“What prerequisites do I need for nursing?” shows up in search bars thousands of times each month, typed by career changers, recent graduates, and working professionals plotting their next move. The path into nursing school starts with a foundation of science and general education courses that determine eligibility.
Most programs require between five and fourteen prerequisite courses before beginning clinical training. The exact number depends on whether you’re pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Understanding these requirements helps you map out a realistic timeline and avoid delays. SCU’s Accelerated Sciences program compresses standard semester-long courses into five-week sessions — a practical option for students juggling work or family obligations who need to complete prerequisites without waiting for the next semester to start.
Core Science Prerequisites for Nursing Programs
Science courses build your understanding of how the human body functions and responds to disease. Programs universally require these subjects.
Anatomy and Physiology
Anatomy and physiology courses teach the structure and function of human body systems. Programs usually split this into two sequential courses, each with a lab component covering cadaver work, tissue analysis, and physiological measurements. Most programs require completion within 5–10 years and grades of B or better.
SCU offers three formats depending on what your target program requires:
- Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO221) — cell structure, tissues, integumentary, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems; lecture and lab included
- Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO226) — nervous, endocrine, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems; lecture and lab included
- Human Anatomy (BIO251) — a standalone anatomy course with cadaver lab, Anatomage table, and microscopy; designed for programs that separate anatomy from physiology
- Human Physiology — standalone physiology course with lab, covering organ system function at the cellular and systems level
Check your target nursing program’s requirements before enrolling — some accept the combined A&P sequence, others specify standalone anatomy or physiology courses.
Biology and Microbiology
General biology introduces cellular function, genetics, metabolism, and reproduction. Microbiology narrows the focus to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic organisms affecting human health — infection control, antibiotic resistance, and viral disease management all connect back to this coursework.
- General Biology I (BIO111) — cellular processes, genetics, and basic life science principles; lab included
- General Biology II (BIO116) — ecology, evolution, and diversity; required by some BSN programs
- Microbiology (BIO231) — bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites with emphasis on infection control and disease transmission; lab includes culturing, microscopy, and identification testing
Lab components for both subjects require in-person or supervised virtual attendance even when lectures are offered online.
Chemistry
Chemistry requirements vary, but most programs want at least one semester of general chemistry. Some competitive BSN programs require two semesters, and a few add biochemistry.
- Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM110) — foundational chemistry for students without prior coursework; covers atomic structure, bonding, and basic reactions
- General Chemistry I (CHEM211) — stoichiometry, thermodynamics, and solutions; lab included
- General Chemistry II (CHEM216) — equilibrium, kinetics, acids and bases, and electrochemistry; lab included
- Biochemistry (BIO322) — molecular biology, metabolism, and enzyme function; required by some BSN programs and most PA and medical programs
Understanding pH balance, electrolyte concentrations, and drug interactions all trace back to general chemistry. Confirm whether your target program requires a lab component — some schools accept lecture-only chemistry, others do not.
Mathematics and Statistics Requirements
Nurses use math daily — calculating drip rates, converting medication doses between measurement systems, and interpreting statistical data from clinical research.
- College Algebra (MATH111) — equations, functions, and algebraic problem-solving; satisfies math requirements for ADN and some BSN programs
- Statistics (MATH213) — probability, inferential statistics, ANOVA, and research interpretation; increasingly required by BSN programs and all graduate-level nursing paths
Math courses older than ten years may need retaking depending on program policy. Check before assuming older transcripts will be accepted.
Social Science and General Education Prerequisites
Understanding human behavior, development, and nutrition rounds out preparation for nursing school.
Psychology and Human Development
General psychology introduces behavioral patterns, mental health concepts, and psychological theories. Lifespan development tracks physical, emotional, and cognitive changes from birth through old age — relevant across every patient population nurses treat.
- Psychology I (PSY102) — behavioral and cognitive psychology, motivation, learning, and abnormal psychology
- Psychology II (PSY107) — social psychology, lifespan development, and applied psychology; required by some programs in place of a standalone development course
Nutrition
Nutrition courses examine macronutrients, micronutrients, metabolism, and dietary needs across life stages. Dietary counseling and disease-specific nutrition planning are part of active nursing practice.
