Nursing School GPA Requirements: What You Need for Admission
Discover nursing school GPA requirements, average accepted GPAs, prerequisite courses, and proven strategies for nursing program admission.
Nursing School GPA Requirements Overview
Average GPA Requirements
- BSN Programs: 3.0-3.5
- ADN Programs: 2.5-3.0
- Accelerated BSN: 3.5+
- Direct Entry MSN: 3.5+
Prerequisite GPA Focus
- Science GPA: Often weighted more
- Math Courses: Critical for success
- Recent Coursework: Last 60 hours
- Prerequisite Minimum: Usually C+ or better
GPA Requirements by Program Type
| Program Type | Minimum GPA | Competitive GPA | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree (ADN) | 2.5 | 3.0+ | 2-3 years |
| Bachelor's Degree (BSN) | 3.0 | 3.5+ | 4 years |
| Accelerated BSN (ABSN) | 3.0 | 3.7+ | 12-18 months |
| Direct Entry MSN | 3.0 | 3.8+ | 3 years |
| LPN to RN Bridge | 2.5 | 3.0+ | 1-2 years |
Essential Nursing Prerequisites
Science Requirements
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II (with labs)
- Microbiology (with lab)
- Chemistry (general or organic)
- Nutrition
- Pathophysiology (some programs)
General Education
- College Algebra or Statistics
- English Composition
- Psychology (general and developmental)
- Sociology or Anthropology
- Speech/Communication
Top Nursing Schools GPA Requirements
Highly Competitive Programs
- Johns Hopkins: 3.8+ average
- University of Pennsylvania: 3.7+ average
- UCSF: 3.8+ average
- University of Washington: 3.6+ average
- Emory University: 3.7+ average
State Programs
- University of Florida: 3.5+ average
- University of Texas: 3.4+ average
- Ohio State University: 3.3+ average
- University of Michigan: 3.6+ average
- Penn State: 3.4+ average
Admission Factors Beyond GPA
Standardized Tests
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills)
- HESI A2
- ATI-PAX
- Some require SAT/ACT
Healthcare Experience
- CNA/Medical Assistant experience
- Hospital volunteering
- Home health aide work
- Clinical observations
Personal Qualities
- Strong personal statement
- Professional references
- Interview performance
- Leadership experience
Strategies to Improve Your Nursing Application
Academic Improvement
- Retake any prerequisites with C+ or below
- Take additional science courses to boost science GPA
- Complete prerequisites at reputable institutions
- Show consistent improvement in recent coursework
- Consider taking advanced science courses
Experience Building
- Get certified as CNA or Medical Assistant
- Volunteer in hospitals or clinics
- Shadow registered nurses
- Participate in health-related community service
- Work in healthcare support roles
What If Your GPA Is Below Requirements?
GPA Below 3.0
- Consider ADN programs first, then RN-to-BSN bridge
- Retake prerequisite courses to improve grades
- Excel on entrance exams (TEAS, HESI)
- Gain extensive healthcare experience
- Apply to multiple programs to increase chances
GPA 3.0-3.5
- Focus on less competitive state programs
- Strengthen application with high test scores
- Emphasize relevant work experience
- Write compelling personal statements
- Consider waitlist opportunities
Alternative Pathways to Nursing
LPN to RN Bridge Programs
Start as a Licensed Practical Nurse, then bridge to RN. Lower initial GPA requirements.
- LPN programs: 2.5 GPA minimum
- Bridge programs: 2.75-3.0 GPA
- Part-time options available
Online and Hybrid Programs
More flexible admission requirements and scheduling options.
- Working professional programs
- Part-time evening/weekend options
- May have slightly lower GPA requirements
Nursing Program Success Tips
Strong Foundation
Excel in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry. These courses are critical for nursing success.
Test Preparation
Prepare thoroughly for entrance exams. High scores can compensate for lower GPAs.
Professional Network
Build relationships with nurses and healthcare professionals for mentorship and references.
Academic Success Tips
- •Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks
- •Review your notes within 24 hours of taking them
- •Form or join study groups for difficult subjects
- •Use active recall techniques instead of passive re-reading
- •Regularly calculate your GPA to track your progress