Nursing prerequisites hit different when you’re finally ready to start—suddenly, that path to your RN license depends on checking boxes for courses you might have skipped years ago. Whether you’re switching careers, fresh out of high school, or working as a CNA ready to advance, these required classes determine when you can actually apply to nursing programs.
Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU) offers Accelerated Sciences courses that cover the foundational coursework nursing programs require—delivered in a five-week online format built for students who need to move forward efficiently without losing academic depth. With WSCUC accreditation and more than 38,000 credits successfully transferred to colleges and universities nationwide, these aren’t shortcuts. They’re a faster route through the same rigorous material.
The Science Prerequisites Every Program Requires
These four science courses appear on virtually every nursing prerequisite list, for both ADN and BSN programs.
Anatomy & Physiology I and II are the foundation. Most programs require the full two-course sequence—A&P I covering cells, tissues, and major organ systems, A&P II covering cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and endocrine function. Lab components are standard. Programs typically require a minimum grade of C in each, and competitive BSN programs often want a B or higher. SCU offers Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II as separate five-week courses with lab credits available.
Microbiology with lab covers bacterial pathogenesis, viral replication, immunological responses, and infection control—content that maps directly onto clinical practice in every nursing specialty. Most programs require the lecture and lab as separate components. SCU’s Microbiology (BIO231) is a 3-credit lecture course; BIO231L is the separate 1-credit lab, available in online self-paced, online live, and in-person formats.
General Biology establishes the cellular and genetic foundation that A&P and Microbiology build on. SCU offers General Biology I (BIO111) and General Biology II (BIO116) as five-week courses, each with lab credits available.
Chemistry requirements vary more than the others. Some ADN programs accept introductory chemistry; most BSN programs require General Chemistry I, and some accelerated BSN programs add General Chemistry II. SCU offers a sequence that covers the range: Intro to Chemistry (CHEM110), General Chemistry I (CHEM211), and General Chemistry II (CHEM216).
Human Nutrition (NUTR204) rounds out the science prerequisites at most programs. It covers macronutrients, micronutrients, metabolism, and diet’s role in health and disease—directly relevant given that dietary counseling appears across nursing specialties.
General Education Requirements That Support Nursing Skills
English Composition appears on nearly every nursing prerequisite list, usually requiring one to two semesters. Nurses document constantly—charting, incident reports, care plans, professional communications. Clear writing protects patients and your license.
Statistics or College Algebra covers the mathematical reasoning nursing practice depends on: interpreting research studies and evidence-based guidelines, calculating medication dosages, reading lab values, and computing IV drip rates. Some programs accept either course; others require both. SCU offers Statistics and College Algebra as five-week accelerated options.
Psychology courses show up on most BSN prerequisite lists and some ADN programs. General psychology covers learning, memory, and psychological disorders (SCU’s Psychology I). Developmental or Lifespan Psychology tracks human development from infancy through late adulthood (SCU’s Psychology II). Programs vary on which they accept—verify with your target school before enrolling.
Speech or Oral Communication prepares you for explaining procedures, managing patient anxiety, and working within interdisciplinary care teams.
Timeline Expectations: How Long Prerequisites Actually Take
Full-time students typically complete nursing prerequisites in one to two years. The actual duration depends on how many courses you need, whether you’re transferring credits, and how schools sequence their requirements. Some prerequisites must be taken in order—you often can’t jump into anatomy without completing general biology first.
Part-time students extending their schedule across two to three years isn’t unusual, especially for those balancing work and family responsibilities. The trade-off comes in time—science courses often expire after five to seven years at most nursing programs, so spreading prerequisites too thin risks having early courses become invalid by the time you apply.
SCU’s Accelerated Science Courses condense traditional semester-long courses into five-week formats. You could finish both anatomy and physiology within ten weeks rather than waiting an entire year to complete them sequentially. This accelerated pace demands intense focus but can cut your prerequisite timeline dramatically.
GPA Requirements and Academic Standards
Minimum GPA requirements separate competitive applicants from those who won’t make it through screening.
GPA benchmarks by program type:
- ADN programs: 2.5 to 2.75 overall GPA required
- BSN programs: 3.0 or higher overall GPA required
- Competitive applicants: Often exceed minimums significantly at selective schools
Prerequisite GPA matters as much as or more than your overall GPA. Many programs calculate a separate GPA using only prerequisite coursework, particularly science courses. A 3.0 prerequisite GPA might be mandatory even if your overall GPA meets requirements. Schools commonly require at least a C in each prerequisite, with no exceptions.
Retake policies vary between schools:
- Some accept the higher grade and remove the lower one from calculations
- Others average both attempts together
- A few consider only your most recent grade regardless of improvement
Time limits on prerequisite validity add another layer. Most programs require science courses completed within five to seven years of your application deadline. Older coursework expires because medical knowledge evolves rapidly, and programs want current foundational understanding.
Where to Take Nursing Prerequisite Courses
Community colleges offer the most affordable option for completing nursing prerequisites. Lower tuition rates make finishing coursework financially manageable, and many maintain articulation agreements with nearby university nursing programs, ensuring credits transfer smoothly. Class availability can be challenging, particularly for high-demand courses like anatomy and microbiology.
Four-year universities provide another pathway, especially if you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree concurrently. The higher cost comes with benefits like smaller class sizes and more extensive lab facilities. Students who complete prerequisites at the same university where they’ll attend nursing school may receive preferential admission consideration.
