ADN to BSN or BSN directly (low GPA non nursing major university student)

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Hello lovely people,

I am a fourth year university student graduating with a B.A. in psychology at a 4 year university. I have a low GPA (2.6) right now at my university due to many things (it's very complicated). However I also have almost 2 years of stem cell research experience so I'm hoping that can apply for nursing school applications.

I have about one quarter left and will probably graduate in the 2.7-2.8 range. I realized that I wanted to become a nurse really late during college and haven't taken any of the prereqs. Sadly many of the courses are not available or I can't retake them at my university right now due to various reasons.

So I was planning applying to ADN programs instead of BSN because:

1. I do not want to take a full gap year before applying to BSN programs. I have to work at least part time in while studying and it'll be tougher with 10+ pre reqs vs. 6.

2. Timing: if I can apply to nursing programs earlier then I get out of nursing school faster. I have student loans I need to pay off and a family to help so this is a plus.

3. I will have a much higher chance getting into ADN programs because of my low GPA... many programs in my area only calculate a "fixed set" GPA that isn't my cumulative 2.6 but only some classes.

4. I do plan on getting my BSN/MSN and I think it'll be easier to find a job with nursing experience under my belt.

5. There seems to be a lot more RN-BSN programs vs. ABSN programs in California.

6. There are a lot more ADN programs vs. ABSN programs in my area.

7. ADN programs are a LOT cheaper than BSN programs = less debt. Also if I get a job as an ADN I can probably save to pay off my BSN/MSN programs in the future.

However are these reasons good for me to apply to ADN vs. BSN? I feel the job market for nursing is changing so perhaps BSN might still be worth it? I have to make my argument to my family because to them a BSN is more prestigious so some input would be awesome.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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Whew, where to start?

I believe you have some unrealistic expectations, so I'll do my best to address them here.

NOT taking a gap year (or longer) is NOT an option for you. First you WILL need to complete the pre-requisite courses for any nursing program before applying (that's the "pre" part, after all). You will not be accepted without these courses being completed, and excellent grades in them all. While non-science pre-requs tend to be of less concern when GPA is calculated for nursing school, they will look at your whole picture. Right now, you are not a candidate for ANY nursing program, be it ADN or BSN.

Your low GPA doesn't make you a better candidate for an ADN program as they tend to be much more competitive than the BSNs; they are, after all, less expensive and will get you out into the workforce faster. Therefore, competition is stiff. It's not unheard of for applicants with a 3.8 and higher to be turned away because there are plenty of 4.0 students applying. A school may state that their minimum requirement is a 2.5, but it's highly unrealistic to expect that is what will get you in the door, considering the competition. It is what it is.

You are not a realistic candidate for an accelerated nursing program as you have not shown success in a traditional BA program.

Involvement in stem cell research during a BA program has absolutely no bearing on your desirability as a nursing student candidate. It will help you about as much as Basketweaving 101.

The job market in California is EXTREMELY tight for new grads; experienced nurses struggle to find employment and on average, about 50% of each year's graduates find themselves still unemployed when the following year's classes are polled.

Consider what it would take to raise your GPA from a very low mid-2's to nearly a 4.0. Honestly....the math is frightening. You will need to take a good number of courses (community college is usually the best option for this) before you can apply to any college nursing progam, so...how many A's is that? And for how long?

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Yikes!

'Reality checks' can be harsh, but I have to say @RNsRWe makes a few valid points. Each type of program is competitive in it's own way.

Your best bet for eligibility is to read each programs requirements for entry and enroll in those classes right away. As it was mentioned in the above post, CC is a good outlet for that.

Your post-baccalaureate grades will have to be much higher on the 4.0 scale, it may show admissions counsellors that you are indeed passionate about nursing if you can prove your ability to take the work load seriously and achieve high marks.

You may want to consider taking your time with this and working in your current field of psychology or become certified as a CNA and take a few classes at a time.

There are many people on this site that juggle class, family, work, volunteerism, you name it -- they are essentially super heroes or something... In any case use AN to find their stories and get motivated! You can do this!

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Yikes!

'Reality checks' can be harsh, but I have to say @RNsRWe makes a few valid points. Each type of program is competitive in it's own way.

Yep, they sure can be! But I believe in giving it straight, no sugar-coating or beating around the bush. Sometimes I see students who would have been SO MUCH better off if someone HAD spoken to them straight, just the facts, and not given them false hopes. While I understand the desire to cheer someone on ("you can do this!") the reality is we have NO IDEA if he can do this. Maybe yes, maybe not. Most students will succeed in nursing, many will not. Some will not even get into the program. It is what it is.

It's a very tough road that the OP has, and while I certainly didn't say it's impossible....it's going to be difficult and will require a good amount of money and a LOT of time thrown at it for success to happen.

Some people, once realizing what they are facing, decide to go on another path, and that's probably a good choice. Others will dig in and do what's necessary, albeit not what they THOUGHT they'd have to do, to get what they want.

Guess we'll see what the OP decides to do :)

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Thanks for the response!

Yeah I will admit that once I read your response I thought "man I'm getting SO shredded right now", but I also know the benefits of straight forwardness. I will definitely use the information that you've given me as motivation to work harder and do my best in my courses.

I will say this: After my major change I've gotten straight A's since. Also I've contacted the ADN programs about whether they factor my research and they said yes. However I did give more of an in depth description. Also, many of the ADN programs I'm applying to only factor in the 6 pre req course GPA and not my full cumulative GPA for admission. You are completely correct however, I am not a better candidate or even qualified for any of those programs. I do think that though whether I am a qualified candidate will be determined by my grades in my future classes.

Thank you for the reality check. I know that nursing is competitive but I also know that competition for any desired position are often times very stiff so it shouldn't deter me for going for my goal. Your response is truly appreciated :)

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Sounds like you're on the right path, and have a plan to achieve the goals you're setting. That's good!

Good luck to you :)

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Not sure if anyone else mentioned this because I didn't read everyones comments but some nursing programs ONLY look at your GPA for your pre-reqs required for nursing school. If this is the situation and you haven't completed any of your nursing pre-reqs, I would take the time to focus on those courses and do the best you can. I understand not wanting to waste time but don't rush yourself. The pre-reqs are important and you want to do well. This is a huge endeavor in life so take your time :) Good luck!

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