Before you set foot in a clinical rotation or open an NCLEX prep book, you need to get through prerequisites. This guide covers every course you’re likely to need, answers the questions real students ask on forums like Reddit and r/prenursing, lists accredited online nursing programs worth knowing about, and gives you a realistic step-by-step plan to apply with confidence.
In this guide
- Why nursing prerequisites matter
- Complete list of required courses
- Which prerequisites are hardest?
- GPA requirements you actually need
- Do prerequisite courses expire?
- Online course options and caveats
- Accredited online and hybrid nursing programs
- ADN vs. BSN vs. ABSN prerequisites compared
- 7 mistakes that delay applications by a year
- Step-by-step planning guide
- Frequently asked questions
Why nursing prerequisites matter
Nursing programs are among the most competitive healthcare pathways in the country. Nursing school enrollment for entry-level BSN programs declined 4.4% in 2024, even as the U.S. projects a shortage of 200,000 to 450,000 nurses if the workforce doesn’t grow significantly. Fewer spots. More applicants. Your prerequisite record matters more than ever.
Admissions committees use prerequisite grades to measure readiness — specifically whether you can handle the pace of anatomy, pharmacology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based practice all at once. Strong grades in science prerequisites like Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry often carry as much weight as your overall GPA.
But prerequisites are not just a hoop. They build the actual knowledge base you will use every day as a nurse. Cellular chemistry explains drug interactions. Physiology tells you why blood pressure drops in septic shock. Microbiology shapes how you think about infection control. The preparation is real.
Complete list of nursing school prerequisite courses
Most nursing programs require some version of the courses below, though exact names, credit hours, and lab requirements vary by school. Use this as your master checklist, then verify against each program’s official admissions page.
| Anatomy & Physiology I | Yes | Required at most schools |
| Anatomy & Physiology II | Yes | Required at most schools |
| Microbiology | Yes | Required at most schools |
| General Chemistry | Yes | Required at most schools |
| Biology or Human Biology | Sometimes | Common |
| English Composition | No | Required at most schools |
| General Psychology | No | Required at most schools |
| Developmental / Lifespan Psychology | No | Common |
| Statistics | No | Required at most schools |
| Nutrition | No | Common |
| Sociology | No | Program-specific |
| Speech / Communication | No | Program-specific |
| College Algebra / Math | No | Some programs |
Note: AP and IB credits are generally not accepted toward nursing prerequisites, especially for science courses. Community college credits transfer differently at each program. Always check before assuming any prior credit counts.
Which nursing prerequisites are the hardest?
This is one of the most common questions on r/prenursing, Allnurses, and Reddit nursing communities — and the answers are pretty consistent.
Microbiology
Students and nursing educators frequently name Microbiology as the toughest prerequisite. The lecture content is dense — bacterial structures, immune responses, disease mechanisms — but it’s the lab that surprises most students. Labs require identifying bacteria using a series of biochemical tests and often drawing detailed microscope images. Memorization alone won’t carry you through. You need to understand mechanisms and apply them.
Anatomy & Physiology I and II
A&P is the other consistent contender. The volume of material is enormous — bones, muscles, nerves, organ systems — and many students encounter it during their first semester of college before they’ve developed strong study habits. Students who succeed tend to use active recall strategies, redraw diagrams from memory, and break the material into small daily chunks rather than cramming before exams.
General Chemistry
Chemistry is challenging for students who struggle with math-based reasoning. Understanding pH levels, molecular bonding, acids and bases, and biochemical reactions requires both conceptual understanding and problem-solving practice. Most nursing programs only require General Chemistry, not Organic Chemistry.
GPA requirements you actually need
Minimum GPA requirements are the floor, not the target. Here’s what programs generally expect:
- ADN programs: Minimum GPA 2.0–2.8. Competitive applicants have 3.0 or higher. Many use point-based admission systems.
- BSN programs: Minimum GPA 3.0. Competitive applicants have 3.5 or higher. Some programs require 3.8+ for early admission.
