ADN, ABSN or PA

Guests · Jun 16, 2014

The ASN vs BSN question is very location dependent.

In my organization, they only hire BSN/MSN nurses... period.

For other hospitals in town, that isn't the case.

You need to know your local market.

BusyBee91 · Jun 16, 2014

What about getting your ASN and then doing a bridge program (RN to BSN?). I think you're right that you'd have a hard getting anywhere with the 2.8. Would your current employer rehire you as a nurse if you only had your ASN?

BusiestBSN · Jun 16, 2014

I think your GPA does limit you on ABSN or PA, so you may have to go the ADN path instead. It is a good option because you can always advance once you finish the ADN. It will just take longer.

VivaLaVespaGirl, BSN, MSN · Jun 16, 2014

Frankly, your GPA is likely to limit you in an ADN program as well. They generally aren't any less competitive than ABSN/BSN programs, and often more so because of the numbers applying. Additionally, while some do have a minimum requirement of 2.5, the majority have a minimum of 3.0, with the average being above a 3.5. Unless you know that you can get into your local CC with a 2.8, I would make plans to get that GPA up. There is no harm in applying in the meantime, but just be aware that your GPA is a limiting factor for you.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2014

When I was doing ABSN I looked at many schools. My GPA was 3.2 on my first bachelors so I was able to apply pretty much anywhere. You should REALLY try to get to 2.8 as I do remember some schools accepted a 2.8. I think the Univ of Wyoming took down to 2.5. I think that is about as low as I ever saw. I think the normal is 3.0 and higher. Best of luck.

MurseJJ · Jun 17, 2014

My suggestion would be to go ADN if that will be the quickest way into nursing school for you. Finish whatever prerequisite courses you have remaining with As, nothing less. Perhaps you can also look into both accelerated and traditional BSN programs that have 2.5/2.75 minimum GPA (this may be very difficult to find since most ask for at least a 3.0). I would also suggest looking at schools that require an admissions exam, like the NLN PAX or TEAS. If you do extremely well on such a test, perhaps they will give you another look despite your GPA. Apply broadly. The great thing about ADN programs is that they often will only look at the prerequisite GPA in deciding admissions. I know that for the two ADN programs I applied to, one only looked at the GPA of courses applicable to the program, and the other only looked at the GPA of the 4 prerequisite courses needed to apply. They also looked at TEAS scores and used that as part of the formula. Finding schools like that may be helpful.

If you do decide to go ADN, know that there are hospitals that will take you as an ADN, but your best bet would be to immediately enroll in an RN-BSN program after you graduate, since some hospitals will consider you if you are enrolled in such a program. As well, I'm sure that you'd like to advance in your nursing career to different roles, and a BSN would really open more doors for you.

Where are you located? What courses have you taken, and what do you have remaining?

JMB0514 · Jun 18, 2014

A few years ago I was in the same place as you. I was interested in nursing and had also thought about PA school. I graduated with BS in dietetics and my graduating gpa was about a 2.8. About a year after I graduated I applied to 2 accelerated programs and was rejected by one and waitlisted at the other (I didn’t make it off the waitlist that year). I started looking into associate degree programs in my area but at the time they were just as hard to get into. During this time I started take extra classes, retaking classes, volunteering my a** off at local hospitals and took a CNA course. One of my really good friends got into PA school and that’s when I started looking into PA programs (by the way, she had a low-ish gpa and spent several years working to make herself a strong applicant, but it paid off). I determined though that my GPA was too low and I didn’t have enough patient contact hours. Also during this time my then boyfriend now husband decided that he wanted to go back to school for nursing. His undergrad gpa was about a 3.5 so of course he got into a good accelerated BSN program on the first try. Since I wasn’t having any luck getting into a nursing program but wanted to continue my education, I was able to get into a master’s in public health program and completed my MPH while my husband completed his BSN. All of this took place over about a 5 year period. During this past winter while I was in the final semester of my MPH program, I decided to apply to an accelerated BSN program (at a big ten university) one last time. Well, I get in!

Sorry for the long story but here is the point: Most people are going to tell you your GPA is going to hurt your chances of getting into a program…it does hurt your chances but it’s not impossible! Basically I am living proof that if you work your butt off you can overcome your low GPA. I took extra classes, retook classes at a community college, did a bunch of volunteering, and rocked my master’s degree. Another thing to look for in any program (PA or nursing) is a program that looks at everything about an applicant, not just their GPA. The program I got into looks at everything…a “holistic review” as they call it. The fact that you work as a CNA is great whether you are applying to PA school (because you have patient contact hours) or nursing. Looking into the future, job wise, I hear from my husband and other people in hospitals that most hospitals in our area prefer BSN nurses. He had no problem finding a job. My friend who went to PA school graduates next month and has many job opportunities. She has already had several interviews and doesn’t know which job she wants to take…too many choices!

Bottom line, it’s not impossible. It takes commitment and time, but you can overcome your GPA. Don’t be frustrated if you don’t get in the first time and if it takes a while. It will all be worth it in the end. Also my motto has always been, “it doesn’t hurt to apply”. Apply to everything! It’s better to turn things down than to have no options. Good luck!!

ThatBigGuy · Jun 18, 2014

To be blunt: your GPA is a huge impediment. Before you look to hard into the different programs, I would retake some of the classes in which you have the worst grades. You'd be surprised how quickly you can raise your GPA by replacing a few D's with A's.

Once you get above that magic 3.0 mark, set your sights as high as possible, and no lower than the BSN. I believe nursing is moving towards higher education, and there will be limited opportunities down the line for ADNs.

The big thing is to boost your GPA.

Jaz2angel · Jun 20, 2014

Thanks everyone for your honest answers. Someone asked what state do I live in. Im from Florida but I moved to Utah a year ago and have been working as a full time CNA here. I do plan on claiming residency. The University of Utah had an ABSN with a 2.8 minimum. So as many of you have advised me, my only real choice is to get my GPA up as high as possible. So, that being said I appreciate your answers and will be sure to post my progress.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jun 20, 2014

Don't give up and best of luck! If you can move anywhere you have a lot of options. Look for places with low cost of living..there are medium/small towns in places like Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota with great schools and super cheap cost of living. And you can apply to a ton of different places. You will make it.