Undergraduate Application & Transfer 2025 Guide

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Nursing is one of the most sought-after occupations worldwide, making up 59% of professions in the health sector (World Health Organization, 2020). However, to meet global demands by 2030, there needs to be a collective effort to attract and train aspiring nurses. This begins with getting accepted into nursing undergraduate degrees or nursing transfer programs.

These serve as the foundation for a successful nursing career, providing the knowledge, skills, and clinical experiences necessary to excel in the field. However, gaining acceptance into these programs requires careful planning, preparation, and a solid understanding of the application process.

Therefore, whether you are an incoming college freshman or a transfer student seeking to become a nurse, our team can help you prepare for the next admission cycle with this comprehensive guide. We will dive into the factors to look for in undergraduate degrees and nursing transfer programs and discuss the requirements and the application process to help you secure a career as a healthcare provider.

Undergraduate Application & Transfer 2025 Guide Table of Contents

1. What to Look for in Nursing Degrees and Programs
2. How to Get into Undergraduate Degrees and Nursing Transfer Programs
3. Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Nursing Transfer Programs
4. Can Supplementary Credentials Enhance Your Nursing Application?
5. What Are the Financial Considerations of Pursuing a Nursing Degree?
6. What are the most common challenges faced during nursing program applications, and how can you overcome them?
7. How to Choose the Right Nursing Pathway for Your Goals
8. Can an Accelerated Associate’s Degree Enhance Your Nursing Application?
9. Do NCLEX Pass Rates Signal the Quality of a Nursing Program?
10. Can an Associate Degree Offer a Swift, Cost-Efficient Start in Nursing?
11. What can you expect after transferring to a nursing program?
12. Exploring Alternative Pathways to Strengthen Your Nursing Career Prospects
13. Can Advanced Degrees Accelerate Your Nursing Career?
14. Can Online Certifications Enhance Your Nursing Application?

What to Look for in Nursing Degrees and Programs

Nurses perform a variety of patient care tasks depending on their type, level of expertise, and state regulations. Throughout their education, student nurses learn how to provide these patient care techniques and effectively communicate with healthcare teams, assess and monitor patient conditions, and provide emotional support to patients and their families.

The best undergraduate degrees and nursing transfer programs equip students with the knowledge and skills to perform these. Moreover, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can also help you gain a better chance of being employed. In fact, 95% of BSN graduates in the U.S. Midwest were offered a job within four to six months after finishing college (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2022). Therefore, when choosing a BSN program,  you must keep these factors in mind:

1. Accreditation. The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits diploma, practical, bachelor’s, master’s, post-master’s certificate, and clinical doctorate programs in nursing. It ensures that the institutions offering these programs have met the standards of quality education to help students excel both in school and in the field. This is also important during employment since employers value students who have graduated from accredited programs.
2. Programs and curricula. Browsing through the program curricula can help you plan out your career pathways. This can also aid transfer students in assessing the compatibility of transferable credits. In addition, aim for programs that provide a balanced theoretical and practical experience or accelerated nurse practitioner programs that can help you fast-track your route to gaining advanced roles.
3. Financial aid and scholarships. Checking the availability of financial aid and scholarship programs in nursing schools can help reduce the cost of educational expenses. Students who are looking into nursing transfer programs can also qualify for financial aid or scholarship programs as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and coordinate with their aid advisors.
4. Fieldwork. When looking for nursing programs, do not just focus on potential earnings, such as nutrition nurse salary, but lean towards those that offer fieldwork opportunities such as practicums and internships. These will help you apply your theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Moreover, it can provide you with the opportunity to work alongside healthcare professionals, interact with patients, and witness the day-to-day realities of nursing practice.
5. Graduation rates. Most college graduation information and statistics show that a high graduation rate means that the program has a solid track record of preparing students to enter the profession. Therefore, researching the graduation rates of nursing programs from the institutions you are interested in can help you make an informed decision when considering enrollment or transfer schedules or for when are college applications due.

How to Get into Undergraduate Degrees and Nursing Transfer Programs

In this section, we provide the steps on how to get into undergraduate nursing degrees or nursing transfer programs to help you start your academic journey. Take note that while these are the general steps, each institution may have additional or specific measures regarding its application process.

