Nursing Transfer Applicants

Internal transfer students are current Westfield State University students who wish to change their major to Nursing. Due to the structured and sequential nature of the curriculum, internal transfers should expect to spend a minimum of three years completing the program, regardless of previously completed coursework.

Eligibility Criteria for Internal Transfer

• Completion of at least 45 credits at WSU
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• Submission of:
  • Nursing Program Internal Transfer Application (Apply Here)
  • Personal Statement (showing your understanding of the nursing role/profession, match to the mission/goal of nursing, max of 500 words. Spelling and grammar will be taken into consideration.)
  • Healthcare Experience Form (If applicable, for students currently working in a healthcare setting who want this experience considered as part of their application.)

Required Science Courses

Science courses must be completed within the past five (5) years with a grade of C or better:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I (equivalent to our BIOL 0237)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II (equivalent to our BIOL 0239)
• Chemistry (must be equivalent to WSU Chemistry for Life Sciences Chem 103 or 109)
• Microbiology or Medical Microbiology with lab (equivalent to our BIOL 0209 or 0223)

Students must have completed all four (4) science courses, or at least two (2) science courses at the time of application. They must also be in the process of completing the remaining courses by June 30, with notification of successful completion by July 15.

Additional Information

• Internal transfer applications are processed directly through the Nursing Department. Students can stop by the Nursing Department in Wilson 216 or the CARE Center with questions.
• All clinical placements are assigned by the Nursing Department.
• The nursing transfer admission process is competitive and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
• Application deadline is February 1. No exceptions will be made for late submission.

External transfer students are those applying to the Nursing Program from another institution. Like internal transfers, external applicants should expect to spend at least three years completing the program, regardless of previously earned credits.

Eligibility Criteria for External Transfer

• Completion of at least 45 credits from an external institution with basic general education courses included
• Minimum GPA of 3.3
• Submission of:
  • Westfield State University Transfer Application (Apply Here)
  • Personal Statement (showing your understanding of the nursing role/profession, match to the mission/goal of nursing, max of 500 words. Spelling and grammar will be taken into consideration.)
  • Healthcare Experience Form (If applicable, for students currently working in a healthcare setting who want this experience considered as part of their application.)
  • Official High School Transcript or GED

Required Science Courses

Science courses must be completed within the past five (5) years with a grade of C or better:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology I (equivalent to our BIOL 0237)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology II (equivalent to our BIOL 0239)
• Chemistry (must be equivalent to WSU Chemistry for Life Sciences Chem 103 or 109)
• Microbiology or Medical Microbiology with lab (equivalent to our BIOL 0209 or 0223)

Students must have completed all four (4) science courses, or at least two (2) science courses at the time of application. They must also be in the process of completing the remaining courses by June 30, with notification of successful completion by July 15.

Additional Information

• External transfer applications are managed through the Division of Graduate & Continuing Education.
• Clinical placements are assigned by the Nursing Department.
• The nursing transfer admission process is competitive and meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.
• Application deadline is February 1. No exceptions will be made for late submission. 

A maximum of 90 credits will be accepted in transfer from any four-year college, or 79 credits from any community college. Students applying as a Second Bachelor’s candidate will work directly with the Continuing Education Office to ensure their credits are properly aligned. Students transferring into the traditional Nursing Program should expect that it will take three more years to complete, regardless of the number of credits previously attained.

For students with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited school and a valid RN license who want to complete their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Learn more about the RN to BSN program

If nursing doesn't feel like the right fit for you, there are many other rewarding opportunities within the healthcare field. For more information on alternative healthcare careers, visit our Future of Healthcare Professionals page.

The nursing transfer admission process is competitive and has limited spots due to limited clinical sites. Meeting the minimum criteria does not guarantee admission.

Please see the Nursing Program Handbook for immunization and clinical requirements, which include CORI background checks. Students who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated must comply with the required vaccination requirements prior to clinical placements.

Technical standards can be found here.

In order to sit for the nursing licensure exam and enter the most trusted profession, students must demonstrate good moral character and pass criminal background checks.