Can I Take Nursing Prerequisites at Different Colleges?

Why Take Prerequisites at Different Colleges

Common Reasons for Multiple Institutions

• Cost savings - Community colleges are more affordable than universities
• Course availability - Some courses aren't offered at your primary school
• Scheduling flexibility - Online options from different providers
• Location convenience - Take courses near work or home
• Accelerated options - Self-paced courses for faster completion

Benefits of Multi-Institution Approach

• Significant cost reduction - Save thousands on tuition
• Faster completion - Take courses simultaneously across schools
• Better scheduling - Work around job and family commitments
• Course variety - Access to specialized courses and formats
• Geographic flexibility - Study while moving or traveling

Transfer Credit Requirements

Accreditation Standards

Regional accreditation is essential.

• Look for schools with regional accreditation (not national)
• Check accreditation status before enrolling
• Most nursing schools require regional accreditation
• Some accept DETC/DEAC accredited online schools

Course Equivalency

Courses must match content and credit requirements.

• Same or similar course content and objectives
• Minimum credit hours (usually 3-4 credits per course)
• Laboratory components for science courses
• Similar course level (1000-2000 level for prerequisites)

Grade Requirements

Minimum grades vary by institution.

• Most require C or better (2.0 GPA)
• Competitive programs require C+ or B (2.5-3.0 GPA)
• Some schools require B or better for science courses
• Grade requirements apply to each individual course

Strategic Multi-College Planning

Step 1: Research Target Nursing Schools

Before taking any courses, verify requirements:

• Which courses they require and accept
• Minimum grade requirements
• Transfer credit policies and limits
• Time limits on course acceptance
• Specific course numbers or descriptions they accept

Step 2: Choose Primary Institution

Select your main school for most courses:

• Community college for cost-effective basic courses
• Local university for specialized courses
• Online provider for flexible scheduling
• Consider transfer agreements between schools

Step 3: Plan Course Distribution

Strategically assign courses to institutions:

• Community college: Basic sciences, math, English
• University: Upper-level sciences, specialized courses
• Online provider: Flexible scheduling courses, accelerated options
• Local college: Lab courses requiring in-person attendance

Popular Multi-Institution Combinations

Community College + Online Provider

Most common and cost-effective approach:

• Community college: Chemistry, A&P, Microbiology (with labs)
• Online provider: Math, English, Psychology, Sociology
• Benefits: Low cost + maximum flexibility
• Savings: 50-70% compared to university prices

Multiple Community Colleges

For geographic flexibility:

• Local college: Lab courses and in-person classes
• Online community college: Flexible general education
• Summer college: Accelerated course options
• Benefits: In-person labs + flexible scheduling

University + Online Provider

For students needing university credits:

• University: Advanced sciences, specialized requirements
• Online provider: General education, flexible scheduling
• Benefits: University prestige + online flexibility
• Best for: Students with previous university experience

Transfer Credit Process

Pre-Approval (Recommended)

Get courses approved before taking them:

1. Contact target nursing school admissions
2. Submit course descriptions and syllabi
3. Request written pre-approval confirmation
4. Keep documentation for application time

Transfer Application

When applying to nursing school:

1. Request official transcripts from all institutions
2. Submit transfer credit evaluation forms
3. Provide course descriptions if requested
4. Pay transfer evaluation fees (usually $50-150)

Credit Evaluation Timeline

Plan ahead for transfer processing:

• Official transcripts: 1-2 weeks processing
• Transfer evaluation: 2-4 weeks
• Additional documentation: 1-2 weeks
• Total time: 4-8 weeks from application start

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Transfer Credit Issues to Avoid

• ❌ Unaccredited institutions - Credits won't transfer
• ❌ Wrong course level - Upper-level vs. prerequisite level
• ❌ Missing lab components - Science courses need labs
• ❌ Insufficient credits - Courses must meet minimum credit hours
• ❌ Old coursework - Most schools require recent completion
• ❌ Low grades - Below minimum grade requirements

Documentation Mistakes

• ❌ Not getting pre-approval in writing
• ❌ Losing course syllabi and descriptions
• ❌ Forgetting to request official transcripts
• ❌ Missing transfer application deadlines
• ❌ Not keeping copies of all submitted materials

Maximizing Transfer Success

Best Practices

1. Get everything in writing - Written pre-approval is essential
2. Keep detailed records - Syllabi, course descriptions, correspondence
3. Plan ahead - Start transfer process early
4. Follow up regularly - Check on transfer status
5. Have backup options - Alternative courses if transfers fail

Communication Strategy

• Contact admissions offices directly
• Build relationships with transfer coordinators
• Ask specific questions about course equivalency
• Document all conversations and responses
• Follow up with email confirmations

Cost Considerations

Tuition Comparison

Typical costs per course:

• Community college: $150-500 per course
• Public university: $800-2,000 per course
• Private university: $2,000-4,000 per course
• Online provider: $200-600 per course

Additional Costs

• Transfer evaluation fees: $50-150 per school
• Official transcript fees: $5-15 per transcript
• Lab fees: $50-200 per lab course
• Technology fees: $25-100 per semester

Potential Savings

Strategic multi-institution approach can save:

• $5,000-15,000 compared to all-university approach
• $2,000-8,000 compared to all-private school approach
• 30-70% total tuition savings
• Faster completion means earlier nursing income