Boston Nursing School Transfer

[palmiracm24]

Hi! It's my first time posting here. I am currently getting my AAS in nursing and I am on track to graduate in June of 2013...that was until my husband was transferred to a job in Boston. We will be moving this summer. I have a 3.6 GPA, and 166 credits (I am a dissertation defense shy of having my degree in Math Education). I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on transferring into nursing schools in the Boston area. I would like to find A) An AAS nursing program that will accept me as a transfer student into the last year of the program or B) a BSN program that I could transfer into as a junior. Does anyone know if this is possible, the best route to coming into Boston as a nursing transfer student, or alternative routes? Thank you.

[SailorVee93, ASN, RN]

I really don't know about you being able to transfer as a junior to any BSN programs here in Massachusetts. From what I know and have heard, its not very likely that it can happen as not many schools will accept nursing credits from other institutions which basically leaves you to possibly start over. At best you would be a second semester sophomore (UMass Boston does that, but their deadline was Nov. 1st for Spring 2012). I also think it goes the same way for ASN/ADN programs. You might be better off getting your associate's and then going for an RN-BSN program. Look into state schools and see what they have to offer as their programs are highly regarded and you can't really go wrong with them.

Again, the information I've given to you is based off of what I have heard and read so please forgive me if any of it is incorrect. I wish you the best of luck on your search and hope that you can get some better answers :)

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Without calling around to schools and finding out, all we can do is speculate. I would try making a few phone calls to admission offices and see what they say.

I would be surprised if you could transfer into a AAS or BSN program without being set back at all. I would wager that the curriculum for an AAS in Math Ed is considerably different from that of a AAS/BSN Nursing program. You may be able to get credit for some distribution classes, but I would expect that you'll be starting as a second semester freshmen or first semester sophomore.

Are you planning on working in the Boston area in the long term? If so, look for a BSN program (even if it means losing a year). There also may be options if you can finish your AAS degree before coming out here. I am not familiar with AAS to BSN bridge programs, but they may exist.

Again, just my two cents. I'd get on the phone and advocate for yourself.