- ABSN programs: Minimum GPA 3.0–3.2. Very competitive — science GPA is scrutinized heavily. Prior bachelor’s degree required.
An important note that often gets buried: professional nursing schools do not honor grade forgiveness or grade replacement policies. All grades — including repeated courses — count and are averaged together. If you retake Microbiology to improve a C, both grades factor into your science GPA.
Important: Science prerequisite grades carry extra weight in nursing admissions. A 3.8 overall GPA with a C in Anatomy and Physiology will often be less competitive than a 3.3 overall with an A in every science course.
- You are building or refining your nursing prerequisite plan across multiple target programs.
- You want clarity on science GPA weighting, repeats, and competitive GPA ranges by pathway.
- You are comparing online general education options against in-person lab science requirements.
- You may have older coursework and need to understand expiration and recency rules.
- You already have a single target program and only need that school’s exact checklist.
- You are exclusively evaluating RN-to-BSN completion pathways rather than prelicensure prerequisites.
- You need individualized legal, medical, or immigration-related advice beyond general admissions guidance.
Do nursing school prerequisite courses expire?
Yes — and this is one of the most common pitfalls for career changers and returning students. Many programs impose recency requirements on science prerequisites, and the rules vary widely by school.
| Anatomy & Physiology | 5 years (some allow up to 10) | Most commonly expires; strictly enforced at many schools |
| Microbiology | 5–7 years | Check each program individually |
| Chemistry | 5–7 years | Less consistent than A&P expiration policies |
| Statistics | 5 years (some programs) | Some programs accept older stats courses |
| English / Psychology / Sociology | Rarely expires (15+ years) | Verify — policies differ |
If you completed science prerequisites more than five years ago, contact each program’s admissions office directly before re-enrolling in courses. Some programs will accept older coursework if you’ve maintained academic engagement; others require a full retake regardless.
Online course options and caveats
Online prerequisites are a real option for students managing work schedules, family commitments, or geographic limitations — but they come with important caveats.
What online courses are typically accepted
General education subjects are where online providers like Sophia Learning and StraighterLine tend to have the best acceptance rates: English Composition, General Psychology, Sociology, Statistics, and College Algebra.
Where online courses often fall short
Science courses with required lab components are the critical exception. Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry labs are often required to be completed in-person. An online lecture course in Microbiology without an accepted lab component will not satisfy the prerequisite at most nursing programs.
A note on StraighterLine and Anatomy & Physiology
StraighterLine’s A&P is unlikely to be accepted at most prelicensure nursing programs because of lab requirements. Students should assume it will not transfer to a traditional BSN or ADN program unless they have written confirmation from that specific program.
Before you enroll anywhere online: Email the admissions office at every nursing program you’re targeting and ask: “Will [specific course name and provider] satisfy your prerequisite for [subject]?” Get the answer in writing.
Accredited online and hybrid nursing programs
If flexibility is a priority — whether because of work, family, or location — there are many accredited online and hybrid nursing programs offering ASN, ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN pathways. The important thing to understand before applying: most programs labeled “online” are actually online/hybrid. Nursing education always requires hands-on clinical experience, lab work, or practicum hours that must be completed in person. The coursework is online; the patient care is not.
With that in mind, here are accredited programs worth researching, organized by degree type.
Online and hybrid ASN / ADN programs
These programs prepare students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam and typically take two years to complete after prerequisites are done.
- Herzing University — accredited online ASN program with RN and BSN pathways available.
- Joyce University — accredited online ASN program.
- University of Jamestown — online ASN program.
- FVI School of Nursing and Technology — hybrid ASN program.
- St. Joseph School of Nursing — online ASN 2-year track.
Online and hybrid BSN programs
BSN programs are preferred by many hospital systems and Magnet-designated facilities. These programs typically require 60+ prerequisite credits before the nursing curriculum begins.
- University of Texas at Arlington — online BSN and RN-to-BSN pathways, one of the largest online nursing programs in the country.
- Chamberlain University — online BSN, CCNE-accredited.
- Purdue Global — online nursing degree programs including baccalaureate pathways.