1. Research Universities

The first thing to do is to look for institutions that offer comprehensive undergraduate degrees and nursing transfer programs. Aside from checking nursing private school how much per program, be sure to weigh in on the factors listed above when selecting universities. Moreover, if your plan is to attain a leadership position in the long run, considering a master’s in nursing administration early can set you on the right path.

2. Check Accreditation and Articulation Agreements

Aside from ACEN, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) also accredits nursing programs. A program that is recognized by either of the two assures students that the curriculum, faculty qualifications, and educational resources align with industry standards. In addition, students looking into nursing transfer programs must prioritize colleges that have articulation agreements with their current schools. These are formal partnerships between educational institutions that facilitate the transfer of credits from one program to another and enable a smooth transition between nursing programs.

3. Consult with Academic or Transfer Advisors

According to AACN (2023), 254,630 students were enrolled in entry-level BSN programs while 98,734 were enrolled in RN-to-BSN programs in Fall 2022. This data on college enrollment indicate that nursing is a program that continues to be popular for many students. Therefore, future college freshmen or students transferring nursing programs must schedule appointments with an academic or transfer advisor to help them navigate through the rigorous application process. These advisors provide resources, guidance, and suggestions to ensure that you are on the right track with meeting admission criteria.

4. Consider Financial Aid or Scholarships

A total of $174.4 billion was allocated for undergraduate student financial aid from 2021 to 2022 (Ma & Pender, 2022). This vast pool of funding includes various programs which can provide financial support based on your eligibility and financial need. Transfer students may need additional guidance since their financial aid will not be automatically transferred to their new schools. Apart from this, several scholarship programs, like the NurseDeck Go and Healthline and Prevention Institute Stronger Scholarship, are available to baccalaureate learners.

5. Prepare Requirements and Meet Application Deadlines

After accomplishing these, you can start collating your requirements and prepare these for submission. Incoming undergraduate students may choose to apply for early decision, early action, or regular decision to their desired schools. Meanwhile, a student who wishes to transfer to a nursing program may need to abide by the specific application deadlines set by their chosen institutions.

Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees and Nursing Transfer Programs

Registered nurses can expect a 6% job outlook within a decade, equating to about 203,000 job openings per year from 2021 to 2031 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). If you wish to be part of this growing workforce, it is important to start with complete application documents. Therefore, in this section, we list the main requirements that undergraduate students need to prepare. Just as there are pediatrician requirements for students who want to pursue this type of career, we also include specific requirements that community college, four-year university, military, or international transfer students may need for transferring nursing schools.

General Requirements

1. Application forms. Most institutions will require you to fill out application forms that ask for personal information. In most cases, you will also pay an application fee for the entire process.
2. Transcript. Before getting into undergraduate nursing degrees or nursing transfer programs, you must provide the official transcript from your previous school. This should indicate all your previous coursework, including the required courses or subjects needed to get into a nursing program.
3. GPA. Most institutions demand that students have a cumulative grade point average of around 3.0 or higher to get considered into a nursing program. Moreover, grades in individual courses or subjects, especially in science and math, must not be below C.
4. Prerequisite coursework. Apart from the official transcript, you must submit prerequisite coursework, like AP test scores, that could help in the computation of transferable credits. Moreover, students who wish to get into nursing transfer programs must submit any other coursework taken in previous universities or colleges.
5. Other requirements. Universities may ask applicants to send letters of recommendation, personal statements, and language proficiency test scores. Not all schools require students to submit these, so be sure to check the admission page on the institution’s website.

