Nursing School Admission Requirements: What Every Applicant Needs to Know
Discover key nursing school admission requirements including GPA, prerequisite courses, and entrance exams to boost your application success.
Reviewed by Carol Lokare, RN, NP
We collect anonymous, aggregate analytics by default to help us improve the site — no cookies are set and you are not personally identified. Click Accept All to enable cookie-based analytics for more accurate measurement. See our Privacy Policy for details. You can change your choice anytime via Cookie Preferences in the footer.
Discover key nursing school admission requirements including GPA, prerequisite courses, and entrance exams to boost your application success.
Embarking on a nursing career is one of the most impactful decisions you can make. Successfully gaining entry into a nursing program requires understanding the specific nursing school admission requirements that can vary widely by institution. Let’s explore these crucial criteria to help you streamline your path to a rewarding career in nursing.
GPA is often a critical factor in nursing school admissions. Many programs require at least a 3.0 GPA for admission, with more competitive programs often expecting a minimum of 3.5. Some programs may have a lower threshold but pair it with strong prerequisite course performance. GPA requirements help schools ensure that prospective students have a solid academic foundation to handle the rigors of nursing education.
Science courses form the backbone of nursing education, and prerequisites in subjects such as Anatomy & Physiology (A&P), Microbiology, and Chemistry are commonly required. Students typically need to have completed these courses within the past five to seven years, securing grades of B or higher. These foundational classes prepare you for the advanced scientific concepts encountered in nursing courses.
Entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and HESI (Health Education Systems, Inc.) are standard benchmarks used by many nursing schools. While the required scores can vary, a TEAS composite score above 70% and a HESI score over 75% are often the benchmarks. These exams test reading, math, science, and English skills, ensuring that applicants are ready for the demanding nursing curriculum.
Although not always mandatory, healthcare experience can significantly bolster your application. Working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or volunteering in a healthcare setting can demonstrate your commitment and give you an edge over other applicants. Institutions value candidates with firsthand patient care experience, as it often translates into better preparedness for clinical rotations.
Most nursing programs require letters of recommendation alongside a personal statement or essay. These elements give admissions committees a holistic view of your skills, character, and motivations. A strong recommendation from a healthcare professional or academic advisor can shed light on your suitability for nursing, while a compelling personal statement can express your passion and reasons for choosing the nursing path.
Safety and compliance are paramount in nursing education. Before admission, most programs require a criminal background check and drug screening to safeguard patients and the nursing profession's integrity. Failing to pass these checks can hinder your admission chances, so it's crucial to maintain a clean record.
If your application feels lacking in one or more areas, there are several ways to improve it:
Additionally, exploring options like RN to BSN at Western Governors University or similar programs can provide routes to strengthen your educational background.
Understanding and fulfilling the nursing school admission requirements can open the doors to your desired program. Carefully assess each requirement, and where applicable, consider related educational paths like the MSN — Family Nurse Practitioner at Loyola University Chicago to expand your career horizons. Start by gathering your materials, focusing on areas for improvement, and reaching out to admissions advisors for any program-specific queries.
Reviewed and edited by Carol Lokare, RN, NP
Registered Nurse and Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner with 45+ years of clinical experience across acute care, community health, geriatric practice, and school nursing.
Helping nursing students find accredited programs across the US since 2026.