Marian University offers an opportunity to go from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s in nursing through a transfer track. This offering for students with at least 30 non-nursing college credits involves completing courses to earn an associate’s degree that also serve as prerequisites for entry into the ABSN program.
Nursing is one of the most in-demand career fields today, with opportunities in every city and state and the ability to make a difference in the lives of countless patients. Pursuing this field is an exciting and meaningful decision, but traditional routes to earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) can feel too lengthy for some. Transfer tracks can help you access this degree path more quickly.
Marian University’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is designed to be completed in as few as 16 months, offering a faster path into nursing. Our program is offered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Nashville, Tennessee, and our hybrid curriculum combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. We cover the same material as a traditional four-year BSN degree in an accelerated timeframe.
If you have some college credits and are ready to pursue your bachelor’s in nursing, you may qualify for our transfer track. Marian offers a transfer track that can bring you up to speed while earning an Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) degree along the way.
Students who enroll in our transfer track are granted provisional acceptance into the ABSN program, so successfully completing transfer track courses means you can begin as an ABSN student for the next start date.
Let’s look at Marian’s admissions pathway for transfer students more closely and see how you can go from an associate’s degree to a bachelor’s in nursing to quickly enter a rapidly growing career field.
Why Choose Marian University’s Associate’s to BSN Transfer Track?
Earning a new degree is a major commitment in terms of time and finances, so selecting the right nursing program is crucial for your academic success and future career opportunities.
Marian’s transfer track is designed to address barriers to nursing education, like restrictive admissions criteria and rigid program structures. By addressing these barriers, we can offer an inclusive path for more students to pursue nursing.
Flexible Admission Requirements
Most ABSN programs require students to already possess a bachelor’s degree or a large number of college credits to meet admissions requirements. In contrast, the admissions pathway offered through our transfer track meets more students where they are.
To enroll as a transfer track student in Indianapolis or Nashville, you only need a minimum of:
- 30 non-nursing college credits
- A cumulative GPA of 2.0
This approach makes Marian’s ASHS transfer track ideal for those who may have started college but not completed a degree or earned credits from several different institutions.
Clear, Direct Path to a BSN
Marian transfer students can access a direct pathway to ABSN program admission without worrying about re-applying or transferring credits. The A.S. in Health Sciences transfer track helps you gain essential academic skills and knowledge in preparation for earning your BSN.
The transfer track courses can be completed online through Marian University Online and serve as prerequisites for the ABSN program.
Students who pursue our ABSN transfer admissions path must complete the same prerequisite courses as second-degree students, but transfer students will complete prerequisite courses while earning an Associate of Science in Health Sciences (ASHS) from Marian University.
Learn more about the day-to-day reality of what it’s like to be a nurse.
You can gain admission as a transfer track student with a cumulative GPA of 2.0, but you will need to complete all transfer track courses with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.8. Your previous GPA does not factor into that 2.8 requirement, only the courses you complete as a transfer student.
Once you successfully complete all transfer courses, you can switch from health science to nursing and seamlessly transition into the ABSN program.
Steps to Transfer from an Associate Degree to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Navigating the journey from an associate’s degree to a BSN is clearly outlined, and supportive admissions advisors will be with you every step of the way. Our staff will help you to:
- Review your qualifications
- Determine if the transfer track and ABSN program fit your needs and goals
- Submit all application materials and meet admissions deadlines
- Stay updated on new developments
With their help, you can enroll as a transfer track student and forge a clear path to graduation with a BSN degree.
Confirm Your Eligibility and Apply
Begin the process by reaching out to a Marian admissions advisor who will help you accomplish a preliminary review of your qualifications and confirm your eligibility. Remember, before reaching out, you must have earned at least 30 college credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to apply as a transfer track student.
After gathering your materials, the advisor will help you apply to our ASHS transfer track. Acceptance into the transfer track also means provisional acceptance into the ABSN program upon successfully completing your transfer courses.
Complete the Associate of Science in Health Sciences
Once admitted, you will complete online-based courses to earn an A.S. in Health Sciences degree. This foundational curriculum covers essential topics for a nursing education, including:
- Anatomy
- Chemistry
- Human growth and development
- Microbiology
- Physiology
- Psychology
You must pass each course with a grade of “C” or better to successfully complete the transfer track, and your cumulative GPA across all courses must reach a minimum of 2.8.
Transition into the ABSN Program
After earning your associate’s degree and meeting grade requirements, you’ll transition directly into the ABSN program. While your transfer track courses can be completed online, you will need to be within commuting distance of our Indianapolis or Nashville locations due to the in-person elements of our hybrid curriculum.
This accelerated curriculum will require intensive study with a firm routine to succeed, and we recommend arranging your finances to work any side jobs as little as possible. The ABSN program is essentially a full-time commitment.
As a Marian ABSN student, you will learn through:
- Online-based coursework that delivers flexible learning through a dynamic e-learning platform;
- In-person nursing simulation labs and skills labs to hone skills, techniques and clinical judgment in mock patient care scenarios; and
- Clinical rotations at top area healthcare facilities, applying your knowledge to patient care under guidance from experienced nurses and healthcare team members.
After graduating, you will be ready to take the NCLEX-RN exam to attain licensure and begin practicing as a registered nurse.
Career Benefits of Earning a BSN
Holding a BSN degree, as opposed to an RN Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing, significantly enhances your nursing career trajectory.
A BSN offers broader job prospects, higher earning potential, and greater professional satisfaction. Current healthcare employers increasingly favor or even require BSN-prepared nurses for leadership positions due to their more advanced training and broader competencies.
Earning your BSN opens doors to positions in specialty areas and leadership roles. It can also qualify you for advanced nursing education if you ever want to pursue advanced practice roles in the future.
Learn more of the benefits of earning a nursing degree through a BSN program.
Access Your Nursing Future Through Marian’s ABSN Transfer Track
By offering this transfer track, Marian ABSN empowers students to leverage their college credits and advance toward rewarding nursing careers. You can rapidly go from no bachelor’s degree to an ASHS degree to a BSN degree, then find opportunities in this stable and desirable career path.
Contact us today to get started on your A.S. in Health Sciences degree, and prepare to enter Marian’s ABSN program to get started on your new career in nursing.