Nursing school requirements for the 2026 application cycle center on four pillars: a competitive GPA (with particular emphasis on science coursework), completion of prerequisite courses, a qualifying score on the TEAS or HESI A2 entrance exam, and evidence of clinical exposure or healthcare experience. Programs vary in exactly how they weight each factor, but the core framework is remarkably consistent across Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) tracks. If you are applying this cycle, knowing what schools expect, and when they expect it, is the single most useful thing you can do for yourself.
The nursing workforce is projected to keep growing through 2034, and admissions committees are adjusting their standards accordingly. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections for registered nurses, overall demand remains strong, while advanced practice roles like nurse practitioners and nurse anesthetists are expanding even faster. That growth has made nursing programs more competitive, not less. Understanding the full set of requirements, from GPA thresholds to clinical hours, puts you in a position to apply strategically rather than reactively.
GPA Benchmarks: What Nursing Programs Actually Expect
The number most commonly cited as a baseline for competitive nursing applicants is a 3.50 overall GPA, with a similar or higher science GPA. That figure reflects averages across BSN programs for recent matriculants. Some programs set minimum cutoffs as low as 2.75, but meeting a minimum rarely means you are competitive. The applicants who earn seats typically exceed the floor by a significant margin.
Science GPA matters separately from cumulative GPA, and many programs calculate it independently. Your grades in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, and statistics carry extra weight because those courses directly predict how well you will handle nursing coursework. If your early science grades were lower, that is not necessarily disqualifying. Admissions committees at many programs practice what is sometimes called “grade trend” review, meaning a clear upward trajectory in your sciences can partially offset a rough first semester or two. A student who earned a C in general chemistry as a freshman but followed it with A’s in anatomy and microbiology tells a different story than someone whose grades drifted downward.
For students whose cumulative GPA is below the typical competitive range, it is worth understanding how programs use context. Some schools weigh prerequisite GPA more heavily than overall GPA. Others factor in course load and whether you retook a course. If you are in this position, the advice in IMA’s guide on standing out with a lower GPA applies to pre-nursing students as well: strong upward trends, solid test scores, and meaningful healthcare experience can all provide context around your numbers.
Required Science Prerequisites for ADN and BSN Programs
Regardless of whether you are pursuing an ADN or a BSN, most nursing programs require the same core set of science and general education prerequisites. Expect to complete all of the following before you can apply or, in some cases, before you can matriculate.
The Standard Prerequisite List
Anatomy and Physiology I and II, both with lab components, form the backbone of every nursing prerequisite list. These courses cover the body systems you will encounter daily as a nurse, and schools want to see strong performance in both semesters. Microbiology with lab is equally universal; given the central role of infection control and communicable disease in nursing practice, this course often carries significant weight in admissions scoring.
General chemistry is required by most BSN programs, and some ADN programs include it as well. A smaller number of BSN programs also require organic chemistry or biochemistry, particularly accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs that draw students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Statistics is increasingly standard, as evidence-based practice requires nurses to interpret research data. On the social science side, programs typically require developmental psychology or lifespan development, and some require general psychology or sociology.
Choosing Courses Wisely
There is no single “best” major for pre-nursing students. You can major in biology, psychology, English, public health, or anything else, as long as you complete the prerequisites with strong grades. That said, a science-heavy major naturally overlaps with prerequisite courses and may leave you better prepared for the TEAS science sections. If your major is unrelated to science, plan your schedule carefully so that prerequisites are not crammed into your final semesters. Admissions committees want to see that you had time to absorb the material, not that you rushed through it.
One practical note: verify whether your program accepts prerequisite courses from community colleges. Some BSN programs, particularly competitive state flagship programs, prefer or require that upper-level prerequisites be taken at a four-year institution. Others accept community college credits without penalty. Check each school’s policy before you register for courses.
TEAS vs. HESI A2: What Each Exam Covers and What Scores You Need
Most nursing programs require either the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) or the HESI A2 (Health Education Systems, Inc. Admission Assessment) as part of the application. A smaller number of programs accept either test, and some programs have dropped standardized test requirements entirely. Before you start studying, confirm which exam your target schools require.
TEAS Exam Structure and Scoring
The TEAS, published by ATI, covers four content areas: reading, math, science, and English and language usage. The exam includes 170 questions and takes approximately 209 minutes. Most BSN programs set a minimum composite score around 75%, though competitive programs often see admitted students scoring in the 80% range or above. Some programs weight the science subscore more heavily than the composite, so your anatomy, physiology, and biology knowledge matters here as well.
