Refreshing Expired Nursing Prerequisites | The 5-Year Recency Rule | PrereqCourses.com

Recency Rule Guide

Refreshing Expired Nursing Prerequisites: The 5-Year Rule

Took your science prerequisites years ago? There is a good chance they have expired in the eyes of nursing admissions — and refreshing them online is faster and cheaper than you might expect.

All Nursing Prerequisites

Will this count for nursing school? This course is offered through Upper Iowa University (HLC regionally accredited). Most nursing programs accept regionally accredited online coursework with a virtual lab, while a minority still require an in-person wet lab. National/ACE providers like StraighterLine and Sophia are accepted less consistently than regionally accredited credit. Always verify with your specific target programs before enrolling.

What the Recency Rule Actually Says

Most nursing programs require core science prerequisites — Anatomy & Physiology, microbiology, and chemistry — to have been completed within the last 5 to 7 years. Some competitive programs apply a stricter 3 to 5 year window. General education courses like English, psychology, and sociology usually do not expire, but the sciences almost always do.

Why programs do this: Science moves quickly, and admissions committees want your clinical foundation to reflect current knowledge before you reach the bedside.

How to refresh efficiently

You generally do not need to repeat an entire degree — just retake the expired science courses. Self-paced online courses are ideal: you already know the material, so you can often move quickly, and accredited credit is designed to transfer into your target program. Not sure what you need? Start at Complete Your Nursing Prerequisites Online.

Which Courses Most Often Need Refreshing

Course	Typically expires?	Refresh online
Anatomy & Physiology I & II	Yes — 5 to 7 years	✓ Yes
Microbiology	Yes — 5 to 7 years	✓ Yes
Chemistry	Often — 5 to 7 years	✓ Yes
English, Psychology, Sociology	Usually no	N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

Most programs require science prerequisites within the last 5 to 7 years; some competitive programs use a 3 to 5 year window. General education courses usually do not expire.

Usually no, only the expired science courses. English, psychology, and sociology typically remain valid. Confirm with each program.

Yes. Retaking expired science courses online through an accredited provider is a common, efficient way to meet recency rules. Verify acceptance with your target programs.