10 Best Nursing Schools That Accept Transfer Nursing Credits 2026

There are several reputable nursing schools that accept transfer nursing credits from other institutions. This is essential if you wish to complete your nursing degree sooner and avoid repeating prerequisites or general education coursework by ensuring your nursing transfer credits are properly evaluated. Below, you can explore the best colleges for transfer students, specifically if you major in nursing.

Do Nursing Schools Accept Transfer Credits?

Many prospective students wonder, “Do nursing credits transfer?” and the answer is yes, many colleges of nursing that offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) will grant course equivalencies when credits are earned at an accredited college. This applies to general education courses, prerequisite courses, electives, and other pre-nursing classes.

The most important caveat is that you must achieve good grades in order for the courses to transfer to a BSN program. Each school of nursing is different, but some require you to earn either a C or B- to qualify for course credit.

10 Nursing Programs That Accept Transfer Credits

Here are 10 nursing programs that will permit you to transfer credits to an online nursing degree, including coursework completed at a community college. These include some of the most convenient online colleges that accept most transfer credits.

1. Drexel University

Drexel University offers an online RN-to-BSN program designed specifically for licensed nurses transferring a significant number of prior credits. The program allows students to apply up to approximately 90 semester-equivalent transfer credits, enabling many nurses to focus primarily on upper-division nursing coursework.

Drexel is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). The university’s strong reputation in healthcare education makes it a popular choice for nurses seeking a fast yet academically rigorous path to degree completion.

2. Rivier University

Rivier University provides an online RN-to-BSN program built around a streamlined transfer model. Students who transfer the maximum allowed credits may complete the nursing major in as few as nine core courses, making the program appealing for working nurses.

Rivier is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and its nursing programs hold CCNE accreditation. The program’s structured design and transfer-friendly policies help reduce unnecessary repetition of coursework.

3. West Coast University

West Coast University offers an online RN-to-BSN pathway designed for nurses seeking an accelerated completion option. The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits, allowing students to concentrate on remaining nursing requirements once admitted.

West Coast University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), and its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. The school’s accelerated pacing options appeal to nurses who want to complete their degree as efficiently as possible.

4. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU) offers an online BSN completion program that places strong emphasis on prior nursing education and licensure. In addition to transferring college coursework, licensed RNs may receive a block of credit based on their RN license, reducing the number of remaining courses required.

CTU is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. This structure makes the program attractive for nurses with both academic credits and professional experience.

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) provides a fully online RN-to-BSN program built on a competency-based education model. Transfer credit evaluations often result in 80 to 90 credits being applied toward the degree, depending on prior coursework and licensure.

WGU is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), and its nursing programs hold CCNE accreditation. The self-paced format allows experienced nurses to progress quickly by demonstrating mastery of required competencies.

6. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University offers an online RN-to-BSN program specifically designed for licensed nurses seeking a streamlined completion path. The university allows students to transfer up to 75% of required credits, and many RNs receive a substantial block of proficiency credit based on prior nursing education and licensure.

Chamberlain is regionally accredited by HLC, and its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. As one of the largest nursing-focused institutions in the country, Chamberlain has extensive experience supporting transfer students.

7. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) provides an online RN-to-BSN program that accommodates a wide range of transfer nursing credits. The university accepts up to 90 transfer credits and is known for flexibility when evaluating older general education and science coursework.

SNHU is regionally accredited by NECHE, and its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. The program’s accessible online structure and clear transfer policies make it appealing for working nurses seeking efficiency.

8. University of Florida

The University of Florida (UF) offers an online RN-to-BSN program tailored for licensed nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing. Students may transfer up to 60 credits from an accredited associate degree program, allowing them to focus on upper-division nursing coursework.

UF is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. The university’s strong academic reputation and transparent transfer tools help students evaluate credit applicability before enrolling.

9. Liberty University

Liberty University provides an online RN-to-BSN program that accepts up to 75% of required credits, including coursework from accredited nursing programs. The university also evaluates military training and professional experience when determining transfer eligibility.

Liberty is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, and its nursing programs hold CCNE accreditation. The program’s transfer flexibility and fully online format make it a practical option for working nurses.

10. William Paterson University

William Paterson University offers an online RN-to-BSN program structured as a 30-credit completion pathway for nurses who already hold an accredited associate degree. This design allows most previously earned nursing and general education credits to apply toward the degree.

William Paterson is regionally accredited by MSCHE, and its nursing programs are accredited by CCNE. The program’s clear degree map and transfer-friendly structure make it well suited for nurses seeking a straightforward finish line.

How We Rank Schools

This is how we rank the schools on this list. Each nursing school must meet the following criteria: academic accreditation, credit-transfer policy, and positive nursing student outcomes.

• Accreditation: Each school receives nursing accreditation from CCNE or ACEN.
• Credit-transfer policy: We only include schools that will work with transfer students by offering credit for the college-level courses they've already taken.
• Nursing student outcomes: This refers to how well students do after graduation. These colleges have high first-time pass rates on licensing exams and help students obtain employment soon after completing their degrees.

Tips for Transferring Into a Nursing Program

The most important factor for transfer applications is making sure you have a suitable GPA to enroll in a new program. Schools with the most competitive admissions processes want you to have at least a 3.0 GPA (overall and in nursing courses) to qualify for acceptance.

Many nursing schools also require you to meet a certain scoring threshold on the TEAS, so you should study hard for that exam as well. If you are unsure about requirements, contact the college's admissions counselors to verify everything required in the application process.

FAQs About Transferring Nursing Credits

These are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about transferring credit hours and credit evaluation. These address whether you can transfer credit for clinical work, along with how many courses will transfer.

What School Will Accept the Most Transfer Credits?

There are schools that may accept up to about 75% of potential transfer credits. Your best chance for this would be to apply for admission into a reputable online college, such as Arizona State University or Southern New Hampshire University, which are generous with transfer credits.

These accredited institutions have a solid reputation for being among the most proactive about securing articulation agreements with other schools to ensure nursing and science courses will transfer.

Do Nursing Programs Accept Clinical Course Transfers?

There are some nursing programs that may permit you to transfer clinical courses, but this is less common than it is for other pre-nursing coursework. It often depends on whether your new school considers a specific clinical practicum to have course equivalency with the version it offers.

How Many Nursing Credits Will Transfer?

If your credits qualify, many nursing programs will allow you to transfer up to 75% of courses from your previous nursing education. One way to be sure of this is to study the course requirements on your new college's website and see how many of those you've completed already.

What College Has the Easiest Nursing Program To Get Into?

The easiest nursing programs to get into are the ones that accept virtually 100% of applicants. Rasmussen University, for example, will accept almost all applicants if they follow the application instructions, submit official transcripts, and satisfy other basic requirements. It's also much easier to get into a community college program compared to the more competitive four-year nursing colleges.

Do Online Nursing Programs Accept Transfers?

Yes, most of the best accredited online nursing programs allow students to transfer nursing credits to another school online, provided the courses meet accreditation and grade requirements. Be sure to check the specific steps for transferring credits and remember that most schools require you to earn at least a grade of C in courses to transfer them to your new degree program.

Discover More Nursing Programs

We invite you to research the rest of Learn.org to discover more about nursing degrees at every academic level. This includes associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, licensure requirements, and more.