Transfer Student Admission Requirements

1. Supplemental application. Data show that the undergraduate enrollment of continuing transfer students from 2021 to 2022 had a percentage change of -7.3% or -55,300 students (Causey et al., 2023). Despite this decline, you can maximize your chances by submitting a thorough and compelling supplemental application that highlights your unique qualities and passion for nursing.
2. Dean’s and professor’s reports. Some nursing programs that accept transfer students may request an evaluation of your overall academic standing and disciplinary record and assessments of your performance in specific courses. These provide thorough insights into your potential for success in the nursing field.
3. Standardized test scores. ACT or SAT scores are sometimes needed from students before they can get into nursing transfer programs. Moreover, institutions may also demand that transfer students take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) which can help determine if you fit in BSN programs.
4. Course equivalency. The institution you are transferring to needs to evaluate the curriculum from your previous university to determine the number of credits that can be transferred. Take note that while some courses have the same name or content, credits are not always transferred since institutions have their own criteria.
5. Course level. Nursing schools that accept transfer nursing credits also look into the course level of previous universities or colleges. Lower-level courses may be accepted as transferred general electives, but this is not always the case for higher-level courses. This is because nursing schools typically have specific requirements that must be completed at their institution to ensure consistency in education.
6. Quarter vs. semester credits. Nursing programs will evaluate the equivalence of your previous coursework to ensure that the credit hours earned align with their own credit system. Apart from that, some institutions only allow students to transfer within a limited number of years. This means that if you completed certain nursing courses beyond this limit, they may not be eligible for transfer.

Appeal to Transfer Credits

Students wondering can you transfer nursing schools even if their credits are initially not accepted by the nursing program can explore the possibility of appealing the institution’s decision. This can be relevant if you are pursuing online RN to BSN programs. Each university has its own appeal procedures, but, generally, you must file the appeal as soon as possible if you wish to start classes on time.

This involves writing an appeal letter that explains your situation. Be sure to provide additional documents to support your case, like the course syllabi and descriptions and proof of completed coursework. Be sure to inform your transfer advisors throughout this process. In the event of a rejected appeal, you may look into alternative ways to get accepted, such as retaking the specific courses or pursuing credit-by-examination options.

Can Supplementary Credentials Enhance Your Nursing Application?

Supplementary credentials can distinguish your application by demonstrating specialized expertise and a commitment to continued learning. Acquiring additional training not only strengthens core competencies but also highlights your proactive approach to addressing industry demands. For example, targeted studies via online graduate certificate programs offer focused learning in emerging areas, which can improve both your academic profile and career readiness. Such credentials complement traditional coursework without duplicating information about standard admission requirements.

What Are the Financial Considerations of Pursuing a Nursing Degree?

Evaluating the financial aspects of nursing education is crucial when choosing a pathway that aligns with your career and budget. Consider not only tuition and fees but also additional costs such as exam fees, study materials, and technology expenses that may arise, especially in online programs. Analyzing these factors early on allows you to plan a sustainable financial strategy and reduce potential debt post-graduation. For those exploring cost-effective options, examining online solutions can be particularly advantageous. Investigate resources like our article How much does an associate's degree cost online? to better understand and compare the financial commitments involved.

What are the most common challenges faced during nursing program applications, and how can you overcome them?

Applying for undergraduate nursing degrees or transfer programs can be a rigorous and competitive process, often fraught with challenges. Understanding these hurdles and preparing strategies to overcome them can significantly enhance your chances of success.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Meeting GPA and Prerequisite Requirements:
  • Challenge: Many nursing programs have strict GPA and prerequisite coursework requirements, which can be challenging for students who struggle with science or math subjects.
  • Solution: Begin planning your coursework early, focusing on achieving strong grades in required subjects. Consider retaking courses if needed to improve your GPA. Seek tutoring or join study groups for challenging subjects.
• Navigating Application Deadlines:
  • Challenge: Each nursing program has unique deadlines, and missing them can delay your academic journey.
  • Solution: Create a calendar with application deadlines for each program. Set reminders well in advance to ensure timely submission of all materials.
• Limited Clinical Experience:
  • Challenge: Some programs may prioritize applicants with healthcare or volunteer experience, which can put first-time applicants at a disadvantage.
  • Solution: Seek volunteer opportunities at hospitals, clinics, or community health organizations to gain relevant experience and enhance your application.
• Securing Strong Letters of Recommendation:
  • Challenge: Obtaining meaningful and personalized recommendations can be difficult, especially if you haven’t built strong relationships with professors or supervisors.
  • Solution: Cultivate professional connections early by actively participating in class or at work. Request letters from individuals who know your strengths and can attest to your suitability for a nursing program.
• Managing Financial Constraints:
  • Challenge: The cost of application fees, transcript requests, and standardized test preparations can add up, creating financial stress.
  • Solution: Explore fee waivers offered by institutions or financial aid programs. Look for scholarships specifically available for nursing students to offset costs.
• Handling Rejections or Waitlists:
  • Challenge: Being rejected or placed on a waitlist can be disheartening and delay your educational goals.
  • Solution: Keep a positive mindset and apply to multiple programs to increase your chances. Use waitlist opportunities to enhance your application by gaining additional experience or improving academic performance.

