This article will go over some of the most common prerequisites for admission to nursing school. In addition, we will inform you about the various Rn programs with prerequisites included.
If you believe that nursing is the right career for you, it is never too early to consider what subject it will take to be accepted into a qualified nursing program.
Whether you choose an online nursing program or a more traditional, face-to-face, brick-and-mortar school, certain aspects of your education will be required before you will be considered for admission.
The first step, of course, is to graduate from high school. If you haven’t already done so or have dropped out, you’ll need to get your GED in order to be accepted into an entry-level program.
However, keep in mind that some schools are extremely selective, so grades and specific courses are important.
Admissions officers will most likely look at everything from your attendance to how many nursing-related programs you took in high school (e.g. biology, health science, etc.). And they’ll be looking for above-average grades, especially in prerequisite courses.
Table of Contents
Are There Prerequisites For Nursing School?
Yes, most nursing programs and schools require students to undertake and rn before being admitted into the nursing school. Prerequisites introduce students to a specific field of study, providing them with background knowledge before enrolling in more advanced classes.
Nursing prerequisites provide the general education, math, and science knowledge required to successfully progress through a nursing program.
Before we go any further, please keep in mind that there is a distinction between studying nursing at a university and attending a nursing school.
Simply put, a degree in nursing is offered at the university, whereas registered nursing (RN) is offered at the hospital’s school of nursing or college of nursing at the University. In addition, while a Degree in Nursing takes 5 years, Registered Nursing takes 3 years in a nursing school.
What Are The Prerequisites For Rn?
Although the application requirements for Rn Programs in Nursing vary by university and country, there are some general expectations you can have about what you’d need to get into one of these programs.
Here are the prerequisites for RN:
- Official transcript of records (grade list)
- PA scores
- A resume with relevant experience in the field of Nursing
- Letters of recommendation from past teachers or employers
- A letter of motivation or personal essay
- Proof that you paid the application fee
Among other criteria, admissions personnel check to see that you have maintained at least a cumulative 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale for the following prerequisite courses:
- Anatomy & Physiology with labs: 8-semester credits
- Intro to Algebra: 3 semester credits
- English Composition: 3 semester credits
- Human Growth & Development
List of Rn Programs With Prerequisites
Below is a list of Rn programs with prerequisites:
- University of Miami School of Nursing
- NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
- University of Maryland
- University of Illinois College of Nursing
- Penn School of Nursing
- University of California-Los Angeles
- University of Alabama
- Case Western Reserve
- Columbia School of Nursing, New York City
- University of Michigan School of Nursing.
10 Rn Programs With Prerequisites Included
#1. University of Miami School of Nursing, Miami
- Tuition fee: $1,200 per credit
- Acceptance rate: 33%
- Graduation rate: 81.6%
As one of the world’s top healthcare educational programs, the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies has earned a “world-class reputation.” The program is evolving to meet the needs of global healthcare.
Every year, approximately 2,725 international students (undergraduate and graduate), scholars (professors and researchers), and observers from more than 110 countries representing every region of the world come to the University of Miami to study, teach, conduct research, and observe.
If you want to pursue a career in nursing, it’s critical to find the one that’s right for you. Many nursing programs provide a variety of options for earning an Associate Degree in Registered Nursing (or, RN).
Courses are frequently designed to provide students with both classroom instruction and laboratory simulation and clinical experience.
Requirements for Enrollment
- UM students must have achieved junior standing with an overall UM grade point average of no less than 3.0 and a UM prerequisite GPA of 2.75.
- Transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 and a prerequisite GPA of 3.3.
- To be considered for admission and/or progression into clinical course work, students are allowed to repeat only 1 prerequisite course. Prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better.
#2. NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York
- Tuition fee: $37,918
- Acceptance rate: 59%
- Graduation rate: 92%
NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is dedicated to producing lifelong learners who will excel in their nursing careers and be recognized as leaders who prioritize patient-centered care and societal health.
The Rose-Marie “Rory” Mangeri Meyers College of Nursing generates knowledge through research in nursing, health, and interdisciplinary science, and it educates nursing leaders to advance healthcare locally and globally.
NYU Meyers provides innovative and exemplary healthcare, provides access to a diverse group of nursing entrants, and shapes the future of nursing through policy leadership.
Requirements for Enrollment
- Prior bachelor’s degree (in any discipline) required and all prerequisite classes completed.
- Students will complete a 15-month program and graduate with a BS in nursing, preparing them to enter the workforce as RNs.
