Low GPA ... Direct Entry NP?

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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Hi guys... thanks for reading.

I think I'll keep things short --- but after years of soul searching, I've decided to pursue medicine/nursing. Right now, I'm a pre-nursing student with a B.A. in a different discipline and limited clinical/practical experience Ultimately, my goal is to become a FNP/DNP. However, and unfortunately, I have limited experience... and even more limited background with my education in the sciences. So, I'm hoping if anyone has/or is in a similar situation may be able to give me some guidance/advice:

Quick note: The goal is to become a NP. I have a very strong willed personality --- I don't give up easily, so please don't respond with give up. I'll get there eventually.

My background:

  • 30 years old, two BAs (one in economics, the other in Hispanic studies/Spanish) from a top 30 university. undergraduate GPA is 2.75 cumulative (I have courses from other universities included in that GPA). I did poorly in college because I owned a business (I was very, very ambitious at 20), so I stupidly devoted way too much time on my business, rather than my expensive education.
  • I'm enrolled in science prerequisites this summer and I plan on taking the basics, A&P I/II, Microbiology, Chem, Lifespan, Nutrition --- but I think this is only going to account for a small amount of courses to boost my GPA. Even if I got As in all of these courses, I won't get over a 3.0GPA.

At this point, I have my goals set on a direct entry MSN program... because, I know where I want to be, I'm older --- and I have a B.A. already. I know doing well on the GREs may help and the personal essay is a big chunk... but realistically, is any direct entry MSN going to look at me with under a 3.0GPA?

Any experiences? Anyone have a similar situation and get in? Anyone do the post bac medical studies route? Am I really only limited to doing a second degree BSN first?

Thanks for your insight guys... truly appreciate anything based on real-life experiences!

:D

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I'm not sure there are good programs out there that will accept your GPA, let alone entry into the program without any clinical experience.

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There are direct entry MSN programs, having limited or no clinical experience doesn't automatically exclude you from admission. However, what DOES likely limit your chances of admission is your GPA. Frankly it's pretty dismal. Some schools are mostly just concerned with your science pre-requisite grades but since you're looking to get into an advanced nursing program a strong academic foundation is the best indicator of how you'd do in THEIR program.

I'm only giving you what I've gleaned from reading on this site, there are a lot of well-educated people who can speak to the details. But all in all, while "Give Up" isn't necessarily what you'll need to do, "Back Up a Step or Two" might be :-)

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As a second degree student myself I have been researching both accelerated BSN and MSN programs for a while now. I am from NYC and Columbia University offers a direct entry MSN, called MDE - Master's Direct Entry. I attended their info session and I can tell you that their requirements are as generally similar to many other schools' ABSN programs. They do require an undergrad GPA to be 3.0 or higher, plus GRE and a bunch of pre-req courses. But like others have said before, your GPA will not cut it. However, miracles do happen and there might be schools that will only look at science pre-reqs. I wish you luck in finding them!

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Consider re-taking some courses while taking your prereqs to improve your GPA.

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Consider re-taking some courses while taking your prereqs to improve your GPA.

Need to be careful with that. It's not unusual for a school to accept only one retake of a course, or no more than two retakes on transcripts for eligibility for admission. Some allow you to take the course twice but will also average the grades together. Proceed with caution unless you know the exact rules in play for the schools to which you want to apply.

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I honestly don't know if you could get into a BSN program with that GPA. You need to get that up. I'm sorry, but that's the reality.

Getting into any program is very competitive. 200 applicants for 20 seats. 2.75 isn't going to cut it. Even if you manage a3.0, chances are small.

Meet with a counselor at the school you want to go to and discuss options. They can give you a better idea than we can.

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