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Maggie Aime is a freelance writer with over 25 years of healthcare experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Capella University. Her clinical expertise covers multiple specialties, including oncology, cardiology, kidney transplant, and pediatrics. In addition to her clinical background, Maggie has worked as a patient financial counselor and is a certified professional coder, providing her with insight into healthcare operations and finance. She applies this diverse experience to create content that supports students in both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare. Maggie’s writing has appeared in prominent healthcare and educational publications such as AARP, GoodRx, Next Avenue, Everyday Health, Fortune, and Well+Good.
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Sarah Mattie has over five years of experience writing and editing for postsecondary education websites. She specializes in creating clear, accessible content and overseeing writers and editors. While earning her master’s degree at Emerson College, Sarah contributed articles to communication publications and wrote a thesis on the use of theatre in TESOL. Her work focuses on delivering accurate and engaging information that meets readers’ needs and supports their academic and career goals.
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Nursing School Prerequisites: Courses, Requirements, and More

Before you ever step into a nursing classroom, you’ll need to complete certain prerequisite courses. These classes, especially the core sciences, build the foundation you’ll rely on throughout nursing school and your career. They also strengthen your application, help you perform better on entrance exams, and make the transition into nursing coursework smoother.

While each nursing program has its own requirements, the sections below outline the most common prerequisites, why they matter, and how to plan your path toward meeting them.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

A woman with dark hair pulled back in a low bun smiles at the camera. She is wearing a single drop earring and is set against an orange circular background.
Author: Maggie Aime, RN, MSN, CPC
A woman with dark hair pulled back in a low bun smiles at the camera. She is wearing a single drop earring and is set against an orange circular background.
Maggie Aime, RN, MSN, CPC Arrow up right
Maggie Aime is a freelance writer with over 25 years of healthcare experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Capella University. Her clinical expertise covers multiple specialties, including oncology, cardiology, kidney transplant, and pediatrics. In addition to her clinical background, Maggie has worked as a patient financial counselor and is a certified professional coder, providing her with insight into healthcare operations and finance. She applies this diverse experience to create content that supports students in both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare. Maggie’s writing has appeared in prominent healthcare and educational publications such as AARP, GoodRx, Next Avenue, Everyday Health, Fortune, and Well+Good.
Areas of Expertise
Check HealthcareMedical CodingNursing
HealthcareMedical CodingNursing
Editor: Sarah Mattie, MA
A woman with shoulder-length wavy brown hair and a warm smile, wearing a dark button-up shirt, poses in front of a light, neutral background.
Sarah Mattie, MA Arrow up right
Sarah Mattie has over five years of experience writing and editing for postsecondary education websites. She specializes in creating clear, accessible content and overseeing writers and editors. While earning her master’s degree at Emerson College, Sarah contributed articles to communication publications and wrote a thesis on the use of theatre in TESOL. Her work focuses on delivering accurate and engaging information that meets readers’ needs and supports their academic and career goals.
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Check HealthcareOnline Learning
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Science Prerequisites

Science prerequisites help you understand how the human body works, how diseases develop, and why certain treatments are necessary. Without meeting these requirements, your application likely won’t move past initial review.

Anatomy and Physiology

What it Covers: A&P introduces the body’s structure and function — how organs, muscles, bones, and systems are built and how they work together. These courses almost always include lab work, such as dissections or virtual simulations.

Why it Matters: A&P is essential to clinical decision-making. It helps you interpret symptoms, understand patient conditions, and recognize when something isn’t functioning as it should.

Typical Requirements:

  • Some schools require completion within the last 5-7 years
  • 2 semesters (A&P I and II)), 3-4 credits each
  • Minimum of a C required; many programs prefer a B or higher

Biology/Microbiology

What it Covers: Biology provides a broad overview of living systems, while microbiology focuses on microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) and how they affect human health. Most include lab components.

Why it Matters: These courses help you understand infection control, immune responses, lab results, and the science behind disease transmission.

Typical Requirements:

  • Minimum grade of C, though a B may be preferred
  • 1 semester of microbiology (3-4 credits)

Chemistry (General or Organic)

What it Covers: Chemistry covers atoms, reactions, acids and bases, and molecular interactions. Some schools require organic chemistry, which focuses on carbon-based compounds.

Why it Matters: Chemistry explains electrolyte imbalances, blood pH, and how medications work in the body, all of which are central to safe patient care.

Typical Requirements:

  • Organic chemistry may be required by certain BSN programs
  • One semester of chemistry (3–4 credits)
  • Minimum grade of C; some programs expect a B or higher

Math Prerequisites

Nurses use math daily, from calculating dosages to checking lab values. Most programs require at least one math prerequisite.

Statistics

What it Covers: Probability, variables, distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, and how to analyze data.

Why it Matters: Statistics helps you interpret research, evaluate patient outcomes, and make informed decisions based on evidence.

Typical Requirements:

  • 1 semester (3 credits)
  • Minimum grade of C
  • Often accepted in an online format

College-Level Algebra

What it Covers: Math fundamentals, formulas, unit conversions, and problem-solving.

Why it Matters: Algebra supports accurate medication calculation, IV rate adjustments, and interpreting measurements — skills required in nearly every nursing role.

