Nursing School Requirements Explained (2025 Guide)

Starting a nursing career begins with understanding one crucial step, the nursing school requirements. Whether your goal is to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), or Nurse Practitioner (NP), each program has distinct academic and personal qualifications. These requirements exist to ensure every nursing student is prepared for the clinical, ethical, and emotional responsibilities that come with caring for patients.

Planning early is key to meeting admission standards successfully. Understanding expectations in advance allows you to:

Choose the right high school or college-level science courses, such as biology, chemistry, anatomy.
Prepare for entrance exams like TEAS or HESI, which measure math, reading, and science readiness.
Gather necessary documentation such as immunizations, CPR certification, and background checks for clinical rotations.
Develop strong communication and teamwork skills that nursing schools value highly.

Besides, admission criteria vary depending on your nursing pathway:

CNA and LPN programs emphasize foundational caregiving and safety training.
BSN programs expect higher GPAs and prerequisite science coursework.
Graduate and NP programs require previous nursing experience and advanced clinical judgment.

In this guide, you’ll discover every essential detail, including where to get help for your entry exams. Ranging from GPA expectations and entrance exams to clinical clearances, personal traits, and even nursing schools that don’t require TEAS. Let’s explore what it truly takes to qualify, apply, and succeed in your nursing journey.

As you apply to your ideal nursing school, passing the TEAS exam is always a priority, as it is a requirement in most schools. You do not have to worry as Testavia is here to help you out with the exam. The platform has extensive resources to get you prepared; from practice exams to case-base scenarios and even videos.

2. Overview: What Are the Basic Requirements for Nursing School?

Every nursing program across the U.S. follows a core set of admission criteria designed to assess academic ability and readiness for nursing education. The requirements to get into nursing school vary by institution but generally include the following:

High School Diploma or GED: All programs require proof of secondary education completion.
Minimum GPA: Most schools set a GPA threshold between 2.5 and 3.0, though competitive BSN programs may expect higher averages.
Prerequisite Courses: Biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and basic math are foundational. Some schools require these courses within the last five years.
Standardized Testing: Many programs use the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or HESI Admission Assessment to evaluate applicants’ science and reasoning skills.
Health and Safety Certifications: Up-to-date immunizations, CPR/BLS certification, and tuberculosis screening are often mandatory.

Beyond these academic standards, some schools request personal essays, recommendation letters, or interviews to gauge motivation and communication skills.

For guidance on national nursing standards and entry pathways, students can refer to National Council of State Boards of Nursing, which outlines licensure and testing procedures, or the Test of Essential Academic Skills website for TEAS preparation.

3. Academic Pathways and Program-Specific Requirements

Each nursing degree level builds on the previous one, and each comes with distinct academic expectations. Here’s how nursing school requirements differ across the major education tracks.

CNA & LPN Programs

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) programs offer the fastest entry routes into the nursing field.

Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically sufficient.
Exams: Some schools require a brief entrance test or interview.
Duration: Programs last between 4–12 months and include classroom and supervised clinical hours.
Outcome: Graduates qualify for state CNA or LPN licensing exams.

These programs are perfect for students seeking quick entry into healthcare or those exploring nursing before committing to a degree.

RN and BSN Programs

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) involves completing either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Academic Requirements: Completion of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and English composition is required.
Background Checks: Most programs require fingerprinting and health clearances to ensure eligibility for clinical rotations.
Clinical Readiness: Proof of immunizations, liability insurance, and CPR certification are mandatory.

While ADN programs take about two years, BSN programs extend to four years and offer deeper coursework in leadership and research. The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) provides detailed standards comparing ADN and BSN pathways.

Nurse Practitioner (MSN/DNP) Programs

At the graduate level, nurse practitioner school requirements are far more advanced.

Education: Applicants must hold a BSN and an active RN license.
Experience: At least one to two years of clinical experience is often preferred.
Testing: Some universities require the GRE or an equivalent admission test.
Goal: Prepare nurses for roles in family care, psychiatry, or acute care with the option to pursue certification through The American Association of Nurse Practitioners or American Nurses Credentialing Center.

Each educational step strengthens professional skills, setting nurses on a clear trajectory toward advanced practice and leadership.

