Navigating Nursing Transfer from Howard Community College

I'm currently studying nursing at Howard Community College and thinking about transferring to another program. What should I expect in terms of credits transferring, and how can I prepare to meet the requirements of the new school?

When transferring from a community college to a university program, keep in mind that each institution has its own transfer policies. Here are several steps to prepare:

1. Research Your Prospective Schools: Identify prospective schools that offer the nursing program you're seeking. Make a shortlist based on the programs' reputation, location, costs, and any other elements important to you.

2. Understand Their Transfer Policies: Every school has different rules about transferring credits. Some universities have transfer agreements with community colleges that guarantee the transfer of credits in specific programs. Also, certain classes might be necessary prerequisites for the new program. You’ll need to work with each school's admissions office to understand what will transfer.

3. Speak to Your Current Academic Advisor: Your advisor can provide helpful advice on the courses that are likely to be accepted by other institutions. They can also discuss your academic record to see if you're on track to meet the academic standard of the school you're transferring to.

4. Meeting New School Requirements: Each program will have its prerequisites and criteria for admission. These can be academic (minimum GPA, specific coursework, etc.), experiential (healthcare experience, volunteer work), and more. You may also need to provide references, write an admissions essay, or sit for an interview.

5. Filing a Transfer Application: Like when you first applied to college, you will need to fill out admission applications for the schools to which you are applying.

Remember, it's entirely possible that not all the credits you've earned at Howard Community College will be accepted by the new school. However, by doing your homework upfront, you can make the transfer process smoother and more predictable, and ensure the maximum number of credits transfer to your new school.