Transfer Student Nursing Admissions

Nursing Application Deadlines

Prerequisite Courses

Students must complete all nursing prerequisite coursework with a 2.8 GPA or higher overall GPA and 2.8 or higher GPA in required science courses (Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Nutrition, Sociology, and Psychology).

• Chemistry, Statistics, Psychology, Nutrition, & Sociology  (C- or higher): typically CHEM 105+L or CHEM 110+L; Math 104 or DATA 105; PSYCH 100; HS 331 or KINES361 or HS 121;  SOC 204 (or another sociology course)
• Writing (C or higher): typically WRIT 100 or 101
• Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology  (within 7 years and a B- or higher - see student handbook appendix B)
• Anatomy & Physiology typically: BIOL 215+L AND 225+L, OR BIOL 250+L AND 251+L (two-semester sequence)
• Microbiology, typically BIOL 317+L or BIOL 140+L
• Collegiate Seminar (3 part series, 2 part transfer series)
• Theological Understanding (CF + TE)
• Writing as Research
• Arts/Humanities with Practice (4 units)
• Global Issues & Perspectives (4 units)
• Language Proficiency (Level 2)
• Jan Term (2+ for first-year start, 1+ for transfer start)

Transfer Students

Transfer students having completed the science and social science nursing prerequisites and IGETC or transferable general education requirements at another institution can complete the B.S. in Nursing degree in two years, inclusive of summer term(s). Transfer students will experience the signature program requirements of the Saint Mary’s Core Curriculum prior to their full-time nursing classes and clinicals. Upon completion of the BSN degree, Saint Mary’s students will be well-prepared for the NCLEX exam to become registered nurses.

Transfer Policy Summary
The nursing program accepts academic credit from regionally accredited institutions for comparable pre-licensure courses, with transfer credit eligibility based on course equivalency in registered nursing courses or other relevant coursework. Equivalency is determined by reviewing catalog course descriptions, syllabi, course hours, and unit values to ensure alignment with the nursing program's curriculum. All applicants must meet general admission requirements, and transfer acceptance is subject to space availability.

Advanced Placement Eligibility is granted to individuals who have completed nursing courses from an accredited RN school or equivalent coursework within the past year. Applicants must submit official transcripts, catalog descriptions, syllabi, and letters of reference, and successfully pass competency exams (ATI and SafeMedicate drug calculation). Students will enter the program at the point where equivalency and competency are confirmed.

Challenge by Examination allows students with previous healthcare education or experience to earn up to 15 units of credit by examination. Students must submit a written request, provide transcripts, employer references, and a statement of intent, and schedule an eligibility meeting with the Director of Nursing. Upon approval, students must complete a petition for credit and pay the required fees before receiving preparation materials. To earn credit, students must score at least Level 2 on ATI exams, pass a clinical simulation and skills test with 80%, and achieve 100% on SafeMedicate exams. All challenge exams are conducted in person and supervised, and successful candidates will receive written confirmation of credit awarded. Please see SCC Transfer/challenge/advanced Placement into the undergraduate Nursing Program for more information and direction.

Timelines

Transfer students must complete Saint Mary’s Core Curriculum prerequisites no later than the term prior to beginning the Nursing Program (summer for a fall program start, fall for a spring program start.). The term students apply for the nursing program marks the start of the Nursing Program; therefore, transfer students should plan to take their SMC prerequisites in the term immediately before.  Note: Some students opt to take a science course (example nutrition) in the term immediately prior to the program start, so know that the nursing admissions committee understands that some prerequisite courses may be in progress or planned but incomplete at the time the nursing program application is submitted.