Can You Become a Nurse With a GED? Your Complete Roadmap

One of the most common questions adult learners ask when considering a healthcare career is: "Can you become a nurse with a GED?" The short, empowering answer is yes. Absolutely.

Many prospective students believe that because they did not graduate from a traditional high school, the doors to prestigious and highly regulated fields like nursing are permanently closed to them. This is a massive misconception. In fact, the nursing profession actively seeks individuals who possess the grit, determination, and life experience that non-traditional students bring to the table.

Whether you earned your GED last month or twenty years ago, your path to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) is entirely within reach. While the journey involves rigorous academic preparation and competitive entrance exams like the TEAS 7 or HESI A2, your GED is fully recognized by almost all nursing schools as a valid high school diploma equivalent.

In this comprehensive roadmap, we will break down the exact steps you need to take to transition from holding a GED to holding a nursing license. We will cover prerequisites, entrance exams, choosing the right program, and how to make your application stand out from the crowd.

Step 1: Understand How Nursing Schools View the GED

Before diving into the academic requirements, it is essential to address the elephant in the room: Do college admissions committees look down on a GED compared to a high school diploma?

For community colleges and the vast majority of state universities, the answer is a resounding no. These institutions use the GED to satisfy the basic requirement of secondary education completion. Once you check that box, the admissions committee immediately moves their focus to the metrics that actually matter for nursing school success: your college-level prerequisite GPA and your scores on nursing entrance exams.

In the eyes of a nursing school admissions director, a student with a GED who achieves a 3.8 GPA in college-level Anatomy and Physiology is vastly superior to a student with a traditional high school diploma who struggles to maintain a 2.5 GPA in the same courses. Your past does not dictate your future. Your recent academic performance is what proves your capability.

Step 2: Start With Community College Prerequisites

You cannot enroll directly into a nursing program immediately after passing the GED. Nursing is a highly scientific field, and you must prove you can handle the academic rigor before you are permitted to touch a patient.

Your journey will typically begin at a local community college. Community colleges are incredibly welcoming to adult learners and GED holders, often offering open enrollment. Here is what your first one to two years will look like as you tackle your "prerequisites":

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II: These are the most critical courses you will take. They form the foundation of everything you will do as a nurse. Treat these classes like your full-time job.
• Microbiology: Understanding pathogens, infection control, and cellular biology is non-negotiable for healthcare workers.
• Chemistry: Many programs require at least one semester of general or organic chemistry.
• General Education: You will also need to complete courses in Psychology (often Developmental Psychology), English Composition, College Algebra, and Statistics.

Step 3: Choose Your Nursing Pathway (ADN vs. BSN)

As you near the completion of your prerequisite courses, you must decide which level of nursing degree you want to pursue. As a GED holder, both paths are completely open to you:

The ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) Route

This is the most popular route for non-traditional students and GED holders. An ADN program is typically offered at community colleges and takes about two years to complete post-prerequisites. It is significantly cheaper than a university program, and upon graduation, you are eligible to take the exact same NCLEX-RN licensing exam as four-year university graduates. If passing the NCLEX is the ultimate goal, an ADN gets you to the bedside (and a nursing salary) the fastest.

The BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) Route

A BSN is a four-year university degree. If you completed your prerequisites at a community college, you can transfer those credits to a university to complete your BSN. While more expensive and time-consuming, a BSN is highly sought after by "Magnet" hospitals and is often required if you ever want to move into leadership, management, or advanced practice roles (like becoming a Nurse Practitioner).

Pro Tip: Many students with a GED choose to earn their ADN first, start working as an RN, and then have their hospital employer pay for their "RN-to-BSN" bridge program online!

Step 4: Conquer the Nursing Entrance Exams (TEAS 7 or HESI A2)

This is where the rubber meets the road. Almost every competitive nursing program in the United States requires applicants to take a standardized entrance exam. The two most common are the ATI TEAS 7 and the HESI A2.

For GED holders, these exams can trigger testing anxiety, as they closely resemble the standardized testing format of the GED itself. However, these exams assess a much deeper level of subject mastery.

• Math: You will need to rapidly calculate fractions, decimals, percentages, and algebraic equations without relying heavily on a calculator.
• Reading & English: You must demonstrate high-level reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar rules.
• Science: This is the most heavily weighted section. You will be tested extensively on human anatomy, physiology, life science, and scientific reasoning.

Because nursing school admissions are strictly points-based at many institutions, a high score on the TEAS or HESI can easily compensate for a slightly lower prerequisite GPA. Your goal should not be to simply "pass" these exams—your goal should be to score in the 85th percentile or higher to guarantee your admission.

This requires months of dedicated study. If you find yourself struggling with the math or science portions, investing in your education at this stage is crucial. That is where targeted, one-on-one preparation becomes invaluable.

Step 5: Gain Healthcare Experience (Optional but Recommended)

While taking your prerequisites and studying for your entrance exams, consider working in a healthcare setting. Earning a short-term certificate to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Phlebotomist takes only a few weeks to months.

Working in these roles does two things:

1. It confirms that you actually enjoy direct patient care before you spend thousands of dollars on nursing school.
2. It provides a massive boost to your nursing school application. Admissions committees love applicants who already know how to check vitals, handle bodily fluids, and communicate with patients.

Step 6: Submit a Bulletproof Application

When you finally submit your application to nursing school, ensure every component tells the story of an overcoming, dedicated student. Do not hide the fact that you have a GED. If your application requires a personal essay, use it to your advantage.

Write about the obstacles you faced that led to you obtaining a GED, and highlight the extreme personal growth and academic discipline you have developed since then. Nursing is a profession entirely built on resilience, empathy, and overcoming adversity. A student who fought tooth and nail to get from a GED to a college-level Anatomy class is precisely the kind of resilient person who makes a phenomenal nurse.

Your Next Steps

The journey from GED to Registered Nurse is not easy, but it is one of the most rewarding career transitions you can make. It requires a specific timeline, rigorous study habits, and the willingness to tackle challenging exams head-on.

If you are currently studying for the GED and planning your transition to college, or if you already have your GED and are staring down the intimidating barrel of the TEAS 7 or HESI A2 exams, you do not have to navigate it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to nursing school with just a GED?

Yes. Most ADN and LPN programs accept the GED on equal footing with a traditional high school diploma. BSN programs also accept the GED, though they have additional prerequisite course requirements.

How long does it take to become an RN with a GED?

The fastest path is a 2-year ADN program, plus time for prerequisites (6-12 months). Total timeline: about 3-4 years from GED to RN license, assuming you complete prerequisites and pass the NCLEX.

Do I need to take the TEAS or HESI after getting my GED?

Most nursing programs require either the TEAS 7 or HESI A2 for admission. Which exam you take depends on your target school. Check their admissions requirements early and begin preparing while completing your prerequisites.

What prerequisites do I need for nursing school with a GED?

Typical prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Statistics, English Composition, and Psychology. These are taken at a community college before applying to the nursing program.

Is it harder to get into nursing school with a GED vs diploma?

No. Admissions committees evaluate your prerequisite GPA, entrance exam scores, and overall application — not whether you have a GED or diploma. A strong GPA and TEAS/HESI score matter far more than the type of high school credential.