Getting into nursing school takes planning, a competitive GPA, and the right prerequisite courses in place before you apply. Most programs are selective – ADN programs at community colleges typically admit 20–40% of applicants, and competitive BSN programs admit far fewer. Knowing what programs expect, and how accepted applicants look on paper, puts you in the strongest position to apply with confidence.
At a glance – what nursing programs require:
- High school diploma or GED (minimum)
- Minimum GPA: 2.5–2.75 for ADN programs; 3.0+ for BSN programs
- Prerequisite science courses: Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Microbiology, Chemistry (BSN), Biology (ADN)
- Entrance exam: TEAS or HESI A2 (most programs), NLN NEX (some ADN programs)
- Letters of recommendation (typically 2–3)
- Personal statement or essay
- Background check and drug screening
- CPR/BLS certification
- Immunization records
This guide walks through each requirement in detail, explains the difference between minimum and competitive standards, and outlines a step-by-step application timeline.
GPA requirements for nursing school
GPA is one of the two most heavily weighted factors in nursing admissions – the other being entrance exam scores. The GPA minimum printed in a program’s catalog is not the GPA you should aim for.
Minimum vs. competitive GPA by program type:
| Program | Typical minimum | Competitive (admitted average) |
|---|---|---|
| LPN | 2.0–2.5 | 2.8–3.0 |
| ADN (community college) | 2.5–2.75 | 3.0–3.2 |
| BSN (4-year university) | 2.75–3.0 | 3.2–3.5 |
| Accelerated BSN | 3.0 | 3.3–3.6 |
| RN-to-BSN (bridge) | 2.5 | 3.0+ |
Most ADN programs use a points-based ranking system. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are ranked against each other – not just screened for a cutoff. A student with a 2.7 GPA may technically qualify but rarely gets a seat when the accepted cohort averages 3.1.
Science GPA vs. cumulative GPA – Many programs calculate your science GPA separately. Your grades in Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry carry more weight than your overall transcript. A strong cumulative GPA built on electives won’t compensate for a C in A&P.
If your GPA is below 3.0, you’re not automatically out of options. Community college ADN programs are more accessible than four-year BSN programs, and some schools weight other factors – healthcare experience, entrance exam scores – heavily enough to offset a lower GPA. See our guide to low GPA nursing schools for a realistic look at what’s achievable and how to maximize your chances.
Prerequisite courses
Nursing programs require you to complete specific courses before you can apply – these are prerequisites, not first-semester nursing courses. Completing them takes most students one to two years if starting from scratch.
The core science prerequisites are essentially universal:
- Anatomy & Physiology I (with lab) – required by nearly every program
- Anatomy & Physiology II (with lab) – required by most ADN and all BSN programs
- Microbiology (with lab) – required by virtually all programs
- Chemistry – required by most BSN programs; optional or not required at many ADN programs
- Biology – some ADN programs require Introductory Biology instead of Chemistry
Non-science prerequisites most programs require:
- English Composition (college-level writing)
- Statistics or College Math
- Psychology (General or Developmental)
- Sociology (some programs)
BSN programs at four-year universities typically require 50–60 total prerequisite and general education credits. ADN programs at community colleges require fewer – usually 30–45 credits – but still expect all the core sciences.
Recency requirements: Most programs require prerequisite science courses to have been completed within the past five to seven years. Check each program’s policy – outdated coursework may need to be retaken.
For a full breakdown of ADN vs. BSN prerequisite differences and a semester-by-semester completion timeline, see the nursing school prerequisites guide.
Entrance exam requirements
Most nursing programs require a standardized entrance exam. The three you’re most likely to encounter:
TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) – Published by ATI, the TEAS is the most widely required nursing entrance exam in the US. It covers Reading, Math, Science, and English & Language Usage. A composite score of 65–70% meets minimum requirements at most programs; competitive programs want 75–80%+. The exam is taken at a testing center or online proctored.
