A Complete Guide to Nursing Prerequisites and Beginning Your Nursing Career
Starting a nursing career is an incredibly rewarding choice, but the path to becoming a professional RN begins long before you step foot in a clinical setting. It starts with successfully completing your pre-nursing requirements. These foundational courses are not just requirements to get through; they are the key foundations that ensure you have the necessary knowledge base to handle the rigorous demands of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), or ABSN program program.
Below, we’ll walk through the must-have nursing school prerequisites, show you how to navigate complex requirements, and highlight flexible options available for every type of student—from new graduates to adult learners.
What Are Nursing Prerequisites and Why Do They Matter?
Nursing prerequisites are required college courses you must complete first that must be completed before a student can apply to or enroll in a nursing program. These courses serve three main purposes:
- Lay the Groundwork: They provide the necessary science and general-education base to understand advanced concepts in medications, disease processes, and clinical care.
- Show Admission Committees You Can Succeed: Your performance in these courses, particularly your Prerequisite GPA, is often the top consideration for admission committees when determining if you can handle the pace of nursing school.
- Set a Common Baseline: They ensure all students entering a program have met a minimum standard of academic preparation, regardless of their previous major or educational background.
A solid GPA in your science prerequisites (typically 3.0+) is essential for gaining acceptance into many programs.

Core Nursing School Prerequisites: Science, Math, and More
While specific requirements can vary between institutions and states, there is a core set of nursing prerequisites that almost every program demands. These are often the most challenging courses, but they are vital to your success in the field.
The Big Three Science Prereqs
These three disciplines form the cornerstone of medical understanding and patient care:
- Anatomy & Physiology (A&P I & II): Often split into two semesters, A&P is arguably the most critical prerequisite. You'll learn the structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) of the human body, which is central to understanding health and disease.
- Microbiology: This course covers microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), their relationship to the human body, and the mechanisms of infection and immunity. It’s essential for grasping infection control and infectious diseases.
- General Chemistry: Typically, general chemistry is required, sometimes followed by an organic chemistry or biochemistry component. This knowledge is crucial for understanding pharmacology, fluid and electrolyte balance, and metabolic processes.
Math, English, and General Education Requirements
In addition to the hard sciences, nursing programs require general education courses to ensure you possess strong analytical, communication, and social awareness skills:
- Mathematics: Usually includes Algebra and/or Statistical Methods. Statistics is particularly important for interpreting medical research and evidence-based practice.
- Writing & Communication: Comp I and II is required to hone the clear, professional communication skills necessary for documenting patient charts and interacting with healthcare teams.
- Psych/Soc Requirements: Courses like General Psychology (especially Human Development) and Intro Sociology are crucial for understanding human behavior, mental health, and the social dynamics that affect patient wellness.
- Nutrition: A dedicated course on nutrition is increasingly common, covering dietetics and the role of food in health and disease management.
Handling the Details: Accreditation, Transfers, and Picking a Program
Completing the courses is only part of the journey. Successful applicants must also navigate administrative and logistical requirements effectively.

Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation is paramount. You must ensure that the nursing program you plan to apply to is recognized by a national organization, such as the CCNE or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).
Why You Should Care:
- It verifies the program meets rigorous national quality standards.
- It ensures you are eligible to sit for the RN licensure exam.
- It is often required for military benefits, federal financial aid, and most employers.
Making the Most of Transfer Credits
If you have existing college credits, knowing how to transfer them can save you significant time and tuition. Programs have specific transfer credit policies. It's vital to:

- Confirm Course Equivalency: Contact the nursing school's admissions office to confirm that your specific course at your current college is accepted as equivalent to their prerequisite.
- Make Sure Credits Aren’t Too Old: Many science prerequisites (A&P, Microbiology) have a time limit and may need to have been completed within the last five to ten years to be accepted.
- Watch for Pass/Fail Rules: Most programs require a letter grade (usually a "C" or better) for all prerequisites, especially the core sciences. Pass/Fail grades are often not accepted.
Licensing Rules by State
It's crucial to understand that Board of Nursing rules affect your licensing. While prerequisites are set by the school, nursing regulations and licensing standards (such as background checks, clinical hour requirements, and NCLEX registration) are governed by your state’s Board of Nursing. Always consult the official board for the state where you plan to practice to ensure your chosen program meets all necessary criteria.
Flexible Ways to Complete Nursing Prerequisites
The journey to nursing school isn't a single set path. Many resources are available to help career changers meet their required prerequisites without interrupting their lives.
Online Nursing Prerequisites
The rise of online prereqs offers unparalleled flexibility. Taking courses like Statistics, Psychology, and even some science courses virtually allows students to:
- Learn on Their Schedule: Many accredited platforms offer self-paced learning, which is ideal for working adults or single parents.
- Reduce Costs: Online courses from community colleges or external educational providers often have a lower tuition cost.
- Study from Anywhere: Overcoming geographical limitations to access required courses.
Note: Always verify with your target nursing school that they accept online prerequisites, particularly for laboratory components.
Paths for Career Switchers & Veterans
- ABSN Programs: If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you are the prime applicant for an ABSN program. These programs condense the nursing curriculum into roughly a year to a year and a half. You still need to complete the core science and math prereqs, but your previous degree fulfills the general education requirements.
- Veterans: Military medical experience and training (such as medic or corpsman training) can often be leveraged for credit or to waive certain prerequisites. Explore specialized programs that recognize and integrate your military background.
Costs to Expect for Nursing Prereqs
The financial planning of your education should cover more than just nursing school tuition. Taking prerequisites can represent a significant financial investment.
When planning, consider:
- Tuition Per Credit: Community colleges usually offer the most affordable path for prerequisites. How to Verify You’ve Met All Nursing Prerequisites .
- Textbook and Lab Fees: Science courses often have mandatory lab fees and expensive textbooks.
- Financial Aid: Prerequisites taken at a college or university may be eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA), especially if you are seeking a degree or certificate.
Taking your prerequisites strategically and utilizing affordable, accredited online options is the most effective method to maximize your return on investment (ROI) and minimize debt before the main nursing program even begins.
Conclusion: Your Next Moves Toward Nursing School
Completing your prereq courses is the first and most crucial step toward your goal of becoming a nurse. It requires planning ahead, a strong focus on your science GPA, and a commitment to understanding the unique requirements of your chosen nursing programs.
Your next steps should be:
- Map Out Your Courses: Compare the prerequisites of at least three nursing schools you are interested in and create a master list of courses you need.
- Verify Credit Transfer: Contact the admissions offices of your target schools before enrolling in any course.
- Treat Prereqs Seriously: Treat these courses as an audition for nursing school. High grades will open the doors to the best programs.
Begin your prep now, and you will be well on your way to a successful application and a fulfilling career in professional nursing.