Nursing School Prerequisites: What Courses You Need Before Applying 2026
Most nursing programs require Anatomy and Physiology I and II, microbiology, English composition, and introductory psychology before the nursing sequence begins. BSN programs typically add statistics and general chemistry. ABSN and direct-entry programs require all of that plus a completed bachelor’s degree. Requirements vary by school. Always confirm the exact list with each program before you register.
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The courses on a nursing school’s prerequisite page are not suggestions. They’re gates. Most programs won’t review your application until you’ve completed the required courses with competitive grades, and the list varies depending on whether you’re pursuing an ADN, a BSN, or an accelerated program. What follows breaks down what each track typically requires and how to plan your sequence.
On this page:
- The core science block
- ADN prerequisites
- BSN prerequisites
- ABSN and direct-entry MSN prerequisites
- The TEAS exam
- How to sequence your prerequisites
- Prerequisites at a glance
The Core Science Block: What Almost Every Program Requires
Before program type matters, there’s a shared foundation. Whether you’re applying to a community college ADN program or a four-year BSN, most schools expect you to complete a core set of science and general education courses before the nursing sequence begins.
Anatomy and Physiology I and II
These are the cornerstone prerequisites. Both courses include lab components. A&P I covers cells, tissues, and major organ systems. A&P II builds on that foundation with the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. Most programs require both semesters before you begin any nursing coursework.
Microbiology
Microbiology with lab introduces bacteria, viruses, fungi, and the mechanisms of disease. It’s foundational for infection control, pharmacology, and immune response content in nursing school. Most programs list it as a prerequisite. Some accept it as a co-requisite during the first semester of the nursing sequence.
General Psychology
An introductory psychology course is required across all program types. It establishes the groundwork for therapeutic communication, behavioral health, and patient interaction concepts that run through every nursing curriculum. Some programs separately require a lifespan or developmental psychology course in addition to the standard intro course.
English Composition and Math
Most programs require at least one semester of college-level English composition. For math, the typical ADN-track minimum is college algebra. BSN programs usually require statistics either in place of or in addition to algebra. If your target program requires statistics, satisfy it before applying rather than planning to take it during the program.
ADN Prerequisites: The Community College Track
Associate Degree in Nursing programs are offered primarily at community colleges and take roughly two years to complete after prerequisites are finished. Before your application can be reviewed, you’ll need to complete what many applicants refer to as a common core of A&P I and II, microbiology, English composition, and introductory psychology, though additional prerequisites vary by program.
Nutrition appears on the prerequisite list at many ADN programs. It’s sometimes listed as required, sometimes strongly recommended, and occasionally embedded into the nursing curriculum itself rather than required beforehand. Sociology, speech, or a humanities elective may also appear depending on the college’s general education requirements. The specific list varies more among community colleges than among universities, so reading the program’s application checklist carefully matters.
ADN programs are competitive. Many rank applicants by prerequisite GPA, TEAS score, or both, rather than admitting applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Taking prerequisites to pass won’t get you past a competitive ranking system. The goal is a strong GPA in the right courses, not just a completed transcript.
For a broader look at what the application process involves beyond prerequisites, see our guide to getting into a nursing program.
BSN Prerequisites: What Universities Add to the Core
BSN programs cover the same science core as ADN programs, plus additional coursework that reflects the degree’s broader academic scope. The structural differences are worth understanding before you register for anything.
BSN programs commonly require general chemistry with lab and statistics, and these requirements appear more frequently than in ADN admission requirements. Some schools may vary in how they structure these requirements. Statistics reflect the BSN curriculum’s emphasis on research methods and evidence-based practice. Some programs specify biostatistics.
Lifespan or developmental psychology is commonly required alongside the standard intro psych course at the BSN level, where ADN programs may list it as optional. University general education requirements add humanities and social science electives, and often a second writing or communications course as well.
The practical differences between ADN and BSN graduates, including scope of practice after graduation, are covered in our ADN vs. BSN guide.
ABSN and Direct-Entry MSN: Prerequisite Planning After a First Degree
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) or direct-entry MSN program can get you into nursing practice without starting from scratch. These programs are intensive. ABSN programs typically run 12 to 18 months, and their prerequisite lists reflect that intensity.
You’ll need the full science core from both tracks: A&P I and II with labs, microbiology with lab, general chemistry, and statistics. Some programs add organic chemistry or biochemistry. Developmental psychology and nutrition are also common requirements. Programs expect all of this to be completed and up to date before the first day of class.
One detail that catches career-changers off guard: many ABSN and direct-entry programs impose recency requirements on science prerequisites, often requiring coursework completed within the previous five to seven years, though some schools use different timelines. If you completed A&P or microbiology during your first degree, confirm the recency policy with each program individually before assuming old coursework still counts.
For more on what these programs look like once you’re enrolled, see our guide to direct-entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors.
The TEAS Exam: A Prerequisite in Its Own Right
The ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) functions as a de facto prerequisite at most ADN and BSN programs. It tests reading, math, science, and English language proficiency. Programs typically require a minimum composite score or a minimum science subscore before they’ll consider an application. Some schools only accept scores taken at their own testing center.
Timing matters more than most applicants expect. The TEAS science section covers biology, chemistry, and anatomy, which overlap directly with A&P I and introductory math. Students consistently report better scores after completing A&P I and at least one math course. Taking the exam before finishing any science coursework usually produces lower scores on the section that matters most for admissions.
