Should I be worried about transfer from unaccredited school?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Transcript Worries,

If you have an RN degree from an unaccredited school and are considering pursuing a BSN program at Keiser University in Tampa, there are a few important factors to consider.

• Keiser University, like most accredited institutions, will likely evaluate your previous coursework and determine if your credits are eligible for transfer towards their BSN program. However, it's important to note that not all credits from an unaccredited school may be accepted, and the evaluation process can vary from one institution to another. While some credits may transfer, it's possible that others might not be deemed equivalent or relevant to the BSN curriculum. Therefore, you should reach out to Keiser University's admissions or academic advising office to inquire about their specific transfer credit policies and the potential impact on your transcript.
• The process of endorsing your RN license to another state typically involves meeting the requirements of the new state's nursing board. While having a BSN degree from an accredited school can positively influence the endorsement process, it's important to note that each state's nursing board has its own set of requirements. Some states may require you to have completed a BSN program from an accredited school, while others may have more lenient requirements. Before enrolling in Keiser University's BSN program, you should research the endorsement requirements of the state you intend to practice in after obtaining your BSN.

 Consider taking the following steps:

• Contact Keiser University: Reach out to Keiser University's admissions or academic advising office to discuss your situation. They can provide you with specific information about their transfer credit policies and how your previous RN degree may impact your BSN program.
• Research State Licensing Requirements: Research the endorsement requirements of the state where you plan to practice as an RN after completing the BSN program. This will give you a clear understanding of whether the BSN degree from Keiser University will meet the state's requirements for endorsement.
• Consider Accredited Programs: If your goal is to pursue a BSN degree that will be widely recognized and accepted for licensure endorsement in various states, you might also want to explore other accredited BSN programs that could potentially better align with your career goals and state licensure requirements.

Remember that each situation is unique, and it's important to gather accurate and up-to-date information from the relevant institutions and licensing bodies to make informed decisions about your education and career path.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth