Hi all. I'm pretty set on wanting to become a nurse, but I'm not sure what to do. I have a really low GPA, due to various issues I had in undergrad. I need to complete the pre-reqs, because the few that I took, I did poorly in (C+ in A&P I, C or lower in others...). I did do ok in other courses, such as Chemistry of Human Functioning (B), Human Growth and Development (A-), Exercise Physiology (B), Genetics (C+), Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (B), etc. I'm basically looking to restart my educational career by retaking A&P I and II, Chemistry, etc., and looking to ultimately get a BSN, and hopefully MSN (really interested in ACNP or CRNA).

I like the courses offered in the Bio department at NCC, but I'm not sure if I would be able to get in to the nursing program there based on what I read here . I know that with my new focus, I can get great grades, but I'm not sure if that would be enough. Should I just enroll somewhere else, like Queensborough? I'd like to do the pre-reqs and the nursing program at the same school, preferably, which is why I ask this.

Now, many of my really low grades are in non-nursing related courses. Does this mean that NCC won't count them in calculating the GPA? The site says:

"Grades for courses that are not included in our nursing program will not be included in your average for the purpose of determining admission to the nursing program."

and

"NOTE: Grades below C in courses that are applicable to NCC's nursing program will be ignored when calculating your average for purposes of admission to the nursing program."

So does this mean they only count grades above C, and courses that are specifically for the program in calculating the average? I hope so!

Also, does NCC or Queensborough count health related experience? I've been an ER Tech for 2 years and an EMT for 2 as well, during college. I'm also looking to be a PCT when I move back to NY next month. I've had so much experience that I hope it counts for something

Finally, does NCC require the PAX-RN? Even if they don't, should I take it anyway? I do pretty well on standardized tests, so I guess every bit counts when I screwed up the past.

Thanks for any help!

I just got into the Evening program at NCC. I had all my pre-reqs and about a 3.7 GPA. You don't have to take a test to get in, as of now they have a points system. You get points for being a Nassau County resident, points for having been an NCC student previously, points for your GPA, etc. If you contact the Admissions dept and speak to the Nursing Advisor she will explain exactly how it works to you so you know where you stand. The only issue is that the pool of applicants changes every time you apply so your odds change depending on who you're up against. GOOD LUCK!!

Regardless of what you do, you need to get those grades UP! The pool of applicants are getting higher GPAs every year and the competition gets stiffer and stiffer, especially at the publicly-funded schools.