Typical Requirements:

  • 1 semester (3 credits), or meeting placement test benchmarks
  • Minimum grade of C

General Education Prerequisites

Nursing is both a science and an art. General education courses build essential skills for patient-centered care: communication, cultural awareness, and critical-thinking.

English Composition

What it Covers: Reading comprehension, academic writing, research skills, and developing clear arguments.

Why it Matters: Nurses must document accurately and clearly. Strong writing reduces miscommunication and improves patient safety.

Typical Requirements:

  • 1 or 2 semesters (3-6 credits)
  • Minimum grade of C
  • Some schools accept dual-enrollment or AP credit

Humanities and Fine Arts

What it Covers: Ethics, literature, art, philosophy, and other courses that explore human experiences and values.

Why it Matters: These classes strengthen core components of holistic care: empathy, ethical reasoning, and cultural competence.

Typical Requirements:

  • 3-6 credits
  • Flexible course selections

Psychology and Sociology

What it Covers: Human behavior, mental health, development, social systems, cultural interactions, and group dynamics.

Why it Matters: These courses help nurses understand patient emotions, family dynamics, and the social factors that affect health outcomes.

Typical Requirements:

  • Intro to Psychology required by most programs
  • Sociology or lifespan development may also be required
  • Minimum grade of C

Prerequisite Requirements by Nursing Pathway

Prerequisites differ depending on whether you’re pursuing an ADN, BSN, or accelerated BSN. Here’s how requirements usually break down.

ADN Programs

ADN programs generally have fewer prerequisites, making them ideal for students wanting a quicker path to nursing school. Most require:

  • A&P I and II
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry

ADN programs usually do not require statistics or as many humanities courses, meaning you can often complete prerequisites within a year.

BSN Programs

BSN programs typically require a broader set of prerequisites, including:

  • Full science sequence (A&P, microbiology, chemistry)
  • Statistics
  • English composition
  • Psychology and sociology

Some BSN programs also require nutrition, organic chemistry, or additional humanities to support leadership and research coursework.

Accelerated BSN Programs

ABSN programs require all prerequisites completed before enrollment since the curriculum is compressed and intensive. Requirements often include:

  • Any school-specific courses (e.g., nutrition or developmental psychology)
  • All core sciences
  • Math prerequisites
  • General education courses

How to Complete Prerequisites

Once you know which classes you need, choose the option that best fits your schedule and budget. Always confirm transfer policies with your target nursing school before enrolling.

Enroll at a Community CollegeMost affordable optionWidely transferable creditsFlexible schedulesGreat for science prerequisites with lab components
Take Online CoursesIdeal for general education requirementsIncreasingly accepted for some science courses with virtual labsCheck your nursing school’s acceptance policy before enrolling
Complete University CourseworkStrong advising supportSeamless transfer if applying into that university’s nursing programHigher cost but more integrated experience

Answers to Common Prerequisite Questions

What are nursing school requirements?

Nursing school requirements generally include completing prerequisite courses, meeting GPA thresholds, and passing an entrance exam.

Schools may also require immunizations, background checks, CPR certification, and proof of English proficiency. Requirements vary by program, so always check directly with your chosen school.

What is the hardest nursing school prerequisite?

Most students find chemistry or anatomy and physiology to be the hardest prerequisites.

These subjects involve memorization, lab work, and complex concepts. However, the “hardest” course depends on your background, study habits, and comfort with science.

What percent of PA schools require the GRE?

About 43% of PA programs required the GRE as of a recent PA Education Association report. That number continues to decline as more programs move toward holistic admissions models.

How long are prerequisites for nursing?

Prerequisites for nursing are completed by most students within 1-2 years. Your timeline depends on:

  • Whether you attend full- or part-time
  • Whether you already have prior college credit
  • How many science courses must be taken in sequence

Can you take prerequisites online?

Yes, many prerequisites are available online, especially general education courses.

Some programs accept online science classes with virtual labs, but this varies widely so always confirm your school’s policy first.

Is there math in nursing?

Yes, nurses use math regularly, but it typically doesn’t go beyond algebra and statistics.

You’ll use math to calculate medication dosages, convert units, understand lab values, and interpret patient data.

Keep Learning

How to Prepare for a Healthcare Career in High School: Key Courses & Expert Advice

Start preparing for your dream healthcare career...

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If you want to earn your BSN, you know what you...

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LPN-RN programs help you take the next step in...

Maggie Aime, RN, MSN, CPC AUTHOR

Maggie Aime is a freelance writer with over 25 years of healthcare experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from Capella University. Her clinical expertise covers multiple specialties, including oncology, cardiology, kidney transplant, and pediatrics. In addition to her clinical background, Maggie has worked as a patient financial counselor and is a certified professional coder, providing her with insight into healthcare operations and finance. She applies this diverse experience to create content that supports students in both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare. Maggie’s writing has appeared in prominent healthcare and educational publications such as AARP, GoodRx, Next Avenue, Everyday Health, Fortune, and Well+Good.

Read More About Maggie Aime

Sarah Mattie, MA EDITOR

Sarah Mattie has over five years of experience writing and editing for postsecondary education websites. She specializes in creating clear, accessible content and overseeing writers and editors. While earning her master’s degree at Emerson College, Sarah contributed articles to communication publications and wrote a thesis on the use of theatre in TESOL. Her work focuses on delivering accurate and engaging information that meets readers’ needs and supports their academic and career goals.

Read More About Sarah Mattie
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