Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by II Editor
For a good reason, California is known for its excellent nursing schools. With some of the best institutions in the country, nursing students flock to California to receive top-notch education and training. But what if you’re a transfer student? Don’t worry; there are a bunch of nursing schools in California that accept transfer students. These schools offer various programs and opportunities, from prestigious universities like UCLA to private Christian institutions like Azusa Pacific University.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top nursing schools in California that accept transfer students and what makes each unique. Whether you’re a transfer student looking to continue your nursing education or a prospective student considering a transfer, this post has everything you need to know about nursing schools in California that accept transfer students.Â
Top Nursing Schools in California that Accept Transfers
Below are some of the top nursing schools in California that accept transfer students. We have provided their various transfer requirements and everything else you need to know about them.
#1: Northern Illinois University School of Nursing
Northern Illinois University School of Nursing is a highly respected institution providing top-quality nursing education for over 50 years. The school offers a range of programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing and a post-master certification program.
The faculty at the School of Nursing are experts in their field, with many holding advanced degrees and certifications. They are dedicated to preparing you with all the clinical knowledge and research principles you need to succeed in your career as a nurse.
The School of Nursing has state-of-the-art facilities, including simulation and clinical labs, where students can gain hands-on experience in various settings. The school also has strong partnerships with healthcare organizations in the area, providing students with opportunities for clinical experience and networking.
In addition to its rigorous academic programs, the School of Nursing also offers a range of extracurricular activities and organizations, including student clubs, honor societies, and community service opportunities. These activities provide students with a well-rounded education and prepare them for career success.
Overall, Northern Illinois University’s School of Nursing is a top-notch institution committed to providing its students with the education and experience they need to become successful nurses. It is one of the nursing schools in California that accepts transfers. The school has considerable entry requirements; you don’t need to worry about entrance exams as they do not require any entrance examinations.
Applications to the Northern Illinois University School of Nursing are accepted once a year between September 1st and January 15th.
Entry Requirements:Â
- Applicants must provide official transcripts from all colleges attended. Also, applicants who must have taken courses at another institution during the fall term before the January 15th deadline are expected to send their final transcripts with grades posted.
- Preference will be given to students who have fulfilled the following prerequisite courses with at least a C grade or better by the mid-January deadline: BIOS 103 and BIOS 105, BIOS 357, ENGL 203 and STAT 100, CHEM 110 and CHEM 111 or CHEM 210 and CHEM 212.
- Transfer students must also acquire a prerequisite GPA and an overall/cumulative GPA of at least 2.75.
Furthermore, with over a thousand yearly applicants, the NIU School of Nursing typically admits around 175 students into its nursing program, bringing the acceptance rate to 5.8%. Half of the students at NIU often begin their nursing courses in the fall and the other half in the spring.
Note: Admission to the NIU School of Nursing is fiercely competitive, so slots are minimal. There is no guarantee of admission. Interested applicants are strongly advised to work with an academic advisor to have proper guidance regarding the competitive nature of the program.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Northern Illinois University is duly approved and accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Apply HERE Â
#2: University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)Â
UCLA is one of the top-ranked universities in the country, and its nursing program is no exception. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is designed to be completed in four years, but transfer students may be able to complete the program in less time, depending on the number of credits they transfer. UCLA accepts transfer students from both community colleges and other US-accredited four-year institutions. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and students can gain hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. UCLA is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment, and the nursing program emphasizes cultural sensitivity and social justice.Â
Transfer Requirements:
Transfer students must have fulfilled all general education or IGETC requirements at their current or former school. Additionally, they must have completed the required non-nursing major courses equivalent to the school’s requirements as follows:
- Chemistry 20A, B & 30A (General Inorganic, Inorganic and Organic & Organic)
- Communications 1 or 10* (Introductory Communication)
- Life Sciences 7A & 7C (Cell and Molecular Biology & Physiology and Human Biology)
- Math 3A or 31A* (Calculus)
- Microbiology* (General Microbiology)
- Physiological Science 3 & 13 (Human Anatomy & Human Physiology)
- Psychology 10* (Introductory Psychology) *May be completed at UCLA
#3: California State University Long Beach (CSULB)
CSULB is another top nursing school in California that accepts transfer students. The university offers a BSN program that can be completed in two years for transfer students who have already completed their lower-division nursing requirements. In addition, the school offers an RN to BSN program for registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree. CSULB is known for its hands-on approach to nursing education, and students have the opportunity to work with patients in a variety of clinical settings. The school is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and the nursing program emphasizes cultural competence and the importance of providing culturally sensitive care.
