Acceptance of Transfer Credit: Handbook?

Hello All!

Got a question I'm not certain of the answer to.

On what basis will an educational institution decide whether or not to accept credits in transfer from another educational institution?

Is there some sort of national Handbook published by some organization which lists every college/university in the country, along with a recommendation as whether to accept transfer credit or not?

Or, does each college/univseristy just sort of "wing it", and accept transfer credit from XYZ College on a Monday, but not on a Tuesday?

To be more specific, the origin of credits a friend wants to transfer to a local B&M community college is The Swedish Institute ("TSI"), http://www.swedishinstitute.org/Massage_Therapy/index.htm.

TSI states: "Our program is registered with and regulated by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). "

The local community college in question is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

It seems that the local community college has an inconsistent policy, having over the past accepted, not accepted, accepted, not accepted, etc. transfer credit from TSI.

TSI is not a "fluff" school. The coursework in Anatomy & Physiology is extremely rigorous, and more difficult than the same courses offered by the community college.

But since "today is Friday", the community college does not want to accept this coursework in transfer.

Any thoughts?