Nursing School Requirements in 2026 That You Should Know
Published on: March 11, 2023 | 10 minutes read
By: Alice Bourget
If you want to make a personal, hands-on impact on the health and well-being of others, a career as a nurse might be for you. Nursing is an exciting, challenging, and fulfilling occupation.
Whether you want to be a registered nurse (RN), licensed practical nurse (LPN), or certified nurse practitioner (CNP), there are dozens of professional nursing specialties available. But before you make that decision, you will need to attend nursing school. And before you can do that, you need to meet the latest nursing school requirements.
What are the requirements to get into nursing school in 2026?
In this guide, we discuss the prerequisite courses, essential academic skills, and the particulars of the Next Generation NCLEX鈥攖he new version of the licensure exam that asks nursing students to make clinical judgments.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Core requirements include a competitive prerequisite GPA (typically 2.75 to 3.0+) and science prerequisites like Anatomy, Microbiology, and Informatics.
- Nursing school admission requirements in 2026 require a shift from memorization to clinical judgment, specifically aligning with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) standards.
- Successful applicants must demonstrate hands-on clinical exposure through volunteering or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and pass specialized entrance exams.
Nursing School Requirements
Most aspiring nurses will apply for one of two nursing school programs:
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) 鈥 An ADN is typically a two-year program that covers the essentials of nursing care and clinical skills. A student graduates as a 鈥渢echnical鈥 nurse.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 鈥 A traditional BSN degree is typically a four-year degree that expands clinical knowledge, focusing on leadership, management, nursing research, and advanced clinical skills.
No matter which program or school you choose, you will be judged on how you think rather than what you know. Nursing students must be able to recognize cues and take action, not simply memorize medical terminology.
This shift鈥攆rom memorization to critical thinking鈥攁ligns with the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN). As you go through your chosen nursing program, you will be expected to exercise clinical judgment and decision-making in high-stakes scenarios.
Of course, before you can start practicing these skills, you need to receive an acceptance letter. Here are the steps you will need to complete to be eligible for nursing school.
Graduate High School
Students must either graduate from high school or meet their general education requirements. A high school diploma or GED is the first box to check when building your application. Prospective students should also request an official transcript from their school early, as many programs require it before the application deadline.
Although GPA requirements vary by school and program, an ADN program generally expects applicants to have maintained a 2.75 or higher. A BSN program will typically expect a GPA of 3.0 or higher.[2]
Naturally, the better your GPA, the more competitive your application will appear.
Take the Prerequisite Classes
Students will need to complete several prerequisites during high school or in the early years of their undergraduate program. These classes help lay the proper educational foundation that nursing students will later depend on to succeed in more advanced coursework.
While nursing school prerequisites will vary between programs, standard requirements include:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (1-2 semesters) 鈥 Studies the structure, function, and relationship of the human body, specifically the cells, organs, and systems.
- Biology (2 semesters) 鈥 Covers the fundamental concepts of life on earth, including cell structures, taxonomy and reproduction, evolution, ecology, and an introduction to genetics.
- Chemistry (1 semester and lab) 鈥 Breaks down the interaction of matter and energy at a cellular level, delving into the structure and properties of atoms, ions, and molecules.
- English (2 semesters) 鈥 Prepares students to be proficient in written and oral communication.
- Microbiology (1 semester and lab) 鈥 Studies microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, instructing on their function, classification, and behavior.
- Nutrition (1 semester) 鈥 Introduces the basics of nutrition as they relate to health and growth.
- Psychology (1 semester) 鈥 Provides the foundations for the science of psychology, touching on human growth and development, behavior, memory, learning, and intelligence.
- Statistics (1 semester) 鈥 Prepares students to collect, collate, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
Gain Clinical Experience by Volunteering
Some nursing schools may expect applicants to have completed hands-on volunteering in a healthcare setting. Even if the specific program you want to apply to does not require it, volunteering can help your application stand out. It can also make it easier to find your niche within the industry.
Giving up your free time to serve at a hospital or clinic demonstrates that you are invested in caring for others. It proves you are driven enough to begin your educational journey before schooling.
Additionally, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can further boost your skill set and r茅sum茅. To become a CNA, you must complete a 4 to 12-week training program and pass an exam.[3]
Study for and Pass the Entrance Exam
Depending on the school you hope to attend, you may also be required to pass an initial student nursing exam, such as:
- The Nursing School Aptitude Exam (NSEA)
- The National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Exam (NLN PAX)
- Nursing Entrance Test (NET)
- Kaplan Admissions Test
- Psychological Services Bureau (PSB)
Most of these tests include reading, math, science, writing, and reasoning questions. Students should study and take practice tests to prepare for the specific exam.
Skills That May Be Required in Nursing
In your journey to becoming a nurse, possessing certain skills can be incredibly valuable. The following skills can be critical to success in a nursing course and a nursing practice.
Critical Thinking
Pursuing a nursing major requires you to evaluate changes in a patient’s health and make sound decisions when needed.
