Transfer Credit Policy

Admissions

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing Policy

New York College of Health Professions awards credit for prior learning across all degree programs. This page outlines the requirements for transfer credit, advanced standing, challenge examinations, and prior learning assessment.

All policies sourced from the NYCHP 2023–2026 Catalog (Updated March 2026).

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Policy Summary at a Glance

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Transfer Credits

New York College of Health Professions does award credit for prior learning. All courses submitted for transfer credit will be evaluated for applicability to the selected curriculum and compliance with licensure requirements.

Application Requirements

An applicant wishing to transfer from another institution must complete the regular application process, including all academic requirements, and supply the following:

• Each candidate must request that official transcript(s) for all prior coursework and a complete course description or syllabus be sent to the Admissions Office.
• Applicants who wish to be considered for transfer credits in one or more subject areas must make their request in writing to the Admissions Office during the admissions process. Transfer credit can only be considered and awarded during a student's first academic year.

Evaluation Criteria

Transcripts are evaluated by the Dean of the appropriate program. Transfer credit will be awarded for equivalent coursework completed within the last five years with a grade of B (3.0) or better. An applicant will be notified in writing of transfer credit to be awarded. When all aspects of the transfer application are completed, an interview with the program Dean may be required. Transfer students must meet the admissions requirements in effect at the time of their official transfer.

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Advanced Standing

Applicants to the College who have completed coursework equivalent to the programs offered at New York College of Health Professions are encouraged to apply. Advanced standing applicants must submit all transcripts from previous institutions at the time of admission so that the appropriate course plan can be created and the correct courses can be registered.

Applicants registering as Advanced Standing can request that courses from their previous institutions be awarded through one of the following methods.

1. Credit by Examination (Challenge Exam)

Qualified students may receive didactic course credits by taking and passing a written examination or a project equivalent to the final requirement of a course. An equivalent course is determined by the faculty of the department or division and must be approved by the program Dean.

• Maximum exemption credits: 12 credits toward a New York College of Health Professions degree. Transfer credits are in addition to exemption credits.
• Eligibility: Exemption credits will be awarded to degree students only.
• Deadline: Requests for challenge exams must be made within the first year of study at the College.
• Fee: $325, collected prior to the examination.
• If successful: Credit is awarded and a grade of "AP" (Advanced Placement) is entered on the student's transcript.
• If unsuccessful: The student must take the course, and the examination fee is applied to the tuition cost for that course.

2. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessment allows students to gain credit for learning that has occurred outside of the instruction provided by the College. Students may be waived from attending certain courses based on one or more of the following assessment methods:

a. Standardized Exams

College credits may be earned by successfully passing one or more of the following proficiency exams: the College Scholarship Service's Advanced Placement (AP) Examination; the College Level Examination Program (CLEP); the American College Testing Program Proficiency Examination Program (PEP); exams of the US Armed Forces Institute (USAFI); the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES); and the Excelsior College Examinations. These credits may be earned even while a student is enrolled at the College.

b. Non-Collegiate Courses

Prior learning credit for non-collegiate courses may be awarded based on recommended college-level equivalencies established by the American Council on Education in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs and The Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces, and the New York State Education Department Program on Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI).

c. Portfolio Method

Students may submit a portfolio of documents attesting to course-equivalent learning attained through work, non-traditional education, self-study, or other non-sponsored forms of learning. Documents may include work projects, job descriptions, commendations, or licenses and certificates. Supporting letters from employers or other knowledgeable sponsors must accompany all portfolio submissions but are not sufficient alone to warrant the award of credit. Portfolio assessment is conducted by ad hoc faculty committees with expertise in the relevant subject matter.

d. Challenge Examination

Students may apply to be excused from enrolling in a course based on their knowledge of the coursework. To demonstrate their knowledge, they will be offered a challenge exam covering the specific course content, usually comparable to comprehensive exams given in the course.

3. Transfer Credit from Other Institutions

Work completed at another baccalaureate-level academic institution will be considered for transfer credit. This form of credit is awarded based on a review of the student's transcript from the prior institution and the equivalency of courses from the two institutions. Transfer credit will be approved only for courses taken within the last five years with a grade of B or better. Transfer courses older than five years will be reviewed using one of the other methods outlined above.

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Prior Learning Assessment — Eligibility and Process

Any student seeking to use one or more of the above methods must obtain permission from the program Dean or director of the program.

Generally, students applying for this form of assessment have had significant work, military, or similar experience. The College may accept credit toward its admissions requirements that has been awarded by portfolio assessment or may accept no more than 50% of credit toward its admission requirement earned through Credit by Examination, provided that assessment was performed and credit was awarded by an institution (other than New York College) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Submission Deadline and Fees

All requests for Prior Learning Assessment must be submitted to the program Dean in a timely fashion so that the award of credit can be completed before the end of the student's first year of enrollment. Requests must be accompanied by an Application for Prior Learning Form, relevant documentation, and the assessment fee of $325 per course.

Transcript Notation

The program Dean's decision will be forwarded to the Registrar. The award will be indicated on the transcript by the letters PL and will have no bearing on the student's grade point average. Students who wish to challenge the program Dean's award of credit should follow the academic appeals policy, which appears in the Student Handbook.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer credits to NYCHP from another institution?

Yes. NYCHP awards credit for prior learning. Applicants may receive transfer credit for up to 50% of total program credit requirements, provided the coursework was completed within the last five years with a grade of B (3.0) or better.

What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer?

Up to 50% of total program credit requirements. Of that 50%, no more than 25% of clinical training requirements may be accepted. In addition to transfer credits, up to 12 exemption credits may be earned through challenge examinations.

What is the deadline to request transfer credit?

Transfer credit requests must be submitted in writing to the Admissions Office during the admissions process. All transfer credit must be considered and awarded during the student's first academic year.

How does the Challenge Examination work?

The challenge exam is a written examination or project equivalent to the final requirement of a course. The fee is $325, due before the exam. If successful, an "AP" grade is entered on the transcript. If unsuccessful, the fee is applied toward tuition for the course. The maximum is 12 exemption credits.

What is the minimum GPA to apply for Prior Learning Assessment?

AOS Massage Therapy students need a cumulative GPA of 2.0. BPS/MS Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine students need a cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Does NYCHP accept international transcripts for transfer credit?

International transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation agency. Contact the Admissions Office for approved agencies and additional requirements.

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Policy content sourced from the NYCHP 2023–2026 Catalog (Updated March 2026). Reviewed 2023-01. For the most current policy, consult the official catalog.