Nursing School Prerequisites: What You Need Before Applying

Prerequisites are the courses you complete before entering a nursing program, though the term can also cover clinical experience, exams, or certifications, depending on the school. Nursing education is rigorous and competitive, and the admission requirements reflect that. Here's what to line up academically before you apply.

Why Prerequisites Matter

Prerequisites lay the groundwork for nursing school and the career that follows. They prove to admissions committees that you're prepared for a demanding curriculum, and they build skills you'll use throughout your training.

Introductory science and social science courses (biology, psychology, sociology, statistics) develop the reasoning nursing depends on. Some programs also require humanities or language arts courses like English composition or communication to round out your education.

If you're not sure where to start, the program you're targeting can point you to schools that offer the prerequisites you need. Many students take these courses at community colleges, which offer flexible, affordable paths into nursing.

The Full Picture: Prerequisites and Admissions Criteria

Beyond coursework, programs weigh several other factors. GPA is a big one. Most ADN programs look for a high school GPA between 2.5 and 2.75, while BSN programs typically require at least a 3.0. More selective schools expect 3.25 or higher. A nurse-educator shortage tracked by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing keeps admissions competitive, so strong grades matter. Aim for strong grades in both general education and science prerequisites.

Many programs also want a personal statement covering your goals and your interest in nursing, and relevant volunteer work or healthcare experience helps it stand out. Standardized tests are optional at some schools, but strong SAT or ACT scores still help, and certain programs require a nursing entrance exam.

Common Prerequisite Courses

Whether you're after an associate or bachelor's degree, most accredited programs require a mix of science and general education courses built to prepare you for safe, effective patient care. The list below compiles prerequisites from several top nursing schools.

Requirements vary by institution, so confirm the current course list on your intended program's website, and contact the admissions office if anything is unclear.

College Algebra covers equations, functions, and data analysis. The quantitative reasoning carries straight into calculating dosages, reading lab results, and managing IV drip rates.

• Required: One to two semesters
• Example courses: College algebra, algebra for health sciences, precalculus algebra

Anatomy and Physiology explores how the body's structures and systems work together. It's the scientific base for assessments, clinical decisions, and communicating with the care team.

• Required: Two semesters
• Example courses: Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II, Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology, Anatomy and Physiology for Health Sciences, Introduction to Human Biology

Biology introduces cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecosystems, grounding your understanding of how the body works at the cellular level and how disease affects it. It supports infection control, pharmacology, and patient care.

• Required: Two semesters
• Example courses: General Biology, Introduction to Biology, Principles of Biology I, Biology for Health Sciences, Microbiology

Biostatistics teaches you to collect, analyze, and interpret health data, a core skill in evidence-based nursing. It helps you evaluate research, track outcomes, and support quality improvement.

• Required: One semester
• Example courses: Introduction to Biostatistics, Statistics for Health Sciences, Applied Biostatistics, Biostatistics in Nursing, Quantitative Methods in Healthcare

Chemistry covers matter, chemical reactions, and molecular interactions, which underlie medication interactions, fluid balance, and the biochemistry of illness and treatment. It builds the skills to interpret lab values and administer medications accurately.

• Required: One semester with lab
• Example courses: General Chemistry, Introductory Chemistry, Chemistry for Health Sciences, Organic and Biochemistry, Principles of Chemistry

English Composition sharpens writing, reading, and critical thinking, the foundation for clear documentation, care plans, and communication with patients and colleagues.

• Required: Two semesters
• Example courses: English Composition I and II, College Writing, Writing for the Health Professions, Rhetoric and Composition

Human Growth and Development traces physical, emotional, and cognitive change across the lifespan, supporting age-appropriate care from infancy through old age.

• Required: One semester
• Example courses: Human Growth and Development, Lifespan Development, Developmental Psychology, Psychology Across the Lifespan, Growth and Development for Health Professions

Microbiology examines bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, the foundation for infection control, disease transmission, and antibiotic resistance, especially in hospitals and long-term care.

• Required: One semester with lab
• Example courses: General Microbiology, Microbiology for Health Sciences, Introductory Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Applied Microbiology

Nutrition covers how food affects health, metabolism, and disease prevention, equipping you to support recovery, educate patients, and work with dietitians.

• Required: One semester
• Example courses: Human Nutrition, Nutrition for Health Professionals, Principles of Nutrition, Applied Nutrition, Nutrition and Wellness

Introduction to Psychology explores behavior, cognition, and emotion, helping you read patient behavior, manage stress, communicate with empathy, and support mental health needs.

• Required: One semester
• Example courses: Introduction to Psychology, General Psychology, Psychology for Health Professionals, Principles of Psychology, Foundations of Human Behavior

Statistics teaches you to collect, interpret, and analyze data, which you'll use to evaluate research, monitor outcomes, and support clinical decisions and patient safety.

• Required: One semester
• Example courses: Introduction to Statistics, Statistics for Health Sciences, Applied Statistics, Elementary Statistics, Statistical Methods in Nursing

Completing Prerequisites Online or In Person

You have options. Many students knock out prerequisites before applying to an ADN or BSN program, often at a community college, university, or accredited online provider. Some high school students get a head start through dual enrollment.

If you already hold a non-nursing bachelor's degree, you can complete prerequisites before entering an accelerated BSN program. Some schools also let you take outstanding prerequisites alongside nursing courses after admission.

Most programs require prerequisites completed within five years of applying. To offset the cost, start with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which several funding options require.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which prerequisites matter most? Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, biology, and statistics carry the most weight. They build your understanding of the body, scientific principles, and data interpretation, and strong grades in them strengthen your application.

What should I study before nursing school? Focus on the sciences, psychology, and statistics. These prepare you for nursing coursework and clinical practice, though exact requirements vary by program.

When do most students take prerequisites? Many complete them in their first two undergraduate years before declaring a major. Taking them in college rather than high school usually doesn't delay acceptance.

What's the hardest prerequisite? For most students, anatomy, physiology, and chemistry are the toughest, since they demand mastery of complex systems. Some students retake them. The hardest one depends on your strengths and the program.