Transfer Credit Policies

Academic Forgiveness Policy

Lakeview College of Nursing understands that a student may have had difficult times in their life, resulting in sub-standard academic performance at previous institutions. Applicants in this situation can write a statement asking the Admission Committee to exclude this previous coursework from the cumulative GPA calculation. If that is the case, the prerequisite GPA on the transcript evaluation with be reviewed by the committee. Students requesting academic forgiveness will not qualify for an early admission decision.

Accreditation & Credit by Examination

All transfer coursework must be completed from a regionally accredited college or university or earned through specific examinations outlined on our General Education Examination Scoring Requirements Page.
Limitation of credits earned through the Examinations are as follows: (1) duplicated credit in the same subject is not awarded in any case (2) the total number of credits that may be awarded is limited to 48 credits.

Time Limitations & Proficiency Exams for Prerequisite Science Coursework

There is a time limitation on the prerequisite science courses needed for the nursing program. Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Chemistry I & II, and Microbiology MUST be taken no more than 5 years before starting the nursing program unless the student is currently a licensed RN.

Note: If one of the two-part courses (Anatomy & Physiology Part I, Anatomy & Physiology Part II, Chemistry I and Chemistry II) is completed within the last five years, then credits for the other part of the course will be recognized as long as it meets other transfer guidelines.

A student with prerequisite science courses that are not recognized due to time limitations will need to either repeat the course or pass a college proficiency test. For more information regarding the proficiency options, don't hesitate to contact the admissions office. Note: There is a cost associated with proficiency exams.

LPN Proficiency Exams - Nursing Courses

LPNs must provide a copy of their LPN State Licensure and pass a proficiency exam and skills test to be exempt for the N311: Foundations of Nursing Practice. A proficiency exam is also available for the N313: Basic Concepts of Pathophysiology. Please check the tuition and fees section for information regarding the cost of these tests.

Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI)

Lakeview College of Nursing recognizes the ease in transferability with courses holding the IAI status. LCN elective requirements are easily identified and accepted as they are categorized through the Illinois Articulation Initiative.

Students transferring from colleges and universities with the state of Illinois may check www.itransfer.org or go directly to http://itransfer.org/courses/worksheet.php for transfer equivalencies of general education requirements. Courses taken outside of Illinois or courses that are not identified as IAI should be verified for transfer by contacting a Lakeview College of Nursing admission representative.

General Education Exemption and Prerequisite Requirements for Those with a Previous Bachelor's

Students who have previously completed a bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better from another accredited institution of higher education will be exempt from completion of any general education requirements.

Nonetheless, specific prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better. Additional coursework may be required as some institutions may require prerequisites prior to enrolling in the required courses. Please be advised that there are financial aid implications if any of these courses are not successfully completed prior to beginning the nursing curriculum. If coursework is incomplete students will remain at sophomore status in consideration for student loans.

The following prerequisite courses are required: