A complete breakdown of prerequisite courses, entrance exams, GPA expectations, and admissions steps for LPN programs nationwide.
Licensed practical nurse programs are among the quickest paths to a nursing license, but admission begins with a targeted set of prerequisites. Most require 3 to 6 courses (anatomy, physiology, math) and the program runs 12 to 18 months.
That compressed timeline masks competitive admissions: GPA cutoffs, entrance exams (TEAS or HESI A2), and a growing list of health and background clearances all gatekeep entry. Missing even one piece can delay a cohort start by several months.
Accelerated clinical placements have turned immunization records, drug screens, and background checks into coequal requirements with academic transcripts.
Every LPN program shares a common foundation of non-negotiable prerequisites, even though specific admissions criteria can differ from one school to the next. Understanding which requirements are universal helps you prepare efficiently.
Before you can enter a clinical setting, you must clear a series of health and safety screenings. These are not optional; they are firm conditions of enrollment.
Contrary to a common assumption, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification is not a universal LPN prerequisite. Only a handful of programs require it. However, some schools offer preferential admission or advanced standing to applicants who already hold an active CNA license. Even where it is not required, having CNA experience can strengthen your application by demonstrating clinical exposure and commitment to the field.
Most LPN programs share a relatively consistent set of prerequisite courses designed to ensure you have the scientific literacy and communication skills needed to succeed in clinical training. While exact requirements vary by school, the following subjects appear on nearly every LPN admissions checklist.
Science prerequisites form the backbone of your readiness for nursing coursework. These classes introduce the human body and biological processes that underpin safe patient care.
Beyond science, programs expect you to demonstrate college-level skills in writing, math, and human behavior. These courses are usually completed before applying or during the first term.
Because many of these courses are standard across colleges, you can often complete them at a community college or through dual enrollment if you are still in high school. Some programs grant conditional admission while you finish one or two remaining prerequisites, but competitive seats tend to go to applicants who have all required courses completed with strong grades. Always confirm the specific prerequisite list with your target program, since variations in co-requisites, credit hours, and acceptable substitutions can significantly affect your application timeline.
The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills), published by ATI, is a four-section exam covering Reading, Mathematics, Science, and English and Language Usage.2 It is widely used by LPN programs to assess academic readiness.2
Most practical nursing schools require applicants to complete a standardized entrance exam. The two most frequently requested are the TEAS and the HESI A2.2 Some programs also accept or require the Kaplan Nursing Entrance Exam or the PSB-PN (Psychological Services Bureau for Practical Nurses). Always verify the specific test required by each program before registering.
Although both exams measure core academic skills, they differ in scope. The TEAS focuses on four areas with a total of around 170 multiple-choice questions.2 The HESI A2, developed by Elsevier, typically includes sections on Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, and Physics, though not every nursing program requires all sections. This broader science content can make the HESI A2 more challenging for some LPN applicants, especially those without a strong background in lab sciences.
There is no single national passing score. However, LPN programs commonly set minimum composite TEAS scores between 60% and 70%, with competitive applicants often earning 80% or higher.2 For the HESI A2, many schools expect at least 75% in each required section, and a cumulative score of 80% or above can strengthen an application. Numerical cutoffs and weighting policies vary by institution, so check with each program directly.
Start by listing your target LPN programs and their required entrance exam. If you have flexibility, consider your academic strengths. The TEAS may be preferable if you want a more focused test with less emphasis on advanced sciences. The HESI A2, while broader, might suit you if you have completed anatomy and physiology courses. Regardless of the exam, many free and low-cost study guides and practice tests are available online or through the test developers.
LPN programs, whether at community colleges, technical colleges, or private career schools, set their own GPA requirements. There is no single national standard. Most published minimums fall between 2.0 and 2.75 on a 4.0 scale, but the cutoff that actually secures a seat is often higher. Programs that receive more applicants than spots typically raise the bar. A minimum of 2.5 might be listed, while the average GPA of admitted students hovers around 3.0 or above. Check current program materials for the most accurate picture; admission criteria can shift from year to year.
A strong GPA alone rarely guarantees admission. Many LPN programs use a composite scoring model that combines GPA with entrance exam scores, and the exam often makes up 50 percent or more of the total points. The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and HESI A2 are the most common. For example, a school might assign 60 percent weight to the TEAS score, 30 percent to GPA, and 10 percent to other factors. This means a candidate with a moderate GPA but a high exam score can outrank someone with a higher GPA but a lower test score. Understanding the exact scoring rubric used by your target programs is essential. Ask admissions offices for a breakdown or look for a published selection formula on the program website.
Beyond GPA and test scores, many programs fold in additional elements. Points may be awarded for relevant healthcare experience, such as working as a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Completion of prerequisite courses with strong grades, letters of recommendation, and even a personal interview can tip the scales. Some programs give preference to in-district residents or veterans. Because these factors vary so widely, it is wise to gather information from each program directly. The National League for Nursing (NLN) also offers resources on nursing education standards that can help you understand trends in admission practices.
