where/what to apply for?

[seriouslyserious, LPN]

Thanks in advance for reading/replying...

I received a Bachelors' in a different emphasis and returning to school to become a Nurse.

I am taking all prerequisite nursing courses at a community college. Am I to apply for a BSN or an ASN (associates). Unfortunately, my overall GPA (for my Bachelors') is not something to brag over, however, I am doing fairly well in these science courses. If I am to apply to a BSN accredited program, will they calculate courses required or overall GPA?

[jnette, ASN, EMT-I]

moved to pre-nursing student forum

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

My school was mostly interested in a specific few pre-nursing (mostly science) course grades. It didn't hurt your application if you had a previous BA/BS, but they looked more closely at the pre-req's and recent course grades. I think that they "get" that most of the more mature, second-career applicants may have realized the error of their (earlier) ways! I wouldn't stress too much about it (unless it's a ridiculously low GPA) - focus on doing the best you can on the pre-req's you are doing now.

Although it's counter-intuitive, you might have more success if you apply to BSN programs. Nursing is a very popular career choice right now, and people want to become nurses as cheaply as possible (for the most part, so don't flame me for this, OK). The waiting list for community college ASN programs might be longer than for the (more expensive) BSN programs where you are. This is certainly the case where I am. There is a two-plus year wait list for the local ASN programs, but if you have the $$$ for the BSN program, along with the req pre-req's, your pretty much in. Just something to think about. Good luck.

[seriouslyserious, LPN]

My school was mostly interested in a specific few pre-nursing (mostly science) course grades. It didn't hurt your application if you had a previous BA/BS, but they looked more closely at the pre-req's and recent course grades. I think that they "get" that most of the more mature, second-career applicants may have realized the error of their (earlier) ways! I wouldn't stress too much about it (unless it's a ridiculously low GPA) - focus on doing the best you can on the pre-req's you are doing now.

Although it's counter-intuitive, you might have more success if you apply to BSN programs. Nursing is a very popular career choice right now, and people want to become nurses as cheaply as possible (for the most part, so don't flame me for this, OK). The waiting list for community college ASN programs might be longer than for the (more expensive) BSN programs where you are. This is certainly the case where I am. There is a two-plus year wait list for the local ASN programs, but if you have the $$$ for the BSN program, along with the req pre-req's, your pretty much in. Just something to think about. Good luck.

i have gotten B's or better in the required prerequisites during my initial degree... and receiving A's for the science courses at the moment. it's my other classes that jacked up my GPA. i have emailed all local institutions with an accredited BSN program with what i have posted here. i will be done summer of 2010

[Anoetos, BSN, RN]

From what I've seen, in a very competitive job market, a BSN can make the difference. People who say otherwise are usually people who don't have one.

In addition, I believe that in most markets, pressure is being put on a lot of AAS RN's to go back to school and complete their BSN's so, it's probably worth it to do the work now.