You can retake the TEAS, but many programs limit retakes to two or three attempts within a certain timeframe, and some average your scores rather than taking the highest. Plan to prepare thoroughly for your first attempt.
HESI A2 Exam Structure and Scoring
The HESI A2 covers similar ground but is structured differently. It includes sections on math, reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, biology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Depending on the program, you may be required to complete all sections or only a subset. Most programs that use the HESI A2 set a composite minimum around 75% to 80%.
Neither exam is inherently harder than the other. The TEAS tends to test broader scientific reasoning, while the HESI A2 leans more heavily on vocabulary and specific content recall. Use official practice tests from ATI (for the TEAS) or Elsevier (for the HESI) to gauge where you stand before committing to a study plan.
BSN vs. ADN: Two Paths, Different Timelines, Different Tradeoffs
One of the most consequential decisions you will make as a pre-nursing student is whether to pursue a BSN or an ADN. Both lead to RN licensure through the NCLEX-RN, but the programs differ in length, depth, cost, and how employers view each credential.
The ADN Path
An ADN typically takes two to three years, including prerequisites, and is offered primarily at community colleges. It is often less expensive than a BSN and gets you into the workforce faster. For students who need to start earning sooner or who plan to pursue an RN-to-BSN bridge program later, the ADN route can make financial sense. However, it is important to understand the practical reality: many hospitals, particularly those with Magnet designation, now prefer or require a BSN for new hires. If you plan to work at a major academic medical center or pursue a specialty, you may eventually need to complete a BSN regardless.
The BSN Path
A traditional BSN is a four-year degree that includes general education, nursing prerequisites, and two years of intensive clinical and didactic nursing coursework. BSN programs include more content in leadership, research, public health, and community nursing, which expands your career options down the road. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field, accelerated BSN programs (typically 12 to 18 months) offer a faster route.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) fact sheet on BSN programs is a useful reference for understanding current enrollment trends and how BSN education has evolved. Many state legislatures and professional organizations have pushed for a higher proportion of BSN-prepared nurses, which is worth factoring into your long-term plan.
Which Path Fits You
Neither path is universally “better.” The right choice depends on your finances, your timeline, your geographic job market, and your long-term career goals. If you know you want to pursue graduate study (nurse practitioner, nurse anesthetist, clinical nurse specialist), a BSN is essentially required. If your priority is entering the workforce quickly and you live in a region where ADN-prepared nurses are readily hired, that path may be the more practical starting point.
Clinical Hours, Healthcare Experience, and What Counts
Most nursing programs include clinical rotations as part of the curriculum, but a growing number also expect applicants to demonstrate healthcare exposure before admission. This can take several forms: certified nursing assistant (CNA) work, hospital volunteering, EMT certification, or structured clinical observation programs.
Clinical hours completed as part of a CNA or EMT certification are generally the strongest form of pre-admission experience, because they show that you have actually worked with patients in a supervised healthcare setting. Hospital volunteering is useful but carries less weight if it involved only clerical tasks or waiting room support. Programs want evidence that you understand what bedside nursing involves and that you have made an informed choice.
For students interested in building clinical perspective through international exposure, IMA offers structured programs where pre-nursing students can observe patient assessments, vital sign monitoring, and the nursing process in supervised hospital and community health settings. These experiences are observational in nature; students do not perform independent clinical acts, which is appropriate for their level of training. Programs in locations like Mombasa, Kenya, and in South America provide context on how nursing functions in regions with different resource levels and higher communicable disease rates. That kind of perspective is valuable both personally and professionally, and many students find it strengthens their understanding of public health fundamentals. You can read more about key aspects of the nursing profession that surprise many students on the IMA blog.
It is important to understand that international clinical observation does not replace domestic clinical rotations required by your nursing program. It is supplementary experience, not a substitute. Any program or organization that implies otherwise should raise a red flag.
The Application Timeline: When to Apply and What to Prepare
Nursing school applications do not follow a single universal calendar, but general patterns hold. Most BSN programs have application deadlines in the fall (for spring admission) or spring (for fall admission). ADN programs at community colleges may have rolling admissions or multiple start dates per year. Accelerated BSN programs often have one or two cohorts per year with firm deadlines.
