ASSOCIATE OF PRE-NURSING TRANSFER DEGREE
The Associate in Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP degree is a transfer-focused associate degree that will help prepare you for a career in nursing. The program helps students complete the courses required for competitive nursing programs across Washington State. It is designed to transfer into Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at both public and private universities and can also prepare you for a variety of other healthcare programs. With flexible scheduling and online class options, you can prepare for your healthcare career while still balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
CONTACT US
ENTRY ADVISING
Email: advising@rtc.edu
Phone: (425) 235-5840
DEAN SARAH WAKEFIELD
Dean of General Education & Transfer
Email: swakefield@rtc.edu
Phone: (425) 235-2285
HELEN ZHENG
Guided Pathways Navigator
Email: mzheng@rtc.edu
Phone: (425) 235-2587
LAURA KNIGHT
Pre-Nursing DTA Adviser, last names A–G
Email: lknight@rtc.edu
Phone: (425)235-2566
DR. OSURÉ BROWN
Pre-Nursing DTA Adviser, last names H–M
Email: obrown@rtc.edu
Phone: (425) 235-6636
CHELSEA GOOD
Pre-Nursing DTA Adviser, last names N–Z
Email: cgood@rtc.edu
Phone: (425) 235-6631
Degree Overview
Associate in Pre-Nursing
The Pre-Nursing DTA/MRP degree provides a strong academic foundation for students planning a career in nursing. You’ll study key subjects like biology, chemistry, nutrition, psychology, and statistics—courses that align with the prerequisites for Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and related healthcare programs. In addition to your science and healthcare-related coursework, you’ll complete general education classes in English, humanities, and social sciences to strengthen your communication, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. This 90-credit associate degree supports transfer to universities across Washington State:
- DTA (Washington Direct Transfer Agreement): A degree that prepares students for transfer to all public universities and many private colleges in Washington State.
- MRP (Major Related Program): A transfer degree that prepares students for high demand bachelor’s degree programs that require specific prerequisite courses in the first two years.
Transfer Institutions
The Associate in Pre Nursing DTA/MRP degree can transfer to BSN programs at these universities:
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Washington State University
- Northwest University
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
- Pacific Lutheran University
- Saint Martin’s University
The Pre Nursing DTA is designed for transfer in Washington State, as part of the Washington Direct Transfer Agreement. However, it is possible to transfer to bachelor's degree programs out of the state. Work with the university directly to plan your transfer. Direct Transfer Agreement Schools
Majors & Careers
Students completing the Pre Nursing DTA/MRP degree may pursue majors (bachelor’s degrees) in these fields. Some majors or universities may have additional requirements beyond this degree, be sure to work with your adviser & transfer university to select courses and plan your transfer.
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Dental Hygiene
- Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health
- Healthcare Administration
- Healthcare Informatics
- Psychology
- Public or Community Health
- Social Work
- Sociology
- Other related health or social science majors
- Associate’s degree in Registered Nursing (RN)
- Dental Hygiene
- Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Occupational Therapy Assisting
- Physical Therapy Assisting
- Radiation & Imaging
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technologist
Join us at our next Info Session.
OTHER INFORMATION
There are no admissions requirements to take classes for the Pre-Nursing DTA. Here are some recommendations to get started:
- Comfort with reading and writing in English
- Comfort with using the Internet, word processing and using a computer
- You may need placement before taking English or Math classes:
- See all English placement options or take the free English Placement Survey
- See all Math placement options or take the free Math Placement Survey
- BSN programs are highly competitive, and you will need a cumulative GPA significantly above the 2.0 graduation requirement to transfer.
- Some BSN programs require healthcare work or volunteer experience.
- Pre-Nursing students should talk with their future university early to plan for application requirements and specific classes to choose within the degree. See university specific recommendations on the Pre-Nursing DTA worksheet.
- Completing this degree does not guarantee admission to any university.
- Some universities may require 10 credits of college level world language if you didn’t complete two years in high school, or a language test if you already speak another language. Consult a transfer adviser at your future university for details.
Nursing programs have competitive admissions. Because not all qualified applicants are accepted, it's important to work with your adviser to explore additional ways to reach your career goals.
- Total of 90 college-level credits required
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate
- 2.0 GPA or higher required in all Natural Science classes and MATH&146, minimum passing grade of 1.0 GPA required in other classes
- A course cannot count toward more than one area or requirement
- At least 25% of this 90-credit degree must be completed at RTC
- Students must apply for graduation
- To transfer your credit to RTC, fill out a Transcript Evaluation Request form and send RTC an official copy of your transcript(s)
- Meet with an adviser for an unofficial review of your previous credit to plan how classes could transfer toward your degree