HESI A2 (Health Education Systems Inc. Admission Assessment) – Required by many hospital-based and university BSN programs. The HESI tests similar content areas to the TEAS. A score of 75% or higher is generally considered competitive; some programs set module-specific minimums (e.g., a minimum 75 in Anatomy, 75 in Chemistry).
NLN NEX (National League for Nursing Nursing Entrance Exam) – Used by some ADN and diploma programs. If you see a program still listing the “NLN PAX,” that is the retired predecessor: the NLN discontinued the PAX on 31 May 2024 and replaced it with the NEX, which runs 60 minutes per section instead of 40, drops physics from the science blueprint entirely, and splits anatomy and physiology into separate content areas. The NEX still tests Verbal, Mathematics, and Science, with 145 scored items and 18 unscored pretest items across a three-hour sitting. Scores are reported as composite and subject-test percentile ranks, and since 1 November 2025 the score report compares candidates against two separate national reference groups (RN and LPN/VN) rather than one pooled group – so a percentile from before that date is not directly comparable to one issued after it. A composite percentile of 50 or above is typically required; stronger programs want the 60th percentile or higher.
Most programs accept only one exam type – check each school’s requirements before sitting for a test. ATI itself sets no cap on the number of TEAS attempts and requires only 14 days between them; the caps applicants run into are set by the nursing program, and commonly limit you to two or three attempts per application cycle or testing year. The NLN recommends at least 30 days between NEX attempts, with the actual limit again set by the school. Confirm the retake rule with the program you are applying to rather than with the test publisher, because the program’s rule is the binding one.
Application components
Beyond GPA and entrance exam scores, a complete nursing application typically includes:
Letters of recommendation – Most programs ask for two to three letters. The strongest letters come from science professors who can speak to your academic performance, and from healthcare supervisors or nurses who can attest to your patient care experience. Letters from coaches or personal friends carry little weight.
Personal statement or essay – Usually 500–750 words. Admission committees look for a clear explanation of why you want to be a nurse (not “I want to help people” – every applicant says this), a realistic understanding of what nursing involves, and evidence of relevant experience. Specific stories outperform vague aspirations.
Background check – Nearly universal. A felony conviction doesn’t automatically disqualify you from nursing school, but certain offenses may affect your ability to obtain a state nursing license – and programs know this. Some states have explicit disclosure requirements. Research your state’s nursing board guidelines before applying.
Drug screening – Required by most programs before enrollment, and again during clinical rotations at hospital partners.
CPR/BLS certification – Must be current. The American Heart Association BLS Provider course is the standard, and the completion eCard is valid for two years from the course date. If a program’s checklist still says “BLS for Healthcare Providers,” that is the pre-2016 name for the same course – the AHA retitled it in February 2016 alongside the 2015 guidelines update, and the current card reads “BLS Provider.”
CNA certification – Not universally required, but increasingly expected. Having a CNA license demonstrates clinical exposure and strengthens your application at competitive programs.
Competitive vs. minimum requirements
Meeting minimum requirements gets your application reviewed. Being competitive gets you a seat.
The applicant pool at any selective nursing program is dominated by candidates who meet or exceed every threshold. Admission committees differentiate on:
Healthcare experience – Direct patient care hours matter. Working as a CNA, medical assistant, EMT, or patient care technician before applying demonstrates both commitment and clinical exposure. Applicants with 500+ hours of paid patient care experience consistently have stronger applications than those with volunteer-only hours.
Science GPA – As noted above, A&P and Microbiology grades receive more scrutiny than overall GPA. An A in both semesters of Anatomy & Physiology is a credibility signal that you can handle nursing school coursework.
Entrance exam scores – In a competitive cohort, a TEAS score in the 80th percentile stands out. Prepare with the official ATI TEAS study manual and take at least one full-length practice test under timed conditions.
Essay quality – Generic essays don’t help. An essay that references a specific patient interaction, a challenge you overcame, or a moment that clarified your commitment to nursing is more memorable and more persuasive than one built around “passion for helping people.”
