Pre-Nursing
The Pre-Nursing program at Ohio State can help you take the first step toward earning your Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Program overview
Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can begin in Ohio State’s Pre-Nursing program. Admitted students complete BSN prerequisites and prepare to apply to the nursing major.
Any student who meets admission requirements and applies by the deadline will be admitted to Pre-Nursing, space permitting.
Academic advising
Pre-Nursing students are assigned an academic advisor who provides guidance on course planning, application requirements and university policies. Students are encouraged to contact their advisor to discuss academic progress and study strategies.
Admissions
Students applying to Ohio State may indicate Nursing as their intended major. Eligible students may be admitted to Pre-Nursing if space is available.
Eligibility requirements
- Admission to The Ohio State University
- One of the following:
- ACT composite score of 25 or higher
- SAT composite score of 1200 or higher
- Graduation in the top 10% of the high school class
For questions about eligibility, contact Undergraduate Admissions.
Application process
- Complete Ohio State’s first-year application
- Designate Nursing as your intended major
- No additional application is required
- Students admitted under another major who wish to switch to Pre-Nursing should contact Undergraduate Admissions before classes begin
Admissions
Current students who wish to pursue nursing must change their major to Pre-Nursing by the first Friday of Spring semester to receive priority consideration for the BSN program.
Eligibility requirements
- Completed at least 12 college credit hours
- Cumulative Ohio State GPA of 3.2 or higher
Application process
- Columbus campus: Complete the Pre-Nursing major change form
- Regional campuses: Contact your academic advisor
After submitting a major change, students may email con-advising@osu.edu for assistance with the BSN application or to schedule an appointment with a Pre-Nursing peer advisor.
Admissions
Transfer students should schedule a meeting with an academic advisor to review transfer credits.
Columbus campus students
Eligibility requirements
- 30 or more semester credit hours: Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher on all college coursework
- Fewer than 30 semester credit hours: One of the following:
- ACT composite score of 25 or higher
- SAT composite score of 1200 or higher
- Graduation in the top 10% of the high school class
Application process
- Complete Ohio State’s transfer application
- Designate Nursing as your intended major
- No additional application is required
- Students admitted under another major who wish to switch to Pre-Nursing should contact Undergraduate Admissions before classes begin
Regional campus students
- Contact your regional campus for application details.
- To receive priority consideration for the BSN program, students must:
- Complete 12 credit hours of college-level coursework
- Maintain a cumulative Ohio State GPA of 3.2 or higher
Requirements to remain in Pre-Nursing
- Students must maintain a cumulative Ohio State GPA of 3.2 or higher.
- Students who do not meet this requirement at the end of Spring semester must change majors.
- Only coursework completed at Ohio State is included in the cumulative GPA.
- Transfer and College Credit Plus (CCP) credits are excluded.
Major change deadline
Students may change majors at any time. To receive priority BSN consideration, Pre-Nursing must be listed as the major by the first Friday of Spring semester. Submit the change at least two weeks before Jan. 2, 2026, to allow for processing.
AP, CCP and transfer credit
Advanced placement (AP)
AP exam scores of 3 or higher may fulfill BSN prerequisites. AP credit does not include a grade and does not factor into GPA calculations.
CCP and transfer coursework
Courses must be equivalent to an Ohio State course that fulfills a BSN prerequisite.
- General credit: Requires evaluation by the appropriate department and submission of a course syllabus
- Special credit: May be re-evaluated by the appropriate department
- Use Transferology to explore how coursework may transfer
GPA calculation for BSN admission
Transfer and CCP coursework are included in GPA calculations for BSN admission eligibility, even if they do not apply to prerequisite requirements.
FAQ
Students focus on completing BSN prerequisite courses. Schedules vary based on previously earned credit.
Advisor information is available in Buckeye Link.
Yes. Students who complete prerequisites and meet admission requirements may apply. Pre-Nursing students receive priority consideration.
Send AP scores to Ohio State Undergraduate Admissions.