A Complete Guide to Nursing Prerequisites and Beginning Your Nursing Career
Choosing nursing as a career can be deeply fulfilling, but the path to becoming a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) begins long before you step foot in a clinical setting. It starts with successfully completing your prerequisite courses for nursing school. These foundational courses are not just boxes to check; they are the key foundations that ensure you have the necessary knowledge base to handle the challenging workload of a BSN program, associate nursing program, or ABSN program program.
In this guide, you’ll learn the core nursing prerequisites you need, show you how to navigate complex requirements, and highlight flexible options available for every type of student—from new graduates to career changers.
Understanding Nursing Prerequisites (and Why They’re Important)
Nursing prerequisites are designated college classes needed before entry that must be completed before a student can apply to or enroll in a nursing program. These courses serve three key goals:
- Lay the Groundwork: They provide the necessary scientific and humanities background to understand advanced concepts in pharmacology, pathophysiology, and patient care.
- Demonstrate Academic Readiness: Your performance in these courses, particularly your science/prerequisite GPA, is often the top consideration for admission committees when determining if you can handle the intensity of nursing school.
- Standardize Entry: They ensure all students entering a program have met a minimum standard of academic preparation, regardless of their previous major or educational background.
A highly competitive GPA in your science prerequisites (typically 3.0+) is essential for gaining acceptance into many programs.

Essential Science and Math Prerequisites for Nursing School
While specific requirements can change from program to program, there is a core set of pre-nursing classes that almost every program demands. These are often the hardest prerequisites, but they are crucial to your success in the field.
The Core Science Requirements
These three disciplines form the foundation of medical understanding and patient care:
- A&P I and 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.
- Microbio: This course covers microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites), their relationship to the human body, and the mechanisms of infection and immunity. It’s key for grasping infection control and infectious diseases.
- 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.
General Education Nursing Prerequisites
In addition to the hard sciences, nursing programs require general education courses to ensure you possess strong problem-solving, communication, and social awareness skills:
- Math: Usually includes College Algebra and/or Intro Statistics. Statistics is particularly important for interpreting medical research and evidence-based practice.
- English and Communication: Freshman Composition is required to hone the clear, professional communication skills necessary for documenting patient charts and interacting with healthcare teams.
- Social & Behavioral Sciences: Courses like Intro Psych (especially Developmental Psychology/Lifespan Development) and Sociology are crucial for understanding human behavior, mental health, and the social dynamics that affect patient wellness.
- Human Nutrition: A dedicated course on nutrition is increasingly common, covering dietetics and the role of food in health and disease management.
Key Logistics for Nursing Prereqs
Completing the courses is only part of the journey. Successful applicants must also navigate administrative and logistical requirements effectively.

Understanding Nursing Program Accreditation
Accreditation is absolutely essential. 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 Accreditation Matters:
- It verifies the program meets national benchmarks for quality.
- It ensures you are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN.
- 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 credit transfer 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 5–10 years to be accepted.
- Understand Grading Requirements: 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.
State-Specific Nursing Regulations
It's crucial to understand that state regulations 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.
Options That Fit Your Life
The journey to nursing school isn't one-size-fits-all. Many resources are available to help non-traditional students meet their required prerequisites without interrupting their lives.
Online Nursing Prerequisites
The rise of online nursing prerequisites 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.
- Lower Tuition: Online courses from community colleges or external educational providers often have a lower tuition cost.
- Learn Anywhere: Overcoming geographical limitations to access required courses.
Important: Always verify with your target nursing school that they accept online prerequisites, particularly for laboratory components.
Extra Support for Non-Traditional Students
- ABSN Programs: If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you are the ideal candidate for an ABSN program. These programs condense the nursing curriculum into 12-18 months. You still need to complete the core science and math nursing prerequisites, but your previous degree fulfills the general education requirements.
- Veterans & Military: 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.
Budgeting for Your Prerequisites
The cost breakdown of your education should cover more than just nursing school tuition. Taking prerequisites can represent a significant financial investment.
Plan for:
- Credit-Based Tuition: Community colleges usually offer the most affordable path for prerequisites.
- Books and Lab Costs: Science courses often have mandatory lab fees and expensive textbooks.
- Aid Options: 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 smartest approach to maximize your return on investment (ROI) and minimize debt before the main nursing program even begins.
Wrapping Up: Start Strong With Prereqs
Completing your prereq courses is the first and most crucial step toward your goal of becoming a nurse. It requires a clear plan, a strong focus on your science GPA, and a commitment to understanding the unique requirements of your chosen nursing programs.
Take the time now to:
- Plan Your Classes: Compare the prerequisites of three different nursing schools you are interested in and create a master list of courses you need.
- Confirm Transfer Credits: Contact the admissions offices of your target schools ahead of time enrolling in any course.
- Commit to Success: Treat these courses as an audition for nursing school. High grades will unlock opportunities 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.
Your Step-by-Step Plan for Tackling Nursing Prerequisites .