chances of getting into a bsn program

FA to CRNA2b · Jan 2, 2009

I would apply to them all. The reality of getting in as a transfer student is that your GPA needs to be much higher than what is required due to the limited slots for transfers. It's lower if you start out as a declared nursing major in your freshman year. Transfer GPAs in my area do not go below a 3.5 and the last spot out of 150 students at my school went to a person with a 3.7. Things may be different in your state. I would try to get into any school and your backup plan could be to get your ASN and do a RN-BSN bridge. That takes longer, however, you could start getting your required ICU experience while earning your BSN. You really need strong grades to get into a CRNA program--mainly 'A's, particularly in the hard sciences.

bananabubbletea · Jan 2, 2009

taking courses to raise your cumulative gpa will help you. some crna schools look at cumulative gpa. do you have 2nd choices? some msn programs look at upper division credits gpa, or require 3.0 in your major and overall gpa can be lower. it all differs, but if your post degree work is exceptional anyone with intelligence can see how hard you have worked and the potential you have. I have made mistakes in my past with education but that is not going to stop me from striving to change what I can.

RDW13 · Jan 2, 2009

I can only speak to South Florida (I'm assuming USF in Tampa).

The 2.5 GPA is the lowest to apply, but with so many applicants, you really need a GPA of 3.4 or higher. I was in the same boat as you with a lower GPA and I had a BS degree in Business at USF, but still could not get in at USF. My best option was to get an AA in Nursing at a local community college first, then go back to USF for the RN to BSN program and then on to a Masters for ARNP.

I'm half way done with the RN, so I hope to be back at USF in a year or so to continue on with the BSN.

APBT mom, LPN, RN · Jan 2, 2009

I can only speak to South Florida (I'm assuming USF in Tampa).
The 2.5 GPA is the lowest to apply, but with so many applicants, you really need a GPA of 3.4 or higher. I was in the same boat as you with a lower GPA and I had a BS degree in Business at USF, but still could not get in at USF. My best option was to get an AA in Nursing at a local community college first, then go back to USF for the RN to BSN program and then on to a Masters for ARNP.
I'm half way done with the RN, so I hope to be back at USF in a year or so to continue on with the BSN.

South University is located on MLK in Tampa but they do have other campuses throughout Florida.

I agree with this post. That's the minimum that they will accept to get in. The programs around here with out a prior LPN or RN license already are hard to get in. One college was denying students with 3.8. Your best bet ould be to call the schools that you're interested in and see what the last class they accpeted for GPA cut off was. They usually don't jump that high. Also you may have an advantage by also having a degree now. Apply to them all it won't hurt.

tinybabynurse · Jan 2, 2009

If I were you I would meet with/talk with counselors at the schools you are interested in and find out if there is anything you can do to make yourself be a more competitive applicant. For example maybe they want to see some healthcare experience...then you could volunteer at a hospital or something.

I know that the school I'm going to weighed your overall GPA and your sciences equally...so if your science grades are high, then you may be more competitive than you realize.

You should probably also open yourself up to alternative pathways to becoming a CRNA...like a previous poster said maybe get your ASN now and that way you can get the required ICU experience as you're doing your BSN. Or you could finish out a BS degree and be sure you get mostly A's, which would bring up your GPA...then apply to accelerated BSN programs. While getting the BS, you could work at a hospital or something. Good luck!

guest239592 · Jan 3, 2009

I am not from the FL area so I can't speak to that, but speaking from knowing a lot about colleges in my area, schools all look for different things. My college looked basically only at GPA (3.7 typically was the cut off) Other schools want a well-rounded applicant. Like the previous poster said, talk to the counselors and nursing advisers and get their take. As far as the CRNA route, I agree with the previous poster and look for alternative routes. From the CRNA's i've talked to (and I have talked to many) they have all told me that overall GPA (typically 3.8 and above) and grades in core science courses (typically A's) get you to the interview

Med Succor · Jan 4, 2009

Thanks to everybody that replied.

I guess I forgot to mention that I have worked at the same hospital for the past 3years. For a while I got to see what it was like working in a level one emergency+trauma center and currently I am working upstairs in the OR (both jobs full time.)

Some of the institutions that I mentioned earlier also require NET (nurse entrance test) scores or TEAS (test of essential academic skills) scores. If I score high Ill definitely have a better chance, correct?

GradNurseFL · Feb 4, 2009

Pertaining to the TEAS:

I currently attend University of North Florida and the nursing school here bases their acceptance on GPA, TEAS score, and interview. I've been told that the TEAS score could be a large factor in your acceptance. I'm also applying to JU for the summer term as well.

chicookie, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2009

Thanks to everybody that replied.
I guess I forgot to mention that I have worked at the same hospital for the past 3years. For a while I got to see what it was like working in a level one emergency+trauma center and currently I am working upstairs in the OR (both jobs full time.)
Some of the institutions that I mentioned earlier also require NET (nurse entrance test) scores or TEAS (test of essential academic skills) scores. If I score high Ill definitely have a better chance, correct?

Its going to be hard to get into the University with that type of GPA. If you want to try somewhere like FCCJ the points are based on the pre-reqs and the nat test. But that will only get you an ADN but then you can go to a university for your bsn but it will take you longer but by just a little.

GodivaGirl · Feb 23, 2009

I can give you information about University of West Florida. I am trying to get accepted there as well. Their program is VERY difficult to get in to. They told me a few months ago that while 2.75 is the minimum score to apply, they have not taken anyone in the past 3 years with a GPA of less than 3.5. They also admit only once a year for 40 slots. I am applying there, but also jumping through all the hoops to be admitted to the local community college just in case.

DeonNursingBound · Apr 26, 2011

I think that you may have a chance at South University , but Bethune Cookman, FAMU, and UW Fare out of the question only because they have a limited amount of students that they accept and its very competitive therefore you would need a 3.3 or higher. However like I said if you have a really good essay and reccomemendaton the committee at south university may take you. GOOD LUCK!!!