ADN Transfer Credit Policies

Prior to enrollment, a student desiring entry into the Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) program may receive transfer credit for courses in Anatomy, Physiology, and Microbiology for health pre-professionals or Biology majors taken previously at another institution as long as the student has achieved a minimum grade of 3.0 in these courses.  The courses must include a laboratory component and have been taken in the last two (2) years.

Transfer credit will only be granted under the following conditions:

  • The course is equivalent to one required in the ADN program.
  • Required prerequisite science courses must have been completed within two (2) years of the start date of program. Prerequisite English and math courses must be completed prior to the date of enrollment. Nursing courses must have been completed within three (3) years of the start date of program.
  • The grade in a prerequisite course in science (Human Anatomy, Physiology, General Microbiology) is “B” or higher; in another prerequisite course (English Composition, University Algebra I) or general education course (Introduction to Sociology, Developmental Psychology, Speech Communication) must be a “C” or higher; or in an RN nursing coursework a 77% must be maintained to pass each course.
  • An applicant may receive competency-based credit for an ADN nursing course by passing a written examination on the theory objectives and a skills demonstration on the clinical objectives of the course. The Program Director or designee will administer this process.

Competency-based credit will be granted on the basis of a written examination for nursing theory courses and a demonstration of the mastery of clinical objectives and a written examination for clinical courses.

Any student who wishes to challenge a nursing course (with an NUR prefix), Anatomy and Anatomy Lab, Physiology and Physiology Lab, or Microbiology and Microbiology Lab courses to earn academic credit by examination must successfully complete the culminating examination appropriate to the course.  In the nursing theory or non-clinical courses, the terminal measures are often a final examination and/or term paper.  In the case of the challenge examination, the student must receive a passing grade of 80% or higher to receive credit.  In the nursing clinical laboratory classes, students must demonstrate competent clinical practice by way of a return demonstration for all skills listed in the course syllabus being challenged.  In the clinical courses where critical or life-threatening maneuvers are required, the student must perform the demonstration with 100% skill and accuracy.

Prior to taking written examinations or demonstrating mastery of clinical objectives to determine whether competency-based credit can be granted, students will be charged a one-time, non-refundable fee of $50 for each written examination and a one-time, nonrefundable fee of $100 for each demonstration of the mastery of clinical objectives.

Prior to enrollment, a student desiring entry into the VN 45-Unit Option may receive transfer credit for courses in Physiology and Microbiology designed for health pre-professionals or Biology majors taken previously at another institution as long as the student has achieved a GPA of 3.0 or greater in these courses. The courses must include a laboratory component.

Awarding of Credit for Previous Education or Competency-Based Credit, Including Military Education and Experience

Stanbridge University will conduct an evaluation of previous education and training for all veterans and will grant appropriate credit, shorten the training period proportionately, and notify the VA and student accordingly.

Stanbridge University complies with California Board of Registered Nursing regulations SB 466 as follows:

  1. The University Student Catalog shall include a section referring to Awarding of Credit for Previous Education or Competency-Based Credit, Including Military Education and Experience for all students, including those who have served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
  2. The University Associate of Science in Nursing webpage shall provide a link identified as “Transfer Credit for Military Experience” that directs to the policy.
  3. A form outlining the procedures will be provided and kept as a record in the student’s file.
  4. The student’s file will reflect the awarding of credit on the student transcript.