The benefits of transferring colleges are many, where it can be an exciting opportunity to experience an entirely new environment and to re-engage your passion for learning. If there were any shortcomings at your previous institution, you now have many options in front of you to address those concerns. There are many options now because often transfer applications are more readily accepted than incoming freshman applications. First-year applications are reviewed using a much more selective process, whereas transfer applications tend to focused on meeting minimum academic requirements. So, make sure your next college checks off your entire wish list.
Here at CUAA, the Ronald and Marvel Jones School of Nursing not only has a reputation of providing state-of-the-art simulation experiences, but is also known for having a student body that represents all walks of life. Recently, transfer students at Concordia University Ann Arbor who began their journey through direct admission to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, were asked about their experiences.
Why transfer colleges?
The best way to learn about a university is to talk to the students, so here’s what a handful of our transfer nursing students had to say about their experience transferring to CUAA’s School of Nursing.
Where did you attend prior to transferring to CUAA?
A lot of Michigan pride represented in these responses.
- Eastern Michigan University
- Grand Valley State University
- Henry Ford Community College
- Washtenaw Community College
- Concordia University – Portland, OR
What prompted you to transfer colleges to CUAA?
These nursing students had some great reasons for transferring colleges.
- “Two different coworkers recommended the program!”
- “I wanted to be closer to home and Grand Valley would have taken longer to just get admitted. With the amount of time and money it took to get declined 2 times, it wasn’t worth trying again.”
- “Small, Christian college, and close to home.”
- “School closed in Portland. CUAA made a great offer.”
Describe how the transferring process was for you.
Transferring colleges is a different process than a first-time student, but with the right support the process is a breeze.
- “It was fairly easy to apply and the transfer advisors were so helpful with getting me through the transfer process.”
- “It was an easy and painless process.”
- “My academic advisor made transferring easy for me. She helped me throughout the entire process. I was very grateful for her.”
What do you like most about being a nursing student at CUAA?
Here are some of the benefits of transferring colleges to CUAA’s school of nursing.
- “I like the smaller class size, more personal interactions, and less competition. I overall love how I feel seen as a person by teachers and advisors. I am not treated like a number and my professors want me to do well.”
- “We have fantastic equipment to use during simulation and the cohorts are small, allowing for one-on-one time with professors. It feels like a family.”
- “The small class sizes – it allows us to get to know each other and build a team atmosphere, as well as get to know our professors which makes it easier to ask for help when we need it.”
- “The staff and faculty genuinely care for their students.”
- “1 on 1 relationships with staff/faculty.”
Anything you’ve found surprising, inspiring, or memorable about your time at CUAA as a nursing student?
- “Honestly, how nice everyone is. Both faculty and students have been so welcoming. This definitely helped me adjust to a new school better than I expected.”
- “The deans and the professors have been supportive from orientation to present day.”
- “Taking the trip to Guatemala was the coolest experience ever. It was amazing that our small school was able to do something like that for us.”
- “The ability to become certified in ACLS and PALS during school. It’s not common to offer a course like advanced perfusion.”
- “I have been able to foster amazing relationships with both my peers and instructors.”
Looking forward, where do you see yourself serving as an RN?
With so many specialties available to the industry, a nursing bachelor’s degree is a great place to discover your passion.
- “Hopefully the cardiac ICU at St. Joseph Hospital.”
- “I see myself either working in women’s health (OB) or in the infant sector of pediatrics. But I’m keeping an open mind for other specialties!”
- “I will begin my nursing career in women’s health as a labor and delivery nurse.”
- “Still unsure, but somewhere back in Oregon!”
What’s next?
Even if you’ve started your nursing journey at a different university, you might consider transferring colleges for a fresh start. There is always a spot for you at CUAA and you’ll be welcome to join us. Find more information about our bachelor’s nursing program or browse our other School of Nursing offerings below.