How hard is it to get into accelerated BSN programs?

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  1. This is a discussion on How hard is it to get into accelerated BSN programs? in Pre-Nursing Student, part of Nursing Student ... The first time I went to college it seemed pretty easy to know what schools were reaches, safe and...

    by Feb 18
    The first time I went to college it seemed pretty easy to know what schools were reaches, safe and way out of my league. For instance no one in their right mind would have told me to apply for Yale in the same token someone telling me I should look at the local community college could have been interpreted as insulting (which it isn't, just using it as an example). But now I am looking at accelerated BSN programs and every school seems to have the same requirements, and I am seriously confused.

    Heres the story, I blew off college the first time around because I was arrogant and I thought economics was stupid (which time proved me correct to be fair) and I graduated with a 2.9 GPA and degrees in Economics and Human Rights, by no means a measure of my capability. I moved to DC and had 3 productive yet unremarkable years in the non profit scene. I did have a ton of very legit volunteer experience. I then left for the Peace Corps and sometime in the two years of overseeing a small rural health clinic in the South Pacific decided nursing is the thing I've been looking for all along. Now I am enrolled in a community college in Manhattan taking all the pre-req science classes I never did the first time around, and looking very hard for an accelerated BSN program that I can complete in 1-2 years. It all seems like a solid plan but I'm super nervous, and here's why:

    Nearly every program requires a 3.0, which I didn't think would be a problem for a 2.9, but some of the people I've talked to in admissions say their applicants average a 3.4. Also most schools, from Yale to Southern Upstate Rural Junior College are claiming acceptance rates around 20% or lower. I have no hospital experience (but PLENTY of public health experience) and between going to school and bar tending to be able to pay for that I do not have time to go work as a CNA on the side (if that was even possible). Basically internet community what i'm asking is that do I have a shot here. (aka has anyone been in a similar position and made it). I'm wading into a considerable financial and time commitment for something I don't know is possible and I'm losing my mind a bit. Thanks.
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    by rpcvVanuatu Feb 18 8:19 pm
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  3. 5 Comments so far...

  4. Feb 19 by
    It is frustration I hear you.
    It does seem that nearly every program has a min of 3.0 AND that truly is a Min. where most programs are very competitive and have averages of 3.5 and up and Yes I have attended several informational sessions where they have 20% acceptance rates.
    All I can tell you is research. research. research if this is what you want and are flexible I am optimistic you can find a program that will work.

    I was in a similar boat... I graduated with a 3.02 cum undergrad. However, I do also have my Master's and earned a 3.97 gpa.
    Some programs considered my grad GPA while others didn't. And it was all a guessing game.
    For instance I applied to 3 programs and my GPA was drastically different for all for their admissions requirements
    - School 1 considered me to have a 3.02 (took undergrad into consideration only) - WAITLISTED!
    - School 2 considered me to have a 3.23 (took undergrad and Grad both into consideration) - HAVE NOT HEARD YET
    - School 3 considered me to have a 3.78 (took last 60 hours only, including Grad) - ACCEPTED!

    I did come across a program in Lake Mary, FL (just N of Orlando) that had a 2.5 GPA requirement I think. It is called Remington College. You may want to look into that.

    Good Luck to you
  5. Feb 23 by
    You DO NOT want to go to Remington!! I believe they are only turning out RNs and do not have a BSN program. OH is already moving toward magnet status and the other local hospitals will quickly do the say. Remington nurses are finding it harder and harder to find jobs. Seminole State College has a great concurrent program with UCF!!! Check that out.
  6. Feb 25 by
    Purdue University has an Accelerated 2nd Degree (BSN) in Nursing Program that you might want to take a look at for next year. I had questions about how they calculate GPA because I too was an idiot undergrad my first time around. They require a 3.0, but they calculate the your degree GPA, not your lifetime GPA. This made a significant difference for me since I transferred to a diff university to complete my business degree and performance extremely improved there academically.

    I hope this is helpful.
    All the Best!
    Bobbie Gee
  7. Feb 25 by
    The Remington program (in Lake Mary only) is an accelerated BSN program.
  8. Feb 25 by
    Indiana State has an on campus Accelerated BSN. The current GPA requirement is 2.5 in previous degree and 2.8 in science pre-req., and minimum of proficient on the TEAS test for the April 1 deadline. Next year the GPA requirement moves from 2.5 to 2.75. They have a 30 student maximum and the last 2 yrs they had less than 20 in the program due to lack of advertising of the program. I will know in less than 2 months if my cohort will have 30 students or less. So as of right now there is no competition to get into the program if you meet the basic requirements.