Online courses have become widely accepted, with major universities like Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and University of Rochester offering prerequisite programs specifically designed for aspiring nurses. These flexible formats allow studying around work schedules while earning credits from accredited institutions.
SCU’s Accelerated Science Courses combine online learning with optional on-ground lab options, providing transferable credits that nursing programs nationwide recognize. Course offerings include everything from Anatomy and Physiology to Microbiology, Chemistry, Statistics, and Human Nutrition.
Always verify that your target nursing programs accept online prerequisites before enrolling. While acceptance has grown significantly, some schools maintain restrictions on which courses can be completed online, particularly those requiring labs.
Strategic Planning for Prerequisite Success
Start by gathering prerequisite lists from every nursing program you’re considering. Requirements vary considerably between institutions—what’s mandatory at one school might be optional at another. Creating a master list showing all required courses prevents scrambling for additional classes later.
Plan backward from your target nursing school application deadline. If you want to apply for fall 2027 and the deadline is March 2027, all prerequisites need completion by that date or earlier. Factor in time for prerequisite expiration dates if you’re starting years in advance.
Balance your course load realistically:
- Plan for 2-3 hours of homework for every hour spent in class
- Avoid overloading: Taking anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology simultaneously while working full-time often leads to mediocre grades or burnout
- Spread demanding courses across multiple semesters for stronger grades
- Consider part-time enrollment if juggling work and family responsibilities
Summer sessions and winter intercessions offer opportunities to accelerate progress without overloading regular semesters. Many schools offer condensed versions during these shorter terms. The intensive pacing requires dedicated focus but can help you complete extra courses without sacrificing grade quality.
Additional Requirements Beyond Coursework
Background checks and drug screenings are standard requirements before starting nursing school. Clinical rotations place students in healthcare facilities that demand clear background checks for anyone working with patients. Criminal convictions don’t automatically disqualify you, but certain offenses may prevent clinical placement and subsequent licensure.
Required immunizations typically include:
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap)
- Annual flu shots
- Tuberculosis testing (often required annually)
CPR certification for healthcare providers is typically required before beginning clinical rotations. The American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support (BLS) course is the standard most nursing programs accept.
Healthcare experience, while not universally required, significantly strengthens applications. Working as a CNA, medical assistant, or patient care technician demonstrates commitment to healthcare careers. Volunteer work in hospitals or clinics also enhances applications, particularly if you lack paid healthcare experience.
Preparing for Nursing School Entrance Exams
Many nursing programs require standardized entrance exams like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or Healthcare Entrance Test (HESI). These assessments evaluate your readiness in reading comprehension, mathematics, science, and English language usage. Scores often factor into admission decisions alongside your GPA.
Taking these exams after completing prerequisites gives you the strongest advantage. The biology, anatomy, chemistry, and mathematics content tested directly corresponds to prerequisite coursework. Most programs allow exam retakes if your first score doesn’t meet admission standards, though some limit how frequently you can retest.
Smart Next Steps for Aspiring Nurses
Nursing prerequisites represent your entry point into a rewarding healthcare career. The courses ahead prepare you for the academic rigor and clinical challenges that define professional nursing. Whether you’re pursuing an ADN, BSN, or accelerated second-degree nursing program, completing prerequisites with strong grades positions you as a competitive applicant ready to excel.
SCU understands that aspiring healthcare professionals need flexible, efficient pathways to complete prerequisite coursework. Our Accelerated Science Courses deliver university-level education in condensed timeframes, helping you meet application deadlines without compromising learning depth. With transferable credits accepted by nursing programs nationwide, SCU’s courses support your journey toward nursing school admission.
Ready to start checking prerequisites off your list? Explore SCU’s course offerings and find the schedule that fits your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common nursing prerequisites?
Most nursing programs require anatomy and physiology (two courses with labs), microbiology with lab, general chemistry, general biology, English composition, statistics or college algebra, psychology, and nutrition. Some BSN programs add organic chemistry, biochemistry, or additional social science courses. Requirements vary by institution, so verify specific prerequisites with your target programs.
How long does it take to complete nursing prerequisites?
Full-time students typically finish prerequisites in one to two years. Part-time students may take two to three years depending on course sequencing requirements and personal schedules. Accelerated options like SCU’s five-week courses can significantly reduce completion time for motivated students.
Do nursing prerequisites expire?
Yes, most nursing programs require science prerequisites completed within five to seven years of your application deadline. Some schools enforce stricter three-year limits on anatomy, physiology, and microbiology. Check expiration policies at your target programs before taking courses too far in advance.
Can I take nursing prerequisites online?
Many nursing programs now accept online prerequisites, particularly after expanded acceptance during recent years. Lab courses may require virtual lab components or brief in-person sessions. Always verify that your specific target programs accept online credits before enrolling, as some schools maintain restrictions.
What GPA do I need for nursing prerequisites?
ADN programs typically require a 2.5 to 2.75 minimum GPA, while BSN programs usually require 3.0 or higher. Prerequisite GPAs calculated separately from overall GPAs often carry more weight in admissions decisions. Individual courses may require minimum grades of C or higher. Competitive programs admit students with GPAs well above minimum requirements.
Can I retake prerequisites to improve my GPA?
Most schools allow prerequisite retakes, though policies vary. Some accept only the higher grade, others average both attempts, and some consider only the most recent grade regardless of improvement. Multiple retakes may raise concerns about academic readiness. Check specific program policies before retaking courses.