Key Takeaways
- Most nursing schools require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 for admittance.
- Prospective nursing students must take prerequisite courses in subjects such as human anatomy and physiology to demonstrate academic readiness.
- It generally takes four to six weeks to learn whether a nursing school admits you into its program.
Kristopher Wente first considered nursing school when his wife became pregnant with their third child.
The professional actor wanted a career that offered a consistent schedule and paycheck.
But getting into a program required more work than expected. Before applying, he:
- Completed prerequisite courses
- Gathered letters of recommendation
- Researched accredited nursing schools
- And more
At the time, it felt overwhelming, but now, with his degree in hand, Kristopher says he would go through the process all over again – and thinks other people should too.
Is It Hard to Get Into Nursing School?
Getting into nursing school can be challenging but that doesn’t mean impossible.
Some programs admit only five percent of applicants. Others accept more than 90 percent of them.
Nursing schools set high standards for admission to ensure incoming students arrive prepared to learn the complex skills and training needed to deliver safe, effective care – but hundreds of programs exist, and you can find one that aligns with your qualifications.
What GPA Do You Need for Nursing School?
Most nursing schools require a cumulative GPA of around 3.0 for admission.
Your grades in science courses matter too.
For example, first-time college students who want to pursue nursing at Seton Hill University need at least a 3.2 GPA.
You can retake a class or complete additional ones to boost your GPA.
Nursing School Prerequisites
In addition to meeting a minimum GPA, nursing programs require you to take certain classes, known as prerequisites, before acceptance.
The courses you need depend on your academic classification.
Applicants enrolling as a freshman must complete high school algebra, precalculus, biology, and chemistry with a related lab.
Transfer students, including those who go back to college as an adult, will usually be asked to take the following courses:
- Anatomy and Physiology I and II with Lab
- Microbiology with Lab
- Developmental (Lifespan) Psychology
- Statistics
- English Composition
- General Chemistry with Lab
Kristopher completed his prerequisites through Portage Learning, an accredited online institution.
Its self-directed format allowed him to finish the courses on his schedule and learn from anywhere, rather than being constrained by a traditional semester system or a commute to a campus.
Credits earned transfer to more than 2,800 colleges and universities across the country, including Marian University, from which Kristopher graduated from in 2025.
Other Admission Requirements for Nursing School
The final conditions you must meet to get into nursing school include:
- Obtaining your high school diploma
- Taking the SAT or Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS), which further evaluates your academic readiness
- Writing your personal essay
- Requesting letters of recommendation from teachers and employers
- Completing your admissions interview
However, since requirements vary by institution, you should check your preferred nursing program’s guidelines before applying.
For example, many schools that award associate degrees admit students with GPAs as low as a 2.0.
How Many Nursing Schools Should You Apply to?
You can apply to as many nursing schools as you want, but rather than rack up hundreds of dollars on application fees, it often makes most sense to apply to three to six.
It should be a range of:
- Reach schools: Institutions where your academic credentials fall below the average admitted student’s or due to program competitiveness.
- Match schools: Institutions in which you meet most or all of the college’s expectations.
- Safety schools: Institutions in which you exceed admission requirements and will likely be accepted.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Into Nursing School?
The cost to attend a nursing program goes beyond tuition, books, and room and board.
When applying, be prepared to pay:
- Application fees
- TEAS testing fees
- Transcript fees
Some colleges waive the charges if you demonstrate a financial need.
How To Get Into Nursing School: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you understand the minimum GPA and courses you need to get into a nursing program, here’s how to make it happen.
1. Pick your nursing path
The kind of nurse you become will depend on your personal goals and available resources. The three career levels you can choose from include:- Licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN): LPNs give basic patient care under the supervision of RNs or physicians. You must complete a certificate program, which can be finished in 12 to 18 months, and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) afterward.
- Registered nurse (RN): You can become an RN by enrolling in a diploma, ADN, or bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program. Most employers prefer a BSN, which takes four years, the longest of the options, to complete. More than half of newly graduated RNs over the past five years earned a BSN.
- Advanced practice registered nurse (APRN): APRNs possess either a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. In these roles, such as a nurse practitioner, you provide more complex care such as ordering diagnostics and creating patient care plans.
2. Pick the best program for you
After you choose what type of nurse you want to become, research where you want to study – and what factors matter most.Do you want a traditional college experience – attending football games and joining a sorority or fraternity? Or would you prefer to earn your degree in two years and commute to campus?
3. Finish nursing school prerequisites
Portage Learning also makes it affordable to complete the courses required to get into nursing school. Tuition remains significantly less than the average rate a four-year public university charges in-state residents and includes all needed text and video materials.4. Prepare your application
Mark the deadlines for each nursing program you would like to apply to and gather the materials required for the application as soon as it opens.You can stand out as an applicant by demonstrating a genuine desire to help injured and ill people.
During this time, fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form to determine how much financial aid you qualify for and apply for available scholarships.
Admission timelines depend on the institution, but you should expect to hear a decision in four to six weeks.
Starting Your Journey to Nursing School
Getting into nursing school requires careful planning, preparation, and consideration.
Long before he submitted an application, Kristopher:
- Determined how he could study and spend time with his family
- Enrolled in six prerequisites to build an academic foundation
- Established why he wanted to enter the profession
But once you receive your acceptance letter – and eventually degree – you don’t recall all the groundwork.
Rather, you think about what it means to finally be a nurse.
“The work has been hard, yes, but thoroughly rewarding,” Kristopher states. “I’m excited to have job security for my family and to have a chance to help people in their time of need.”
Still looking for answers?
Check out the FAQs about this article below.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA Do You Need for Nursing School?
Most nursing schools require a cumulative GPA of around 3.0 for admission. Your grades in science courses matter too. You can retake a class or complete additional ones to boost your GPA if needed.
How Many Nursing Schools Should You Apply to?
You can apply to as many nursing schools as you want, but rather than rack up hundreds of dollars on application fees, it often makes most sense to apply to three to six. You should apply to reach schools, match schools, and safety schools.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Into Nursing School?
The cost to attend a nursing program goes beyond tuition, books, and room and board. When applying, be prepared to pay application fees, TEAS testing fees, and transcript fees.
Can I complete nursing school prerequisites online?
Yes! You can complete nursing prerequisites online through prerequisites through Portage Learning, an accredited online institution. Its self-directed format allows you to finish courses on your schedule and learn from anywhere, rather than being constrained by a traditional semester system or a commute to a campus.