Start with the program’s own website, look for an admissions or FAQ page that explicitly states minimum GPA, required exam scores, and how the composite score is calculated. If details are vague, call or email the admissions office. Some programs hold information sessions that walk you through the selection process. For broader labor market context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS.gov) outlines education requirements and job outlook for LPNs, but it does not track program-level GPA cutoffs. To compare multiple programs without relying on scraps of forum advice, use a trusted directory like topnursing.org to pull up LPN programs in your state and then investigate each one’s specific requirements.
The shift toward accelerated clinical rotations has made upfront health and background clearances standard gatekeepers in LPN programs today.
Nearly every LPN program mandates a complete set of health clearances before you set foot in a clinical setting, though not necessarily at the time of application. These typically include:
Failure to maintain these records can delay or block clinical participation, so start the hepatitis B series early (it spans months).
Programs routinely run both state and federal background checks. Admission may proceed even with a record, but licensure is a separate hurdle. Certain felonies, including drug offenses, violent crimes, and theft, can disqualify you from obtaining an LPN license later, even if the school accepts you. Before committing to a program, contact your state board of nursing to clarify whether your background will permit licensure. Some boards offer pre-application evaluations. Minor or older offenses often do not bar licensure, but transparency is critical. Concealing a record during the application process can lead to dismissal.
Students typically bear the full expense for these requirements. Total costs range from $200 to $500, depending on local pricing:
Plan for these expenses early; they are required and non-refundable. Financial aid rarely covers them, so include them in your pre-enrollment budget.
Before you can enroll in an LPN program, you’ll need to complete a series of prerequisites and application steps. The entire pre-enrollment process typically takes 3-9 months, depending on course availability and state requirements. Use this timeline to plan your application journey.
The push toward flexible, accelerated nursing pathways means prerequisite timelines are more adaptable than ever. However, institutional variation in course delivery and recency rules still demands careful planning. Students can expect anywhere from a few weeks to two semesters, depending on their academic history and chosen format.
For students with no prior college work, the standard window is one to two semesters, roughly four to eight months, to complete the necessary prerequisite courses. This assumes a full-time load and that all required classes (English, math, psychology, anatomy and physiology) are offered on a traditional academic schedule. Those who already hold transferable credits in general education subjects may only need a single term or even a few weeks to fill remaining gaps, often one science course or a math class. Working students often stretch this over three terms, but packing courses too tightly can be challenging with lab sciences.
General education prerequisites like English composition, college algebra, and introductory psychology are widely available fully online through community colleges and accredited platforms. This flexibility allows many aspiring LPNs to work while studying. However, anatomy and physiology (A&P) and biology courses typically include a hands-on lab component that most programs require to be taken in person or via a hybrid format where lectures are online but labs meet on campus. Not all nursing programs accept a fully online A&P with a virtual lab, so verifying acceptability with the target program is essential before enrolling. Even when an online option exists, state authorization rules may restrict enrollment to local residents.
Science coursework often comes with a recency stipulation. A common standard is that A&P and microbiology must be completed within the last five years, though individual schools set their own limits. For example, Pikes Peak State College's practical nursing program requires science prerequisites to be no older than seven years at the time of program entry, while non-science prerequisites are accepted up to 15 years. In contrast, Green River College's practical nursing program imposes no expiration on prerequisites. At the state level, California and Texas do not mandate a specified timeframe for prerequisite credit expiration, leaving that decision to each program.1 General education courses (English, math) rarely carry an expiration date, but students with decade-old credits should always confirm since some schools may still ask for a refresher.
While it is possible to finish all LPN prerequisites in a single semester with careful scheduling and no remedial coursework, most students find that a two-semester spread better accommodates the demands of lab sciences and maintains the competitive GPA needed for admission.
LPN prerequisites are designed to be completed in one to two semesters, a much shorter commitment than RN or BSN pathways. If you hold a CNA, medical assistant, or military medic credential, reach out to your target program: many award course waivers or advanced standing, shrinking your timeline further.
LPN programs typically require 0, 4 prerequisite courses, totaling 0, 12 credit hours, making the admissions process relatively streamlined.1 In contrast, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program commonly demands 8, 10 prerequisites (24, 30 credits), and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program can require 12, 18 courses amounting to 36, 60 credits.1 This significant difference reflects the broader academic foundation needed for registered nursing roles.
The science requirements highlight a clear escalation. Most LPN programs ask for a single anatomy and physiology survey or a basic A&P course.2 ADN programs raise the bar with A&P I, A&P II, and microbiology, all with lab components.1 BSN programs often add chemistry and nutrition to that list, further deepening the scientific grounding for BSN-level practice.1
Entrance exams are less common for LPN programs; many schools admit students without a standardized test, though some may use the TEAS with a modest cutoff.2 ADN and BSN programs frequently require the TEAS or HESI exam, though some BSN programs shift to a holistic or GPA-only review.2 For LPN-to-ADN bridge pathways, a TEAS score (often around 66%) and a nursing-specific challenge exam (around 80%) may be required.3
LPN prerequisites can be finished in as little as zero to one semester, allowing a swift start to nursing coursework.1 ADN prerequisites often take 12, 18 months, while BSN prerequisites may span 18, 24 months when including all general education and science courses.1 This time investment aligns with the longer overall program lengths and greater career scope of registered nursing.
Navigating LPN prerequisites can feel overwhelming, so we've gathered answers to the most common questions. Here's what you need to know about getting into a practical nursing program.
