AA Transfer Major in Nursing at Northwest Florida State College?

I want to major in nursing and am considering starting with an AA at Northwest Florida State College. What should I know about transferring into a BSN program later on?

Pursuing an Associate in Arts (AA) degree and later transferring it to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is an approach many students choose. It can be cost-effective, and can offer smaller class sizes and individualized attention at many community colleges.

When planning for this pathway, you have to keep a few things in mind:

1. Pre-requisite courses: Ensure you are not only meeting the requirements for your AA degree, but also taking the prerequisite courses most nursing schools require for admission into their BSN programs. These often include Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Statistics, and in some cases, specific courses in Psychology or Sociology.

2. Grade performance: Nursing programs are often competitive, so maintaining a high GPA, particularly in your science courses, will be crucial.

3. State Articulation Agreement: Florida has an Articulation Agreement that guarantees AA graduates from Florida public institutions can transfer into a public university in the state. However, it doesn't guarantee admission into specific competitive programs like Nursing. It's still important to research the specific transfer criteria for any BSN program you're interested in.

4. Accreditation: Make sure any BSN program you're considering is accredited by either the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). Attending an accredited program is important for licensure and job prospects.

5. Advising: Be sure to meet regularly with an advisor at Northwest Florida State College. They can help you plan your academic roadmap, keep you on track for your associate’s degree, and also ensure you are fulfilling prerequisites for future BSN programs.

Pursuing an AA prior to a BSN can provide a solid foundation in the basics of nursing, along with general education courses. However, make sure you're intentional with your class selection and performance to set yourself up for a successful transition to a BSN program later on.