St. Kate's Post-Bacc Program

U.S.A. Minnesota

Published

Hi-

I was wondering if anyone is participating or has particpated in St. Kate's post-bacc BSN evening/weekend program? I am going to apply for next year's program and would like to hear what other's experiences have been.

As far as applying, they said that you don't have to have the pre-req's completed and minimum GPA is 2.6. Other than that, what do you think they are looking for in a "desirable" candidate? I know so many people apply and I would like to know what they look for since I am sure most people meet the GPA requirement.

Thanks in advance!

Bump....anyone?

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Hi! I am in the program right now, I graduate in December, and I thought I might answer some questions the best I could.

I started my pre-req's at St. Kate's in the fall of '05 with two children and had my third baby in Feb. '06. I think at present count there will be 10 babies born to our class of 21.

1. do you have any idea of the emphasis of acceptance? GPA? Pre-Req's? Essays? Work/Life experience? I graduated with a 3.3 GPA but know that going back to school as an adult would be a totally different deal. I hope my GPA isn't too low.

I believe they go by pre-req's and GPA but I don't think it hurts to have life experience.

2. I have a 4 year old and twins that are 10 months. Before anyone says I am crazy, I have a great husband, mother and mother-in -law to help. How much (on average) study time did you need each day?

I think it depends. I tried to do at least an hour or so a day, just to keep up with it all. Even if something isn't due for a while I would still work on it. It would be really hard to be a procrastinator in this program.

3. I would also need to work, but thinking of going part time to be done by noon each day. Would I HAVE to do that to make it manageable? Or did others seem to make it work?

Some have full-time jobs, some part-time and some are stay-at-home moms. I work 0.5 FTE now and it is manageable with three kids.

4. I have been out of school for 8 years. Was it hard for you to go back? How long were you out of school?

It was not to hard to get back in the groove. It was nice to do the pre-req's first to ease into it.

5. What was the age range of your classmates? I am 33 and feel ancient compared to "newbies".

I am 33 too and probably most everyone else is within 5 years of that.

There is not as much clinical time as other programs, that is true. But you could have a ton of clinical time and still be a dolt. If you go to clinicals and your mentorship and seek out new experiences and make sure that you are pushing yourself, you are going to be fine. I agree 100% with what Maxxineo has posted and she has a great point about getting experience as a HUC or a NA. It's a great way to see what nursing is about, you get experience and often it's an in as an RN if you wish to stay on the unit you are working on.

It is really hard and you will probably have moments in which you think it is impossible (especially with kids) but it is worth it.

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Shellski75-

thank you so much for your reply! It was very helpful. Good to know it sounds like very normal, busy people in your program! I get the feeling that St. Kate's tries to make it doable for working people.

When do you start your job search? What area are you thinking of? Has it changed with your clinical experience?

If there is anything else you think would be important to share with us, we would appreciate it!

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Bumping this up because those of you who got in must have started your nursing courses by now, right? I just got accepted to the Post Bacc program and I'd love to hear how it is going for you! : )

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