#3.The University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland
- Tuition fee: $9,695
- Acceptance rate: 57 percent
- Graduation rate: 33%
The University of Maryland produces world-class leaders in nursing education, research, and practice. The school engages diverse groups of professionals, organizations, and communities in addressing local, national, and global health priorities as a catalyst for creativity and collaboration.
Faculty, staff, and students work together to create a rich and vibrant working and learning environment in which knowledge is created and shared. A thirst for knowledge pervades the educational process, advancing the use of evidence as the foundation for nursing practice.
As a result, the University of Maryland School of Nursing is known for its scientific knowledge, critical thinking, interprofessional teamwork, and deep commitment to the health of individuals and communities.
Requirements for Enrollment
- an overall GPA of 3.0
- a science GPA of 3.0 (chemistry, anatomy and physiology I and II, microbiology)
- a degree from a U.S. high school, college, or university; otherwise, you are required to take the TOEFL or IETLS to demonstrate English proficiency
- two science prerequisite courses:
chemistry with lab, anatomy, and physiology I or II with lab, or microbiology with lab - one of the following prerequisite courses:
human growth and development, statistics, or nutrition
#4. University of Illinois College of Nursing, Chicago
- Tuition fee: $20,838 per year (in-state) and $33,706 per year (out-of-state)
- Acceptance rate: 57%
- Graduation rate: 94%
The University of Illinois College of Nursing is one of the accredited nursing schools in the United States that offers Rn programs that include prerequisites.
It is a fantastic nursing school that is well-known not only in Chicago but throughout the United States.
They are one of the nursing schools in the United States dedicated to developing young nursing students by bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Requirements for Enrollment
Admission to the traditional RN program is only available during the fall semester and is extremely competitive. The following minimum admission criteria must be met in order for full consideration:
- 2.75/4.00 cumulative transfer GPA
- 2.50/4.00 natural science GPA
- Completion of three of the five prerequisite science courses by the application deadline: January 15
International applicants may be required to provide additional documentation. Please go to the Office of Admissions International Student Admission Requirements page for details.
#5. Penn School of Nursing, Philadelphia
- Tuition fee: $85,738
- Acceptance rate: 25-30%
- Graduation rate: 89%
To fulfill its three-year clinical experience requirement, the School of Nursing collaborates with top-ranked teaching hospitals and clinical agencies.
As a nursing student, you will learn from and be mentored by the nation’s top nurse educators and researchers as you immerse yourself in the science of nursing through hands-on experience.
Their adaptable curriculum ensures that all nursing students take courses at other Penn schools, such as Wharton’s unique dual-degree Nursing and Health Care Management program.
Many nursing students pursue one of Penn Nursing School’s master’s degree programs after completing their RN. This option is available as early as your junior year.
Requirements for Enrollment
- One year of high school biology with a C or better
- One year of high school chemistry with a C or better
- Two years of college-preparatory math with a C or better
- GPA of 2.75 or higher for the ADN program or a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the BSN program
- SATs or TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
#6. University of California-Los Angeles
- Tuition fee: $24,237
- Acceptance rate: 2%
- Graduation rate: 92%
US News and World Report rank UCLA School of Nursing as one of the top nursing schools in the United States.
The Students learn relevant theory, and practice skills, and are socialized into the nursing profession through its innovative curriculum.
Also, students can pursue collaborative and interdisciplinary education as well as independent study projects at the School of Nursing.
Individual academic counseling, as well as a variety of one-on-one, small-group, and interactive learning formats, assist students in meeting program and individual learning goals, as well as in applying knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes in their practice.
Requirements for Enrollment
The UCLA School of Nursing admits new undergraduate students as freshmen once a year and a limited number of transfer students as juniors.
To allow potential students to provide additional information about their preparation for entry into the nursing profession, the School requires the completion of a supplemental application.
- A Valid Affiliation Agreement
- Signed HIPAA Training Certificate
- Signed UCLA Health Confidentiality Form (see DOCUMENTS section below)
- Background Check (livescan not necessary)
- Physical Examination
- Immunization Record (see the below requirements)
- A Current School ID Badge
- Applicants must have 90 to 105 quarter units (60 to 70-semester units) of transferable coursework, a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 in all transferable courses, and have fulfilled the University’s American History and Institutions requirement.
#7. University of Alabama, Birmingham
- Tuition fee: In-state tuition and fees are $10,780, while out-of-state tuition and fees are $29,230.
- Acceptance rate: 81%
- Graduation rate: 44.0%
The nursing program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Lower division core curriculum courses and upper division nursing courses make up the curriculum plan.
Nursing courses at the University of Alabama are designed to build on previous semesters by encouraging critical thinking and progressively independent decision-making while also providing students with collaborative opportunities.