#4: San Francisco State University (SFSU)Â
SFSU offers a BSN program open to transfer and traditional students. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and transfer students may be able to complete the program in less time, depending on the number of credits they transfer. SFSU is committed to promoting social justice and providing healthcare to underserved populations, and the nursing program emphasizes the importance of providing culturally sensitive care. The school is also known for its strong community partnerships, which provide students with opportunities to work with patients in various healthcare settings.Â
Transfer Requirements:
Transfer students are required to meet the existing admission criteria outlined in the undergraduate admission requirements section of the University Bulletin. For second baccalaureate applicants, the CSU Graduate Admission Eligibility section of the Bulletin applies. To be eligible for the nursing major, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
- Be residents of California or meet the eligibility criteria for in-state tuition at CSU.
- Have a minimum nursing prerequisite GPA of 3.0 when applying for the School of Nursing supplemental application.
- Achieve a grade of C or higher in all nursing prerequisite courses.
- Satisfy the University’s General Education requirements.
- Achieve a minimum score of 78 on the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) within three attempts.
#5: Azusa Pacific University (APU)Â
APU is a private Christian university that offers a BSN program for transfer students. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and transfer students may be able to complete the program in less time, depending on the number of credits they transfer. In addition, APU offers an RN to BSN program for registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree. APU is committed to integrating faith and learning, and the nursing program emphasizes the importance of providing compassionate care that reflects Christian values.Â
Transfer Requirements:
Before an application is considered complete, students must meet the following university and program admission requirements:
- Submit a completed application for admission.
- Pay a non-refundable application fee of $45.
- Submit official transcripts for all college credits, degrees, certificates, AP scores, or credentials earned before applying to Azusa Pacific University to the Student Services Center (SSC). Official transcripts must be received unopened in an envelope sealed by the former institution and bear the college’s or university’s official seal. Regular admission status requires a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). However, provisional admittance may be granted to applicants with lower GPAs if competency can be demonstrated through multiple measures.
- They have completed at least 48 college or university semester units of transferable nursing prerequisite courses before the semester for which they are applying for admission.
- Provide two professional recommendations from school or work a one-page statement of professional goals in nursing, and a resume reflecting volunteer and paid work experience within the past three years. Leadership positions within volunteer organizations, community service experience, and relevant employment should also be included.
- Complete prerequisite requirements, including General Microbiology with lab (4 units), Human Anatomy with lab (4 units), Human Physiology with lab (4 units), and General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry for the Health Sciences (4 units), with a minimum overall B- (2.7) grade-point average and no less than a C (2.0) in each course.
#6: Mount Saint Mary’s University (MSMU)Â
MSMU is a private Catholic university that offers a BSN program for transfer students. The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical experience, and transfer students may be able to complete the program in less time, depending on the number of credits they transfer. In addition, MSMU offers an RN to BSN program for registered nurses who want to earn their bachelor’s degree.
The nursing program at MSMU is known for its focus on social justice and its commitment to providing healthcare to underserved populations. The school is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and the nursing program emphasizes the importance of providing culturally sensitive care. The BSN program at Mount Saint Mary’s University accepts students for enrollment at the beginning of the fall semester. The application becomes available on September 1st and must be submitted by the deadline of February 1st.
Transfer Requirements
To be considered for admission, the following minimum requirements must be met:Â
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- A cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher in science courses
- Completion of all prerequisite requirements with a grade of C or better
- Successful completion of the Kaplan Exam (selected applicants will be invited to take the exam after the application deadline; this is necessary for final application review)
- Submission of a video interview (selected applicants will be asked to submit a video interview; this is necessary for the last application review)
- All application materials and supporting documents must be received by the stated deadline.
ConclusionÂ
If you’re a transfer student looking for a top-notch nursing education in California, you have some excellent options here to choose from. These top 6 nursing schools in California, including the University of California Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, San Francisco State University, Azusa Pacific University, and Mount Saint Mary’s University, are all renowned for their outstanding nursing programs and commitment to producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses. From specialized nursing tracks to unique clinical experiences, these schools offer a range of opportunities for transfer students to continue their nursing education and take their careers to the next level.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore these nursing schools and see which one fits you best. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your nursing dreams and make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and communities across California and beyond.