- Human Nutrition (NUTR204) — macronutrients, micronutrients, metabolism, and diet across life stages; note that some programs specifically require “human nutrition” rather than general nutrition courses
Medical Terminology
Not universally required for nursing admission, but consistently helpful — and sometimes listed as a co-requisite for early clinical courses.
- Introduction to Medical Terminology (BIO200) — prefixes, suffixes, root words, and clinical vocabulary across body systems
- Applied Medical Terminology (BIO203) — terminology applied within clinical contexts and patient documentation
GPA Requirements and Academic Standards
Meeting course requirements represents only part of admission. Your grades heavily influence acceptance decisions.
ADN programs typically require minimum GPAs between 2.5 and 2.75. BSN programs usually set the bar at 3.0, with competitive schools expecting 3.25 or higher.
Many programs calculate two GPAs: overall (all college coursework) and prerequisite (just required courses). Science prerequisites often carry extra weight. Grades of C or better satisfy minimums for non-science courses, but science courses usually require B- or better.
Additional Admission Factors Beyond Prerequisites
Completing coursework with strong grades makes you eligible to apply, but programs consider other criteria.
Entrance Exams
Many nursing schools require standardized tests like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or HESI A2. These exams measure reading, math, science, and grammar.
Personal Statements and Letters of Recommendation
Personal statements let you explain your motivation for nursing and relevant experiences. Strong essays highlight volunteer work in healthcare, personal caregiving experiences, or specific populations you hope to serve.
Letters from professors, employers, or healthcare professionals who know your work ethic provide additional support.
Clinical Experience and Certifications
Some programs look favorably on healthcare experience. Working as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), medical assistant, EMT, or volunteer demonstrates commitment and familiarity with patient care.
CPR certification may be required before clinical rotations. Background checks, drug screenings, and immunizations typically come into play once admitted.
Where to Complete Nursing Prerequisites
Multiple options exist for completing prerequisite courses, each with distinct advantages.
Community Colleges
Community colleges offer affordable courses with flexible schedules, including evening and weekend sections. Many have transfer agreements with local universities’ nursing programs.
Lower cost per credit makes community colleges attractive for self-funded students.
Four-Year Universities
Completing prerequisites at the same university where you’ll attend nursing school simplifies transcript management and strengthens faculty connections.
Traditional college experiences come with higher tuition costs than community colleges.
Online and Accelerated Programs
Online courses provide maximum flexibility for working adults or students in remote locations. Some prerequisites, particularly math and social science courses, translate well to online formats.
Science courses with lab requirements present challenges online, though virtual lab options exist. SCU addresses your course needs through this Accelerated Sciences program, which offers both in-person and online options with lab components included.
The five-week format lets you complete courses quickly without sacrificing quality, particularly useful when racing against application deadlines or prerequisite age limits. The program includes 17 different science courses tailored specifically for students heading toward healthcare careers.
SCU maintains WASC regional accreditation, ensuring credits transfer to most nursing programs nationwide. Students have successfully sent transcripts to over 700 institutions, demonstrating broad acceptance.
Strategic Timeline Planning
Mapping out when to take prerequisites prevents delays and budget overruns.
Space Out Demanding Courses
Taking anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology simultaneously creates a crushing workload. Spread intensive science courses across different terms.
Consider summer terms for accelerated courses if you can focus exclusively on academics for a few weeks.
Account for Prerequisites’ Prerequisites
Some courses require completion of others first. General biology or chemistry may be prerequisites for anatomy or microbiology. Check course descriptions when building your schedule.
Monitor Age Limits on Science Courses
Science prerequisites typically expire after 5-10 years. If you took anatomy fifteen years ago, you’ll likely need to retake it.
Preparing for Success in Prerequisite Courses
Strong performance opens doors to competitive programs and scholarships.
Build Consistent Study Habits
Science courses require regular practice, not cramming. Schedule dedicated study blocks multiple times weekly. Form study groups to review concepts and quiz each other.
Attend every class session. Live participation helps you catch subtleties and ask questions immediately.
Use Available Academic Support
Professors hold office hours for student questions—use them. Most schools offer tutoring centers, supplemental instruction, or peer tutoring programs.
Manage Your Schedule Realistically
Prerequisite courses demand substantial time outside class. Full-time students typically spend 2-3 hours studying per credit hour weekly.
Working adults should account for life responsibilities when deciding how many courses to take simultaneously.