Interview performance – Some programs conduct interviews, usually for BSN programs and accelerated programs. Panel interviews are common. Prepare to answer behavioral questions using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
LPN, ADN, and BSN admission compared
The three main entry-level nursing pathways have different admission requirements and different levels of selectivity.
| Factor | LPN program | ADN program | BSN program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program length | 12–18 months | 2 years | 4 years (2 pre-nursing + 2 nursing) |
| Typical GPA minimum | 2.0–2.5 | 2.5–2.75 | 2.75–3.0 |
| Competitive GPA | 2.8+ | 3.0–3.2 | 3.2–3.5 |
| Entrance exam | TEAS or HESI (some programs) | TEAS, HESI, or NLN NEX | TEAS or HESI (most programs) |
| Science prerequisites | A&P I, basic biology | A&P I & II, Micro, Chemistry (varies) | A&P I & II, Micro, Chemistry, Biology |
| Typical acceptance rate | Higher (less competitive) | 20–40% | 10–25% at selective schools |
| 2025 NCLEX pass rate (first-time, US-educated) | NCLEX-PN, separate exam | 86.1% | 87.6% |
The NCLEX row deserves a second look, because the gap is far narrower than the admissions difficulty gap suggests. In NCSBN’s 2025 statistics, first-time US-educated baccalaureate candidates passed at 87.6% and associate-degree candidates at 86.1% – 1.5 percentage points apart, against a national first-time US-educated rate of 86.7%. Diploma candidates sat at 83.3%. Choosing an ADN over a BSN is a decision about cost, timeline, and career ceiling; it is not a meaningful bet on your odds of passing the licensure exam. Note also that 2025 was the first national decline since the Next Generation NCLEX launched, down 4.5 points from 91.2% in 2024, so any pass rate you read in older material will look better than what current cohorts are achieving.
Bridge programs reduce the duplication if you’re moving between levels. An LPN-to-ADN bridge typically takes one additional year of nursing coursework. An ADN-to-BSN (RN-to-BSN) program takes 12–24 months and is widely available online. If you want a BSN but aren’t yet competitive for direct-entry BSN programs, the ADN-then-bridge path is a practical route.
Step-by-step application timeline
Most nursing programs have fixed application windows – often once or twice per year. Missing the deadline by one day means waiting another cycle. Plan backward from your target start date.
18–24 months before your target enrollment:
- Identify your target programs (3–5 schools, a mix of reaches and safe choices)
- Research each program’s prerequisite list and GPA cutoffs
- Schedule prerequisite courses – prioritize A&P I in your first term
12–18 months before enrollment: 4. Complete A&P I and II, Microbiology, and other required sciences 5. Achieve a minimum 3.0 in every prerequisite course (aim higher) 6. Register for and take the TEAS or HESI – give yourself one retake buffer
6–12 months before enrollment: 7. Request letters of recommendation from professors and healthcare supervisors (ask early – give them at least 6–8 weeks) 8. Draft and revise your personal statement 9. Confirm your CNA license or healthcare experience hours 10. Complete your background check and CPR certification
3–6 months before enrollment: 11. Submit applications before each program’s deadline 12. Follow up on transcripts and recommendation letters 13. Prepare for any required interviews
After acceptance: 14. Complete enrollment paperwork, immunization records, and drug screening 15. Begin any pre-enrollment coursework the program requires
Tips to strengthen your application
Retake weak prerequisite grades. A C in A&P I stands out for the wrong reasons. Many programs allow course replacement – where the higher grade replaces the lower in your GPA calculation. Confirm the policy with each school before retaking.
Get your CNA before applying. A CNA license gives you verifiable patient care experience, makes your personal statement more specific, and demonstrates clinical readiness. Many nursing students work as CNAs during their ADN or BSN program – starting earlier is an advantage.
Apply to multiple programs. Nursing admissions are competitive and partly unpredictable. Applying to five to eight programs gives you realistic options without spreading yourself too thin.
