13 Nursing Schools Without Entrance Exams in 2026 | No TEAS or HESI Required

Entrance exams like the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) and the HESI (Health Education Systems Incorporated) have long been gatekeepers for aspiring nursing students. While many schools still require them, a growing number of accredited nursing programs now admit students without standardized testing barriers.

These no-exam pathways are opening doors for students who are strong academically but may not test well. Or who simply want to focus on prerequisites, GPA, and hands-on preparation.

At Go-Elective, we know that every aspiring nurse’s journey is different. Our global internships in Kenya and Tanzania offer valuable clinical exposure that complements traditional nursing education—helping you strengthen your readiness for programs like the ones on this list.

13 Nursing Schools Without Entrance Exams

Below are 13 accredited nursing programs in the U.S. that do not require TEAS or HESI exams for admission.

1. California State University, Fullerton

• Tuition: $3,539 per semester
• Programs: Traditional BSN (4–5 years), Accelerated BSN (2 years)

CSU Fullerton emphasizes individualized learning and clinical preparedness, admitting students based on GPA, prerequisites, and application quality—without TEAS or HESI.

2. Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)

• Tuition: $418 per credit
• Programs: BSN (3 years), Accelerated BSN (15 months), Online BSN (flexible)

A leader in nursing research and community engagement, OHSU admits students without entrance exams and integrates research projects into its curriculum.

3. Western Governors University (WGU)

• Tuition: $4,685 (flat-rate, per term)
• Programs: RN-to-BSN (online), Prelicensure BSN

WGU is known for its flexible online structure and one-on-one mentorship. Students progress by demonstrating competencies rather than passing an entrance exam.

4. Drexel University

• Tuition: $14,572 per term
• Program: Accelerated BSN (11 months)

Drexel offers paid cooperative education opportunities and global nursing programs—no TEAS or HESI required.

5. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

• Tuition: $22,937 (in-state); $81,803 (out-of-state)
• Programs: BSN (4 years), Accelerated BSN (2 years)

UNC is highly ranked and emphasizes leadership in nursing practice. Admissions are based on academics and prerequisites, not standardized tests.

6. West Chester University

• Tuition: $7,716 per year
• Programs: BSN (4 years), Accelerated BSN (18 months)

WCU is competitive, but does not require TEAS. Admission is based on GPA and prerequisite coursework.

7. Northern Illinois University (NIU)

• Tuition: $5,075 per semester
• Program: BSN (4–5 years)

NIU emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and boasts strong NCLEX pass rates. No TEAS or HESI required.

8. University of South Florida (USF)

• Tuition: $105 per credit
• Programs: BSN (4–5 years), Accelerated BSN (16 months), Veteran-to-BSN (V-CARE)

Multiple pathways, including accelerated options, make USF accessible to students without standardized testing.

9. Lee University

• Tuition: $915 per credit hour
• Programs: BSN (4 years), RN-to-BSN

A private Christian university in Tennessee offering flexible BSN tracks without entrance exam requirements.

10. University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Tuition: $9,889 (in-state); $22,204 (out-of-state)
• Programs: BSN, MSN, and post-master’s certificate

Students complete hands-on training in varied healthcare environments. TEAS is not required.

11. George Washington University (GWU)

• Tuition: $82,400 (entire BSN)
• Programs: Accelerated BSN, RN-to-BSN, Veteran BSN

GWU recognizes military training for its veteran pathway and allows flexible online or hybrid study.

12. Florida State University College of Nursing

• Tuition: $3,449 (in-state); $11,538 (out-of-state)
• Program: BSN (15–16 months)

Students rotate through hospitals, clinics, and community health placements—no TEAS or HESI required.

13. Leighton School of Nursing (Marian University)

• Tuition: $39,100
• Programs: BSN (3 years), Accelerated BSN (15 months)

Known for high-impact clinical rotations and simulation training in Indianapolis.

FAQs: Nursing Schools Without Entrance Exams

#1. Are nursing schools without entrance exams lower quality?

No. Many are fully accredited by the CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education) and offer strong clinical preparation. They simply use GPA, prerequisites, and essays rather than standardized tests.

#2. What nursing schools in Florida don’t require TEAS?

Universities like USF, Florida Atlantic, FSU, and several state colleges admit students without TEAS, focusing instead on GPA and prerequisite completion.

#3. Is it harder to get into schools without exams?

Not necessarily. These schools can still be competitive, but they emphasize holistic review instead of standardized test scores.

Final Thoughts

Nursing schools without entrance exams are an excellent option if you want to avoid the stress and cost of the TEAS or HESI while still pursuing a rigorous education. Remember to evaluate each program’s NCLEX pass rate, faculty support, and clinical opportunities when choosing.

Pairing these pathways with practical healthcare experience, like Go Elective’s nursing internships abroad, can also give you an admissions edge and prepare you for the realities of patient care.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Dec 15, 2025