Low Undergrad GPA - Advice to Get into Nursing School in CA

jaycam, RN · Jan 30, 2015

Have you checked the local ADN programs? I know that some go by pre requisite GPA instead of overall. Also look at schools that offer spots by lottery.

Nienna Celebrindal · Jan 30, 2015

I am going to apologize in advance because I feel like poo delivering this news. a 3.0 will not get you into nursing school in California. You need above a 3.5.I went to a Cal State, and most of those you really need above a 3.75 (closer to a 3.9 at mine). Maybe check out a private school like West Coast in Socal, but most private schools are terrible (avoid Unitek and Carrington). West Coast is very very expensive. Also ADNs really really struggle in CA because there are just so many BSNs that BSN new grads get the job over ADNs, even other experience like EMT, CNA, LVN isn't always giving ADNs a big enough "shot in the arm." With many hospitals going Magnet its even worse. The Bay Area and the LA area are just atrociously competitive.

If you are willing to move out of CA MOVE. Even if your GPA was higher I'd still say move if you can, because even if you get into a BSN program getting that first new grad RN job here is just horrifically competitive.

If you are determined to stay/can't move I agree with pp look into community colleges that have lotteries and then jump right into a BSN. My hospital isn't doing magnet but it has had a policy change as of Jan 1 to only hire BSNs, what they aren't saying openly is they will hire ADNs in a BSN program already (you have to be able to provide documentation to prove it). I highly recommend you start getting medical experience asap (cna, volunteer) if you don't have it already because it will help a ton with that first job.

Good luck, its a long road, and its a struggle but it really is worth it in the end!

Nienna Celebrindal · Jan 30, 2015

Oh and if you do go ADN and have a science bachelors check out Grand Canyon University. I know someone with an ADN and a BS in something else (I forget) who just started their MSN program. They got to skip BSN completely.

basketball6 · Jan 30, 2015

Thank you for the responses. Do you guys think the ADN route is my best bet to becoming an RN? I know my GPA isn't stellar, but I have been looking at programs that look at the last 90 quarter/ 60 semester units. I've been looking at schools such as Samuel Merritt and CSU San Marcos (due to its somewhat low GPA requirement). Do you think there are schools out there that consider the entire applicant and not just the GPA?

Due to my GPA, I know I can't be picky about what schools I want to apply for. I wouldn't mind the ADN route but with the way California hospitals are heading, getting an RN job with an ADN might seem impossible. I wouldn't mind a second bachelors, which is why I prefer to go the ASBN or transfer route.

jaycam, RN · Jan 31, 2015

There are schools out there that will weight your GPA against other requirements such as entrance exam scores and volunteer work. There's a lot to be said about considering out of state schools. Also, who says ADN needs to be your end goal if you do go that route. There are bridge programs, including online work at your own pace bridge programs. Go to local school info sessions and feel it out.

basketball6 · Feb 2, 2015

Thank again for the replies

I understand that there are ADN-BSN routes, and I've been really considering the ADN route. I would like to capitalize on my first degree by either trying to get into a entry level master's or accelerated program. Are there any specific schools, where I might have a chance to get in?

I also have down time to apply to school and I've just thinking about working to get experience for applying to nursing schools and for future references. Any suggestions on how to gain some valuable experience? I have a lot of hospital volunteer hours and im trying to find a more dedicated role.

Also, for those in the bay area, how are the job prospects for ADN grads? I know there is not much I can do with my low GPA and if I'm definitely serious about nursing I have to really consider the ADN route. I'm just concerned I won't be able to find a job in the bay area, more specifically San Francisco.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 3, 2015

Maybe it's time to think outside your 'Bay Area' box if you really want to pursue your dream. I recommend that you seriously consider hiking over to New Mexico to get your foot in the door. Srsly. I understand that UNM SON is actually having to advertise for applicants.... and has experienced declining enrollments. This is pretty much unheard of in other areas. Dunno what is happening, but it's a decent program that will get you where you want to be.

RunBabyRN · Feb 4, 2015

Just because you meet the MINIMUM requirements, that doesn't mean you have a good chance of getting in. Most programs, even SMU (which has a good program), are impacted. It's worth applying, but really, for the CSUs, don't count on it. I would cast as wide a net as humanly possible.

I agree that applying to the ADN lotteries is a great way to go, as is looking out of the state. ADN would make it hard to get a hospital job, but the Bay Area has the worst market for new grad RNs in the US, so either way, you're kinda stuck. You can get into home health, SNF, that kind of thing with your ADN while you bridge to your BSN.

ELMSN programs are dwindling in CA, and really, being a new grad RN, your prospects aren't any better with a MSN.

If you have any way of getting a job in healthcare now, do it. While the experience is invaluable, the connections can REALLY help you when it comes time for looking for RN positions.

julie415 · Sep 29, 2016

please let me know if you have found any schools in the bay area.

NorCalKid · Oct 1, 2016

I would be looking into ADN programs. The admission is fairly easy to figure out. Mine leaned heavily on the sciences, enough so that previously flunking out of college didn't matter (Had a 4.0 on the classes they look at).