Navigating Your Nursing Education Pathway
Welcome to the Minnesota nursing program prerequisite comparison guide. As we work to build a robust, inclusive, and highly skilled nursing workforce across our state, we want to ensure that navigating the pathway to your nursing education is as transparent and accessible as possible.
By reviewing this matrix, you can quickly scan how different institutions structure their science, math, and general education prerequisites. We hope this tool helps you identify programs that align with your prior coursework and supports you in taking the next step toward your nursing career.
Before you review the program matrices below, there are several important factors to consider as you plan your academic journey. Nursing programs have highly specific admission criteria that extend beyond simply completing a list of courses. Please keep the following considerations in mind when mapping out your timeline:
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Science Course Expiration: Many nursing programs enforce a recency limit on foundational science courses such as Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, and Microbiology. If you completed these courses more than five to seven years ago, you may be required to retake them to ensure your clinical knowledge is current.
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GPA Thresholds and Course Repeats: Admission into nursing programs is often highly competitive. While a passing grade may grant you college credit, many nursing schools require a minimum cumulative GPA or a specific higher GPA for your science prerequisites. Additionally, some programs limit the number of times you can retake a science course to improve a previous grade.
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Prior Degree Waivers: If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are applying to an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) or an entry-level master’s program, your previous degree will typically satisfy all general education, writing, and communication requirements. Your focus will be almost entirely on completing the required science and statistics prerequisites.
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Entrance Exams and Clinical Clearances: Beyond academic coursework, you may need to complete standardized entrance testing, such as the TEAS or HESI exams. Most programs will also require clinical compliance clearances prior to admission or enrollment, which can include American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, immunization verification, and state/federal background checks.
The tables provided below offer a high-level visual comparison of the foundational courses required by nursing programs throughout Minnesota. To help you evaluate your options, the information is divided into distinct program types:
- Accelerated Programs (ABSN) and Entry-Level Master’s: Outlining streamlined pathways for students who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree.
- Traditional Programs Leading to a Baccalaureate Degree (BSN): Outlining the requirements for standard four-year university pathways.
- Programs Leading to an Associate Degree (ADN/ASN): Outlining the requirements for two-year college pathways.
By reviewing this matrix, you can quickly scan how different institutions structure their science, math, and general education prerequisites. We hope this tool helps you identify programs that align with your prior coursework and supports you in taking the next step toward your nursing career.
Important Disclaimer
Please be advised that this is NOT the official site to view nursing program prerequisites. The matrix provided here is intended for general planning and comparison purposes only. Educational institutions frequently update their curricula, and policies regarding transfer credits or specific course equivalents vary significantly by school. All information must be independently checked and verified directly with the individual colleges and universities prior to submitting an application.