When choosing how to transfer into a nursing program, you’ll need to first speak with an admissions representative create an academic plan for the ABSN program. Additionally, you’ll need to complete prerequisite courses and meet program requirements. Finally, you will apply to the program and await an admissions decision.
If you’re reading this article, chances are you’ve earned some college credits but may have not finished your degree. If you’re looking to leverage those credits and transfer into a nursing program, Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program accepts transfer students and could be the perfect option for you.
We understand that sometimes your first degree path isn’t the right fit. Whether it be a case of personal or family commitments, relocation, or just a change in what interests you, switching degree paths can result in a career that’s better suited to you and your lifestyle.
In fact, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, many other students of all backgrounds transfer to different schools and degree programs before settling into a career.
You’re not alone in your choice to pursue a new career path, and at Madonna University, we believe the credits you’ve already earned are valuable. If you feel the call to become a registered nurse, the Madonna ABSN program could be a great fit for you.
If you’re ready to leverage your credits to transfer into a nursing program, we can help. Here are five steps for transferring into the ABSN program at Madonna University.
Learn more about the ABSN program with this comprehensive nursing school guide.
1. Talk to an Admissions Representative
Your transfer process starts with a chat with one of our expert admissions representatives. They’ll get to know you and help you determine if our Accelerated BSN program is the right fit for you, both academically and personally. Their job is to make sure Madonna is a great fit for your goals and expectations. They’ll take the time to learn about your previous experience, your learning preferences, and your passion for nursing before consulting on potential next steps.
Since the ABSN program is completed on an accelerated timeline, it will require a significant amount of commitment, time and energy. It is your admission representative’s job to make sure this is the right decision for you and assess how you can prepare to be successful.
Our admission representatives work exclusively with prospective ABSN students to take you through the process step by step, clear up any confusion, and help you gather everything you need to begin the program. They are readily available to share all the details with you and assist you with every step.
As a transfer student, they can also pull together all your earned credits and help you understand what will transfer and what you may have to fulfill before starting your ABSN coursework.
2. Make an Academic Plan
At Madonna University, we want to set you up for success from the get-go. That’s why we work with you to develop an academic plan and set the trajectory for you to be able to enroll in the ABSN program on your desired start date in either January, May, or August.
Creating an academic plan can help you stay on track and map out your nursing education, keeping you focused on your goals and informed enough to have realistic expectations for your personal timeline.
According to an Education Advisory Board study, students who make an academic plan actually end up enrolling in an average of 2.68 more credit hours each term than students who don’t make a plan.
In other words, making an academic plan is just one way Madonna University partners with you to plan for success. We want you to step into your nursing journey with your best foot forward, and as this research shows, making an academic plan with one of our representatives is a great way to do just that.
3. Meet Nursing Transfer Requirements
Next, you’ll need to meet a series of requirements to be eligible to transfer into the nursing program. Transfer students need to have 60 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Is it possible to transfer into a nursing program if you don’t meet those requirements? If your GPA does not meet that requirement, don’t take yourself out of the race just yet. Even if you don’t hold a 3.0, there may be steps you can take to raise your GPA and be considered for the program.
Just make sure to talk to your admissions representative about it, and they’ll work with you to see if there is a reasonable solution. You’ll receive advice on how to boost other areas of your application to balance out your grades.
When you’re ready to apply to the program, you’ll need to submit all official transcripts of coursework with your application to the university. Along with that, you’ll need to submit a letter of intent to the College of Nursing and Health.
Once you have all necessary documents gathered, you’ll also need to complete a criminal background check.
The Madonna Writing Assessment
If you do not hold a bachelor’s degree and cannot transfer over composition credits, you’ll need to complete the Madonna Writing Assessment. There’s no cost for the assessment, and it can be taken online at any time that works for you. The results of your assessment will determine if additional writing support is required.
4. Complete Prerequisites
One of the most important requirements is completing prerequisite courses. These courses prepare you for your BSN education. Your previous college experience will then determine the number of ABSN prerequisites you may need to complete.
After you’ve spoken to your admissions representative and identified which prerequisites you need to take, Madonna University makes it convenient for you to do so by offering the courses online, so you can complete them from wherever you choose — but keep in mind these courses are not factored into the 16-month ABSN program.
While the prerequisite course load may seem like another requirement to fulfill before being able to jump into your nursing curriculum, these classes build the foundation for nursing theory and help you become a well-rounded registered nurse ready to treat patients confidently. Many of these classes will cover content that will later appear in your nursing theory coursework.
5. Apply to the Program
Once you’ve collected the required documents and fulfilled the requirements in the above section, you’ll be ready to apply formally to the program and transfer in. You can apply to the ABSN program with some prerequisites still in progress; however, you must satisfy the prerequisite requirements before you can officially start the accelerated nursing program.
Your admissions representative can help you complete the application and submit your documents. From there you’ll await an admissions decision.
It Is Possible to Transfer into Madonna’s Accelerated Nursing Program
Being a transfer student might feel overwhelming, but it’s important to go into your ABSN journey knowing you’re not alone. In fact, the Association of American Colleges and Universities has found that over one third of students transfer at least once. Additionally, just 3 percent of students who transfer from a two-year college to a four-year college complete a degree before transferring — so it’s not uncommon to transfer into a degree pathway that more closely reflects your goals and passions.
Are you considering a career switch to nursing? Here are 6 steps to help make the change.
Being a Transfer Nursing Student
It may be intimidating transferring into a new place and program, but as a student in Madonna’s ABSN program, you can breathe easy knowing that you will be surrounded by like-minded peers from various backgrounds. These peers will make up your cohort, hopefully making you feel understood and supported during your time in the program. As fellow members of your class, these students will be the people you look to for support during challenging times.
Your cohort is a great way to feel out the program and how you want to approach it. It can be comforting knowing you’re transferring into a nursing program that fosters a solid connection with classmates and encourages students to experience the program together.
Learn and Work in Metro Detroit
The Detroit area is full of entertainment options, outdoor recreational opportunities, and great restaurants. More importantly, the city has an evolving healthcare industry seeking qualified registered nurses who have BSNs, making it an excellent place to earn your ABSN.
Metro Detroit is also home to Ascension Michigan, Madonna’s academic practice partner. During the 16-month ABSN program, you will complete clinicals to gain valuable in-hospital experience from one of the Detroit area’s top healthcare teams.
You Can Switch to a Nursing Major
At Madonna, we want to help you leverage your existing credits into a rewarding nursing career. We understand sometimes personal, financial or academic issues can derail an academic pathway; if you are ready to become a nurse, there’s no better time than now to use your previous college experience to do so.
Regardless of the reason for the change, switching majors to nursing and transferring colleges doesn't have to be stressful. Our knowledgeable admissions representatives are prepared to help you navigate the ins and outs of transferring into the Madonna ABSN nursing program.
Get Started on Your Accelerated Nursing Education Today!
Now that you understand how to transfer into a nursing program and want to pursue a career as a caring, compassionate, and capable registered nurse, Madonna University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is here to help you leverage your existing credits and achieve your goals.
Get started today by connecting with one of our admission representatives.