Many nursing programs limit applicants to two or three TEAS attempts within an application cycle or specified time period, and may require a waiting period between attempts. Policies vary by school. Scores are commonly accepted for up to two years, although individual schools may set different validity periods. Check the policies for each program on your list before you schedule.
For a full breakdown of the TEAS format, content sections, and score benchmarks by program type, see our TEAS exam guide.
How to Sequence Prerequisites Over Two to Four Semesters
Most students complete prerequisites over two to four semesters, part-time or full-time. The right sequence depends on your schedule, prior coursework, and the program you’re targeting. A few principles apply broadly.
Take A&P I before A&P II. They’re sequential, and most schools require them. Take A&P I before microbiology if possible, since cell biology content from A&P carries directly into microbiology. Get statistics and chemistry done well before your application deadline. Leaving a required prerequisite for the same semester as your application creates unnecessary risk if anything goes wrong.
If you’re working full-time, most advisors recommend no more than two lab science courses per semester. Lab courses require consistent attendance and time outside class for write-ups. Pairing A&P I and microbiology in the same term is manageable but demanding. Adding chemistry to that same term is not a recommended starting point for most students.
For career-changers returning after a gap, prioritize prerequisites with recency limits first. A&P and microbiology are the most commonly time-restricted courses. Get those current before finishing general education requirements. You don’t want to complete your full list only to discover that A&P credits have expired while you’re finishing the rest.
Prerequisites at a Glance: ADN vs. BSN vs. ABSN
The table below shows typical prerequisite expectations by program type. Individual programs vary significantly. Use this as a planning reference, not as a substitute for reviewing the specific requirements at each school you’re applying to.
| Course | ADN | BSN | ABSN / Direct-Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatomy & Physiology I with lab | Required by most programs | Required by virtually all programs | Required; recency limit often applies (5 to 7 years) |
| Anatomy & Physiology II with lab | Required or strong co-requisite | Required | Required; recency limit applies |
| Microbiology with lab | Required or first-semester co-requisite | Required | Required; recency limit applies |
| General Chemistry with lab | Sometimes required, often optional | Common prerequisite | Typically required; some programs add biochemistry |
| Statistics | Sometimes accepted to meet the math requirement | Commonly required | Required by nearly all programs |
| College Algebra | Often required | Required or satisfied by statistics | May be required depending on prior degree |
| English Composition | Required | Required; sometimes two courses | Required; often met through a prior degree |
| General Psychology | Required | Required | Required |
| Lifespan / Developmental Psychology | Sometimes required | Often required | Common prerequisite |
| Nutrition | Required or strongly recommended in many programs | Common prerequisite | Common prerequisite |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do ADN programs require chemistry?
Not always. Chemistry is more common as an ADN prerequisite at university-affiliated programs than at community colleges. Many community college ADN programs don’t list chemistry as a requirement, though some do. Check the specific program’s prerequisite page. The list varies significantly by school.
Can AP credits or CNA coursework count toward nursing prerequisites?
It depends on the institution. AP credits are sometimes accepted for English composition or general education requirements, but are less commonly accepted for A&P or microbiology. CNA or LPN coursework rarely satisfies college-level prerequisite requirements, though some credits may transfer. Overseas academic credentials follow institution-specific transfer policies. Confirm directly with the admissions office at each school you’re considering.
What GPA do I need in my prerequisite courses?
Many nursing programs set minimum GPA requirements in the high-2s to low-3s, while competitive ABSN programs often require GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Highly sought-after programs see applicant pools with average prerequisite GPAs well above any stated minimum. Applicants should verify requirements with individual schools, since the minimum requirements to apply are not the same as those to be competitive.
How long do prerequisite credits stay valid?
Programs with recency policies most commonly set a five-year limit on science prerequisites, particularly A&P and microbiology. Some programs extend this to seven or ten years. ABSN and direct-entry programs are stricter about recency than traditional ADN or BSN programs. This is not standardized nationally, so check each program’s specific policy.
Can I complete nursing prerequisites online?
General education courses like English composition, psychology, and sociology are widely available online. Lab science courses such as A&P, microbiology, and chemistry require a hands-on lab component. Some programs accept hybrid formats in which the lecture is online, and the lab is held at a local facility. Not all programs accept fully online science labs, so confirm the acceptable format before registering.
Key Takeaways
- The core is consistent — A&P I and II, microbiology, introductory psychology, and English composition appear on nearly every nursing program’s prerequisite list, regardless of degree level.
- BSN programs add chemistry and statistics — These two courses distinguish the typical BSN prerequisite list from an ADN list and are non-negotiable at most four-year programs.
- ABSN recency policies are strict — Science prerequisites completed more than five to seven years ago may not count toward accelerated programs. Career-changers should verify recency requirements before building their course schedule.
- GPA in prerequisites matters as much as completion — Many programs rank applicants by prerequisite GPA and TEAS score. Low grades in prerequisites can disqualify you even if you technically meet the minimum.
- The TEAS is a de facto prerequisite — Plan to take it after completing A&P I and a math course for the strongest chance at a competitive score.
Once your prerequisites are complete, the next step is finding an approved nursing program that fits your timeline and location. Use our program search to compare ADN, BSN, and ABSN options by state.