Top 10 Nursing Schools That Don't Require an Entrance Exam for 2024

OHSU is a no-entrance exam nursing school that offers a traditional and accelerated BSN program. Some admissions requirements for these programs include:

• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• 30 hours of prerequisite courses
• Admissions interview

Students with a bachelor's degree in a non-related field may follow the accelerated track. The traditional BSN is a 3-year nursing program for non-degree-holding students. OHSU is also home to the best CRNA school in Oregon, providing diverse and quality options for nursing education.

California State University, Fullerton (CSU Fullerton) does not require or accept TEAS or HESI exams for its nursing programs. However, applicants must meet other requirements, like completing high school coursework and a BSN program application. CSU Fullerton admissions will evaluate applicants based on their high school, college, and pre-req academic performance.

The university is also home to one of the top CRNA schools in California. Unfortunately, CSU Fullerton only currently accepts California applicants. The school is extremely competitive and receives many more applicants to the nursing program than it has space for.

WGU’s nursing school follows a competency-based education (CBE) model. This model evaluates students based on their mastery of specific skills or knowledge rather than by completing specific credit hours. 

The CBE model at WGU allows students to progress at their own pace. Moreover, students primarily attend the nursing program online, allowing them to complete coursework from anywhere. Still, WGU's nursing program has a clinical component that students must complete in person.

As a no-entrance exam nursing school, WGU evaluates applicants based on academic transcripts, work experience, and other relevant criteria.

Drexel University offers a registered nurse program with an accelerated career entry (ACE) option. Like other accelerated BSN programs, the ACE option allows degree-holding students to earn a BSN quickly. Without an entrance exam, ACE BSN requirements include the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in another field
• 3.0 or higher undergraduate GPA
• Completion of prerequisite courses

Aside from being easier to get into, this program is promising for aspiring nurses. The university reports a NCLEX exam pass rate of 97% to 100%.

WCU offers two nursing programs: a traditional BSN and an RN to BSN program for ADN-trained nurses. If you want a nursing school with no entry exam, WCU is a valid option. This university's nursing program doesn't require the TEAS or HESI exam for admissions.

Keep in mind that the university website does report that interest in the program is very high and, therefore, competitive. The WCU admissions office has a thorough selection process, which they conduct on a rolling basis.

The USF College of Nursing does not use TEAS, HESI, recommendations, or resumes when evaluating applicants for their undergraduate nursing programs. Instead, admission decisions are made by taking into account several factors, such as:

• Cumulative GPA
• Prerequisite course grades
• Admissions interview

USF offers two prelicensure BSN programs. The first is an accelerated BSN for students with a prior non-nursing bachelor's degree. USF's other BSN program is a traditional, 4-year nursing degree track.

The nursing department at UA Little Rock is the largest program on campus, accommodating over 600 students. A dedicated team of twenty-six faculty and staff members supports this nursing college.

The university reports that, at this time, there are no entrance exam requirements for their traditional nursing programs. The school offers two prelicensure nursing programs, including an associate of applied science (AAS) RN program and a BSN program.

Northern Illinois Univerisity's BSN program offers a rigorous education, equipping students with the skills necessary to excel in nursing. With a higher-than-average NCLEX pass rate, this no-entrance exam nursing school promises a high standard for prospective students.

UNC at Chapel Hill offers three pre-licensure BSN programs: a traditional BSN, an accelerated BSN, and a military BSN pathway. All programs are completed in person at the campus and do not require TEAS or HESI exams for acceptance.

George Washington University’s accelerated BSN program is for individuals with bachelor's degrees in a field other than nursing. The program is a second-degree option, allowing students to transition into nursing. 

The nursing school also has a BSN veterans option. Veterans with 60 college-level credits from military and academic experiences may be eligible for this program without a prior degree.

This school also requires no entrance exams, including the TEAS or HESI.