Thinking about a career in nursing or ready to take the next step in your nursing journey? StraighterLine makes it easier and more affordable to move forward. Many nursing schools that accept StraighterLine credits also accept online prerequisites, allowing you to complete required coursework on your own schedule before enrolling in a nursing program.
StraighterLine offers online, ACE Credit–Recommended courses designed to help you prepare for—and potentially accelerate—your nursing degree. These credits may transfer to 3,000+ colleges and universities that accept ACE Credit, including StraighterLine partner colleges that offer online nursing programs. Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading your credentials, StraighterLine helps you save time, reduce costs, and move forward with confidence.
Ready to get started? Download our free How to Become a Nurse guide or keep reading to explore StraighterLine partner schools with nursing programs.
StraighterLine Partner Schools & Nursing Schools that Accept StraighterLine Credits
StraighterLine partners with 180+ colleges and universities, and our ACE Credit–Recommended courses are accepted by 3,000+ institutions nationwide. While we can’t list every nursing school that accepts StraighterLine credits, below is a selection of featured partner and accepting schools that offer nursing programs.
American Military University (Charles Town, WV)
A flexible, online-focused university serving military and civilian students. Offers nursing-related programs such as RN-to-BSN and graduate-level healthcare and nursing pathways.
American Public University (Charles Town, WV)
Known for affordable, online education with flexible scheduling. Offers nursing and healthcare programs designed for working professionals.
Bellevue University (Bellevue, NE)
A nonprofit university focused on adult learners and career-aligned education. Offers nursing degrees including RN-to-BSN options.
Bethel University (Mishawaka, IN)
A faith-based institution offering career-focused programs. Provides undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Brandman University (Irvine, CA)
A regionally accredited university serving adult learners. Offers nursing programs such as RN-to-BSN and advanced nursing degrees.
Capella University (Minneapolis, MN)
An online university with flexible learning formats. Offers a wide range of nursing programs, including RN-to-BSN, MSN, and doctoral options.
Colorado Technical University(Colorado Springs, CO)
A career-focused university offering online and hybrid programs. Provides nursing and healthcare-related degree pathways.
Excelsior College (Albany, NY)
Known for serving adult and nontraditional students. Offers nursing programs including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s-level options.
Franklin University (Columbus, OH)
An adult-focused university emphasizing flexible online learning. Offers nursing programs such as RN-to-BSN and graduate nursing degrees.
Grambling State University (Grambling, LA)
A public HBCU with a strong academic tradition. Offers undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Granite State College (Concord, NH)
A public college designed for adult learners. Offers nursing and healthcare degree completion programs.
Herzing University (Multiple locations)
A private university focused on career-driven education. Offers a range of nursing programs from associate to graduate levels.
Liberty University Online (Lynchburg, VA)
A large nonprofit Christian university with extensive online offerings. Provides BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and doctoral nursing programs.
McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA)
A public university offering affordable, student-centered education. Provides undergraduate and graduate nursing programs.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana (Natchitoches, LA)
A public university with strong health sciences offerings. Offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and doctoral nursing programs.
Rasmussen College Regis (Multiple locations)
A career-focused institution offering flexible learning formats. Provides practical nursing, RN, BSN, and graduate nursing programs.
Regis University (Denver, CO)
A Jesuit university emphasizing ethical leadership. Offers a variety of nursing programs including accelerated and graduate options.
Simpson University (Redding, CA)
A private Christian university offering career-oriented programs. Provides undergraduate nursing pathways.
Sullivan University (Louisville, KY)
A private university focused on professional education. Offers nursing programs designed for workforce readiness.
SUNY Empire State College (Saratoga Springs, NY)
A public institution serving adult learners across New York. Offers flexible nursing degree completion programs.
Thomas Edison State College (Trenton, NJ)
A public university specializing in adult education. Offers associate, bachelor’s, and graduate nursing programs with flexible credit transfer options.
University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) (Monroe, LA)
A public university with comprehensive health programs. Offers BSN, RN-to-BSN, MSN, and doctoral nursing degrees.
University of Phoenix (Phoenix, AZ)
An online-focused university serving working adults. Offers nursing and healthcare programs designed for flexibility.
Upper Iowa University (Fayette, IA)
A private university offering online and campus-based programs. Provides nursing pathways focused on degree completion.
Walden University (Minneapolis, MN)
An online university emphasizing professional and doctoral education. Offers a wide range of nursing programs from BSN completion to doctoral degrees.
WGU - College of Health Professions (Salt Lake City, UT)
A nonprofit, competency-based university. Offers flexible, fully online nursing programs including RN-to-BSN, MSN, and nursing leadership degrees.
How to Apply to Nursing School With StraighterLine Credits
StraighterLine credits are ACE-recommended and have been accepted at more than 3,000 colleges and universities. Once you've gotten approval from your school that your StraighterLine credit will be accepted, here’s a step-by-step guide for transferring it.
