Nursing School Prerequisites Checklist for 2026
By Rachel Thompson, MSN, FNP · Updated April 5, 2026
Standard prerequisites include Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Statistics, and Intro to Psychology. You must usually complete these with a 'B' or higher before submitting your application.
Applying to nursing school can feel overwhelming — there are courses to complete, exams to take, documents to gather, and deadlines to track. This checklist covers every prerequisite you'll typically need, whether you're applying to an ADN, BSN, or accelerated program in 2026.
Academic Prerequisites
Most nursing programs require the following prerequisite courses with a minimum grade of C (some require B or higher):
One of the most heartbreaking scenarios in pre-nursing is realizing a prerequisite has "expired." Many competitive BSN programs have a 5-year expiration policy on core sciences like A&P and Microbiology. I recently coached a secondary-degree student who had to retake an entire year of sciences because her credits were 6 years old. Always check the expiration timeline for your specific target programs before assuming your old transcripts will suffice.
- ✅ Anatomy & Physiology I & II — Required by virtually all programs. Usually must include a lab component.
- ✅ Microbiology — Required by most BSN and many ADN programs. Lab component usually required.
- ✅ English Composition — At least one semester of college-level writing.
- ✅ College Algebra or Statistics — Some programs accept either; others specify one.
- ✅ General Psychology — Introduction to psychology course.
- ✅ Human Development / Lifespan Psychology — Covers childhood through aging.
- ✅ Nutrition — Required by some programs; recommended by most.
- ✅ General Chemistry — Required by some BSN programs; less common for ADN.
GPA Requirements
- Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.5–3.0 (varies by program)
- Prerequisite GPA: Often weighed more heavily than overall GPA. Aim for 3.0+ in science courses.
- Competitive programs: May require 3.5+ prerequisite GPA for admission.
Entrance Exams
Most nursing programs require one of these standardized tests:
- ✅ ATI TEAS 7 — The most widely required exam. Tests Reading, Math, Science, and English.
- ✅ HESI A2 — Required by many Elsevier-partnered schools. Modular — your school picks which sections you take.
- ✅ NLN PAX or Kaplan — Less common but required by some programs.
Score requirements vary: TEAS typically 60–80%+; HESI typically 75–85%+ per section.
Health & Compliance Requirements
- ✅ Background check (criminal history)
- ✅ Drug screening
- ✅ Current immunizations (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, annual flu shot, COVID-19 where required)
- ✅ TB test (within the last 12 months)
- ✅ CPR/BLS certification (American Heart Association — Healthcare Provider level)
- ✅ Physical exam (from a licensed healthcare provider)
- ✅ Health insurance (some schools require proof of coverage)
Application Materials
- ✅ Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- ✅ Completed application form and fee
- ✅ Personal statement or essay (if required)
- ✅ Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
- ✅ TEAS or HESI score report
- ✅ Resume (for accelerated or second-degree programs)
Timeline: When to Start
Most nursing programs have application deadlines 6–12 months before the start date. Here's a general timeline:
- 12–18 months out: Start prerequisite courses
- 6–9 months out: Begin TEAS/HESI preparation
- 3–6 months out: Take entrance exam, gather health documents
- 2–3 months out: Submit application with all materials