If you've already received a college degree and want to pursue another in healthcare, some of the credits you've already earned may transfer to your new institution. Deciphering which ones will transfer needn't be as daunting as it sounds.
"The first step is to do some research on what your program options are and the career directions that are open to you," says Paul Hesterman, interim vice president of student affairs at Metropolitan State University (www.metrostate.edu). "Many of the college and university websites, including ours, will have some tools available in the career services areas to help find options that people may not have thought about."
In addition to college websites, www.iseek.org, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, can help students decide on a career.
MNSCU Offers Online Help
Once you've narrowed down the field of study, Hesterman recommends the Minnesota Transfer website, www.mntransfer.org, administered by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MNSCU). It offers information on transferring credits and includes links for veterans, high school students and international students, plus contact information for member schools. The information is helpful even if you're not transferring within the public college system, according to Hesterman, who was an academic advisor for almost 30 years.
The site also offers information on transfer planning, the application process, financial aid, student services and links to additional web resources.
Public Colleges Have Common Ground
Students transferring among public colleges in Minnesota have the advantage of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, a common set of undergraduate general education requirements whose credits are accepted across the MNSCU system and by the University of Minnesota.
