Why cant I transfer from one nursing program into another?

Nursing Students Student Assist Nursing Q/A

Im currently enrolled in a nursing program, but I do not like the college I currently attend. I would like to transfer into another 4yr nursing program at another college, but every potential school I've called has said the same thing: If I want to attend their school as a nursing major I would have to start over as a freshmen in their program, even as a transfer student. This completely cancels out all of my nursing credits that I've already earned at my current institution (im in my 2nd year in the nursing program). Does anyone know why I have to start over as a freshmen in the new schools nursing program instead of just continuing on as a sophomore?

14 Answers

Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.
Chris- said:
Doesn't everyone take the same N-clex tho...

Yes, everyone takes the same NCLEX. However, all schools maintain record of their graduates' NCLEX pass rate as well as number of students who fail out of the program. Accreditation of the nursing program is in part linked to these statistics. When a school accepts nursing credits from another program, they cannot verify the quality of the education that was received. Therefore, a poorly prepared student may transfer into the new nursing school and fail the program or fail the NCLEX. Both of these things reflect poorly on the new school. Most decent nursing programs simply aren't willing to take that risk.

First of hello, well the reason why you can't transfer as a junior is simple another school is not going to take credit for a nursing education from another instition for the sample fact every school has they're own expectations and they can't be sure that the school you graduated from has the same standards therefore they can't take credit or take a risk since you'll be dealing with people's live and they also have to maintain their own accreditation and licensing to protect

Although there are basic state guidelines for nursing programs, you'll find that the actual curriculum varies widely between programs. Clinical time, pre-req requirements, general ed classes, and nursing classes may all be handled differently. Throw in the fact that some are on quarters and some are on semesters, and it gets even more confusing. A good school will make an effort to assess your previously attained credits, but typically if you switch you will end up with some duplications...it's just the way it goes.

Specializes in Emergency.
Although there are basic state guidelines for nursing programs, you'll find that the actual curriculum varies widely between programs. Clinical time, pre-req requirements, general ed classes, and nursing classes may all be handled differently. Throw in the fact that some are on quarters and some are on semesters, and it gets even more confusing. A good school will make an effort to assess your previously attained credits, but typically if you switch you will end up with some duplications...it's just the way it goes.

I can't agree more. Our CC actually accepts students as transfers from other CC's, but only after obtaining Class Syllabus's etc. and thoroughly reviewing their content to make sure classes are compatible. Though, at the end of the day, if they don't deem that classes share the same goals then the student has to start at square one.

It's do-able, just a lot of hoops and hurdles.

Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
It's do-able, just a lot of hoops and hurdles.

And when a CC's nursing administration and admissions office is flooded with applicatants, they probably feel as if they are already doing enough hoops and hurdles.

you will not be able to transfer from a 4 year nursing program to another 4 year nursing program without losing at least one year, but you will be able to transfer to a 2 year ADN program, hold onto your liberal arts and other class credits and then go back for your Bachelor's once you've gotten your RN. At that point your classes will be transferable.

The curriculum varies from school to school. They're designed so that the classes in semester I lays the foundation for the classes in semester II. So it's like you're leveling up from semester to semester, or laying bricks on top of one another and building yourself up, all the way to graduation. Each brick relies on the brick beneath it, and you can't move forward unless you pass the class. With this in mind, schools don't let you transfer in and out of other schools because they don't know what the curriculum of the other school involves, which might compromise their own standards. Sometimes classes are structured differently or are taught in different order. They'd rather make you start over and adhere to their standards than take a gamble and let you jump in the middle.

I'm in the same boat. I was one full year into an associate degree program when my husband got transferred to another state. Nobody in the new place would accept my nursing classes, even though I was a staight "A" student. This fall I'm starting over, this time in a BSN program.

I'm looking on the bright side...I won't have to work quite so hard during the first year, I'll be awesome at clinicals when everyone else is still nervous, I'll totally understand care plans and will be able to knock the out much quicker.

I was sad to see my class graduate without me, but what could I do? I accept the events in my life and move forward.

I am wondering if I should accept my schools offer to go into the BSN Fall 2015 nursing program, or should I wait. I know my husband will be transferred to another state in the year 2016 (military) so that will have given me a year of nursing courses. You said that it was beneficial to have already taken nursing classes/clinicals, but now that it has been three years, would you still recommend the same advice? TIA!

@ravensroost

Hey! I know this is an old post, but I figure it wouldn't hurt to comment on it! I am wondering if I should accept my schools offer to go into the BSN Fall 2015 nursing program, or should I wait. I know my husband will be transferred to another state in the year 2016 (military) so that will have given me a year of nursing courses. You said that it was beneficial to have already taken nursing classes/clinicals, but now that it has been three years, would you still recommend the same advice? TIA!

Doesn't everyone take the same N-clex tho...

I just read 3 nursing handbooks for ADN programs so are you saying non of them aren't decent nursing programs?

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