Students who complete the program will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as the experiences provided by the Capstone College of Nursing.
Requirements for Enrollment
- Applicants to the BSN Nursing Program must earn a grade of “C” or better in the pre-nursing foundation courses and have a pre-nursing foundation GPA of 2.75 or higher.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on all required lower division courses.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on all lower division science courses.
- Completion of, or enrollment in, all lower division courses at the time of application to upper division.
- Applicants who complete at least half of the required lower division courses in residence at UA will be given preference.
#8. Case Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio
- Tuition fee: $108,624
- Acceptance rate: 30%
- Graduation rate: 66.0%
The nursing program at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing offers a rich academic experience that combines a foundation in theory and practice with hands-on learning and leadership development in real-world health care settings.
You will also benefit from being a part of Case Western Reserve University’s larger undergraduate community.
Requirements for Enrollment
Candidates for the must complete the following:
- Minimum of 121.5 hours as specified by the requirements with a 2.000 GPA
- A minimum of C for all courses taken in nursing and science courses counting toward the major
- The SAGES General Education Requirements for the School of Nursing
#9. Columbia School of Nursing, New York City
- Tuition fee: $14,550
- Acceptance rate: 38%
- Graduation rate: 96%
Columbia University School of Nursing has been preparing nurses of all levels and specialties to meet such challenges for more than a century.
As one of the world’s preeminent centers for nursing education, research, and practice, the school is dedicated to caring for individuals and communities worldwide, as well as to their right to the best health and well-being possible.
Whether you join the Columbia Nursing community as a student, clinician, or faculty member, you will be joining a prestigious tradition that promotes health as a human right.
Candidates for the nursing program must first meet general admission requirements. Additional selection criteria include the following:
Requirements for Enrollment
- The GPA used for nursing program acceptance will be based on your grades in the following courses, which must be completed by the nursing application deadline. The following courses are required for the bachelor’s degree in nursing:
- MATH 110, MATH 150, MATH 250 or MATH 201
- PSYC 101, ENGL 133w, CHEM 109 or CHEM 110, BIOL 110 and 110L, BIOL 223 and 223L, and BIOL 326 and 326L.
- You must have a minimum GPA of 2.75 for general education, mathematics, science, and nursing prerequisite classes.
- No class may have a grade of a D or less.
- Achieve a competitive score on the Admission Assessment HESI. The HESI A2 exam must be administered at Columbia College to be considered for admission.
- Possess the necessary functional abilities to provide safe and effective patient care
#10. University of Michigan School of Nursing, Michigan
- Tuition fee: $16,091
- Acceptance rate: 23%
- Graduation rate: 77.0%
University of Michigan School of Nursing aspires to graduate a class of academically superior, culturally diverse students with a genuine, demonstrated interest in contributing to the changing world of health care.
The University of Michigan School of Nursing advances the public good by using its knowledge, skills, innovation, and compassion to prepare the next generation of nurses to change the world.
Requirements for Enrollment
To be considered for the traditional nursing program, applicants are highly recommended to have completed the following credits:
- Four units of English.
- Three units of math (including second-year algebra and geometry).
- Four units of science (including two units of lab science, one of which is chemistry).
- Two units of social science.
- Two units of foreign language.
- Additional math and science courses are encouraged.
Transfer credit policy for freshmen
If you have earned transfer credits during dual enrollment, enrollment in an early or middle college program, or through advanced placement or international baccalaureate testing, please review the U-M School of Nursing credit policy for freshmen to learn how your coursework or exam scores may be used to fulfill some credits in the traditional BSN curriculum.
FAQs O Rn Programs With Prerequisites
Do I need prerequisites to be an rn?
To apply for a nursing program, you must have a high school diploma or GED. Some schools accept students with a 2.5 GPA, while others require a 3.0 or higher. As you might expect, the most competitive schools require the highest GPAs. Get your diploma.
What are the prerequisites for RN?
The prerequisites for rn are: Official transcript from high school and other college-level coursework,Standardized test scores,Admission application,Personal essay or statement letter,Letters of recommendation.
How long do rn programs take?
Depending on the nursing program you choose, becoming a registered nurse could take anywhere from 16 months to four years.
We also Recommend
- 15 Best Fully-funded Scholarships in the USA for International Students
- 2-year Nursing Programs in NC
- 20 Nursing Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
- 10 Free Nursing Schools Without Tuition.
Conclusion
Most nursing schools do ask for an essay outlining educational and career goals. You can stand out from the crowd by explaining why you want to attend this particular program, how you became interested in nursing, and what personal or volunteer experiences helped broaden your interest in healthcare.
