Pre-Nursing (Associate of Arts) to Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)This pathway is designed for students who wish to transfer to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a four-year college or university. The Associate of Art degree with a concentration in Pre-Nursing to BSN is intended for students who want to take their science and general education classes at North to prepare to transfer to a four-year college or university to being their nursing classes and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
Students in this pathway develop skills in applying and communicating fundamental concepts/principles of science to one's daily life, demonstrating the process of scientific inquiry, solving problems analytically, and thinking critically. In addition, students will learn verbal communication, and group communication and collaborations, and awareness of human behavior and thinking that will serve them in both personal and professional capacities. Competencies in these areas consistently rank at the top of employer wish lists. The role of the nurse is more important than ever, as communities are currently in an era of provider shortages. In fact, nursing make up the largest healthcare profession in the United States. They work in a variety of settings, which include clinics, hospitals, long term care facilities, and community settings.
Students completing this track are not eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for Registered Nursing until they complete their BSN program. Students wishing to become a registered nurse directly after completing their associate degree should talk with an advisor about an Associate in Nursing Direct Transfer Degree/Major Related Program (AN DTA.MRP).
Estimated Length of Completion
| Degree | Quarters | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) | Full time : 6 | 90 |
You may need more or fewer units depending on your transferred credits, individual situation, and goals.
Before Quarter One
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies Math (if needed).
- Pre-College or Transitional Studies English (if needed).
- Attend New Student Orientation.
- Explore placement options: take the math and English placement tool if needed.
- Make an informed choice on the number of units to take each quarter.
- F-1 international students must enroll full time (12+ units) each quarter and check in with the International Programs office before the start of the quarter if enrolling in less than 12 units and/or before starting any work or volunteer experience.
- Apply for Financial Aid and other funding before your first quarter. Visit the Financial Aid Office to explore how to pay for college.
- Transfer previous college credits to North if applicable.
- If you need academic accommodations for a documented disability, please contact Disability Services.
Step 1: Apply and register at North Seattle College anytime (the application is always free). Once you become a student, register for classes using the online class schedule and go to the academic calendar for registration dates and tuition deadlines.
Step 2: See an advisor to create a personalized educational plan by the end of your second quarter. Your plan will include prerequisites, graduation requirements, and transfer preparation if you plan to transfer to another college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
Sample Schedule and Quarterly To-Do List
90 UnitsA sample schedule and quarterly to-do list are below. The schedule and to-do list will help you explore courses and complete tasks on time. The guide assumes a fall quarter start, but you can begin in any quarter and start at any placement level.
Note about the sample schedule: Courses are offered in various formats and may not be offered each quarter. Click the button with arrows throughout the map to expand the section and view detailed information.
Click to see details
- Schedule an advising appointment with your assigned advisor or retention specialist in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. Learn more about Starfish.
- Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling and career services.
- Come to the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects.
- Visit the Student Learning Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online.
- Consider clinical and volunteer experiences if needed for your applications.
- Check out campus life: Student Clubs and Affinity Groups, AANAPISI, TRIO, Community & Welcome Center, Wellness Center, etc.
- Create an education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
- Apply for the Seattle Colleges Foundation Scholarship and other scholarships.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
- Attend transfer workshops and a transfer fair.
- Update your education plan with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
- Connect with potential universities' admission offices at transfer fairs and info sessions and determine application procedures and deadlines.
- Consider Student Leadership positions and other on-campus jobs.
- Attend healthcare career and transfer fair.
- Investigate clinical and shadowing opportunities including NAC courses.
- Research and develop a list of your target schools and application deadlines.
- Apply for Summer financial aid, if needed.
- Update your education plan and confirm your program of study with your assigned advisor or retention specialist.
- Attend transfer workshops and connect with universities if you haven't already.
- Write your personal statement for university applications.
- Contact Nursing department at potential universities.
- Consider possible internships.
- Apply to graduate for the Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA) degree in ctcLink. Check with your assigned advisor or retention specialist to be sure you are meeting degree requirements.
- Apply for financial aid for the upcoming academic year in Winter or Spring quarter to maximize your funding options.
- Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
- Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
- Attend graduation celebrations and commencement ceremony.
- Check in with university for transfer plan.
More Information
Tuition and Funding
It's time to apply for Financial Aid for next year by completing
either the
FAFSA or the
WASFA 2025-26.
Need help paying for college?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit North's Financial Aid Department for details. Part-time and full-time students can qualify for financial aid funds.
Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance and general fees to attend college.
Career Opportunities
A Bachelor's degree, additional training, and licensure (NCLEX completion) or higher will be required for most careers listed below. Examples include:
- Public Health Nurse
- Care Coordinator or Navigator
- RN Case Manager
- Pediatrics Nursing
- Health Educator
- Quality Coordinator
- Nursing Manager
- Surgical Nurse
- ICU Nurse
- Hospice Nurse
- Legal Consultancy Nurse
- Nurse Midwife
- Nurse Anesthetist
- Clinical Nurse Specialist
For current employment and wage estimates, please visit www.bls.gov/oes.
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete this associates degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or related degree at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in a healthcare field at one of the Seattle Colleges.
North Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Seattle University. Pre-nursing graduates from North have also transferred to out-of-state institutions. Direct transfer agreements do not guarantee admission and/or admission to particular programs.
Program and admission requirements vary from college-to-college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.
Additional Information
Please see the pre-nursing guide for more information about this pathway.