Western Governors, Macomb Community College Use Reverse Transfer to Help Student Earn Bachelor’s in Nursing

The typical experience of a college student is no longer typical. Before the pandemic sent droves of students and professors home, the world of education was already beginning to look different.

Today’s students have a far wider range of options to consider as they pursue their education post-high school.  Those options include where to pursue their degrees, when to pursue them and whether to pursue them online, digitally or in some hybrid combination.

Flexibility to Balance Learning and Doing

Bonnie Platte is a case in point. As the Macomb Daily reported, Platte who attended Wayne State University after graduating from high school decided she needed a break. Later, she earned her associate degree after gaining experience as an Emergency Medical Technician.

While attending a conference, she discovered the value of reverse transfer. Platte learned that Macomb Community College (MCC) and Western Governors University (WGU) provide for the seamless transfer of community college credits toward a fully online bachelor’s degree in nursing. For this, WGU and Macomb use the National Student Clearinghouse’s reverse transfer service.

“WGU believes that all learners deserve to have each of their academic achievements recognized and celebrated so that they can avail themselves of each of these successes in their lives,” said Nathan Pesavento, WGU’s Senior Manager of Admissions & Transfer Administration. “The wonderful opportunity offered to us by the National Student Clearinghouse’s Reverse Transfer makes it possible for WGU to seamlessly intertwine courses completed at WGU with the institution where the learner began their academic journey, and assist in the awarding of a verified credential, like an associate degree, and to have that kind of partnership is something in which we take great pride.”

“Reverse Transfer is a way for students who attended MCC to earn their associate degree through the combination of earned credits not only from Macomb, but also from other institutions in which they may have transferred prior to degree completion,” said Carrie D. Jeffers, Registrar and Director of Enrollment Services at MCC. “Earning an associate degree is recognized by employers, provides better job opportunities while still continuing with your bachelor’s degree, shows a commitment to finish what one had started, and data has shown that it improves your chances to successfully complete a bachelor’s degree.”

And according to the Macomb Daily article, Platte not only earned her bachelor’s and became a registered nurse but also went on to earn a master’s degree in nursing education and is currently working on a second masters related to business in the health care industry.

How Reverse Transfer Works

Reverse transfer offers a secure and automated way to exchange unlimited course and grade data online. Regardless of the educational path a student takes, data can be seamlessly transferred across public and private colleges, and state lines. It removes hurdles that could otherwise complicate the process causing many to lose out on opportunities to further their careers.

Reverse transfer also helps institutions achieve retention and completion goals which students benefit from the flexibility to pursue personal and professional goals. The healthcare industry benefits as well. In an environment where nurses are in high demand, these programs help ensure better access to nursing talent for hospitals and healthcare systems around the country.

“Reverse Transfer is a way for students who attended MCC to earn their associate degree through the combination of earned credits not only from Macomb, but also from other institutions in which they may have transferred prior to degree completion.”

Carrie D. Jeffers
Registrar and Director of Enrollment Services at MCC

Additional Resources:

• Learn about reverse transfer
• Take our reverse transfer course