Proactive Tips for Success

• Engage Early: Start researching nursing programs and their requirements at least a year before you plan to apply. This allows ample time to address potential gaps in your qualifications.
• Practice for Interviews: Some programs require an interview as part of the admission process. Practice answering common nursing interview questions to build confidence.
• Stay Organized: Use a checklist to ensure all application materials, such as transcripts, test scores, and essays, are completed and submitted correctly.
• Seek Guidance: Work closely with academic advisors, mentors, or professional organizations to receive tailored advice for your application journey.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Pathway for Your Goals

Selecting the most suitable nursing pathway is a crucial step in achieving long-term career success. Whether you aim to specialize in a specific area of nursing or gain administrative roles in healthcare, identifying a program that aligns with your aspirations is key. With numerous pathways available—ranging from associate degrees to bachelor’s degrees and advanced specializations—students must evaluate their goals, interests, and financial situations before committing to a program.

Start by exploring degree programs that offer flexibility and growth potential. For instance, if you are looking for expedited options to enter the workforce, you may wish to consider quick degrees that pay well. These programs not only save time but also help you gain a competitive edge early in your career. Additionally, research the clinical training opportunities that programs provide, as hands-on experience is vital for skill development.

For those aspiring to specialize in areas such as pediatrics, gerontology, or emergency care, ensure the program you choose offers electives or certifications in those specialties. Similarly, if leadership or advanced nursing roles are your end goal, look into programs that streamline pathways to a Master’s in Nursing Administration or similar advanced degrees.

Finally, think about financial sustainability. Whether you're comparing costs of private nursing schools or exploring scholarships, understanding your financial options will prevent roadblocks in your educational journey. Remember, aligning your academic choices with your professional goals increases the likelihood of a fulfilling and successful nursing career.

Can an Accelerated Associate’s Degree Enhance Your Nursing Application?

Accelerated associate’s degree programs offer a streamlined pathway that demonstrates both commitment and academic agility. Completing these programs in a condensed timeframe can signal to admissions committees that an applicant is capable of managing rigorous coursework while efficiently preparing for clinical training. This expedited approach may provide an edge by showcasing readiness for the immediate challenges of a nursing curriculum and advancing a competitive application profile. Prospective students interested in a swift and focused educational pathway can get associate's degree online fast to align their academic progress with evolving industry demands.

Do NCLEX Pass Rates Signal the Quality of a Nursing Program?

Evaluating NCLEX pass rates offers a quantifiable metric to assess a program’s effectiveness without duplicating standard admission details. High pass rates frequently demonstrate a curriculum that rigorously prepares students for licensure, reflects strong clinical training partnerships, and validates teaching methodologies aligned with current healthcare practices. Prospective students should compare these figures among institutions to identify programs with a proven track record of producing practice-ready graduates. Additionally, aligning your academic journey with further advanced opportunities—such as pursuing cheapest online doctoral programs—can complement these insights and support a long-term career strategy.

Can an Associate Degree Offer a Swift, Cost-Efficient Start in Nursing?

An associate degree provides a streamlined pathway with a focused curriculum and lower tuition commitments compared to traditional four-year programs. This option enables students to quickly gain essential clinical competencies and theoretical knowledge, positioning them for early entrance into the nursing workforce. For those weighing time and cost efficiency without compromising quality, exploring options such as the easiest 2 year degree can serve as a strategic choice. Evaluating course structure, available clinical practicum opportunities, and post-graduation outcomes is crucial for aligning this pathway with your long-term career objectives.

What can you expect after transferring to a nursing program?

