ABSN vs BSN: How Much Cost to GPA?

[Heizenberg]

Hey all.

I've been trying to answer what is decidedly an impossible dilemma for me and my situation: PA school or BSN->work for several years->CRNA (or possibly NP). This is obviously a very first-world problem, but doesn't always feel that way. The last couple years have been spent toward becoming a prime PA school candidate, but anesthesia seems like an ultimately better fit for my natural strengths and interests.

Recently having finished a BS degree (with honors), the 1-yearish accelerated BSN programs are a much more attractive option than the standard route to BSN.

But, at what costs to my cumulative GPA? How much lower could I (and let's assume I'm the "average pre-nursing student") expect my nursing-specific GPA to be through the accelerated route compared to the slightly more relaxed route? I've heard/read stories about otherwise 4.0 students who had to fight like hell to get above 3.0 scores on the path to becoming RNs. I aced almost every class in my major, but it took almost everything I had with all of the labs and group projects; what chance do I have of retaining a CRNA-competitive GPA with the concentrated workload? (This last question is more rhetorical, of course.)

This place has been a great resource for other questions, and I appreciate the insightful feedback often given. Thanks.

[Boomer MS, RN]

I think the accelerated BSN programs make a lot of sense for those who already have a bachelor's degree. I did not know that there were any 12-month accelerated programs. That must be intense. I thought those programs were 15 months. No one can predict what GPA you will get. Nursing school is hard, so be prepared with that mindset.

CRNA graduate programs are extremely competitive, and most want the candidates to have worked in an ICU as an RN for a number of years. How many years varies from school to school. My opinion is to work in an ICU for five years and get the CCRN (Critical care registered nurse) certification, a national computer based exam. I am most familiar with the U of Maryland's program (three years), which says on its website the average number of ICU experience their applicants have. That program awards a doctorate. As far I know, there are still some programs left that give a master's degree. In time all CRNA programs will award a doctorate, I'm sure.

I completed a traditional BSN and did not think it was "relaxed" at all. Your mileage may vary. There will be lots of information and ideas on this site. I hope some CRNAs add some wisdom. Good luck!

[calivianya, BSN, RN]

I completed a traditional BSN degree after my first bachelor's because I thought the extra time would benefit me, and it certainly did - I graduated with a 3.89.

You also need to consider how you're planning to pay for your life while you're in school. GPA is important, but real life doesn't stop while you're in school, and has to be factored into the equation as well. I worked near full time hours for a good bit of my traditional BSN. I have friends who went to ABSN programs, and most of them worked part time at best, if they weren't unemployed altogether. Most of them have student loans while I squeaked through with no student loans.

If you need to make money during school, and/or are averse to large student loans, I would advise you to think more about the traditional BSN.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

To begin with, you need to decide what you want to do in this life. PA, CRNA and NP (which one, btw?) are all too different things. TOO MUCH different, I would say.

If GPA is something which bothers you a lot, then traditional BSN is more beneficial. You have more time, hence less tension, and always can do some A+ -guaranteed electives like advanced basketweaving, as well as re-take and improve your science coursework. There is also option of "nursing abroad" which means getting 5 to 8 credits with again guaranteed A for couple of weeks of exotic vacation for $$$$$. But it all only matters if you really need 3.9+ and, besides CRNA and some high-level PA and NP programs, you may not need it unless only for yourself. Decide what you want to do and figure out what these schools want from applicants, then just do it.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Your thread has been moved to the Nursing Student forum for increased response.