Which Courses can be Transferred to an RN to BSN/MSN Bridge Program?

To make sure the nurses get their higher degree as simply as possible, schools come up with RN to BSN and RN to MSN bridge programs.

But, each school has the autonomy to set the requirements and specific transfer terms.

It is why it is important to determine the correct time frame in which you can transfer the course.

For example, some schools have set the number of years in which the course transfer is acceptable.

Also, students need to be aware of the number of transferable credits that BSN/MSN programs allow.

The maximum number of transferable credits varies across the schools, as well as the credit acceptance requirements.

Table of Contents

1 General Education Courses
2 Nursing Programs
3 Clinical Experience
4 Things to Have in Mind about Course Transfer

General Education Courses

General education courses, considered as a prerequisite, are very often transferable.

Those can include English, math, statistics, microbiology, chemistry, physiology, and anatomy.

Community colleges are very open about the classes which you can transfer to the universities.

For example, students with an ADN should be able to find out easily which courses they can transfer to the university.

Students who have completed a diploma RN program, may contact their former school and get a copy of their official transcripts.

The next step for them is to contact the school of their choice and adviser on the BSN/MSN program to find out more information on which classes can be transferred.

Nursing Programs

Conveniently, nursing courses don’t have to be repeated from the beginning.

Both ADN and diploma RN programs have a comprehensive curriculum that trains nurses.

Because the curriculums follow national educational standards in nursing care, they include the care of adults, children, newborn, psychiatric patients, etc.

It is why the majority of schools will allow the transfer of primary nursing courses.

Therefore, BSN students can only take specific courses, such as informatics, leadership, management in the nursing field, etc.

Nurses who want to complete an MSN program through an RN to MSN bridge program have similar pathways.

The schools will accept the nursing courses, and they can focus on completing the BSN curriculum and continue with additional courses required for the MSN degree.

Clinical Experience

When it comes to clinical hours and credits requirements, schools have different policies.

Some schools count the clinical experience as transfer credits, and some don’t.

The nurses who took a long break from the school to work might find these schools very convenient.

Luckily, nurses who work are obliged to take continuing education and are up-to-date with the latest medical trends.

Students who want to complete a higher degree program and who have been working for a while should contact the school of their choice to find out what the policy about clinical experience and credits is.

Things to Have in Mind about Course Transfer

Before you start the application process for any program, you should make sure that a program is accredited through official institutions.

The accredited programs ensure better job opportunities in the future.

Also, in some states, only nurses who finish officially accredited programs can get their license.

To prevent repeating the course and ensure the best possible education and possibilities, always check the accreditation.

If you have to repeat the course, try to find the appropriate and accredited course at a community college, or online.

Choosing an online course can reduce costs.

Again, before you repeat the course, make sure to check with the RN/BSN program adviser if the course is transferable.

For example, if you need to repeat the statistic course for your BSN program, there are plenty of these course at community colleges which are transferable to the majority of universities.