ABSN, DEM or Associates program?

[syrrin]

So my biggest question right now is not whether I want to go to nursing school, but what type of nursing school to go to. I recently graduated undergraduate with a 2.8 GPA in individualized studies, and am working on my pre-reqs now - the ones I do have done I have mostly As in. My ultimate goal is to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.

My dilemma is whether to go to an associates program, an accelerated BSN program, or a direct-entry masters program. As I said, my ultimate goal is to become a PNP, but obviously becoming an RN is on the road there, so an associates makes sense, especially with my low GPA. However, I'm not sure if I'd have a chance at accelerated BSN, which is what I would prefer, due to the shorter time frame and different degree. A direct-entry master's program though would get me closer to my goal.

My big decision making points are my GPA - 2.8, as I said, not that great. (It's 3.1 if I combine my GPAs from the 3 different colleges I've attended though, but I'm not sure if that's how the schools will calculate it.) I've heard only a 3.6 or so is competitive, so I'm leery of even giving it a chance. Even less so for DEM programs. Is an associate's going to be my best bet, or do I have a chance at either of the other programs?

Thanks if you read this far - hope you guys can help!

[newRNstudent02]

Just so you know, you can get into an ABSN program with your GPA. Check out schools that look at the last 60-90 units and schools that only calculate the prereq GPA. I was in your position too and I was accepted to most of the ABSN programs I applied to.