✅ Quick Answer: California nursing programs require Anatomy, Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry (or equivalent), plus general education courses. California state schools typically require 2.5+ GPA, with competitive programs expecting 3.5-4.0.
California Nursing Prerequisites Overview
California has some of the most competitive nursing programs in the United States, with specific prerequisite requirements that vary slightly between institutions. However, the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) sets baseline standards that all programs must meet.
Core science prerequisites in California:
- Human Anatomy with Lab - Must be a separate 3-4 credit course
- Human Physiology with Lab - Separate from anatomy (not combined A&P)
- Microbiology with Lab - Study of microorganisms and infection
- General Chemistry or Biochemistry - Understanding chemical processes
- Organic Chemistry - Required by some UC and competitive programs
Important: Many California schools require anatomy and physiology as separate courses, not the combined A&P I & II sequence common in other states.
General education requirements:
- General Psychology - Introduction to psychological principles
- Developmental Psychology or Child Development - Lifespan development
- English Composition - College-level writing (often English 1A)
- Speech or Communication - Oral communication skills
- Mathematics - College algebra or statistics (statistics preferred)
- Nutrition - Human nutrition and dietary science
California Community College Prerequisites
California community colleges with nursing programs (like Pasadena City College, Santa Monica College, or Foothill College) typically require:
- Minimum 2.5 GPA overall
- 3.0+ GPA in science prerequisites for competitive standing
- All prerequisites completed within 5-7 years (check specific school policies)
- TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam
California State University (CSU) Nursing Prerequisites
CSU nursing programs have more comprehensive requirements and higher competition:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in prerequisite courses (competitive: 3.7+)
- Separate anatomy and physiology courses - Not combined
- Statistics - Required at most CSU campuses
- Additional coursework - Some require critical thinking or cultural diversity courses
- TEAS exam - Minimum scores vary by campus
Popular CSU nursing programs include:
- CSU Long Beach
- CSU Los Angeles
- CSU Fullerton
- San Francisco State University
- San Diego State University
University of California (UC) Nursing Prerequisites
UC nursing programs (primarily UCLA and UCI) have the most rigorous requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (competitive applicants have 3.8-4.0)
- Organic Chemistry - Required in addition to general chemistry
- Biochemistry - Sometimes required or recommended
- Additional science courses - May require additional biology
- Strong research or healthcare experience - Expected for competitive applicants
Multi-Criteria Screening (MCS) in California
Many California nursing programs use a points-based MCS system that considers:
- GPA in science prerequisites - Typically weighted highest
- Overall prerequisite GPA
- TEAS exam score
- Degree completion - Points for holding a bachelor's degree
- Work experience - CNA, EMT, or healthcare employment
- Volunteer hours - Healthcare-related volunteering
- Multilingual skills - Especially Spanish in California
State-Specific Requirements to Know
Prerequisite expiration: California schools typically require science prerequisites to be completed within 5-7 years of program application. Check each program's specific policy.
Separate A&P courses: Unlike many states that accept A&P I & II, California often requires separate human anatomy and human physiology courses.
Articulation agreements: If taking prerequisites at a California community college, use ASSIST.org to verify which courses transfer to your target CSU or UC.
Timeline for California Nursing Prerequisites
Full-time completion: 1.5-2 years for all prerequisites
Part-time while working: 2-3 years typical
Recommended sequence:
- Semester 1: Human Anatomy, General Psychology, English
- Semester 2: Human Physiology, Chemistry, Child Development
- Semester 3: Microbiology, Statistics, Nutrition
💡 Take the Fast Track to Nursing with StraighterLine
StraighterLine makes completing your nursing prerequisites online simple and affordable. You can take accredited courses like Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, and Chemistry — all self-paced and designed to transfer easily.