Regional accreditation and transferring credits...?

[LilaDavis]

Hi,

I've just become aware of what 'accreditation' means (lol) and that there are different accrediting bodies depending on region.

I'm hoping to get into a particular nursing program that falls under the MSA (Middle States Accreditation). They've said they'll accept pre-reqs from "a regionally accredited university."

Does this mean that for example, a school that is accredited elsewhere in the country would be acceptable? Or do schools normally only accept transfer credits from within the same regional body? If that makes sense.

Thanks =)

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

If you are transferring credits from ANY of the regional accrediting agencies (I think there are five)- you are fine. That's why it's worded 'a regionally accredited college' and does not specify just one.

However, just because the credits are transferable, does not mean they will automatically applied to a degree in the accepting university. For example, my daughter works in commercial aviation and has many aviation specific credits on her transcript. NONE of those applied to her subsequent business degree- even as electives.

I hope this answers your question. And good on you for bothering to find out about the critical importance of accreditation! So many do not and it can end badly, as in the case of ITT Tech.