ABSN Prerequisites for Harding University
Though you may meet the Harding University accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program requirements, you may still need to complete ABSN prerequisites before you’re eligible to apply.
What are ABSN Prerequisites?
Prerequisites are courses that students must complete before beginning the ABSN program. They are foundational, designed to ensure all students possess the knowledge and skills needed for advanced science and nursing courses.
Depending on your academic experience, you might not need to take all prerequisites before applying. You can identify which prerequisites you need to complete by talking to the Harding University ABSN admissions team.
The admissions team will evaluate your academic history and unofficial transcripts to identify which credits transfer. They will also help you develop a plan to complete the remaining courses in time for your target start date.
When Do You Need to Complete Prerequisites?
You will need to complete prerequisite courses before starting the ABSN program, but you do not need to complete all courses before applying. Harding University offers qualified ABSN applicants conditional admission, provided they complete the remaining coursework before their start date.
Your admissions counselor will be by your side through every step of the process, helping you create a plan to ensure you remain on track and complete all requirements before the deadline.
Harding University Prerequisite Requirements
Each prerequisite course is designed to help lay a solid foundation for your nursing education. Harding prerequisite courses cost $662 per credit hour. Learn more about our tuition and fees by visiting the ABSN tuition page.
| Prerequisite Courses | Credits Hours |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1020/1020L: Fundamentals of Chemistry or CHEM 1040/1040L: College Chemistry | 4 |
| BIOL 2405: Anatomy & Physiology II for Nurses or BIOL 3210: Anatomy & Physiology | 4 |
| BIOL 2400: Anatomy & Physiology I for Nurses or BIOL 3200: Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 2410: Intro to Microbiology for Nurses or BIOL 3400: Microbiology | 4 |
| PSY 2010: General Psychology | 3 |
| NURS 3630: Pathophysiology | 3 |
| FCS 3230: Lifespan Human Development | 3 |
| ENG 1110: Intro to University Writing & Research | 3 |
| FCS 3310: Nutrition | 3 |
| SOC 2030: General Sociology | 3 |
| MATH 1200: Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 37 |
Applicants must meet all required nursing prerequisites as well as Harding University Liberal Arts Program requirements. Each student is individually evaluated and notified of additional course requirements.
A prior bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution will waive specific Liberal Arts Program requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions
What are ABSN Prerequisites?
Prerequisites are courses that applicants must complete before starting the ABSN program. Because of the program’s accelerated format, students begin advanced nursing and science courses as early as the first semester, requiring them to already possess the foundation needed to excel.
Can I apply to the ABSN program while completing prerequisites?
Yes, you can apply while still completing prerequisites. Known as conditional admission, qualified applicants may progress through the application process while still completing coursework, provided all remaining courses will be completed by the required deadline before the program starts. Your admissions counselor will help you create a plan to complete prerequisites on time.
What happens after I complete my ABSN prerequisites?
Your admissions counselor will walk you through the remaining steps after completing prerequisites, as each student’s admissions journey is different. They will provide you with the available testing dates for the HESI A2 Admissions Exam and instructions on how to register. They will also guide you through completing clinical compliance requirements, which include immunizations, a background check, drug screen, CPR and other required documentation.
Our goal is to ensure you know what to expect and feel supported from the time you apply to your last day of nursing school.
Do ABSN prerequisite courses expire?
While non-science prerequisites do not have an expiration date, science courses do, such as Anatomy and Physiology, which expires after five years. This is to help ensure students enter the program with the most up-to-date knowledge base as possible; however, some applicants with health care experience may be able to appeal older science coursework to the College of Nursing for review.
Because everyone’s academic history is unique, it’s best to start speaking to an admissions counselor as early as possible to review transcripts and explore options.
Can I complete prerequisite courses online?
Many prerequisite courses are offered online through Harding Online. Applicants may also complete coursework at other accredited institutions, pending approval. Your admissions counselor will discuss approved options and help you determine which format best fits your schedule.

For More Information
Request information to learn more about the ABSN prerequisite courses.