4. Nursing Schools That Don’t Require TEAS

While TEAS is widely used to evaluate readiness in reading, science, and math, not all institutions make it mandatory. In fact, there are nursing schools that don’t require TEAS, offering alternative admissions paths.

Some schools assess applicants based on GPA, personal statements, or healthcare experience instead. Others may substitute the TEAS with the HESI exam, which covers similar subject areas but uses a different scoring format.

Typical examples include:

Community Colleges offering ADN programs that weigh GPA and prerequisite completion more heavily.
Online BSN Programs that accept work experience or essays in place of standardized testing.
Direct-Entry MSN Programs designed for non-nursing graduates seeking accelerated transitions into advanced practice.

While skipping the TEAS may sound appealing, applicants should still demonstrate proficiency in science and math. The test remains a reliable predictor of success in nursing coursework and the NCLEX exam.

5. Clinical and Character Requirements

Beyond academics, nursing schools emphasize personal responsibility, professionalism, and safety. These expectations ensure that future nurses can provide ethical and competent patient care.

Students must typically complete:

Immunization Records: Proof of MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, and influenza vaccinations as per CDC guidelines.
Background and Drug Screening: Schools require clearance to maintain patient safety in clinical settings.
Soft Skills: Empathy, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking are essential. Admissions essays or interviews often assess these qualities.
CPR/BLS Certification: Most programs require current certification from the American Heart Association.

These standards reflect a commitment to professional integrity and patient well-being, cornerstones of the nursing profession.

6. Financial & Documentation Requirements

Understanding the financial and administrative requirements for nursing school helps prevent application delays and funding challenges.

Tuition and Fees:

Community college ADN programs cost between $6,000 and $20,000, while BSN programs at universities can reach $40,000 to $100,000, according to Missouri State University.
Graduate programs, especially MSN or DNP, may cost even more depending on the institution and location.

Documentation Checklist:

Official transcripts and proof of prerequisites
Personal statement or essay of intent
Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3)
Proof of residency or citizenship (for financial aid eligibility)

Students are encouraged to apply for FAFSA to access federal financial aid or grants. For reliable data on tuition and salary outcomes, BLS.gov and CollegeScorecard.ed.gov are useful references.

7. What Schools Expect Beyond Academics

Top nursing programs seek well-rounded candidates who demonstrate motivation and resilience, qualities that go beyond grades and test scores.

Admissions officers often look for:

Volunteer Work or Healthcare Exposure: Experience in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes signals genuine commitment to patient care.
Job Shadowing: Observing nurses in action shows curiosity and initiative.
Interviews and Essays: Applicants may be asked to describe challenges overcome or reasons for pursuing nursing.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) highlights professional ethics, cultural competence, and lifelong learning as key expectations for all nurses. Meeting these standards early sets the stage for success in both academic and clinical environments.

8. Nurse Practitioner School Requirements

For students pursuing advanced practice, nurse practitioner schooling requirements include a combination of academic excellence, clinical experience, and certification readiness.

Entry Requirements:

Active RN license and a BSN from an accredited institution.
GPA of at least 3.0, though competitive programs may demand higher.
Completion of prerequisite graduate-level coursework such as statistics or health assessment.

Program Components:

Advanced Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, and Health Assessment.
Supervised clinical hours (500–1,000 hours depending on specialty).
Capstone or DNP project demonstrating evidence-based practice.

Upon graduation, candidates must obtain certification through AANP.org to validate their expertise in primary or specialty care.

These programs transform registered nurses into autonomous practitioners capable of diagnosing, prescribing, and leading healthcare innovation.

Conclusion

Understanding nursing school requirements is the first crucial milestone on your path to a successful nursing career. Every standard, from GPA expectations and prerequisite coursework to entrance exams, exists to ensure future nurses enter the field with competence, confidence, and compassion.

Meeting these requirements demonstrates more than academic ability. It reflects your commitment to patient care, teamwork, and professional growth. Careful preparation around key areas such as TEAS or HESI testing, clinical documentation, and core science courses streamlines the application process and strengthens eligibility.

Ready to meet your nursing school requirements? Explore Testavia’s TEAS, HESI, and NCLEX prep materials to strengthen your application and start your journey toward becoming a nurse.