but specific science grades are strong. Conversely, weak science prerequisite grades affect admission even when overall GPA is high — the separate science GPA evaluation surfaces this weakness independently.
Strategic implication: prioritize strong performance in science prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry) over gen ed prerequisites at competitive programs with separate science GPA evaluation. This doesn’t mean neglecting gen ed — letter grades are required across all prerequisites and weak grades hurt overall GPA. But the structural priority for competitive programs typically favors science performance.
Completing 45-66 gen ed credits for a traditional BSN program requires substantial time investment. Understanding realistic completion timelines supports effective preparation planning.
Career changers completing comprehensive prerequisite stacks at full-time pacing (15-18 credits per semester equivalent) typically need 12-18 months to complete 45-60 credits including sciences. The science prerequisites particularly require substantial time because of lab components and the depth of biochemical and physiological content.
Career changers and working adults completing prerequisites at part-time pacing (9-12 credits per semester equivalent) typically need 18-30 months for full completion. The longer timeline reflects work-school balance requirements that don’t allow full-time prerequisite focus.
Applicants with existing bachelor’s degrees or substantial completed coursework typically need 3-6 months to fill specific named prerequisite gaps. ABSN applicants in particular often need to add only 5-8 specific named prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, sometimes Statistics, Nutrition, Lifespan Development) — substantially less than the full 45-60 credit prerequisite stack.
Self-paced online providers like PrereqCourses produce completion timeline flexibility that semester-based providers can’t match. Monthly enrollment (rather than semester-based start dates) and self-paced completion (rather than fixed-pace semester schedules) accommodate variable scheduling needs across applicant types. The structural format flexibility produces faster completion for motivated applicants and more sustainable pacing for working adults — without compromising the academic rigor that nursing programs require.
Below is the comprehensive nursing prerequisite course list — covering both gen ed prerequisites and nursing science prerequisites — with online completion options through PrereqCourses.com delivered by Upper Iowa University (HLC accredited).
| Why PrereqCourses for comprehensive nursing prerequisite completionSingle regionally accredited provider: Complete entire prerequisite stack through Upper Iowa University (HLC accredited) — single transcript covering full preparation rather than fragmented coursework across multiple institutions. Monthly enrollment: Begin coursework on the 1st of any month — accommodates conditional admit deadlines, career-changer timelines, and individual pacing needs. Self-paced completion in 6-10 weeks per course: Sustainable pacing for working adults; accelerated pacing for urgency situations; flexible pacing for individual learning needs. Standard letter grades: Official UIU transcripts satisfy letter-grade requirement that pass/no-pass providers don’t. Healthcare-focused curriculum: Courses designed specifically for healthcare prerequisite completion — content alignment with nursing program expectations across all major program types (ADN, LVN, LPN, BSN, ABSN, RN-to-BSN). |
Typically 30-66 credits depending on program type. Traditional BSN programs require 45-66 gen ed credits (UAMS 58, Cizik 60, UNC 60, Nightingale 48). ABSN programs typically have gen ed satisfied by prior bachelor’s degree with minimal additional gen ed completion. RN-to-BSN programs require 30-60 additional credits beyond ADN coursework. ADN programs require 20-30 gen ed credits integrated within the 2-year associate degree.
Most BSN programs require 60 credit hours minimum at matriculation — including both gen ed and nursing science prerequisites. Per UNC Chapel Hill BSN: “Must have earned at least 60 credit hours prior to beginning the program.” Per Cizik School of Nursing: “The full prerequisite list includes 60 credit hours.” Per UTHSC: “Applicants must have sixty (60) credit hours of non-nursing course work.” The 60-credit minimum is consistent across many traditional BSN programs.
ABSN total credit requirements vary 50-75 credits depending on program. ABSN structure: applicant brings prior non-nursing bachelor’s degree foundation; ABSN curriculum adds 50-75 credits of nursing-specific coursework completed in 12-18 months. The prior bachelor’s degree typically satisfies broader gen ed requirements; ABSN adds specific named prerequisites (sciences, sometimes Statistics, Lifespan Development, Nutrition, Ethics) and nursing core coursework.
Standard categories: English Composition (3-6 credits — universal), Math/Statistics (3-4 credits — most BSN/ABSN), Social Sciences including Psychology, Sociology, Lifespan Development (6-9 credits — most programs), Humanities/Fine Arts (3-6 credits — most BSN programs), Communications/Speech (0-3 credits — many BSN/ABSN), and Sciences including Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry (16-24 credits — universal at BSN/ABSN). Some programs additionally require Nutrition (3 credits) and Ethics (3 credits at faith-based programs).