Connecting Prerequisites to Clinical Practice
Prerequisite courses directly support clinical skills you’ll use throughout your career.
When you assess a patient’s respiratory distress, anatomy and physiology knowledge helps you understand which systems might be failing. Chemistry explains blood gas values. Microbiology informs infection control protocols.
Psychology guides patient communication. Statistics lets you evaluate whether new research should change your practice. All these subjects weave together constantly in nursing.
SCU’s Role in Healthcare Education Preparation
While Southern California University of Health Sciences doesn’t offer nursing programs, the institution serves healthcare education broadly through its Accelerated Sciences courses. Students pursuing nursing, physician assistant, medical, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health professions use these courses to complete prerequisites efficiently.
The university’s integrative, whole-health philosophy emphasizes treating patients fully rather than focusing narrowly on symptoms. This approach aligns with modern nursing’s patient care model, where nurses address physical, emotional, and social factors affecting health.
SCU’s prerequisite courses prepare students for the rigorous academic standards of nursing school while accommodating real-world scheduling constraints. Working professionals, career changers, and students with family responsibilities benefit from the flexible, accelerated format.
Making Your Prerequisite Plan
Research specific requirements for nursing programs that interest you. Create a spreadsheet tracking each school’s prerequisites, GPA minimums, and application deadlines.
Check with an academic advisor about transfer policies. Some courses may not transfer due to credit hour differences or lab requirements.
Build a realistic timeline working backward from your target start date. Account for application processing time, prerequisite completion, and entrance exam study time.
Moving Forward With Your Prerequisites
What once seemed like an overwhelming question—what prerequisites do I need for nursing—breaks down into manageable steps once you understand the specific courses, timeline considerations, and strategic planning involved.
Your prerequisite phase offers opportunities to explore whether nursing truly fits your interests and abilities. The science courses preview the academic rigor ahead. Clinical volunteering or healthcare work exposes you to the profession’s realities.
Strong performance in this foundational work positions you competitively when application season arrives. Whether you’re completing requirements at a community college, four-year university, or through accelerated programs, the destination remains the same: qualification for admission.
SCU’s Accelerated Sciences program offers one pathway for completing prerequisites efficiently. The five-week format helps working adults and career changers knock out required courses while maintaining other responsibilities. Explore SCU’s course offerings to see how accelerated learning can fit your timeline. Start with one course, build momentum, and keep your ultimate goal in focus as you progress through each requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important prerequisites for nursing school?
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, chemistry, biology, and statistics typically rank as the most critical prerequisites. These courses provide essential knowledge about human body systems, scientific principles, and data interpretation. Strong performance in these science courses strengthens your application and prepares you for the academic demands of nursing programs.
Can I complete nursing prerequisites online?
Many prerequisites are available online, particularly math, social sciences, and English courses. Science courses with lab requirements present more challenges, though virtual lab options exist. Southern California University of Health Sciences offers both online and in-person accelerated science courses with lab components included, giving students flexible pathways to complete requirements.
How long does it take to finish nursing prerequisites?
Timeline depends on how many courses you need, whether you attend full-time or part-time, and your previous education. Full-time students completing all prerequisites from scratch typically need one to two years. Part-time students or those using accelerated programs like SCU’s five-week courses may adjust this timeline based on their schedules and course availability.
Do prerequisites expire for nursing school?
Science prerequisites typically expire after 5-10 years, depending on the specific nursing program’s policies. Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses commonly have these age limits since medical knowledge advances rapidly. Check with your target programs about their specific requirements and plan accordingly if your coursework is approaching expiration.
What GPA do I need in nursing prerequisites?
ADN programs typically require minimum GPAs between 2.5-2.75, while BSN programs usually expect 3.0 or higher. Competitive programs may require 3.25 or above. Most schools calculate separate GPAs for overall coursework and prerequisite courses, with science prerequisites often weighted more heavily in admission decisions. Aim for B grades or better in science courses.
Can I retake nursing prerequisites if I get low grades?
Most programs allow prerequisite retakes, though policies vary. Many schools now limit retakes to two courses, particularly for programs starting in 2025. Some institutions accept only your most recent grade, while others average all attempts. Strategic planning matters—focus on strong performance the first time, and if you must retake, prioritize courses where grade improvement makes the biggest difference.