ABSN Program for Non-Nursing Majors

[kulinat]

Hi. I will be graduating next spring with a business degree with a 3.3 gpa. I realized late in the game that I was interested in Nursing. I am concerned about my low gpa. I do not know if I will be accepted to any ABSN programs in California. I have not even completed any prerequisite nursing courses. But I really want to become an RN. Is it possible to do the ABSN route? If so, can someone give a list of California ABSN programs that are easier to get into. Any other state is also appreciated. What should I do at this point?

[opx322]

Ace the science classes, get some healthcare experience (paid or volunteer), enroll in any extra medical related classes if you have extra time, make good relationships for letters of rec and you'll be fine

your bachelors gpa is definitely not low, mine was way lower and I was fine. Keep in mind I had a 4.0 GPA for nursing prereqs and previous healthcare experience

[gunrock]

Agree with the person above. Do really well on your pre-requisites and get some health care experience while you take classes.

I have a buddy who had a 2.8 and got into an ABSN program on his first try. Keep in mind. He has AWESOME healthcare experience prior to the program.

[mcgRN]

I graduated from a CSU Northridge's ABSN program and what has been said is true. Volunteer in a hospital to show your commitment (and this is also helpful later for job hunting) and if you can, get straight As in your prerequisites. Most ABSN programs require an essay on why you want to go into nursing, and this is a big factor in how they admit students to the program.

I highly suggest looking into the CSU's ABSN programs as they are cheap but credible. Good luck!

[ToTheStudent]

3.3 gpa isn't bad, although generally most have higher, but anyways you definitely need to thoroughly articulate why you want to pursue nursing in your essay, a good well-written essay can go a long way, and get those prerequisite classes completed with an A or B in each class!