Transfer to the Nursing Program
The UMassD College of Nursing and Health Sciences provides an outstanding educational experience and, as a public university, our tuition makes this a very reasonable and wise investment in your future. The nursing major at UMassD is a nationally recognized, competitive program that is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and recommended by the American Nurses Association (ANA).
Students who apply and are admitted directly into the 4–year nursing BS track have typically just graduated from high school. However, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences occasionally accepts transfer students into the program. Should you wish to be considered, please see the required core courses that must be completed prior to being reviewed into the College of Nursing.
How do I transfer to the UMass Dartmouth nursing program?
The nursing curriculum provides a seamless progression from student to practicing nurse. Students are admitted directly into the nursing program in the first year of study, gaining immediate exposure to nursing theory and practice. In the first year, students build a strong core of knowledge in select science courses. Before practicum work, our modern nursing simulation lab provides the required technical training and faculty support for beginning nursing practice. Students are guided to assess patients, interact with colleagues, and utilize complex care management software.
During years two and three, students experience clinical field placements at partner sites throughout the region, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. In their final year, students participate in a capstone experience, which places them in clinical sites in various geographical locations. Some students have been offered positions at their clinical sites following graduation.
Transfer processes
Each year the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has limited seats available in the first or second year of the pre-licensure track. There are 2 ways to transfer into the program:
Space is identified during the summer and students are notified of their application status as soon as possible.
Transfer applicants have never previously enrolled at UMassD, and are accepted as second year, first semester nursing students.
- A minimum overall GPA from all prior undergraduate course work and a separate science GPA of 3.25 is required. Academic course work rigor is also considered.
- Submit the completed UMassD Undergraduate Application and be sure to list all colleges and universities you previously attended (under the Education tab.)
- Submit 3 letters of recommendation, at least 2 of which are academic references.
- Submit official transcripts from all schools attended.
- A satisfactory student conduct history is required from each college previously attended. This two-part Disciplinary Report (PDF) must be completed and signed by the applicant, then sent to the appropriate representative(s) from college(s) previously attended, who completes the second part of the form and submits it to UMass Dartmouth.
- The College Dean or designee may request to meet with an applicant.
Transferring credits
To be considered as a transfer to nursing, you must have completed these courses or their equivalent with a minimum grade of C+. The courses must be acceptable as UMass Dartmouth transfer credits.
Class | Credits |
---|---|
English 101 and 102 | 6 credits |
Chemistry 101 and 102 | 6 credits |
Anatomy & Physiology I with lab | 4 credits |
Anatomy & Physiology II with lab | 4 credits |
Medical Microbiology with lab | 4 credits |
College Algebra | 3 credits |
Introduction to Psychology OR Sociology | 3 credits |
Transfer students who enroll in the nursing major will be required to successfully complete NUR 102 in the summer prior to beginning second level nursing classes.
Admission
The nursing program has one intake per year— for the fall semester. There is no spring entry. The deadline for completed applications is May 1.
Beginning March 1, completed applications will be reviewed and forwarded to the College of Nursing & Health Sciences for an admission decision.
Transfer students are accepted as second year, first semester nursing students and will follow the undergraduate nursing program plan.
Nursing is among UMass Dartmouth’s most competitive programs. Therefore, it is possible to meet all the criteria for admission and still not be accepted due to space limitations.
Available to full-time UMass Dartmouth students.
- Qualified students are admitted as first-year nursing students when space is available. Admission is highly competitive.
- A minimum overall and a separate science GPA of 3.2 is required. Academic course work rigor is considered and evidence of success in biologic or chemistry-based science course(s) are strongly considered in the application review.
- Submit all application materials to the CNHS Academic Advising & Support Office by May 1 at cnhs.sss@umassd.edu.
- A personal statement including why you're a good fit for the nursing program and your plans to be successful in the program
- Your UMass Dartmouth transcript
- A satisfactory student conduct history is required. This two-part Disciplinary Report (PDF) must be completed and signed by the applicant, then sent to the appropriate representative(s) from college(s) previously enrolled, who completes the second part of the form and submits it to UMass Dartmouth. To complete the report form for UMass Dartmouth, access the Request Form for Dean Certifications/Transfer Reports website and upload the document.
- Submit 3 letters of recommendation, at least 2 of which are academic references.
- Applicants are not notified of incomplete applications.
- The College Dean or designee may request to meet with an applicant.
Readmission process
No students are directly re-admitted to the nursing program. Students may apply for re-admission to the University, and, upon acceptance, may apply for a change of major transfer.
Special opportunities
- Incoming students are assigned a faculty advisor for the entire program.
- Qualified students are provided opportunities to travel nationally and internationally during their junior year for a community nursing course clinical experience.
- The National Student Nursing Association (NSNA) is a very active chapter at UMassD and organizes academic and service learning activities.
- Students can elect to reside in nursing housing.
- Many nursing students participate in our varsity sports.
- Junior and senior nursing students in the top 35% of the class will be invited to apply for membership to Sigma Theta Tau, Theta Kappa Chapter, an international nursing honor society.
- Already have your RN degree? Check out the RN-BS online program featuring an individualized plan of study, the convenience of online coursework, and the ability to finish in four semesters!
Possible careers
Students graduating from our program are able to obtain immediate employment in some of the best hospitals in the world. In addition, based on your qualifications, you may easily enroll in one of our graduate programs, such as the Master’s of Science in Nursing, Doctorate of Nursing Practice, or the PhD in Nursing.