1. Follow the Step-by-Step Application Process
Once you've selected a nursing program that accepts StraighterLine credits, complete the application ensuring you meet prerequisites and deadlines. Include any documentation of course approval to ensure a smooth transfer process.
2. Submit Transcripts Properly
Request official transcripts in one-click from StraighterLine and send them according to the nursing school's instructions. Some schools accept digital submissions, while others may require mailed copies or an ACE-transcript.
3. Follow-Up Strategically
After submitting your application and transcripts, confirm receipt with the admissions office. A polite follow-up shows professionalism and ensures your materials are reviewed on time.
4. Plan Your Application Timeline
Start applications for nursing schools early, ideally 6–12 months before your intended start date. Give yourself time for transcript requests, recommendation letters, and standardized tests if needed.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If your program requires an interview, be ready to discuss your experience or coursework and how it prepared you for nursing school. Highlight skills like time management, discipline, and mastery of foundational subjects.
By following these steps, you can confidently apply to nursing programs while making the most of your StraighterLine credits.
How Transfer Credit Works for Different Nursing School Categories
When researching nursing schools that accept online prerequisite, it’s helpful to understand the different types of nursing school categories and how transfer credit works. StraighterLine partner schools offer the most certainty, as they provide guaranteed approval for eligible StraighterLine credits toward specific degree programs. Outside of that, there's also a broad network of schools who have accepted our credit. Below, you'll find more details about nursing school categories and how transfer credits may apply.
- Public universities often follow state system transfer policies, which may allow StraighterLine credits depending on course alignment and residency requirements. Explore our college directory to see course equivalencies for your public university.
- Community colleges typically focus on ADN programs and may accept StraighterLine courses for general education or prerequisite requirements. Explore our college directory to see course equivalencies for your community college
- Private nursing programs set their own transfer policies and may have more specific prerequisite or grade requirements. Explore our college directory to see course equivalencies for your private nursing program.
- Hospital-based nursing programs can have unique admission and curriculum considerations, sometimes limiting transfer credit options. Explore our college directory to see course equivalencies for your hospital-based nursing program.
- Finally, online nursing programs offer distance education flexibility and may be more open to accepting online prerequisites, making them a convenient option for working or nontraditional students. Explore our college directory to see course equivalencies for your online nursing program.
Don't see your school listed? Get in touch with a StraighterLine enrollment advisor to discuss your next steps.
What are the different types of undergraduate nursing degree programs?
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Programs
ADN programs typically take two years for full-time students and provide a focused, intensive nursing curriculum. Many students choose to complete general education courses before starting their nursing courses to stay focused, improve success rates, and reduce overall costs.
LPN to ADN Programs
These programs allow licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to earn their ADN and expand their career opportunities in nursing.
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Programs
BSN programs are four-year degrees that combine general education courses with nursing coursework and clinical experience. With nearly 80% of employers preferring or requiring a bachelor’s degree, a BSN can open doors to more advanced career opportunities.
RN-to-BSN Completion Programs
Designed for licensed RNs, these programs help nurses earn a bachelor’s degree. Many schools offer accelerated tracks (as short as 12 months) or flexible pacing to accommodate working professionals.
What do I need to do to get into nursing school?
When applying to nursing school, understanding acceptance trends can give you a competitive edge. Transfer acceptance rates vary by school type, and successful applicants often have strong GPAs and completed prerequisite courses in high-impact subjects. Beyond grades, admissions committees also consider factors like relevant experience, personal statements, and extracurricular involvement. Visualizing these trends can help you identify which schools align best with your academic profile and increase your chances of acceptance.
How to choose the right nursing program?
Choosing the right nursing program involves more than just acceptance rates. Look for accredited schools with high NCLEX pass rates, strong clinical placement opportunities, and solid graduate employment outcomes. Program cost, location, and access to hands-on clinical experiences are also important factors. By weighing these elements carefully, you can select a program that fits both your career goals and personal circumstances.
You might also consider specialized nursing program options. Accelerated programs let students with prior degrees complete nursing prerequisites quickly, while evening or part-time programs cater to working professionals. Online and hybrid programs offer flexibility but require technology readiness and self-discipline. Direct-entry MSN programs provide advanced pathways for non-nursing graduates, and military-friendly programs offer unique support and considerations for veterans. Understanding these options helps you match your lifestyle, background, and career goals to the right program.
Ready to get started on your nursing degree?
Navigating nursing school applications can feel overwhelming, but StraighterLine offers support services to make the process smoother. Transfer advisors can guide you on which courses to take and how to maximize your StraighterLine credits, while transcript delivery services ensure your records reach schools quickly and accurately.
Ready to take the next step? Get in touch with a StraighterLine advisor or get started with your nursing prerequisites today.
