Transferring Earned Credits in High School to Nursing School

If your teen is already thinking about a future in nursing, they may have the opportunity to get a head start through dual enrollment or Advanced Placement (AP) courses and exams. Understanding how these credits can transfer into a nursing program is a smart way to maximize their time and effort in high school. Learn how transfer of credits works and what steps your teen can take to prepare for a strong nursing school application.

Transferring Credits to a Nursing Program

Not all nursing programs accept credits from high school coursework, but some do when the courses are part of accredited dual enrollment programs or AP exams. These credits typically count toward general education requirements rather than core nursing classes.

At Chamberlain University, incoming students can submit transcripts for review to determine which credits may be applied toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. While the BSN curriculum has no prerequisite coursework, transferred credits can reduce the overall course load, helping students graduate sooner or free up their schedule.

Encourage your teen to:

• Work with their high school counselor to identify options for college transfer credits.
• Save syllabi and official transcripts for all dual enrollment programs or AP classes.
• Reach out to a Chamberlain Enrollment Representative for guidance on credit evaluation.

How to Calculate College Credits Earned in High School

If your teen is getting a head start on college by earning credits in high school, you might be wondering how those efforts will count toward a nursing degree. With the right courses and documentation, many of these credits may be eligible for transfer—saving time, reducing total tuition costs, and giving your student a strong start in college.

Dual Enrollment: Getting College Credit Early

If your teen is taking college courses through a dual enrollment program at a local college or university, those classes might also transfer—especially if they align with general education requirements.

Chamberlain considers transfer credit from accredited institutions, and students will need to provide an official college transcript. For international students, transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved agency.

To make things easier, Chamberlain has articulation agreements with a range of partner institutions, which can help smooth out the process of transferring dual enrollment credits into the BSN program.

Earning Credit Through Exams

Standardized exams are another way students can earn college-level credit before graduating high school. At Chamberlain University, students may receive credit for a variety of tests, depending on their scores and the subject matter.

Here are a few examples:

• Advanced Placement (AP): Many AP classes can count toward general education requirements with a qualifying score (typically a 3 or higher).
• International Baccalaureate (IB): Higher-level IB exams are considered for transfer credit.
• CLEP Exams: Subjects such as English, science, or math may be eligible if the CLEP score meets Chamberlain’s minimum.
• DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests): Accepted for some subjects with the appropriate score.

To have these credits reviewed, students will need to submit official test scores or transcripts before registering for classes. Chamberlain has minimum score requirements for each exam, so it’s a good idea to reach out early to confirm eligibility.

Job Shadowing a Nurse or Volunteering in Healthcare

While most high schools don’t offer full nursing courses, there are several ways students can get early exposure to the field. Getting early, real-world experience is one of the best ways for students to decide if nursing is right for them, and it can also strengthen their application. Here are a few options to consider:

• Shadowing a Nurse: Some hospitals or clinics allow students to observe nurses during their shifts. This helps teens see the profession in action.
• Volunteering: From hospitals and assisted living centers to public health events and school health offices, volunteering teaches communication, empathy, and responsibility.
• Health-Focused Student Organizations: Groups like HOSA-Future Health Professionals offer competitions, conferences, and learning experiences tied to nursing and healthcare.

Encourage your teen to track their hours and experiences since these details are helpful when applying to college or for scholarships.

Helping Your Teen Build a Transfer-Friendly Path

The credits your teen earns in high school can make a real difference when it comes to nursing school. From saving time and tuition costs to entering college with confidence, early preparation can pay off.

Chamberlain University supports students who want to move forward without delay. With no prerequisite coursework required and a streamlined credit evaluation process, Chamberlain helps aspiring BSN students make the most of every opportunity.

Learn More About Nursing Programs at Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University is proud to be recognized as the largest nursing school in the United States. Offering both online and campus-based options, Chamberlain’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

When your teen is ready to make a difference in healthcare, contact Chamberlain online or at 877.785.4955 to learn more. They can explore nursing degree programs that match their goals, interests, and learning style—and take the next step toward building their future in nursing.

Chamberlain University, an HLC-accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

By Chamberlain University