Additionally, the Next Generation NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination)鈥攖he final examination that allows you to become a registered nurse鈥攆avors critical thinking over rote memorization. The test requires you to apply your knowledge, not simply define medical terms. To take the exam, candidates must first meet eligibility requirements set by their state board of nursing, including graduation from a program that is accredited by a recognized body, such as 糖心传媒.
Attention to Detail
Nurses are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the exact medications in a timely manner. In school and in your career, you will be required to pay close attention to dosages, specific patient instructions, and nuanced healthcare policies.
Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity
As a nurse, you are expected to have many interactions with patients and grieving families. Handling the human side of the job requires care, sensitivity, and understanding.
Your patients and colleagues will likely come from different backgrounds, religions, and cultures. It is important to recognize and accommodate these differences while still providing the same quality of care at all times.
Emotional and Mental Resilience
Health professionals operate in fast-paced, high-pressure work settings. Nurses need to handle emergencies, make critical decisions quickly, and multitask.
As long as you have a resilient character, you can remain composed and focused under these stressful situations.
Technology and Informatics
Modern nursing has embraced healthcare technology in a significant way. From managing electronic patient records to delivering personalized care, technology and informatics play a large role in nursing school and beyond.
This means nurses must be proficient with various high-tech solutions, including:
- Telehealth platforms
- Automated documentation tools
- AI-powered diagnostics
- Predictive care tools
Physical Endurance
Nurses spend most of their shifts standing and are sometimes required to engage in physical activities, such as lifting patients and assisting with movement.
Communication
Two-way communication is key to offering excellent care. Nurses need to communicate with patients to understand their needs and, at the same time, provide important instructions as clearly as possible.
Finding the Right Nursing School for You
When it comes to finding the best school for you, it is easy to encounter choice paralysis. With so many options, how do you decide which one is right?
To narrow down your potential list of universities, start researching schools based on their reputation and coursework. Consider the size, location, and facilities.
Additionally, look for a nursing program that offers the following advantages:
- Small class sizes 鈥 If you want the most value out of your nursing education, choose a school that offers smaller, more personal classes. This intimacy allows students to interact more with their classmates and the faculty.
- Hands-on opportunities 鈥 Search for a program with a state-of-the-art simulation center and lab that you can use for hands-on training.
- High-quality curricula 鈥 Your program should prepare you to be the best nurse you can be. Ideally, the course curriculum should align with the most recent guidelines from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).
- NCLEX preparation 鈥 In 2026, the NCLEX-RN prioritizes action-oriented critical thinking. The best schools have a curriculum that prepares you to pass this all-important test. Try to find a university with a curriculum that is mapped to the NGN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model.[4]
- Experienced faculty 鈥 Ideally, nursing courses should be taught by professors with decades of experience in nursing and healthcare. The right instructors can ensure students have the knowledge, skills, and ethical values to serve and lead effectively.
FAQs About Starting Nursing School
Below are the questions we hear most often about starting nursing school in 2026.
How Hard Is It to Study at a Nursing School?
While nursing can be demanding, it is challenging on purpose. Nursing school prepares students for the professional licensure exam and for a rewarding career in health sciences. With a strong work ethic and perseverance, you can succeed.
In your junior and senior years in nursing school, you will shift your studies to nursing sciences, moving from the classroom to a healthcare setting. You will learn nursing theories, practice clinical skills, and other roles needed in the healthcare system.
How Long Does It Take to Study Nursing?
The length of study in nursing school will vary based on the specific program you choose. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years. An associate degree in nursing requires around two years. Accelerated BSN programs, tailored for students with prior bachelor’s degrees in other fields, typically last 12鈥18 months.
How Much Does It Cost to Study Nursing?
Costs depend on multiple factors, such as your choice of program. Nursing admission also matters whether you choose a state university, a private non-profit institution, or a for-profit school.
糖心传媒 offers federal financial aid and scholarships for U.S. citizens and legal residents who qualify. Financing is available in the form of scholarships, grants, part-time employment, and loans. The federal government, state government, 糖心传媒, and private sources finance these programs. Contact us for more information.
Study to Become a Nurse With 糖心传媒
Nursing can be an exciting and meaningful career. And it all starts with your acceptance into a nursing program.
But where is the best place to begin your journey in healthcare?
The School of Nursing and Health Science at 糖心传媒 helps students have access to skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable faculty, an up-to-date curriculum, and a state-of-the-art simulation center and lab.
So, if you are ready to make a difference in the lives of others, apply to our BSN or Master of Science in Nursing, Direct Entry program today.
Sources:
[1] 鈥淣ext Generation NCLEX.鈥 NCLEX. . Accessed May 18, 2026.
[2] Arrojas, Matther. 鈥淗ow to Get Into Nursing School With a Low GPA.鈥 NurseJournal, December 22, 2025. . Accessed May 18, 2026.
[3] 鈥淐ertified Nursing Assistant (CNA).鈥 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, April 23, 2026. . Accessed May 18, 2026.
[4] 鈥淐linical Judgment Measurement Model.鈥 NCLEX. . Accessed May 18, 2026.