- Western Governors University (WGU) — online BSN and RN-to-BSN, competency-based format.
- Baylor University — online accelerated BSN program.
- West Coast University — online nursing programs, California-focused.
- Walden University — online nursing programs including BSN pathways.
Online RN-to-BSN programs
RN-to-BSN programs are designed for working nurses who already hold an RN license and an ADN or diploma. Most can be completed in 12 to 18 months entirely online, with no additional clinical hours required in many cases.
- Chamberlain University — flexible online RN-to-BSN.
- Western Governors University — competency-based RN-to-BSN, self-paced.
- University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) — online RN-to-BSN from a public research university.
- Texas A&M University — online RN-to-BSN.
- Eastern Florida State College — online RN-to-BSN.
- Aspen University — online RN-to-BSN.
- Southern University and A&M College — online RN-to-BSN.
- West Coast University — online RN-to-BSN pathway.
What to check before applying to any online nursing program:
- Is the program accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) or ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing)? Accreditation is non-negotiable.
- Does the program operate in your state? Many online nursing programs have state-specific enrollment restrictions.
- How does the program handle clinical placements? Do they arrange them, or are you responsible for finding a site?
- What are the NCLEX first-time pass rates for graduates?
- Are the prerequisites the same as traditional programs? Most online programs require the same science prerequisites — they don’t waive them.
ADN vs. BSN vs. ABSN prerequisites compared
The type of nursing degree you’re pursuing significantly shapes your prerequisite path.
ADN — Associate Degree in Nursing
Typically offered at community colleges. Focused on essential science and general education requirements. Faster path to licensure (2 years post-prerequisites) at lower upfront cost. Some employers prefer or require BSN for advancement.
BSN — Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Requires more general education credits and has more competitive admissions. Often requires 60+ prerequisite credits. Broader career advancement options and required by many hospital systems and Magnet facilities.
ABSN — Accelerated BSN
Designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field. Fast-paced (typically 12–18 months). Science GPA is scrutinized heavily. All prerequisites are usually required before applying. Ideal for career changers.
7 mistakes that delay nursing school applications by a year
- Taking courses before checking requirements. Not all nursing programs accept the same courses or providers. Always verify first.
- Assuming every online class transfers. Online science courses — especially without labs — are often rejected by traditional nursing programs.
- Ignoring lab requirements. A lecture-only biology course will not satisfy a “Biology with lab” prerequisite, even if it covers the same content.
- Ignoring expiration dates. A&P from 8 years ago may not count. Verify recency requirements before assuming old coursework will transfer.
- Taking classes out of sequence. Biology before Chemistry, A&P I before A&P II — sequence matters both academically and for admissions point systems.
- Underestimating minimum grade requirements. Many programs require a B or better in science prerequisites. A passing C may not qualify.
- Not rechecking requirements before applying. Programs update their requirements. A course that qualified two years ago may no longer meet current standards.
Step-by-step planning guide
- Make a list of your target nursing programs. Be specific — include school name, degree type, and location. Aim for 3–6 programs.
- Pull each program’s official prerequisite page. Go to the nursing school’s admissions page directly. Note every course, its lab requirement, minimum grade, and any expiration policy.
- Identify the overlap and the gaps. Build a spreadsheet. Which courses appear on every school’s list? Start with those.
- Meet with an academic advisor or college counselor. A counselor can confirm transfer policies, help you build a semester-by-semester schedule, and flag courses that won’t transfer.
- Start science prerequisites as early as possible. Biology, Chemistry, and A&P are sequenced — the sooner you start, the more flexibility you have.
- Maintain strong grades in every science course. A strong science GPA gives you options; a weak one narrows them significantly.
- Recheck requirements in the semester before you apply. Program requirements change. Confirm everything is current before submitting applications.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common prerequisite courses for nursing school?
The core prerequisites at most schools include Anatomy and Physiology I and II with lab, Microbiology with lab, General Chemistry with lab, Biology or Human Biology, English Composition, General Psychology, Developmental or Lifespan Psychology, Statistics, and Nutrition. Some programs also require Sociology, Speech, or College Algebra. Requirements differ by school and degree type, so always check each program directly.
