Pre-Nursing (PNURS) Advising Guide
This guide is intended to assist LSU Pre-Nursing students who plan to apply to the LSU Health Science Center New Orleans - School of Nursing Traditional Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program. It is the responsibility of students interested in attending other nursing schools to contact that school directly to determine admission and application requirements as these may vary from school to school.
Declare Pre-Nursing
Select Pre-Nursing (PNURS) as your academic pathway at LSU. This pathway helps you complete the prerequisite coursework needed to apply to the LSUHSC-SON Traditional Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program.
Declaring Pre-Nursing is your first step toward preparing for nursing school. As you progress, you’ll work with your academic advisor to plan your courses, monitor your academic progress, and understand the admission requirements for your intended nursing program.
Complete Prerequisite Coursework (37 credit hours total):
Courses in first chart (16 credit hours) must be completed by application deadline (before applying) to LSUHSC-SON, with 3.0 Minimum GPA, a “B-” or better in science courses and a “C-” or better in non-science courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Pre-/Co-Requisites |
|
ENGL 1001 (C- or higher) |
English Composition I |
3 |
N/A |
|
MATH 1021 (B- or higher) |
College Algebra |
3 |
46 or higher on ALEKS OR 21 or higer on MACT OR 530 or higer on MSAT OR "C" or better in MATH 1020 |
|
CHEM 1005 or CHEM 1201 (B- or higher) |
General Chemistry for Pre-Nursing and Pre-Allied Health |
3 |
Grade of "C" or better in MATH 1021 |
|
BIOL 1201 (B- or higher) |
General Biology (for science majors) |
3 |
ACT composite of 23 or higher, RSAT composite of 1130 or higher, OR "C-" or higher in MATH 1021 & counselor must schedule |
|
BIOL 1208 (B- or higher) |
General Biology Lab (for science majors) |
1 |
Credit or Enrollment in BIOL 1201 |
|
PSYC 2000 (C- or higher) |
General Psychology |
3 |
N/A |
Additional required courses below (21 credit hours) must be completed before starting LSUHSC-SON. These courses must be completed with 3.0 Minimum GPA, a “B-” or better in science courses, and a “C-” or better in non-science courses:
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hours | Pre-/Co-Requisites |
|
BIOL 1011 (B- or higher) |
Microorganisms and Man |
3 |
N/A |
|
ENGL 2000 (C- or higher) |
English Composition II |
3 |
ENGL 1001 |
|
SOCL 2001 (C- or higher) |
Introductory Sociology |
3 |
N/A |
|
ILC: General Education Fine Arts (C- or higher) |
ILC: General Education Fine Arts |
3 |
N/A |
|
ILC: General Education Humanities (C- or higher) |
ILC: General Education Humanities |
3 |
N/A |
|
ILC: General Education Humanities (C- or higher) |
ILC: General Education Humanities |
3 |
N/A |
|
PSYC 2070 (C- or higher) |
Developmental Psychology |
3 |
PSYC 2000 or equivalent |
Note:
- Students may complete a third General Education Humanities course at any level prior to attending LSUHSC-SON. If not completed at LSU, students will complete this course once accepted and enrolled at LSUHSC-SON.
- Statistics 3000 level or above may be transferred if a grade of “C-” or better is achieved.
Stay on Track
Students should pay particular attention to the following early-course and GPA requirements:
Semester 1
- C- or better in ENGL 1001
- C- or better in MATH 1021
- 2.5 LSU GPA
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA
Semester 2
- B- or better in CHEM 1005 or CHEM 1201
- 2.75 LSU GPA
- 2.75 Cumulative GPA
Semester 3
- B- or better in BIOL 1201
- 3.0 LSU GPA
- 3.0 Cumulative GPA
Semester 4
- B- or better in BIOL 1011 or BIOL 2051
Failure to meet critical academic requirements can result in a hold and require students to meet with their Pre-Nursing advisor. LSU's current advising information should be consulted for the requirements applicable to your catalog year.
Maintain Academic Progress
Academic performance is an important part of preparing for nursing-school admission.
For the LSUHSC-SON's pathway, students must complete the required prerequisite coursework with a minimum 3.0 GPA, earn at least a B- in required science courses, and earn at least a C- in required non-science courses.
Students should meet regularly with their Pre-Nursing advisor to monitor their academic progress and make sure they remain on track.
Prepare for the HESI
The HESI Admission Assessment Exam A² is required for applicants to the LSU Health New Orleans Traditional BSN program.
Current requirements include:
- Minimum cumulative HESI score: 80%
- Exam must be completed by the application deadline.
- Applicants may take the exam twice during an application period.
- A six-week waiting period is required between attempts.
- LSU School of Nursing uses the most recent score.
- HESI scores are valid for 1 year (12 months)
Always verify current testing requirements directly with LSU Health New Orleans before registering for the exam.
Apply to Nursing School
After completing the required prerequisites and meeting the applicable admission criteria, students apply to the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing through NursingCAS.
The nursing-school application is separate from admission to LSU Baton Rouge.
Begin the BSN Program
Students who are admitted to the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing continue into the Traditional BSN program.
Beginning Fall 2025, LSU Health New Orleans offers the Traditional BSN program at an off-campus instructional site on the LSU Baton Rouge campus.