Trying to decide best schooling path for me.

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Hi everyone, I graduated with a BA in biology and Psychology, have been working in organ transplant for a little over a year, and I'm realizing that I want to go to nursing school. Actually, I realized this before I was about to graduate, but I didn't have enough time to switch majors.

I'm trying to decide the best route to get my BSN. Unfortunately I went to a really hard school and graduated with a mediocre 3.3 GPA, in addition to one really awful semester where I had health problems and got a couple Cs and one D. Because of that, I'm fairly certain I'm not going to be competitive enough for an accelerated BSN in my area. I've since taken a few prereqs at community college and done well, as well as volunteered at a hospital for a year outside of work. However, I just don't think that will be enough to overcome my rough academic past.

Do I stand a better chance if I go for an associate's first, and then pursue an RN-to-BSN?

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Hey - just apply to some accelerated BSN programs in your area and I'm sure you'll get in. A 3.3 is certainly within range for an ABSN, and you probably have some prereq's left to take before you can apply so just make sure to ace those. you'll be fine, plus it sounds like you're already getting some healthcare experience in to boost your app. Good luck!

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Specializes in mental health / psychiatic nursing.

I graduated with a 3.3gpa for my first degree, and after being out in the world and gaining some work experience and doing well in pre-reqs I was accepted to a competitive ABSN program so don't rule yourself out yet! As long as you have the minimum gpa apply, most of the ABSN programs are holistic and want to see that you are a well-rounded person with a compelling story for "why nursing" in addition to grades. I think your time working in organ transplant, and volunteering will bolster your application. Do well in your pre-reqs and you have a shot at acceptance.

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What about a traditional BSN instead of ABSN? The required GPA is usually a bit lower. If you have all your gen ed done because of a previous degree, you may be able to enter in at the junior level.

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Thanks. It's definitely worth a shot! Just wondering if I should apply to multiple kinds of programs to increase my chances.

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That may also be an option. I was afraid none of my gen ed classes would count, since they were not in a nursing capacity. At least where I went to school, classes could not be transferred between departments.

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if you're located near a major city or are willing to move, apply to 3-4 programs, you'll get in. im only saying this becuase my gpa was same as yours, i aced prereqs, and had solid health care experience. i wrote an honest essay and awknowledged my performance in undergrad, how i've changed since, and was accepted to all 3 programs i applied for. good luck! be confident, you clearly are passionate about this, not easy to volunteer for a year and work and school.

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The nursing schools focus on your prereq GPA. If you got Ds in any of those, please retake them. If they weren't nursing prereqs, don't worry about it. Just apply for the ABSN.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I'd rec what most were saying and just apply to several accelerated programs. Do not go for an associates or any of that with a BA already. I was a 'non-traditional' student, 2nd career RN. First degree, Chemistry, 3.0gpa barely. If you did poorly in A&P, micro, I'd retake those. Most schools I believe are willing to look past it if your prereqs are strong. I had to take about 20credits to apply, and made sure to ace those classes. It took some explaining in my application essays and in interview how my past was different than now to show I can handle the commitment and pace of accelerated coursework.

Don't get discouraged if you get waitlisted or get a no or two. You might have to compromise to make it a reality sooner. Instead of being in a program close by, I had a 1.5hr drive to school. Rented a room for parts of it, crashed at classmate's places or drove back and forth depending on what was going on. Depends on how bad you want it. For me it was the best decision I ever made. It was 15months of non-stop work, but so worth it in the end. Good luck.

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With your background, you might also consider a master's entry program. You may have to take the GRE, but it at least gives you another option if you decide bedside isn't where you want to stay forever.

That being said, if you go to an ADN program, all is not lost. It'll just take longer to earn the BSN that you'll probably have to eventually earn to work in Acute care. Save money and beg your way into an ABSN or MSN entry position.

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