Published Jan 25, 2007
chikichiki17
15 Posts
(I am posting this on the MD,VA, and NY forums... I hope that is ok!!)
Hi, I have a question for you all... hopefully someone can give me some advice. I'm debating whether or not I should apply to 2 year RN programs or first doing an LPN program and then go to an RN program after graduating.
Here's a little bit about myself. I have already graduated with a BA in Spanish from George Mason University, my gpa was a 3.16. While at GMU I took Developmental Psyc, English Composition I&II, Calculus, Communications, Intro to Psyc, 8 Credits of General Biology among other classes. I have taken NAS 161 and 162 (should transfer as A&P I and II and Microbiology) and Bio-medical Ethics at Northern Virginia CC. My gpa at NVCC is a 3.0. So I believe I currently have all the non-nursing classes for both RN and LPN programs out of the way (except for the ones that require chemistry).
I'm determined to get accepted SOMEWHERE for Fall 2007. From what I understand, an LPN program would take me 1 year (since I already have several classes out of the way) and I would need to study an extra year (possibly 2) to become an RN. If this is the case I have no preference over going to an LPN or RN program, all that matters to me is getting into a decent program where I have a reasonable chance of being accepted. I am not even considereing BA programs because I don't believe my gpa is high enough. I've only recently started looking into programs in NY so I am not too familiar with them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Doofy
33 Posts
Schools have been accepting apps for Fall '07 since Oct/Nov. When you mention BA program, do you mean a BSN program? If so, I think its actually easier to get into a BSN program at a private school than any ADN program in NYC. Too much competition.
A classmate of mine applied to BSN programs at Adelphi, NYU & the ADN program at my school. She didn't get into our program but got accepted into NYU and Adelphi with some scholarship money.
One last question. What's NAS? You might want to double check if that will transfer over as A&P credits. Another friend of mine completed separate classes of Human Anatomy and than Human Physiology for Premed, but they did not qualify as A&P credit for Nursing.
zahryia, LPN
537 Posts
Since you have a BA, I would apply to definitely an RN program. I'd even go further to say a BSN program. Like the poster said, go for an private school where the main competition is if you have the money and/or desire to get loans.
You're starting pretty late for the Fall '07 program, but it's not too late for some programs. I wish you luck!
3Triages
59 Posts
Pursue a BSN since you alreadey have a bachelors degree.
I'm going to try to go for the BSN but I've heard they ask for GPA's that are 3.7+, which I don't have
Most accelerated BSN programs ask for a 3.0 or higher. 3.7 GPA is really astronomical.
CeeLoNY
16 Posts
Hey this happened to me also....I found all the BSN programs asked for a 3.5 and all of these crazy pre-req's....It would have taken forever. I have a Bachelor of Arts, and decided to go back for my Associates in Nursing. Cochran School of Nursing in Yonkers - It was really great. The faculty is wonderful and you really get good hands on experience. The 2 years went by so quickly...it was less money, and now when I go back for the bridge program I will be working as an RN and the hospital will pay for my furthering my education.
chuck1234
629 Posts
It is true that "most accelerated BSN Programs ask for a 3.00 GPA or higher. 3.7 GPA is really astronomical."....but don't forget if there are only, let's say, 50 seats, and they have 1000 students applied for the program and the 1st 999 students have GPA between 3.00 to 3.50....then 3.70 will be considered before anybody else...although it is not the only factors to be determined whether you will be accepted or not......
(I am posting this on the MD,VA, and NY forums... I hope that is ok!!)Hi, I have a question for you all... hopefully someone can give me some advice. I'm debating whether or not I should apply to 2 year RN programs or first doing an LPN program and then go to an RN program after graduating.Here's a little bit about myself. I have already graduated with a BA in Spanish from George Mason University, my gpa was a 3.16. While at GMU I took Developmental Psyc, English Composition I&II, Calculus, Communications, Intro to Psyc, 8 Credits of General Biology among other classes. I have taken NAS 161 and 162 (should transfer as A&P I and II and Microbiology) and Bio-medical Ethics at Northern Virginia CC. My gpa at NVCC is a 3.0. So I believe I currently have all the non-nursing classes for both RN and LPN programs out of the way (except for the ones that require chemistry).I'm determined to get accepted SOMEWHERE for Fall 2007. From what I understand, an LPN program would take me 1 year (since I already have several classes out of the way) and I would need to study an extra year (possibly 2) to become an RN. If this is the case I have no preference over going to an LPN or RN program, all that matters to me is getting into a decent program where I have a reasonable chance of being accepted. I am not even considereing BA programs because I don't believe my gpa is high enough. I've only recently started looking into programs in NY so I am not too familiar with them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
If I were you, I will try both of them in the same time....if you are accepted into the LPN as well as the RN Program...then you pick the one that is suitable for you....I have seen some people with a post graduate degrees to go for the LPN Program....so you know the nursing program is very competitive in the New York City area....
Wsmith16, ADN, BSN
290 Posts
Try them ALLLLLLLLLLLL. You have a great gpa for the accelerated BSN programs so don't believe that you won't get in due to gpa. If you do not get in its probably due to the fact that space is limited. I have spoken to a few BSN admissions coordinator and they say the same thing-- that the competition is fierce because there are so many second degree students and others who are applying to nursing school and there are like 50 to 80 spots for 700 plus applicants.
That's why I find it amusing when I read comments like "go to a private school because all they want is your money and its easy to get in." I laugh becasue that is no longer the case private schoolsa are just as competive, some of them even have entrance exams.
Keep in mind that all the folks who have 3.7, 3.8 gpa who can't get into their local CC are now looking at private, add to that mix, second degree students, lpns wanting to be RNS, high school students...ahh. The list goes on. So apply ot all. Good Luck
MiaNJ
198 Posts
There are many second degree accelerated BSN programs in the NY/NJ area. It doesn't make sense to waste your time on an LPN, then go back for the RN if you can get into a second BSN accel. program.
Your GPA is not bad, and not all schools ask for a super high GPA. They look at other factors, and also your average grade for the pre reqs counts too. A person can have a 3.7 on their BA GPA, but less than 2.75 on the science pre reqs GPA, and that's not that great.
I had below 3.4 GPA and got into PACE university which is supposed to be competitive. They have a 1 yr accelerate BSN program. But it's a combined MSN, so they require the GRE test.
But I also got into other schools. I just preferred Pace since it was only 1 yr and they have a good nursing school reputation.
I know other classmates had below 3.1, and they got in. They also look at reference letters, essay, etc.