Accelerated BSN programs

[MsBrain, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN]

I'm interested in applying to some ABSN programs, but some of my grades are not so good. I made an F in a Biochemistry class and I repeated the class to only make a D. I do not plan to retake Biochemistry again since this is clearly not my subject area. Will my biochemistry grades count against me in being admitted to nursing school? Biochemistry is usually not a pre-requisite for nursing school so It really should not matter. I was looking at the requirements for Union University Nursing school and they require a C or better in all Natural science coursework. Unfortunately, I could not achieve a C in Biochemistry.

[NrNaG]

Hi there. You're right--Biochemistry is usually not a pre-req for most nursing programs. At my school, Biochem was just kind of built into the second half of Survey of Chem, so it was taught, but it was not a completely separate class. Do you mind me asking why you took it? Does your particular school require it? If it's not a pre-req, I wouldn't worry so much about it, but low grades in science classes do still affect your overall gpa. Nursing schools mainly focus on grades in the pre-reqs that are required for admission into their program, but they also look at grades in other subjects not necessarily pertaining to the program. They look at your science gpa, program gpa, and overall gpa. I knew many people who failed science courses required for nursing school and just took them over and reapplied (I forgot to mention that these people did so with the accelerated program--I am also about to graduate from an accelerated program this fall. Retaking classes doesn't necessarily put you out of the running, but these programs are highly competitive).

[MsBrain, MSN, DNP, RN, APRN]

Hi there. You're right--Biochemistry is usually not a pre-req for most nursing programs. At my school, Biochem was just kind of built into the second half of Survey of Chem, so it was taught, but it was not a completely separate class. Do you mind me asking why you took it? Does your particular school require it? If it's not a pre-req, I wouldn't worry so much about it, but low grades in science classes do still affect your overall gpa. Nursing schools mainly focus on grades in the pre-reqs that are required for admission into their program, but they also look at grades in other subjects not necessarily pertaining to the program. They look at your science gpa, program gpa, and overall gpa. I knew many people who failed science courses required for nursing school and just took them over and reapplied (I forgot to mention that these people did so with the accelerated program--I am also about to graduate from an accelerated program this fall. Retaking classes doesn't necessarily put you out of the running, but these programs are highly competitive).

I needed biochem for pre-med and to complete my chemistry minor. Obviously I can't apply to med school with a D in biochem so I'm just going the nursing route to save time and money. I'm just glad I'm done with my degree.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Applying to nursing school your GPA matters. Majority of ABSN programs require a 3.0 or higher on your first bachelors. Where I went the min to apply was 3.2.

Nursing school is not for med school non hackers. It is very difficult in its own right and they don't take people with Cs and Ds. Some of the most intense professors I have ever met in all my University days where in nursing school. Good luck.