Nursing school prerequisites consist of the combination of several different math, science, social science and general education courses alongside specific academic standards and exam scores for admittance. Students should maintain high GPA’s and develop success strategies to strengthen their application and progress their education.
Every nurse remembers the moment they decided that this field was right for them. An Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program can be a faster pathway into nursing, but before students can begin working toward their degree, they must complete their program’s nursing school prerequisites. Specific requirements vary by institution, but prospective students generally need to complete a combination of required courses and meet additional academic standards.
ABSN prerequisites commonly include courses in science, math, social science, and general education. In addition to courses, students may be required to meet minimum GPA requirements or pass certain standardized tests and placement exams. Understanding these requirements as early as possible before enrollment is a critical part of applying to an ABSN program. Here you’ll learn more about specific nursing school prerequisites, why they matter, and how to successfully complete them.
What Are Nursing School Prerequisites?
Nursing school prerequisites are courses that prospective nursing students must complete before beginning a nursing program. These courses provide the critical-thinking skills and academic foundation needed for nursing education. Although requirements vary by school, many programs expect applicants to complete several science, math, social science, and general education courses before admission.
Prerequisites are especially important for students interested in Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs. These programs move through nursing content more quickly than traditional four-year BSN programs, and many can be completed within 12 to 18 months. Admissions teams therefore look for evidence that applicants can succeed with college-level material. Accelerated BSN prerequisites often include specific science and math courses that prepare students for the program’s pace and academic demands.
Before applying, review each program’s admission requirements carefully. Confirm the required courses, minimum grades, expiration policies for older science credits, and deadlines. This early review can help you avoid repeating a course or postponing your intended start date.
Common Nursing School Prerequisites for ABSN Programs
While nursing school perquisites can vary by institution, below are common prerequisite courses for many nursing school programs:
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology are among the most important prerequisite subjects for nursing school. These courses introduce the structures of the human body and explain how its systems function. This knowledge gives students a foundation for understanding health conditions, recognizing changes in a patient’s status, and following the reasoning behind many nursing decisions.
Microbiology
Microbiology is another common nursing school prerequisite. It explores the microorganisms that affect human health. Courses in this topic teach students how infections spread and how to prevent them, which is just as important as learning how to treat them. A background in microbiology helps prepare future nurses to administer evidence-based care and make clinical decisions throughout their education and careers.
Chemistry
Chemistry is a foundational prerequisite that helps students understand how chemical processes interact with the human body. Concepts within chemistry, such as chemical reactions, solutions, and molecules, develop students’ understanding of how medicine interacts with the body. Many ABSN programs require at least one introductory chemistry course before admission into the program.
Statistics
Statistics prepares future nurses to interpret healthcare data and evaluate research. Students use statistics to collect, organize, and evaluate data through concepts such as probability, data distribution, and statistical significance. These skills are essential for a nursing education and career.
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Psychology and Other General Education Courses
On top of math and science courses, prospective nursing students are often expected to have a background in psychology and general education. Psychology helps students understand human behavior and introduces them to mental health conditions that they may encounter in their careers. General education courses prepare students with the foundation to write clearly, think critically, communicate professionally, and more clearly understand the world around them.
Some common general education courses include:
- English Composition
- Psychology and Sociology
- Communication
- Second Language requirements
- Liberal Arts/Humanities
Each program is unique and may require different general education courses.
Why Nursing School Prerequisites Matter
Nursing school prerequisites do more than satisfy admission requirements. They build the academic knowledge and learning habits students need for the classroom and clinical components of nursing school. By completing prerequisite courses before enrollment, nursing students are prepared to succeed in the classroom.
Building Foundational Healthcare Knowledge
Nursing school prerequisites provide the scientific and academic foundation students need before beginning nursing school. Courses such as anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and chemistry teach students key concepts that relate to the nursing curriculum. By developing these skills early, students are better prepared for more advanced topics.
Preparing for a Fast-Paced ABSN Curriculum
Unlike traditional four-year nursing programs, ABSN programs accelerate a bachelor’s-level nursing education, requiring students to learn new concepts quickly. Prerequisite courses ensure that students enter these programs with the foundational knowledge and discipline for success in ABSN programs. This helps students adapt easily to the pace of the program by building confidence early into their education.
Supporting Clinical and Academic Success
Completing prerequisite courses helps students build the scientific knowledge and skills needed to succeed during clinical experiences. On top of preparing students for exams, prerequisite classes strengthen critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities that nurses use every day.
Additional ABSN Admission Requirements to Consider
Completing nursing school prerequisites is only one part of the ABSN admissions process. Depending on the specific program, there may be additional GPA requirements or test scores required to enroll in the program. Reviewing these requirements early can help you prepare for admissions and prevent delays.
Minimum GPA Requirements
Most ABSN programs require students to meet a minimum GPA before enrolling. Like prerequisite courses, this is an essential benchmark for ensuring student success in the rigorous courses that ABSN students encounter. While each institution will vary, maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above can strengthen ABSN applications.
TEAS or Other Standardized Entrance Exams
In addition to GPA requirements, many ABSN programs require prospective students to complete standardized entrance exams, such as the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS). These exams access the foundational knowledge in several subjects important for success in nursing school. While not every program requires these tests, earning a competitive score can strengthen applications. Consider reviewing each school’s admissions requirements for more information about standardized testing exams and scores.
Application Materials and Deadlines
Most nursing schools require all applicants to submit all required application material by the program’s specific deadline. Depending on the school, this could consist of transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, resume, or exam scores. Review each school’s specific application process and deadlines to avoid delays.
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How to Complete Nursing School Prerequisites Successfully
Completing nursing school prerequisites requires more than enrolling in the correct courses. To stay on track, create an academic plan with an academic adviser or admissions counselor, use effective study habits, and manage your time carefully. Planning can support stronger grades while reducing the risk of missed requirements or delayed enrollment.
Create an Academic Plan
Creating an academic plan is an important step toward completing nursing school prerequisites. Work with an academic adviser or admissions counselor to identify every required course and determine when to take it. A clear plan can account for course sequences, laboratory requirements, transfer-credit evaluations, and application deadlines. It can also provide a realistic timeline and reduce the chance that you overlook a requirement.
Strengthen Time Management Skills
Strong time management skills are one of the most effective strategies to complete nursing school prerequisites. Utilize planners or digital calendars to visualize deadlines, study blocks, and personal time. Becoming effective at time management can help reduce burnout, improve class performance, and support studying.
Develop Communication and Study Skills
Developing communication and study skills are essential to prerequisite success. Nursing students are expected to enter nursing school already as effective communicators and able to study independently. You can develop communication and study skills in ways such as:
- Ask questions in class
- Create a realistic study plan
- Join a study group
- Review class material with peers
- Use active studying methods
Prepare for Required Entrance Exams
Some nursing school programs may require entrance exams. These are typically standardized tests that may require significant preparation. Using your study skills, dedicate several hours a week to preparing for these entrance exams. Prepare this plan according to your prospective school’s deadlines to avoid delays in education. Earning competitive scores on these exams can strengthen ABSN applications, so it is important to start studying for these exams as early as possible.
Can You Apply to an ABSN Program Without Completing All Prerequisites?
Many schools require that students meet every requirement before applying. Because of this it is important to review requirements carefully and speak with an admissions counselor for any questions. Understanding these expectations is important for the application success.
Need Help Finding the Right ABSN Program?
If you are working on your nursing school prerequisites or thinking of enrolling in an ABSN program, we can help connect you with schools that align with your qualifications and goals. Complete our online form to get started.
