Nursing Schools That Accept StraighterLine.com Credits (2026)

Nursing is one of the most highly regulated fields in higher education, which means transfer credit rules tend to be stricter than they are for many other majors. If you’re considering StraighterLine as part of your nursing pathway, it’s important to understand where these courses can help and where their use is limited.

StraighterLine courses are not used to replace nursing clinicals or core nursing coursework. Instead, they are most commonly applied toward general education and science prerequisites required before entering a nursing program. When used strategically, these credits can help you complete prerequisites more affordably while staying on track for licensure through an accredited nursing school.

How StraighterLine Fits Into Nursing Education

StraighterLine is not a nursing school, and it does not offer nursing degrees or clinical training. Its role in nursing education is limited to providing transferable coursework that many programs require before students begin clinical instruction. Most nursing schools that accept StraighterLine credits apply them toward:

• general education requirements
• foundational science prerequisites
• non-clinical support courses

Clinical hours, hands-on training, and nursing-specific coursework must still be completed through an accredited nursing program. Understanding this distinction helps prevent confusion and ensures you use StraighterLine appropriately within a nursing degree plan.

Nursing Programs Most Likely to Accept StraighterLine Credits

Because online nursing programs are often designed with working adults in mind, they are more likely to accept alternative credit for prerequisites. Several well-known institutions have formal partnerships with StraighterLine or a long-standing history of accepting coursework recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).

Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) is one of the most well-known online institutions offering nursing programs, including RN-to-BSN and MSN pathways. Through its Leavitt School of Health, WGU has established structured transfer pathways for students completing prerequisite coursework through providers like StraighterLine.

Because WGU is competency-based and designed for working adults, it is often receptive to ACE-recommended credits for general education and prerequisite science courses. However, all clinical and nursing-specific coursework must be completed directly through WGU’s accredited programs.

Capella University

Capella University is known for its flexible learning formats, including its self-paced FlexPath nursing degrees. The university accepts many ACE-recommended credits, which can include StraighterLine courses used to satisfy prerequisite or general education requirements.

Because Capella serves a large number of working adults and transfer students, it has experience evaluating alternative credit. Prospective students should still confirm how specific science labs and prerequisite courses apply within their chosen nursing program.

Liberty University Online

Liberty University offers a range of online nursing programs and maintains an official partnership with StraighterLine. Through this relationship, students can often complete approved prerequisite coursework before transitioning into Liberty’s accredited nursing programs.

Transfer acceptance typically applies to general education and science requirements rather than nursing clinicals. Confirming equivalency before enrollment is recommended, particularly for lab-based science courses.

Roseman University of Health Sciences

Roseman University promotes a defined pathway for students completing prerequisites through StraighterLine before entering its Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program. This structured approach can streamline the transfer process for eligible applicants.

Because ABSN programs are fast-paced and competitive, students should pay close attention to grade requirements and lab components. Completing prerequisite science courses with strong grades can improve admissions competitiveness.

Excelsior University

Excelsior University has a long history of serving adult and distance learners in nursing and health sciences. The university is familiar with evaluating non-traditional and alternative credits, including those recommended by ACE.

Students pursuing RN-to-BSN or other nursing pathways at Excelsior often use StraighterLine to complete remaining general education or prerequisite requirements. As always, acceptance depends on program policies and degree requirements.

Common Nursing Prerequisites Available Through StraighterLine

Nursing programs are often very specific about which prerequisite courses they require before students can begin clinical training. StraighterLine offers several of the most commonly required prerequisites that nursing schools expect applicants to complete in advance. These courses are typically reviewed for transfer based on content, lab components, and grades.

• Anatomy & Physiology I and II (With Lab): These courses cover the structure and function of the human body and are required by most nursing programs. StraighterLine offers optional at-home lab kits, which are commonly accepted by online nursing schools and partner institutions.
• Microbiology (With Lab): This course focuses on microorganisms and their role in human health and disease. Many online nursing programs accept StraighterLine’s microbiology course when paired with the lab component.
• Nutrition: Often required for BSN programs, this course introduces dietary principles, human metabolism, and nutritional needs across the lifespan. It is typically considered a non-clinical prerequisite.
• Statistics: Nursing programs frequently require statistics to support evidence-based practice and research coursework. StraighterLine’s statistics course is commonly used to meet this requirement.
• Human Growth and Development: This course examines physical, cognitive, and social development across the lifespan. It is often required as a nursing major prerequisite rather than a general education elective.

