Age of transfer credit

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Hi All,

I took biology and chemistry classes 17 to 20 years ago, and I would like to transfer them toward a program awarding an associates level RN. Does anyone know of an accredited program that allows for such transfers? I think I just need a few more classes if the prior credits do count.

I do prefer an online program that is applicable in Tennessee.

However, if an online program does not exist, does anyone know of an RN program allowing transfer credits from @ 20 years ago in the West Tennessee area?

I do have a Master's in Social Work and a Clinical Doctorate in Social Work; I wonder if any of that schooling will bolster my application (speed up my completion date).

I appreciate your help!

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Almost no nursing program will accept science credits over 5 years old. The other general education courses may transfer.

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Yes, most nursing schools won't accept sciences more than 5 years old. Imagine how much has changed since 15-20 years ago.

You will be hard pressed to find a nursing school that is online, mainly because of the clinical and lab (skills) requirements.

For the most part, no, your previous degrees won't bear any weight. Nursing schools mostly look at GPA and entrance exams, while some add on community work, might require CNA training, or conduct interviews.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

As has been said, much has changed in the last 15-20 years, even in the area of sciences. It is not realistic to expect that any of your previous credits will transfer. Nor should you "hope" that they will. You don't want to go into your Fundamentals of Nursing classes or Pharmacology classes totally unprepared, do you?

As to "an online program that is applicable in Tennessee," there are a couple of issues there. If an online program is accredited, it is accredited nationally. NCLEX-RN is a national exam, not a state exam.

In addition, if you are looking for a program that is totally online, you will not find it. In-person clinicals are mandatory, as they should be. Spare me, please, from a totally online-educated RN.

I get the feeling that you're hoping to find a quick & dirty path to a career change. If that is the case, nursing is not the route to take.

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Almost no nursing program will accept science credits over 5 years old. The other general education courses may transfer.

My program took my chemistry and had I had the right a & p would have accepted that as well. My chemistry was 20 years old. It was from the same school so maybe that made a difference??

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to our Pre-Nursing Student forum.

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

Very few schools will accept science credits more than 5-7 years old. Though some may allow you to challenge science course work if you have a strong background in the sciences (i.e. BS in Biology - you may be able to challenge in the Intro to Bio course that is the pre-req for other sciences). Non-science credits will likely transfer with out issues. (English, Psych, etc)

You want to look for a regionally or nationally accredited nursing program in your area and then figure out what pre-reqs you need to complete in order to apply. You will NOT find 100% online nursing coursework. Though some community colleges and trade schools offer part-time evening/weekend course work or hybrid programs (online lecture, in-person clinical and lab work) to accommodate working students. You may be able to take many of your pre-req courses online or hybrid-course format before you start the nursing program.

Some programs give credit for a prior degree, others do not. Most of the community colleges in my area don't care - pre-req GPA and HESI/TEAS score are all that matter. The BSN programs will look at prior degrees and give you a few extra points in the process for having them.

Having a prior degree would allow you to complete an accelerated bachelor's in nursing or a direct-entry masters in nursing program if you are so inclined. These programs are very intensive and will require in-person attendance. The main benefit of the ABSN is getting through the bachelor's level nursing curriculum in ~16 months time as opposed to 2-3 years it might otherwise take. Direct-entry masters offers no real benefit unless becoming an advanced practice nurse is your goal, in which case some will stream-line the process.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

There are a few second degree BSN programs that have online coursework with in-person clinicals in your home community, such as UWOSH: Accelerated BSN (Accel) Option - College of Nursing

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Specializes in Nephrology Home Therapies, Wound Care, Foot Care..

My anatomy, bio, and Chem were 30+ years old. It was no problem, I'm going into my 3rd semester with As in my program. But online RN school? Yikes! How do you learn what it feels like to palpate for the valve on a vein or know if you're feeling bladder or belly, or what station 2 feels like during birth. I can't imagine not actually attending skills labs. But that's just me. Anyway, ask schools if they have recency requirements for any classes. Transfer shouldn't be a problem as long as they can verify class content width previous school.

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Specializes in PACU.

I did my LPN over 20 years ago. I too hoped that some of my credits would transfer. The university would only give me credits for them as electives (74 elective credits, nice huh?)

I went from department to department and finally had 12 credits count towards my Associates of Science (English, Psych, Geology, Art) and had to redo everything else. I knocked them out in three semesters (did summer session). And then applied to nursing school where I was allowed to enter in the second year of the program (they took all of my practical nursing credits towards the first year).

I am so glad I retook A&P, patho and microbiology. (I really could've lived without the political science, math and such). We only remember the items that we use day in and day out. So even after working as a nurse for that long, I needed these classes again in order to be successful.

Good Luck to you!!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

My Biology degree was earned in 1995. I was able to transfer everything. Here in NC, I think they have changed to (mostly) a 10 year window.

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I truly appreciate everyone's responses. You all have provided incredibly thoughtful and insightful guidance.

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