Transferring into a nursing program can be an exciting yet challenging process. Understanding what to expect to prepare effectively and make the most of your transition is important. Whether you are transferring from a different nursing school or changing academic tracks, here's what you can anticipate:

• Curriculum Adjustments: After transferring, you may find that your previous credits don't always align perfectly with the new program's curriculum. Some courses must be repeated, while others may be transferred as equivalents. Meeting with academic advisors to ensure you're on track and understand any academic gaps you may need to fill is essential.
• Clinical Requirements: Clinical placements are a key component of nursing education. Depending on where you're transferring from, you might need to fulfill different clinical hour requirements or undergo a new clinical placement process. The clinical environment will also vary, so adapting to a new facility and its protocols may take some time.
• Social Integration and Networking: As a transfer student, you may join a cohort of students who have already formed strong bonds. It can take time to integrate socially, but being proactive in participating in student groups, networking events, or even study sessions will help you build connections and gain support from peers.
• Support Systems: Many nursing programs, especially those from accredited online colleges, offer robust support systems for transfer students, such as academic advising, tutoring, or counseling services. These resources can ease the transition and ensure you have the tools necessary to succeed.

Exploring Alternative Pathways to Strengthen Your Nursing Career Prospects

For students who wish to broaden their academic foundation or pivot to a related field before transitioning to a nursing program, exploring alternative educational pathways can be a valuable option. For instance, pursuing a degree in human services can offer complementary skills that enhance patient care, such as understanding the social determinants of health, effective communication strategies, and community resource management. This interdisciplinary foundation can improve your ability to address patients’ holistic needs, an increasingly important aspect of modern nursing.

Moreover, degrees like human services also serve as flexible stepping stones for those interested in working with diverse populations or in specialized cases like mental health or gerontological care. Certain programs even allow the transfer of relevant credits, reducing the time needed to complete additional qualifications once you're ready to enter or re-enter a nursing pathway. Ultimately, blending expertise from related disciplines with nursing provides both a competitive edge in the job market and the tools to deliver comprehensive, empathetic healthcare services.

Can Advanced Degrees Accelerate Your Nursing Career?

Advanced education beyond the basic nursing degree can significantly enhance both clinical expertise and leadership capabilities. Pursuing graduate-level credentials enables professionals to develop specialized skills, contribute to evidence-based research, and assume critical decision-making roles within healthcare settings. In addition to deepening subject matter knowledge, advanced programs emphasize ethical leadership, strategic planning, and effective communication—all of which are vital for navigating the evolving landscape of patient care. For those considering a rapid transition into academic or executive positions, enrolling in an online doctoral program can provide a flexible and streamlined route to acquiring these competencies without compromising work-life balance.

Can Online Certifications Enhance Your Nursing Application?

Supplementing your academic credentials with targeted online programs can significantly strengthen your profile. In today's competitive landscape, specialized training not only bridges gaps in skill sets but also demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development. Focus on courses that offer practical insights and are recognized by healthcare organizations. Explore options such as certifications you can get online to further enhance your portfolio and position yourself favorably in the job market.

Prepare for Your Career in Nursing

In this guide, our team discussed valuable information regarding the application requirements and procedures for undergraduate nursing degrees and nursing transfer programs to help students prepare for the next admission cycles.

As the global demand for one of the highest paid medical jobs rises, aspiring nurses must be ready for any obstacle as early as the application stage in nursing education. In doing so, you can increase your chances of securing a spot in a reputable program. Furthermore, with a clear and concise application process, nursing schools can attract all kinds of students, whether incoming freshmen or transfer students, and build diverse nursing communities for the future.

References:

1. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2022). 2022 employment research brief. New Graduate Employment Data. https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/research-data-center/new-graduate-employment-data
2. American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2023, May 1). Highlights from AACN’s 2022 annual survey. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Data/2022-Survey-Highlights.pdf?ver=uHCUkjkZf4n9cANYLy0zog%3d%3d
3. Causey, J., Cohen, J., Gardner, A., Karamarkovich, S., Kim, H., Lee, S., Randolph, B., Ryu, M., & Shapiro, D. (2023, March). Transfer and progress: Fall 2022 report. National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. https://nscresearchcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/TransferProgressFall22.pdf
4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, September 8). Registered nurses. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
5. World Health Organization. (2020, April 6). The state of the world’s nursing 2020: Investing in education, jobs and leadership. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240003279