11 Nursing Schools That Don't Require TEAS or HESI

For many nursing applicants, entrance exams like the TEAS or HESI become the biggest barrier to applying. Some people test poorly even though they do well in class. Others have been out of school for years and don't want to relearn test strategies just to submit an application. And some simply want admissions decisions based on coursework, not one timed exam.

If that's you, the goal is not "no standards." It's finding programs where TEAS or HESI is not the main gatekeeper. Some schools skip those exams entirely. Others place more weight on prerequisites and GPA. A few use different screening tools, which is worth knowing before you plan your timeline.

This guide highlights U.S. nursing schools applicants often compare when they want to avoid TEAS or HESI. It also explains what these programs tend to look at instead, so you can filter options faster and apply with fewer surprises.

People often search for "nursing school with no entrance exam" when they're trying to avoid standardized tests like the TEAS or HESI. In most cases, these programs still review prerequisites and GPA instead of using a separate entrance exam.

Quick Summary: Nursing Schools Without TEAS or HESI

• California State University, Fullerton  
• Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing  
• Drexel University  
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill  
• West Chester University  
• Northern Illinois University  
• The University of South Florida  
• Lee University  
• Western Governors University  
• The University of Arkansas at Little Rock  
• George Washington University  

Admissions rules can change and vary by pathway, so confirm requirements on the nursing department page for your specific track.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for nursing applicants who want to apply without taking the TEAS or HESI. It's useful if you test poorly, you've been out of school for a while, or you're trying to avoid spending weeks on exam prep just to submit an application.

It's also helpful if you're comparing traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, and freshman-entry pathways and want a clearer picture of what schools look at instead. You'll see where prerequisites and GPA matter most, and what to double-check so you don't waste a semester on the wrong requirements.

What Is the Nursing School Entrance Exam Called?

When people talk about a nursing school entrance exam, they usually mean the TEAS or HESI A2. These exams test reading comprehension, math, basic science, and English usage. Schools use them to compare applicants from different academic backgrounds.

Not every nursing program relies on these tests. Some schools use other exams. Others skip entrance testing and focus on prerequisite grades instead.

Nursing Schools With No Entrance Exam: What That Really Means

"No entrance exam" does not usually mean no requirements. Many nursing schools without TEAS or HESI rely on prerequisite GPA, science coursework, or a secondary nursing application instead of a standardized entrance exam. Some pathways may still include another assessment or internal review step, which is why requirements vary by program.

What Is the Difference Between TEAS and HESI?

TEAS and HESI A2 cover similar subjects, but schools choose one or the other based on internal admissions preferences. Neither exam guarantees success in nursing school, and neither measures clinical performance.

Applicants trying to avoid entrance exams should focus on programs where coursework and GPA play a larger role than test scores.

Are the TEAS and HESI Exams Hard?

They can feel difficult for practical reasons. Many applicants struggle with time limits, math sections without calculators, or science content they haven't seen in years. Test anxiety also plays a role.

Programs that don't require TEAS or HESI remove that hurdle, but they usually expect stronger prerequisite grades in return.

Do All Nursing Schools Require TEAS or HESI?

No. Many programs do not. Some admit students into the university first and require a separate nursing application later. Others rely on GPA thresholds or prerequisite performance instead of entrance exams.

The key point is that "no TEAS or HESI" does not mean "no standards.” It means readiness is measured differently.

What Replaces TEAS or HESI in Exam-Free Programs?

When entrance exams aren't required, schools often look more closely at:

• Anatomy and physiology grades
• Microbiology grades
• Overall prerequisite GPA
• Course completion timelines
• Internal nursing applications or progression rules

In these programs, your transcript often carries more weight than a test score.

Can You Attend Nursing School Online Without TEAS or HESI?

Prelicensure nursing programs cannot be completed fully online. Skills labs and clinical rotations must be completed in person. Some programs offer online coursework paired with local clinical placements.

Fully online nursing programs are more common for licensed nurses completing RN-to-BSN degrees.

How These Programs Were Selected

This guide follows allnurses' editorial standards, with a focus on accuracy, sourcing, and regular updates. Program information comes from publicly available admissions materials, with attention to whether TEAS or HESI is required and what each program uses instead.

The list is designed to make admissions requirements easy to compare, since testing policies and pathway rules can change by track and application cycle. Before you apply, confirm current requirements directly with the nursing department for the specific pathway you plan to pursue.

How to Use This List

Start by matching each school to your situation, such as traditional BSN, accelerated BSN, freshman entry, or online prelicensure. Then use the "Key details" section to quickly see whether TEAS or HESI is required and what the program focuses on instead, like science prerequisites, GPA, or progression rules.

Once you have a short list, go straight to the nursing department admissions page for each track you're considering. Requirements can change by pathway and cycle, so confirm testing rules, prerequisite deadlines, and any required steps before you plan courses or pay for exam prep.

Most schools included here offer BSN programs, so requirements can vary by pathway, such as traditional, accelerated, or freshman-entry routes.

Nursing Schools That Don't Require TEAS or HESI

1. California State University, Fullerton

Location: California

California State University, Fullerton does not require TEAS or HESI for its Traditional BSN and UDT BSN pathways. Admissions decisions focus on academic performance, with strong weight placed on prerequisite completion and GPA, particularly in science courses. Requirements can vary by pathway, so applicants should confirm the checklist for the specific track they plan to apply to.