Because nursing programs vary, it’s important to confirm that both the lecture and lab components meet your school’s expectations before enrolling.

Important Limitations to Keep in Mind

While StraighterLine can be useful for nursing prerequisites, it does not replace the need for clinical training or program-specific coursework. Understanding these limitations can help you avoid setbacks later in the admissions process.

• Online lab acceptance: Some traditional, campus-based nursing programs do not accept online or at-home labs for anatomy or microbiology. Schools designed for online learners, such as the programs listed above, are more likely to accept them.
• Pre-licensure vs. RN-to-BSN pathways: If you are already a licensed RN pursuing a BSN, StraighterLine credits are often accepted for remaining general education requirements. If you are pre-licensure, StraighterLine is typically used only for prerequisites before entering an accredited nursing program.
• Grade requirements: Most nursing schools require a minimum grade of a C for transfer, but competitive programs often expect a B or higher in science prerequisites. Performing well in StraighterLine courses can strengthen your application.

Being aware of these factors helps you use StraighterLine strategically without assuming universal acceptance.

How to Confirm Acceptance Before Enrolling

Because nursing programs have strict transfer policies, verifying acceptance before enrolling in a StraighterLine course is essential. Taking a few proactive steps can help you avoid completing coursework that does not apply toward your program.

Check the School’s Transfer Policies

Start by reviewing your chosen nursing school’s transfer credit policy. Many institutions publish equivalency guides or specify whether they accept ACE- or NCCRS-recommended coursework. If the school is a formal StraighterLine partner, you may find clearer course-by-course mappings available.

Confirm Lab Requirements

Science labs are often the most sensitive transfer area for nursing programs. Contact admissions and ask specifically whether they accept ACE-recommended science courses that include an at-home lab component. Getting this confirmation in writing can provide additional peace of mind.

Request an Official ACE Transcript

After completing StraighterLine coursework, you will typically request that your credits be sent through the ACE transcript system. This transcript is then submitted to your nursing school for evaluation. Submitting official documentation promptly can help prevent delays in the admissions process.

FAQs About Nursing Schools and StraighterLine Credits

These frequently asked questions address common concerns about using StraighterLine for nursing prerequisites. Reviewing these answers can help you determine whether this pathway aligns with your educational goals.

Can You Complete a Nursing Degree Through StraighterLine?

No, StraighterLine does not offer nursing degrees or clinical training. It provides individual prerequisite and general education courses that may transfer into a nursing program. All nursing-specific coursework and clinical hours must be completed through an accredited institution.

Do All Nursing Schools Accept StraighterLine Credits?

No, acceptance varies by institution and program. Online nursing schools and formal StraighterLine partners are generally more receptive to ACE-recommended credits. Traditional campus-based programs may impose stricter limits, particularly for lab sciences.

Are StraighterLine Science Labs Accepted for Nursing Programs?

Some nursing schools accept StraighterLine’s at-home lab components, especially those designed for online learners. Others require in-person lab coursework completed at a regionally accredited institution. Confirming this requirement before enrolling is particularly important for anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.

Can StraighterLine Credits Help With RN-to-BSN Programs?

Yes, RN-to-BSN programs are often more flexible with transfer credit. StraighterLine courses are commonly used to fulfill remaining general education or support-course requirements. However, nursing core courses and clinical components must still be completed through the accredited program.

What Grade Do You Need for Nursing Prerequisite Transfer?

Most nursing schools require a minimum grade of C for transfer credit. Competitive programs frequently expect a B or higher in science prerequisites. Earning strong grades in StraighterLine courses can improve both transfer approval and admissions competitiveness.

Explore Nursing Education Pathways

StraighterLine can help you complete nursing prerequisites more flexibly and affordably, but it works best when paired with careful transfer planning. Learn.org provides tools and resources to help you compare nursing programs, understand credit policies, and make informed decisions about your pathway into nursing education.