Do nursing courses transfer over to college credit

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2017

Nursing credits typically are not transferrable. Any RN or BSN program is going to require that you complete all of your nursing curriculum through their school. With your LPN license, you are eligible for LPN-to-RN bridge programs, and from there you could continue on to an RN-to-BSN program. There are also some LPN-to-BSN programs emerging, but due to the scope of practice differences for RNs vs LPNs, you'll probably have to do some clinical hours, which means you'd have to find a program close to you.

In terms of the non-nursing credits you obtained prior to the LPN program, each school would evaluate those on a case-by-case basis. You didn't specify what courses you have completed but it's possible that you may have enough for a non-nursing associates degree, or perhaps a bachelors after a few more. Keep in mind though, that pursuing a degree you don't plan on using isn't really that helpful to you at this point, if you're trying to avoid more debt.

Jbutery · Apr 23, 2017

I have courses that range from general ed, to astronomy, law (15 credits), social work and several art. I had no idea what I wanted to do so I tried it all. I had originally thought I could transfer over to an online school who would transfer my credits and nursing program and work towards a BS in HealthCare Administration but I realized jobs are scarce in Mid MO and honestly the pay isn't that great and holy cow are they courses expensive.

Fortunately we do have an LPN-BSN in our area that just started. I know I need my Bachelors if I stay in nursing because many of our larger well paying facilities are transitioning over to BSN by 2020. I guess I know what I need to do I just wish I would of thought it out earlier.

It goes to show you that college right out of high school isn't the best idea for all. Thank you for your help!

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Apr 23, 2017

It goes to show you that college right out of high school isn't the best idea for all. Thank you for your help!

I can certainly agree with that.

I'm sure it seems like a shame for those classes to go to wasteâ€. I can't really think of a single degree that would encompass all of them, though. And not one you'd really get use out of in the nursing profession. Maybe someone will respond who has better ideas than I do. But, I bet the knowledge you picked up in those classes will make you seem very well-educated in future conversations!

Scottishtape · Apr 23, 2017

I did my LPN at a community college and all of the credits transferred to both my local community college down here, as well as university when I went on for my bachelors. Most of them were used as my "electives", but a few they let me have as straight out credits for my degrees I was seeking.

They used my nutrition, developmental psychology, lifespan, and A&P for my AA.

It was nice because it cut out a TON of time for my AA (and then my BS), but there's also a downside: financial aid.

Because I had so many credits from my LPN program (68 or so), they counted toward SAP. I was unable to get student loans for my AA because of that. Luckily, I had my husbands Post 9/11 GI Bill to fund that.

I was able to get student loans for my BS, but I had to be really careful about my credits.

Baby1209 · May 9, 2017

I did my LPN at a private school and none of my credit transferred over. It counted towards my overall gpa and that's it.

Just got into a LVN to RN bridge program and we are placed into the 3rd semester (only 4 semesters total in the program), which helps, but none of the classes tranferred. Not even nutrition, which I am taking this summer as part of the Board of Nursing requirements.