Nursing can be a rewarding career path with outstanding opportunities. With ongoing nursing shortages across the United States and aging demographics escalating demand for even more new nurses, you’ll be well-positioned to make the most of your degree. But, it requires hard work, commitment, and perseverance to get the right degree first. Here are a few important steps to follow as you consider nursing programs for transfer students. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be well equipped to make the right decision for your educational future and your career.
Before You Start Researching Nursing Programs for Transfer Students
Identify Your Purpose
Why do you want to become a nurse? It might be that you enjoy helping others. Or, it could be that you really enjoy the science behind the practice. Maybe, it’s just the flexibility of job options and the dependable pay. Whatever your reason is, start your journey by identifying what motivates you on this journey and writing it down.
Understand Your Career
There’s more to becoming a nurse than just getting “a nursing degree.” The range of educational opportunities spans from Certified Nursing Assistant certificates to doctoral degrees and everything in between. It’s important to understand what you want to accomplish as a nurse and what level of education you’ll need to achieve that.
Typically a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) will offer you the widest array of career choices. But for advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) positions, you may consider continuing on to earn an MSN degree as well. Find a few practicing nurses and talk with them about their educational and career journeys. Or, better yet – find an opportunity to volunteer in a clinical setting like a local hospital alongside these nurses. You’ll gain real-world information to inform your next steps while earning valuable experience that will reflect well on your transfer application.
Research Program Requirements
Once you have a solid foundation of research into the nursing profession, you’re ready to look at specific schools and degree programs. Do your due diligence in researching everything about the transfer process, from admissions requirements and GPA expectations to entrance exams and program prerequisites. Everything you can learn now will help you make decisions that ensure a smooth transfer when the time comes.
Ask More Questions
Don’t just choose a nursing degree program based on tuition or convenience. Find an admissions counselor for the program you’re most interested in and ask them more questions:
- What are their accreditations?
- What clinical rotations will you be able to complete?
- Do they have career placement programs?
- How do their alumni historically perform on licensing exams?
- What kind of lab equipment will you get to use in class?
Nursing Programs for Transfer Students
Becoming a nurse is a rewarding and fulfilling career. Make the first step into your degree program of choice an easy decision by equipping yourself with the right information, resources, and advocates as early as you can. Ultimately, you’ll be better prepared to care for others if you’ve invested in yourself first. And that starts with earning a degree you can be proud of for the rest of your life.