A Practical 2026 Timeline
If you are aiming to start a nursing program in fall 2026, here is a realistic planning framework. By spring 2025, you should have most or all prerequisites completed or in progress. Summer 2025 is a good window to take the TEAS or HESI A2 for the first time, giving you time to retake if needed. Fall 2025 is when most applications open; use this period to finalize your personal statement, gather recommendation letters, and submit applications. Winter 2025 through spring 2026 is when interviews (if applicable) and admission decisions typically occur.
Many programs now use NursingCAS, a centralized application service similar to AMCAS for medical schools or CASPA for PA programs. NursingCAS allows you to submit one application to multiple participating schools, though each school may have supplemental requirements. Not all programs use NursingCAS; some still use their own institutional applications. Check each school individually.
Letters of Recommendation and Personal Statements
Most programs ask for two to three letters of recommendation. At least one should come from a science faculty member who can speak to your academic ability. If you have clinical experience, a letter from a supervising nurse or healthcare professional adds significant value. Avoid generic letters from people who cannot comment specifically on your abilities or character.
Your personal statement should explain why nursing, not just why healthcare. Admissions committees read hundreds of essays about wanting to help people. The strongest statements are specific: they connect particular experiences, observations, or realizations to a clear understanding of what nursing involves. For students who are also auditing their overall application readiness, IMA’s February applicant audit for PA and nursing students offers a useful framework for identifying gaps before you submit.
Ethical and Safety Standards in Pre-Nursing Clinical Experiences
Whether you are gaining clinical hours domestically or internationally, certain ethical boundaries are non-negotiable. Patient confidentiality must be maintained at all times; HIPAA applies in the U.S., and equivalent privacy protections apply in international settings. You should never photograph patients, share identifying information, or discuss cases outside of appropriate educational contexts.
Scope of practice is equally important. As a pre-nursing student, you are not licensed to perform independent clinical acts. In any observational or volunteer setting, you should be supervised at all times and should not undertake any task that exceeds your training. This applies whether you are in a U.S. hospital, a community clinic in Latin America, or a ward in East Africa. Programs or organizations that allow unsupervised student contact with patients, or that encourage students to perform procedures they are not trained for, are not operating ethically.
If a program you are considering does not clearly articulate its supervision policies, safety protocols, and scope-of-practice boundaries, ask directly before committing. Responsible organizations will answer these questions openly.
Building a Strong Application Without Overextending
The temptation for pre-nursing students is to do everything: volunteer, get CNA certified, maintain a 4.0, ace the TEAS, shadow in three specialties, and complete an international experience. That level of activity is neither realistic nor necessary. Admissions committees value quality and consistency over a long list of surface-level activities.
Focus on doing a few things well. Maintain strong grades in your prerequisites. Prepare thoroughly for your entrance exam. Get meaningful clinical exposure, whether that is a CNA job, a structured observation program, or consistent hospital volunteering. Write a personal statement that reflects genuine understanding, not just enthusiasm. Ask recommenders who truly know you.
If you have the time and resources for additional experiences, like international clinical observation or a public health volunteer position, those can add perspective and strengthen your application. But they should supplement a strong foundation, not serve as a substitute for one. The students who succeed in nursing school, and in nursing careers, are the ones who build their preparation thoughtfully and honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into nursing school with a GPA below 3.0?
It depends on the program. Some ADN programs admit students with GPAs in the high 2.0 range, particularly if prerequisite grades and entrance exam scores are strong. For most BSN programs, a GPA below 3.0 will be a significant barrier. If your GPA is low, consider retaking key prerequisite courses, demonstrating a strong upward grade trend, and scoring well on the TEAS or HESI A2 to strengthen your overall application.
Do I need to take both the TEAS and the HESI A2?
No. Most programs require one or the other, not both. Some programs accept either exam. Check the admissions requirements for each program you are applying to before you begin test preparation. If your target schools are split between the two exams, you may need to take both, but this is relatively uncommon.
Does international clinical observation count toward nursing school clinical hour requirements?
International observation experiences are valuable for building perspective and understanding healthcare delivery in different contexts, but they typically do not count as formal clinical hours required by nursing programs. Clinical rotations completed within your nursing program curriculum are what satisfy licensure and degree requirements. International observation is best understood as supplementary experience that strengthens your application and your professional development, not as a replacement for program-required clinicals.
