Entering a career in nursing starts with a solid educational foundation. Before enrolling in a nursing school, prospective students must meet specific prerequisites, which can vary depending on the type of nursing program. Here’s a general guide on the typical prerequisites for nursing school.
High School Diploma or GED
The journey towards becoming a nurse typically starts with a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate. High school students interested in nursing should consider taking classes in biology, chemistry, and mathematics to lay a strong foundation for their future studies.
College Preparatory Courses
If you’re pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you’ll usually need to complete certain college-level prerequisite courses. While the exact prerequisites can vary by school, some of the most common include:
- Anatomy and Physiology (usually I and II)
- Microbiology
- Chemistry (may include organic and biochemistry)
- Statistics
- Nutrition
- Developmental or lifespan psychology
- English composition
These courses are intended to provide the foundational knowledge required for nursing studies.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Most nursing schools require a minimum GPA for admission, usually around 2.5 to 3.0, although competitive programs may require higher GPAs. In addition, schools often require a minimum grade in prerequisite courses, commonly a “C” or better.
Entrance Exams
Many nursing schools require entrance exams as part of the application process. Common exams include the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and the Health Education Systems, Inc. Exam (HESI A2). These exams evaluate your knowledge in areas such as math, science, and English.
For Accelerated BSN or Direct-Entry MSN Programs
If you’re applying to an accelerated BSN program or a direct-entry MSN program (for those with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree), you’ll typically need to have completed a bachelor’s degree in another field. These programs may also have additional prerequisite courses, which could include subjects such as human growth and development, genetics, or organic chemistry.
In conclusion, while specific prerequisites may vary, most nursing schools require a combination of a high school diploma or GED, specific college preparatory courses, a minimum GPA, and possibly an entrance exam. Always check with the specific nursing schools you’re interested in to understand their particular prerequisites.
Summary:
- A high school diploma or GED is usually the first prerequisite for nursing school.
- College-level prerequisite courses, such as Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, Nutrition, and Psychology, are often required.
- Most nursing schools require a minimum GPA, typically around 2.5 to 3.0.
- Entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI A2 may be part of the application process.
- Accelerated BSN or Direct-Entry MSN programs often require a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and may have additional prerequisite courses.