Individual Graduate Nursing Classes?

mom2cka · Feb 11, 2011

css.edu - you can be a non-degree seeking student; maybe the patho requirement? Very good stuff, no papers, just lectures & quizzes

Moogie · Feb 16, 2011

Many programs allow students to take graduate level courses before they're formally admitted to a program. Most schools permit non-degree seeking students to take only certain classes such as nursing theory, health care policy and finance, and pathophysiology. Just make sure ahead of time that the courses you take will transfer to the school to which you plan to apply. Transferring graduate credits can be a pain. Sometimes the credits may not be the same in one school as another (e.g., a two-credit theory course won't transfer if the school you want to attend has a three-credit theory course) and some instructors and/or institutions are picky about what they will accept in transfer. Most schools have a limit of transfer credits that they will accept---I think in many schools that limit is 9 credits.

Also be aware that you will not be eligible for financial aid if you take courses as a non-degree seeking student. But otherwise, it's a great idea to help you get your feet wet and to shave off a few credits when you are going for a degree. Many brick-and-mortar schools offer online graduate courses as well as reduced tuition even if you're out of state.

BTW, I strongly advise that you don't take research from a school other than the one from which you want to get your degree. In most schools, you start working on your thesis or master's project in your research class and you may have difficulty transferring that particular class. Even if you can transfer it, you might find that you're at a disadvantage because you aren't used to the way your school handles nursing research. If your program requires statistics, you might want to get that bad boy out of the way.