BSN Transfer

The Fitzpatrick College of Nursing welcomes applications from adults who wish to begin preparing for a career in nursing. These include individuals who have completed college level courses either at a four-year institution or at a two-year associate degree program. All applicants must meet the entrance requirements for admission to the University. 

We also welcome traditional transfer students. Why Villanova Nursing? As you seek your Villanova BSN, you will benefit from a wide variety of professional nursing career options, recognition of previous college credits, an opportunity to expand your knowledge at the graduate level and part-time study in the introductory level of the program. You may want to review our BSN Transfer information.

Important information for transfer students

• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to transfer into the nursing program.
• SAT 1200 or above (math and verbal combined) or ACT 26 or above.
  
• The nursing curriculum is a very structured one with courses in a pre-determined order. Because of the sequencing of courses, we generally accept transfer students to start coursework in August only.
• Spaces in the nursing program are limited due to lab facilities, clinical agencies, and student-faculty ratios (8:1).
• Transfer students can only enter this curriculum following completion of prerequisite courses.   

Students interested in this program option are encouraged to submit unofficial copies of their college transcripts well in advance of the March 1 application deadline to allow for a preliminary review and appropriate advisement.
Internal Transfer Students:

• Submit 1-2 page; double spaced essay on "Why I want to become a Nurse" to cheryl.wert@villanova.edu
  External Tranfer Students:
• Apply using the Common App (LINK) https://apply.commonapp.org/login?ma=280
  If beginning the process within one month of the application deadline, students are encouraged to apply through the Common Application.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of a program of variable academic time based on the previous collegiate record. The nursing major begins when the student first enters the program and is typically concentrated in the last half of the curriculum. The program includes the theoretical and the clinical nursing courses taught by qualified nurse faculty. Supervised practice is provided in the areas of adult medical-surgical, obstetrical, pediatric, psychiatric-mental health, community-home health and gerontological nursing.

The content of the major is designed to prepare students to provide nursing care to individuals of all ages in hospital and health-related agencies. Development of professional nursing skills directed toward health maintenance, health restoration and health promotion provide primary focus for the academic program. Courses in the humanities, physical, social and behavioral sciences serve as the foundation and support of the nursing major.

Advanced Placement and Transfer Credit

A student with a grade of 4 or 5 in an Advanced Placement exam may be awarded Villanova credit for an equivalent course which is required for the degree in nursing at Villanova. Transfer credits towards the baccalaureate degree will, in general, be granted for those courses completed with a grade of "C" or better at an accredited college or university, which are required for the degree in nursing at Villanova. No more than 67 credits can be transferred and all upper division courses in the major must be taken at Villanova.

Incoming Student Prerequisites

If you are an incoming student, you will be required to have a current physical examination and necessary immunizations, as well as a criminal background check and urine drug testing in preparation for entry into clinical.

Professional Licensure

Already have a bachelor's degree?

If you already have a bachelor's degree in another discipline, please visit our Second Degree Accelerated BSN (BSNExpress) page for more information.