Transferring to Nursing

Graduates from the School of Nursing not only possess robust clinical skills but also carry a deep passion to excel in the dynamic fields of nursing and healthcare. Our enriching liberal arts program is designed to equip you for clinical, research, and leadership roles. 

Through a range of hands-on clinical experiences, we provide a real-world perspective, allowing you to explore and discover the path that’s right for you. The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

The School of Nursing accepts both second-year and third-year transfer students with up to two years of credit. Learn more about transfer policies and expectations from the School of Nursing. 

If you have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing discipline or are an RN Return Student (meaning you have completed a diploma RN program or an associate’s degree RN program), we ask that you apply to the Accelerated BSN Second Degree or BSN/MSN program. 

All nursing transfer applicants are required to participate in an interview to learn more about your academic preparation, alignment with our nursing program, and to answer any questions you may have. 

Please email the School of Nursing with any questions you have about the nursing school and the transfer process.  

Curricular Requirements

As a student in the School of Nursing, you will likely take four or five courses per semester. The Nursing program integrates a foundational nursing curriculum with clinical experiences and natural science coursework in chemistry, nutrition, and biology.  

Please review the undergraduate catalog for the Nursing, BSN degree to learn more about the academic curriculum.  

Academic Preparation

All transfer applicants need to complete a minimum of eight transferrable college courses. Please be sure to complete the following coursework before transferring to Penn to ensure you are academically prepared for your transition: 

  • Introduction to Chemistry with Lab 
  • Introduction to Biology with Lab 
  • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 1 with Lab or Human Anatomy with Lab 

The following courses are recommended: 

  • Introduction to Microbiology with Lab 
  • Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab or Human Anatomy with Lab 
  • Introduction to Nutrition 
  • Introduction to Statistics