Currently working on BS for dietetics, but want desperately to be a nurse.

[Emily103]

Hi all!

Here is my story, it can be skipped to the bottom for a summary of my education.

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I graduated high school in 2004, and went straight to CSULB as a graphic design major. About a year into it, I realized I've got so much more passion for healthcare than art. My sophomore year, I struggled with trying to get my science pre-reqs but the SoCal budget cuts really took a toll on the CSU system and I was unable to get any classes repeatedly. I opted to take a temporary leave and take my pre-reqs at home at a local JC (Pasadena City College.) I finished all my pre-reqs while working part-time at many medical clinics, volunteering at hospices and nursing homes as well for experience. At this time, I reapplied to CSULB and was denied entry due to the budget cuts. I was no longer a "returning student" but a "returning transfer student" and the budget wouldn't allow me to come back. I worked for another year and took some more classes, until I finally got back into CSULB in February (spring sem) of this year but was forced to pick a major as I am a junior standing now. I applied for the nursing program, but had not had the TEAS done yet and was obviously denied. I realized after a lot of research that my GPA might not be high enough either. I ended up being forced into another major and I chose nutrition/dietetics as the closest alternative.

I've taken an introduction to nutrition course, where they invite RDs to come speak weekly, and I feel that I lack the passion for the field. The thing with nutrition is that the required internship after graduating is usually part of a Masters program which would allow me to get my MS in 1.5 years after completing the internship. I originally planned for graduating and then getting into an entry level MSN program but I can't see the timing working out if I'm trying to complete another masters for dietetics. I can't seem to picture myself being happy doing anything except nursing and it's gotten me quite depressed. I just don't want to waste anymore time as I am already 25 and I want to move on with my life!

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Long story short. Currently my overall GPA is a 3.2 and I feel that this low of a GPA will not get me into many BSN programs for public schools.

I'd like to know, honestly, what my chances are of private schools or possible other public schools I could try applying to. I've gotten A's on all my sciences, except a B in organic chem and microbio. My parents have told me that their budget for tuition is about 40K a year so I feel that most private schools (MSMC, APU, CBU, etc.) would fall within that range. I would prefer not to move out of California (Northern CA is ok.) I will move out of state if it's the only way I can complete my bachelor's degree in a timely manner as I'm pretty desperate at this point.

I'm seriously stumped as to whether or not I should just complete my BS in nutrition or risk transferring to another school for nursing. I'm so stressed over this!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Finish your degree and then apply to an accelerated BSN program. I'm not from your area but did hear from people on here that say California nursing programs are tough to get in with many of them with waitlists. Maybe someone in the area can chime in to give you advice, but your current GPA and prerequisite GPA seem competitive enough for ABSN programs, but I don't know about the traditional route.

[Emily103]

Thanks for the reply! I'm in such a state of panic over this. If I were to finish my degree at CSULB, I would just apply for an entry level MSN program, I don't see the point in having another bachelors when I can work on my masters. My friend did this over at Western University of Health Sciences but she says it is extremely competitive.

Can anyone else give me some advice specifically about schools that are within my GPA range? Everyone has said I need a very high GPA and I just don't feel confident about my grades.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

To me I don't see the point in obtaining an entry level master's degree especially since there is no pay difference and I prefer my employer to pay for my advance degree. I don't know about other areas, but the EL-MSN programs in my area are much more expensive and are longer. Besides, I plan to do a BSN-DNP program at my current college. A few colleges no longer offer the Masters.

Good luck in your decision and hope you get in.