ADN versus Second Degree BSN with non-nursing degree

[future123]

Hello,

I am currently a second semester senior at an ivy league university and will be graduating in the spring with a non-nursing degree. I would really like to become a nurse but unfortunately I feel like my gpa is holding back my prospects. I currently have a 2.33 gpa and it probably won't change much from now until I graduate. Many of the second degree programs I've looking at require gpa's much higher than what I have and therefore my chances of getting into them are pretty much slim to none. Would getting an associates degree at a community college be a better option for me (if at all possible?) and then perhaps later on pursing a BSN? I'm really lost and don't really know what to do or where to go from here. I have big dreams but very little hope right about now. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[stariv]

I have a non-nursing BA and went on to get an ASN. I chose getting an ASN b/c I had a BA already and I did not want to spend a gazillion dollars on another one. Now that I have a BA and an ASN, I can bridge into a Masters program. Overall, this route is the cheapest and you still get to your goal. As for your case, you will have to get your gpa up regardless of BSN or ASN program. If I were you I would take all my pre-reqs. and non-nursing courses before applying for the program to get a higher GPA. Hope this helps and good luck.

[ok2bme]

I agree that you should take all of your nursing pre-reqs before applying to nursing school, and really shine in them..not only will it boost your GPA but those are the classes that nursing schools are most interested in in applicants, they presumably parallel how you will do in nursing school. T

hen, apply everywhere in your area, generic and accelerated BSN programs, ADN/ASN, and diploma programs if there are any nearby.

I just completed an accelerated BSN program, and I highly recommend them. I saved a lottt of time. Getting your ADN then bridging to a BSN will take several years. Many nurses intend on getting their BSN after their associates, but life often gets in the way. Also, the nurse residency program I am doing right now only accepted BSN's, know your area and if this will be a problem for you.

Best wishes!!

[LilMSSunshine]

I would first, look at schools that are you are interested in applying to; then I would talk to admissions officers. I definitely would retake classes that you did not do so well in (such as Ds, and Fs).

Grades are important, and your GPA is not really competitive; so I would do other things that make you stand out. Do you volunteer? If not, I would consider it. You should also consider getting your CNA. Some schools will give you extra points or consideration for having CNA certification. Depending on your community college admission standards you might have a better chance there. Some CCs do not look at GPA they look at whether you have the pre reqs completed with a C or better, and they might give you a nursing entrance test. If nursing is your dream, don't give up. You'll find a way.

[muesli]

Part of the answer depends on your location. Ask around if you can to new grads in the area. In Massachusetts, for example, there are very little opportunities right now for new grads, and ADNs for the most part take a back set to BSN candidates, making it even harder to find a job right now. Have you thought about looking at state school accelerated programs? They're out there and much cheaper than Ivy League options, that's for sure!

[ParkerBC,MSN,RN, PhD, RN]

Regardless of what you decide, remember that once you earn your first Bachelor’s degree, most federal and state funded grants cease. So, if you are going to take pre-reqs or boost your GPA, do it before applying for graduation. One person posted that she/he will do a bridge with an ASN (already having a BA degree). Not sure how that works since there are different classes between an ASN and BSN, but if it does, I suppose that is an option. I think it ultimately depends on what you want to do. For me, I know I want to be a FNP, so a second-degree option was in my best interest.

Someone also mentioned retaking classes. This is the smartest thing to do and the quickest way to boost your GPA. If you go to another college and earn your ASN, both schools are combined to calculate your overall GPA. You might be surprised by how little your overall GPA will change. The other thing is, have you looked at the nursing program at the school you currently attend? Would a traditional program be acceptable? If so, then check out that option. Also, remember that if you decided to complete the traditional track, you still will be eligible for the undergraduate grants.

Good luck to you.