Nursing School Requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know to get into nursing school: GPA requirements, prerequisite courses, entrance exams, and what makes applicants competitive. Includes state-specific requirement guides.

Nursing School Admission Requirements: An Overview

Nursing school admission requirements vary by program type and institution. There is no single universal standard — a community college ADN program and a university BSN program in the same city may have very different admission criteria. Understanding what each program type typically requires helps you target the right programs and prepare strategically.

The most important admission factors, in rough order of weight across programs:

  1. Prerequisite GPA — especially in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology
  2. Entrance exam scores (TEAS or HESI, where required)
  3. Overall college GPA
  4. Healthcare experience (CNA, tech, volunteer)
  5. Personal statement and references
  6. Completion of all prerequisites before application

GPA Requirements by Program Type

ProgramMinimum GPACompetitive GPANotes
LPN Certificate2.0–2.52.5–3.0Often points-based; TEAS may apply
ADN (Community College)2.5–2.753.0–3.5Science GPA weighted heavily
BSN (State University)2.75–3.03.3–3.7Direct-entry programs more competitive
Accelerated BSN3.0–3.23.5+Prior bachelor's degree required
RN-to-BSN (Online)2.0–2.5 (for RN license)N/AActive RN license required; GPA less critical

Common Nursing School Prerequisites

Prerequisites vary by program. Courses can usually be completed at a community college before applying to a nursing program.

CourseRequired ByNotes
Anatomy & Physiology INearly all programsLab component typically required
Anatomy & Physiology IIMost BSN/ADN programsComplete the sequence
MicrobiologyNearly all programsLab component preferred
General ChemistryMost BSN programs, some ADNOr intro chemistry
Statistics or College MathMost programsSome require calculus for BSN
English CompositionVirtually all programsUsually 2 semesters
PsychologyMany BSN programsGeneral or abnormal psych
SociologySome BSN programsMay be optional
NutritionSome programsOften offered online
Lifespan DevelopmentSome programsHuman development or growth

Always verify prerequisites with the specific programs you plan to apply to. Requirements can change, and some programs have unique course requirements. Most programs require prerequisites to be completed within 5–7 years of application.

TEAS vs. HESI: Nursing School Entrance Exams

Many nursing programs require an entrance exam as part of the application. The two most common are:

TEAS (ATI Testing)

Test of Essential Academic Skills— covers Reading, Mathematics, Science (including anatomy & physiology), and English Language Usage. Approximately 3.5 hours, 170 questions. Scores range from 0–100%. Competitive programs often expect 65–80%+.

Used by: ATI TEAS 7 (current version)

HESI A2 (Elsevier)

Health Education Systems Inc. Admissions Assessment— covers Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Biology, Chemistry, and Anatomy & Physiology. Duration varies by sections required. Scores reported as percentages per section.

Used by: programs primarily in the South and Southeast

Both exams can be prepared for with practice tests and targeted study. ATI and Elsevier both sell official prep materials. Free practice content is available online. Most test-takers report science sections as the most challenging — focus preparation there.

How to Strengthen Your Nursing School Application

  • Retake weak prerequisites:A "C" in Anatomy can be replaced with an "A" retake at a community college. Many programs recalculate GPA using the highest grade.
  • Get healthcare experience: CNA certification (4–6 weeks, $300–$1,500) adds clinical experience to your application and demonstrates genuine commitment to nursing.
  • Prepare seriously for TEAS/HESI: Entrance exam scores are objective and can offset a lower GPA. Spending 4–6 weeks on focused prep routinely improves scores by 10–15 percentage points.
  • Apply to multiple program types: A university BSN and a community college ADN provide two routes to the same RN license. Applying to both maximizes your odds.
  • Write a strong personal statement: Programs use personal statements to assess maturity, motivation, and communication skills. Be specific — why nursing, why now, what experiences led you here.
  • Shadow nurses and get references: Shadowing builds knowledge for your personal statement. Clinical references from RNs or physicians carry significant weight.

Find Nursing Programs Near You

Nursing School Requirements by State

State Boards of Nursing set licensing requirements that influence what nursing programs must teach. Select your state for requirements specific to programs in your area.

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA do you need to get into nursing school?
The minimum GPA requirement for nursing school varies by program type. Community college ADN programs typically accept students with a 2.5 GPA or higher. University BSN programs are more competitive, with average accepted GPA around 3.3–3.7 at selective schools. Accelerated BSN programs typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA overall, with science prerequisites completed at a B or higher. The prerequisite GPA (especially in anatomy, physiology, and microbiology) often matters more than overall GPA.
What prerequisites do you need for nursing school?
Core prerequisites for most nursing programs include: Anatomy & Physiology I and II (usually a 2-semester sequence), Microbiology, Chemistry (general or intro), Statistics or Math, English Composition, and sometimes Psychology or Sociology. BSN programs typically require more prerequisites than ADN programs. Prerequisite courses must usually be completed within 5–7 years of application. Science prerequisites with lab components are often preferred over lecture-only courses.
Do I need to take the TEAS or HESI exam for nursing school?
Many nursing programs require an entrance exam — either the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI (Health Education Systems Inc.) exam. Not all programs require them, but selective programs use these scores as a significant admission factor. TEAS covers Reading, Math, Science, and English Language Usage. HESI covers similar content areas plus an anatomy section. Both exams test competency in science knowledge and critical thinking. Average scores vary by program — check the specific requirements of programs you are applying to.
What work or volunteer experience is required for nursing school?
Most nursing programs do not require clinical experience for admission, though it is highly recommended and sometimes preferred. Having experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), patient care technician, EMT, medical assistant, or hospital volunteer strengthens your application significantly. Some competitive BSN programs list healthcare experience as a preferred (though not required) factor. For accelerated BSN programs (for career changers), prior healthcare experience is especially valued but rarely required.
How competitive is nursing school admission?
Competitiveness varies widely. Community college ADN programs often have waitlists of 1–3 semesters but are not highly selective otherwise. University BSN programs at state schools have acceptance rates of 30–60% for the nursing major. Private university and highly selective programs accept 10–30% of applicants. Accelerated BSN programs are highly competitive, accepting 15–40% of applicants who meet minimum requirements. The nursing faculty shortage limits enrollment slots at every level, making competition greater than the high demand for graduates would suggest.
Can I get into nursing school with a low GPA?
Yes, depending on the program. Community college ADN programs often use a points-based or lottery system that gives you a reasonable chance with a 2.5–3.0 GPA if you have strong prerequisite grades. Some programs weight your last 30–60 credit hours more than overall GPA, which benefits students whose recent performance is stronger than their overall record. Taking (or retaking) prerequisites to improve science GPA before applying is the most effective strategy. TEAS/HESI scores can also offset a lower GPA at some programs.

Sources

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), Nursing School Enrollment Trends, 2024.
  • National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), NCLEX Candidate Statistics, 2024.
  • ATI Testing, TEAS 7 Exam Overview, 2024.
  • Elsevier, HESI Admission Assessment Exam, 2024.
  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook — Registered Nurses, September 2024.
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