Key details:

• Program type: BSN
• TEAS/HESI: Not required for Traditional and UDT BSN pathways
• Admissions focus: Prerequisites and GPA
• Format: In person

2. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Nursing

Location: Oregon

OHSU uses an admissions approach that does not center on TEAS or HESI for its undergraduate nursing programs. Academic performance, prerequisite coursework, and the overall application carry more weight than standardized testing. Students can apply to multiple campus locations, which affects clinical placement and scheduling.

This option appeals to applicants who want admissions decisions based on long-term preparation.

Key details:

• Program type: Undergraduate nursing programs
• TEAS/HESI: Not required
• Admissions focus: GPA, prerequisites, holistic review
• Format: In person, multiple campuses

3. Drexel University

Location: Pennsylvania

Drexel's Accelerated Career Entry (ACE) BSN is built for applicants who already have a bachelor's degree and want a fast-track nursing route. Drexel focuses on admissions requirements for the ACE option rather than positioning TEAS or HESI as a required step. 

Key details:

• Program type: Accelerated BSN (ACE)
• TEAS/HESI: Not listed as a required submission on the ACE admissions pages
• Admissions focus: Prior degree and program-specific requirements
• Format: In person

Accelerated tracks move quickly, so it's smart to compare timelines and prerequisites across ABSN programs before you commit.

4. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Location: North Carolina

UNC's BSN admissions content emphasizes prerequisite completion rules, including required science courses and timing, rather than entrance exam submissions like TEAS or HESI. If you're applying here, the biggest lever is strong performance in prerequisites and meeting eligibility requirements by the deadline.

Key details:

• Program type: BSN
• TEAS/HESI: Not listed as a required part of the BSN prerequisites and eligibility requirements
• Admissions focus: Science prerequisites and prerequisite completion timelines
• Format: In person

5. West Chester University

Location: Pennsylvania

West Chester's BSN program information highlights undergraduate nursing options and program structure without listing TEAS or HESI as required entrance exam submissions on its undergraduate program overview pages. As always, track requirements can differ, so confirm the admissions checklist for the specific pathway you're applying to.

Key details:

• Program type: BSN
• TEAS/HESI: Not listed as required on the undergraduate program overview pages
• Admissions focus: Program requirements and pathway-specific criteria
• Format: In person

6. Northern Illinois University

Location: Illinois 

NIU's BSN program materials focus on degree requirements, prerequisites, and student planning. In the School of Nursing's BSN FAQ, the emphasis is on prerequisites and advising rather than TEAS or HESI submissions as an admissions requirement. If you're targeting NIU, prioritize prerequisite completion and confirm the current application checklist for your entry route.

Key details:

• Program type: BSN
• TEAS/HESI: Not listed as a required submission in the BSN FAQ
• Admissions focus: Prerequisites and degree planning
• Format: In person

7. The University of South Florida

Location: Florida

USF's Freshman Nursing Pathway is a direct-entry route that starts with applying to the university and meeting pathway-specific criteria. The published admissions details emphasize freshman admissions factors like high school GPA and SAT/ACT rather than positioning TEAS or HESI as a requirement for entry into the pathway.

Key details:

• Program type: Freshman Nursing Pathway
• TEAS/HESI: Not listed on the Freshman Nursing Pathway admissions details pages
• Admissions focus: Freshman admission criteria and pathway progression requirements
• Format: In person

8. Lee University

Location: Tennessee

Lee University requires a separate School of Nursing application packet, and admission to the university does not automatically mean admission to the nursing major. In Lee University's BSN admission policies document, the ATI TEAS score is described as not required, but it may be submitted and could strengthen an application.

Key details:

• Program type: BSN
• TEAS/HESI: TEAS not required (optional submission may strengthen application)
• Admissions focus: Separate nursing application packet and review
• Format: In person

9. Western Governors University

Location: Online

Western Governors University does not use TEAS or HESI for its prelicensure BSN admissions. Instead, WGU includes a separate entrance assessment as part of its evaluation process, along with academic eligibility. WGU can make sense if you want an online-first structure and you're comfortable with an entrance assessment, but it won't help if your goal is to avoid admissions testing entirely.

Key details:

• Program type: Prelicensure BSN
• TEAS/HESI: Not required
• Admissions focus: Weighted evaluation using academics and assessment results
• Format: Online coursework with required in-person clinicals

10. The University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Location: Arkansas

UA Little Rock's Testing Services notes that UA Little Rock Nursing does not require an entrance exam except for specific transition situations (example: certain LPN/paramedic transition cases). This is a good example of why applicants should confirm requirements by pathway, especially if they're entering through a transition option.

Key details:

• Program type: Nursing pathways (varies)
• TEAS/HESI: Entrance exam generally not required, with specific exceptions noted
• Admissions focus: Pathway-specific requirements
• Format: In person

11. George Washington University

Location: Washington, DC

GW's nursing FAQ states it does not require nursing entrance exam scores such as TEAS or HESI for admission. The same FAQ also describes how GW calculates GPAs (overall and prerequisite), which signals what matters most when test scores are not part of the process.

Key details:

• Program type: BSN
• TEAS/HESI: Not required
• Admissions focus: Overall and prerequisite GPA review
• Format: In person

Before You Apply

Skipping TEAS or HESI can save time, but it changes what matters in your application. In many exam-free pathways, science prerequisites and GPA carry more weight, and missing a deadline can push you back a full cycle. Use the list to narrow options, then confirm the exact track requirements on the nursing department site before you register for classes or buy test prep.

If you want a faster entry point into nursing while you build toward RN licensure, you can also compare LPN programs.