Pre-nursing (AA to BSN)

Associate of Arts - Direct Transfer Agreement (LASDTAA)

This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Arts degree requirements while preparing for entry into a BSN program.The nurse's role is more important than ever, as communities are in an era of health-care provider shortages. In fact, nurses make up the largest healthcare profession in ...

This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Arts degree requirements while preparing for entry into a BSN program.

The nurse's role is more important than ever, as communities are in an era of health-care provider shortages. In fact, nurses make up the largest healthcare profession in the United States. They work in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community settings. The Associate of Arts degree with a concentration in Pre-Nursing is intended for students who want to take their science and general education classes at South to prepare to transfer to a four-year school to begin their nursing classes and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Students completing this track are not eligible to take 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).  

Special Note: Many BSN programs require hands-on healthcare experience with a minimum of 100 hours, although most complete a least 1000 hours. It is recommended that students earn their Nursing Assistant Certification (NA-C) to earn the necessary hours and experience required for admission requirements. 

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

Step 1: Apply and register at South 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 Units

A 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: Classes are offered in various formats such as online (e-learning) 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

Quarter 1
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor in Starfish to meet and discuss your goals. 
  • Explore careers and majors through workshops, counseling, and WorkSource career services. 
  • Visit the Library to get help with research; check out resources; access computers and study space; and create media projects. 
  • Visit the Tutoring Center to learn about tutoring services offered in-person and online. 
  • Get involved on campus! Check out some of the resources, clubs and activities available to you through Student Life and TRiO, RST, and more! 
Quarter 2
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Create an educational plan with your advisor.
  • Research and develop a list of four-year colleges and universities.
  • Attend transfer workshops and/or a transfer fair. Find more information on our Transfer Resources page.
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options.
  • Visit South’s transfer webpage for transfer information.
Quarter 3
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational plan with your assigned advisor.
  • Attend a resume building or career workshop.
  • Connect with potential universities (virtually or in person) and determine application deadlines.
  • Research and apply for scholarships.
Quarter 4
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Update your educational plan with your advisor.
  • Attend transfer workshops, including a personal statement workshop.
  • Write your personal statement.
  • Build relationships with faculty and staff at South to learn more about your pathway and future opportunities.
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
Quarter 5
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Apply for financial aid for the upcoming school year in Fall or early Winter Quarter to maximize your funding options.
  • Apply to universities or colleges and scholarships.
  • Explore internships in your major/career.
  • Apply for graduation for your degree.
Quarter 6
To-Do List
15 UNITS
To-Do List
  • Check in with your university for transfer planning.
  • Order cap and gown for commencement and join alumni association.
  • Attend commencement ceremony.

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 South'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

  • Public Health Nurse
  • Care Coordinator or Navigator
  • RN Case Manager
  • Pediatrics Nursing
  • Health Educator
  • Quality Coordinator
  • Nurse Manager
  • Surgical Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • ICU Nurse
  • Hospice Nurse
  • Legal Consultancy Nurse
  • Nurse Midwife
  • Nurse Anesthetist
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist
  • Cruise Ship Nurse

A bachelor’s degree or higher degree may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

Future Education Opportunities

Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:

South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.

Program and admissions 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

Learn more about the Transfer process, Transfer agreements, and Bachelor’s degrees including transferring to top universities around the state and nation, such as Historically Black Universities and Colleges.

Area of Study

Health and Medical

Program Contact

New or Prospective Students: Please connect with the Welcome Center to discuss South’s program options and for help navigating the Steps to Enroll. 

Email: southwelcomecenter@seattlecolleges.edu 
Phone: 206-934-7943  

Current Students: Please connect with Advising to create an educational plan and discuss specific class offerings for your program. 

Email: advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu 
Phone: 206-934-5387 

Advising Contact

If you are already registered for classes or a returning student, please see your primary advisor to create an educational plan. If you need assistance getting connected to the appropriate advisor, visit the Advising Center website.  

Email: advisorsouth@seattlecolleges.edu
Phone: 206-934-5387