Prepare for the TEAS like an exam, not a quiz. Buy the official ATI TEAS study manual. Take a full-length practice test before you start studying to identify weak areas. Give yourself 6–8 weeks of targeted preparation.
Write a specific personal statement. Avoid generic motivations. Describe a moment – a specific interaction, a clinical observation, a patient you cared for as a CNA – that confirms your commitment. Specificity reads as authenticity.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA do you need to get into nursing school? The minimum GPA for most nursing programs is 2.5 for ADN programs and 3.0 for BSN programs. However, the average GPA of admitted students at competitive BSN programs is typically 3.2–3.5. Your science GPA (especially A&P and Microbiology) is scrutinized more carefully than your overall cumulative GPA.
How hard is it to get into nursing school? Competitive nursing programs are highly selective. Community college ADN programs admit roughly 20–40% of qualified applicants; selective BSN programs admit 10–25%. The limiting factor is usually the combination of GPA and entrance exam score rather than any single requirement.
What subjects do you need for nursing school? All nursing programs require Anatomy & Physiology I (and usually II) and Microbiology, both with labs. Most BSN programs also require Chemistry, Statistics, English Composition, and Psychology. ADN programs typically require fewer non-science prerequisites.
How long does it take to get into nursing school? Plan for 12–24 months of prerequisite coursework before you’re eligible to apply, plus one to two semesters from application to enrollment. If you’re starting as a first-year college student, most students are ready to apply at the end of their sophomore year.
Can you get into nursing school with a low GPA? Some programs are accessible with a GPA below 3.0, particularly community college ADN programs. A strong entrance exam score and verifiable healthcare experience can partially offset a lower GPA at programs that use a holistic review process. See low GPA nursing schools for schools that consider more than grades alone.
Is the NLN PAX still used? No. The National League for Nursing discontinued the PAX on 31 May 2024 and replaced it with the NEX (Nursing Entrance Exam). Some program webpages and older study guides still say “PAX.” If a program lists the PAX as its required exam, contact admissions to confirm which test they now accept, because NEX scores are reported on a different blueprint and against different national reference groups.
References
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. “2025 NCLEX Examination Statistics,” Research Brief Vol. 96, June 2026. Table 1 and Table 8, first-time US-educated candidates. https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/2025_NCLEXExamStats_Final.pdf
- National League for Nursing. “PAX to NEX Product Update.” Blueprint, timing, and content comparison between the retired PAX and the current NEX. https://www.nln.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/testing-services/pax-to-nex-one-pager-(1).pdf
- National League for Nursing. “Nursing Entrance Exam (NEX) Technical Brief,” 2025. Item counts, timing, and percentile-rank score reporting against RN and LPN/VN reference groups. https://www.nln.org/docs/default-source/assessment-services/nex_technical-brief_2025_v2-final.pdf
- National League for Nursing. “NLN Assessment Services Pricing Sheet,” January 2024. Lists PAX availability through 05/31/24. https://www.nln.org/docs/default-source/uploadedfiles/testing-services/01.17.2024-nln-assessment-services-pricing-sheet.pdf
- ATI Nursing Education. “How soon can I retake the ATI TEAS exam?” Fourteen-day interval between TEAS at ATI attempts; no publisher-imposed attempt cap. https://help.atitesting.com/how-soon-can-i-retake-the-ati-teas-exam/
- ATI Nursing Education. “What is on the ATI TEAS, Version 7?” Four content areas (Reading, Mathematics, Science, English and Language Usage), 170 items, 209 minutes. https://help.atitesting.com/what-is-on-the-ati-teas-version-7/
- American Heart Association. “Basic Life Support (BLS) Course Options.” BLS Provider course; completion eCard valid for two years. https://cpr.heart.org/en/courses/basic-life-support-course-options
- American Heart Association. “BLS Provider” course materials and instructor network notices on the February 2016 retitling of “BLS for Healthcare Providers,” following the 2015 Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines