{"id":289198,"date":"2026-03-12T09:14:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T14:14:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/?page_id=289198"},"modified":"2026-03-18T09:15:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:15:23","slug":"nursing-school-requirements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mometrix.com\/academy\/nursing-school-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Nursing School Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"

A career in nursing is a rewarding path, but the journey involves several academic and professional requirements and milestones.<\/p>\n

Understanding these requirements as early as possible is a huge step toward making this challenge manageable. From prerequisites to licensure, here is what you need to know to get started!<\/p>\n

While there are many ways to enter the field, we\u2019ve focused primarily on a traditional four-year bachelor\u2019s program.<\/div>\n

<\/span>What Are the Requirements to Become a Nurse?<\/h2>\n

To ensure that you\u2019re prepared for the high-stakes environment ahead, the path to becoming a nurse generally follows a standard progression of academic, clinical, and legal steps.<\/p>\n

\"Three<\/p>\n

<\/span>Basic Steps<\/h3>\n

<\/span>Foundations and Prerequisites<\/h4>\n

\"Three
\nThe very first step is getting your high school diploma or GED<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Then, before getting into a formal nursing program, you\u2019ll need to complete certain prerequisite classes. These will typically be things like anatomy, microbiology, and statistics. These will give you the necessary scientific background you need in order to handle the more complex medical concepts you\u2019ll encounter later on.<\/p>\n

<\/span>Nursing Program Admission<\/h4>\n

Getting into nursing school is a competitive process! Many schools require a certain GPA, and most require certain scores on an entrance exam such as the HESI A2<\/a> or TEAS<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Once you get accepted, you\u2019ll enroll in a state-approved nursing program and start your academic journey. Be prepared for both classroom lectures and hands-on clinical training. This is where you start to get some real-world practicing skills!<\/p>\n

<\/span>NCLEX and Licensure<\/h4>\n

Once you graduate, the final hurdle is passing the NCLEX<\/a>! This exam is designed to ensure your knowledge is up to snuff and that you\u2019re able to make safe judgments as a nurse.<\/p>\n

Once you pass the NCLEX, and assuming you meet the specific state licensure requirements of the board of nursing, your credentials will be verified and you\u2019ll be issued a license!<\/p>\n

<\/span>Academic vs. Real-World<\/h3>\n

While grades and test scores are important, they aren\u2019t the only factors in your future success as a nurse. There are plenty of personal qualities that will serve you well, including strong communication skills, being able to handle a fast-paced workload, and implementing a safety-focused decision-making process in all areas.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

<\/span>Academic Requirements for Nursing School<\/h2>\n

The most important thing to remember is that every program is a little different. Each state has its own standards and metrics, and each school has its own standards and expectations.<\/p>\n

That said, most traditional four-year BSN programs are looking for a specific set of high school courses and college-level prerequisites to ensure you can handle what nursing school has to offer.<\/p>\n

<\/span>High School Prep<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re still in high school or are planning your transition, you should focus on the core sciences and communication.<\/p>\n