Do nursing school prerequisites expire?
Yes, many do. Anatomy and Physiology courses commonly expire after five years, with some programs extending that to ten. Microbiology and Chemistry also frequently carry recency requirements. General education courses like English and Psychology rarely expire. If you completed science prerequisites more than five years ago, contact your target programs before assuming the courses will count.
Can I take nursing prerequisites online?
For general education subjects — English Composition, Psychology, Sociology, and Statistics — online courses are often accepted, including from providers like Sophia Learning and StraighterLine . However, science courses with lab components are frequently required to be completed in-person. Always confirm with the nursing program before enrolling in any online science course.
Are there accredited online nursing programs?
Yes. There are many accredited online and hybrid nursing programs offering ASN, ADN, BSN, and RN-to-BSN pathways. Most are online/hybrid rather than fully online because nursing education still requires clinical experience, labs, or practicum work. Accredited options include Chamberlain University, Western Governors University, Purdue Global, University of Texas at Arlington, Herzing University, Joyce University, Walden University, Baylor University , and others. Always verify CCNE or ACEN accreditation before applying.
Can you become an RN completely online?
Not entirely. All nursing programs — even those labeled online — require students to complete clinical hours, labs, or practicum experiences in person. Coursework and lectures can often be completed online, but hands-on clinical training must be done at approved healthcare facilities. Programs typically help students find clinical placements near their location.
People Also Ask
What is the difference between an online ASN and an online BSN program?
An online ASN or ADN is typically a 2-year program that prepares students to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. An online BSN is a 4-year degree that opens more career advancement opportunities and is required by many hospital systems. RN-to-BSN programs allow nurses who already hold an RN license and ADN to complete a BSN online, often in 12 to 18 months.
What GPA do I need to get into nursing school?
ADN programs typically have minimum GPA requirements of 2.0 to 2.8, though competitive applicants tend to have 3.0 or higher. BSN programs usually require a minimum 3.0, with highly competitive programs expecting 3.5 or above. Science GPA — particularly in Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry — often matters as much as your cumulative GPA.
Which nursing prerequisite is the hardest?
Most students and nursing educators consistently identify Microbiology and Anatomy and Physiology as the most challenging prerequisites. Microbiology is especially demanding due to complex lab work involving bacterial identification. A&P is challenging because of its sheer volume of content. General Chemistry is a close third, particularly for students who find math-based reasoning difficult.
How long does it take to finish nursing prerequisites?
For full-time students, completing all nursing prerequisites typically takes one to two years. Part-time students managing work and family responsibilities may need two to three years. The timeline is constrained by course sequencing — starting science courses as early as possible gives you the most scheduling flexibility.
Do all nursing schools require the same prerequisites?
No. Prerequisite requirements vary significantly by school, degree type, and admissions policy. A course that satisfies a prerequisite at one program may not count at another. Students should always verify requirements directly with each nursing program rather than assuming courses are universally transferable.
What happens if I get a C in a nursing prerequisite?
It depends on the program. Some nursing schools require a minimum grade of B or better in science prerequisites — a passing C will not satisfy the requirement. If you retake the course, nursing programs average all grades including repeats and do not honor grade replacement policies. Check each program’s minimum grade requirement before enrolling.
Is
CCNE
or
ACEN
accreditation important for online nursing programs?
Yes — accreditation is non-negotiable. CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and ACEN (Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing) are the two primary accrediting bodies for nursing programs in the United States. Graduating from a non-accredited program can disqualify you from licensure, graduate school, and many employer hiring requirements. Always verify accreditation status before enrolling in any nursing program, online or in-person.
Next step: Browse health & nursing-related courses to keep building a prerequisite plan that matches your target programs.
Course acceptance, expiration policies, GPA requirements, and program availability vary by institution and change over time. Program listings are provided for informational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement. Always verify accreditation status, state enrollment eligibility, and prerequisite requirements directly with the nursing program before enrolling.
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