EIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Transfer Students

What is a Transfer Student?

A transfer student is any individual who has completed college or university coursework at another institution after high school graduation. This does NOT include students who have taken dual credit in high school or a single course at a postsecondary institution while in high school (e.g., CNA course) prior to beginning full-time college enrollment.

General Policy on Transfer Admissions

While transfer admission into the Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program is sometimes possible, it can be challenging due to the unique structure and sequencing of our curriculum. We carefully review transfer applicants on an individual basis and consider prior coursework, program capacity, and the applicant's ability to progress through the curriculum in a timely manner.

Several characteristics of the program are important for prospective transfer students to understand:

• The BSN program consists of five consecutive semesters of nursing coursework (approximately 2.5 years).
• Applications are accepted once per year during the spring semester.
• Students who are admitted begin the nursing program in the spring semester of the following academic year.
• Because nursing courses are offered in a specific sequence and only once per year, transferring into the program after beginning coursework at another college or university may require additional time to complete degree requirements.

Students interested in transferring are encouraged to contact the School of Nursing early in their academic journey so we can review their individual circumstances and discuss available options.

Important Considerations for Transfer Students

The Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program at EIU welcomes inquiries from prospective transfer students. However, because of the unique structure and sequencing of the curriculum, transferring into the program may not always be the most efficient pathway to degree completion.

Students should be aware that transferring into the nursing program can sometimes result in delays in progression and graduation, particularly if previously completed coursework does not align with the nursing curriculum sequence. As a result, some students may require additional time to complete degree requirements.

When Transfer May Be Possible

Transfer applicants may be considered under circumstances such as:

• The student previously attended EIU and is returning after a break in academic progression.
• The student already holds a bachelor's degree and is seeking admission as a post-baccalaureate student.
• The student has completed one semester or less of college coursework or has earned fewer than 15 total credit hours applicable toward a nursing degree.
• The timing of the student's transfer aligns with the nursing program's annual spring application cycle.

Please note that these examples are not exhaustive, and other circumstances may also be considered.

Guidance for Prospective Transfer Students

Each transfer inquiry is reviewed on an individual basis. When a student's academic background, transfer timing, and remaining degree requirements support timely progression through the curriculum, transfer admission may be possible.

Students interested in exploring transfer opportunities are encouraged to contact:

Dr. Richard Clapp
Director, Traditional Prelicensure BSN Program
Email: rmclapp2@eiu.edu

To facilitate an initial review, students should be prepared to provide unofficial transcripts and discuss their academic history, previously completed coursework, and anticipated timeline for degree completion.