Yes substantially. ADN programs typically require 20-30 gen ed credits integrated within the 2-year associate degree, with some prerequisites completed before program admission and most gen ed integrated during the program. BSN programs typically require 45-66 gen ed credits completed as a 2-year pre-nursing component before beginning the upper-division nursing major. The total credit difference reflects the bachelor’s vs. associate degree structural difference: BSN graduates earn 120 total credits; ADN graduates earn 60-72 total credits.
Varies by enrollment pattern. Full-time prerequisite completion (15-18 credits per semester equivalent): 12-18 months for 45-60 credits. Part-time prerequisite completion (9-12 credits per semester equivalent): 18-30 months. Self-paced online providers like PrereqCourses allow faster completion for motivated students (potentially 8-14 months full-time) or sustainable pacing for working adults (24-36 months part-time). The science prerequisites (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry) typically require the most time because of content depth and lab components.
Yes at the substantial majority of US nursing programs when delivered through regionally accredited institutions producing letter-grade transcripts. Online prerequisite coursework through providers like PrereqCourses (delivered through Upper Iowa University, HLC accredited) satisfies structural acceptance requirements at virtually every US nursing program. The exception: some programs require in-person science labs specifically (Palomar College ADN explicitly requires in-person science labs); for these programs, online lecture coursework with in-person lab components satisfies the requirement. Verify each target program’s specific online acceptance policy.
Most programs require minimum C (2.0) per individual course; some competitive programs require B (3.0) or higher per course. Overall GPA requirements typically 2.5-3.5 depending on program. Competitive programs typically require 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA. Science prerequisite GPA often evaluated separately — typical minimum 2.67-3.0 specifically for science prerequisites at programs with separate science GPA evaluation. Letter grades required at virtually all programs; pass/fail coursework typically not accepted.
Several regionally accredited providers offer comprehensive online prerequisite coursework: PrereqCourses.com (delivered through Upper Iowa University, HLC accredited) — monthly enrollment, self-paced 6-10 weeks per course, comprehensive catalog covering full prerequisite stack; community colleges with online sections — variable scheduling, in-state pricing typically $300-$800 per course; UNE Online — health science focused; Portage Learning through Geneva College — health science focused; major academic medical center nursing schools’ online prerequisites (Johns Hopkins School of Nursing) — premium pricing but high prestige.
How many gen ed credits do you need for nursing school? Typically 30-66 credits depending on program type. Traditional BSN programs: 45-66 gen ed credits (60-credit prerequisite total typical at UNC, Cizik, UAMS, UTHSC). ABSN programs: minimal additional gen ed beyond prior bachelor’s degree. RN-to-BSN programs: 30-60 additional credits beyond ADN coursework. ADN programs: 20-30 gen ed credits integrated within 2-year associate degree.
Standard category breakdown across BSN programs: English Composition (3-6 credits), Math/Statistics (3-4 credits), Social Sciences (6-9 credits including Psychology, Sociology, Lifespan Development), Humanities/Fine Arts (3-6 credits), Communications/Speech (0-3 credits), Sciences (16-24 credits — the heaviest single category including Anatomy & Physiology I and II with labs, Microbiology with lab, General Chemistry I), plus program-specific additions like Nutrition (3 credits) and Ethics (3 credits at faith-based programs). Minimum grade typically C (2.0); competitive programs require B (3.0) or higher; letter grades required at virtually all programs.
The total preparation scope is substantial — typically 45-60 credits for traditional BSN preparation, requiring 12-30 months of focused completion depending on enrollment pattern. Strategic recommendations: (1) Identify your target nursing program type early (BSN vs. ABSN vs. RN-to-BSN vs. ADN) to determine total preparation scope. (2) Verify specific named prerequisites at each target program — credit hour totals alone don’t capture program-specific named requirements (Statistics specifically vs. College Algebra, Lifespan Development specifically vs. generic Developmental Psychology, etc.). (3) Plan timeline based on enrollment pattern — full-time, part-time, or targeted gap-filling. (4) Consider consolidated prerequisite completion through a single regionally accredited provider for transcript management efficiency.PrereqCourses.com provides the consolidated prerequisite completion infrastructure that supports efficient nursing preparation. Delivered through Upper Iowa University with HLC regional accreditation, monthly enrollment, self-paced completion in 6-10 weeks per course, and standard letter-grade transcripts — the structural features satisfy acceptance requirements at virtually every US nursing program across all major program types. The complete catalog covers English Composition, Statistics (MATH 220), Psychology, Sociology, Lifespan Development, Speech Communication, Human Nutrition, Ethics, and nursing science prerequisites (BIO 270 and 275 Anatomy & Physiology, BIO 210 Microbiology with Lab, CHEM 151 General Chemistry I) — comprehensive coverage of the typical 45-66 credit nursing prerequisite stack through a single regionally accredited provider. For applicants planning comprehensive nursing preparation, the consolidated completion path produces faster total preparation time, cleaner transcript presentation in applications, and unified academic record that supports admission decisions at competitive programs.
