What are the Requirements for an Associate's Nursing Program?

Requirements for an associate's nursing program begin while the student is still in high school. Aside from needing a high school diploma or its equivalent, nursing program candidates are advised to complete certain courses, including sociology, biology, chemistry, and various health-related courses. During the course of college studies, students are required to meet additional criteria, including completed courses and lab experience.

To enter an associate's program, each technical school, college or university has specific requirements and entry criteria all students must meet. Without these criteria, an admissions application will likely be declined.

Requirements include:

• High school diploma, GED, or certificate of completion of a home study program


• High school course work that includes specific subjects such as chemistry, biology, first aid, health, English, basic computer skills and others


• Meet other general admissions requirements for the chosen school


• Application submission along with associated fees


• SAT, ACT, PAX-RN or other similar exam scores


• Some schools require completion of a nursing assistant training program prior to admission

To complete an associate's degree in a nursing program, students must attend the required number of classroom credit hours in their chosen field. Most programs take two years to complete before a candidate is eligible to sit for nursing licensure exams. Some program requirements include:

• Complete all required course work as designed by the school and state nursing board


• Acheive a minimum acceptable grade point average (GPA,) usually 2.0 or better

Numerous options are available for candidates seeking an associate's degree in nursing. Assistants and other professionals already working in the nursing or medical field may qualify for transfer credits and specialized programs.