Already accepted to BSN but have a C in Patho

RunBabyRN · Jul 3, 2014

First, make sure that any programs to which you apply accept repeated courses, especially repeats with passing grades. Some schools will not accept these.

Next, while master's programs do look at grades, that's not everything they consider. Make sure you get top notch grades in your BSN program.

Finally, are you eligible for vocational rehab? It might be something to look into. It pays like the post-9/11 GIB, but it pays for more and lasts a year longer (or can be adjusted to get you through your program- mine extended almost another year beyond that). You need to have a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, and it's either 10 or 20% can be psych-related, but no more than that. Go through one of the vet agencies like DAV or AMVETS to have someone advocating for you with the VA.

jwalker03 · Jul 3, 2014

Thanks RunBabyRN. I was leaning towards not taking it anyway and I think you swayed me that direction even more. I'm thinking that I will just take a graduate pathophysiology course down the line if you think that that would be beneficial, considering most if not all programs require it. That's also odd that you mentioned vocational rehabilitation because I have been using it since day one and not many veterans know about it.

TCU15SRNA · Jul 3, 2014

I would aim to get all A's for the duration of your BSN with a 3.4 for sure, and you can definitely do it! After you graduate you'll need work experience before you apply, and while you're working you'll get a better feel for what the schools you're looking at want to see. I have a lot of classmates who retook classes prior at a community college to get an A while working and applying, schools often see that as commitment. Focus on getting your GPA up for now, and when all is said and done if you get all As now that C won't even matter :)

jwalker03 · Jul 4, 2014

Thanks TCU15SRNA! I am for sure going to bust my *** until then. I am aware that of the pathway that I need to take I'm just very preemptive. I know that schools look at GPA as well as other things. Since I'm assuming that you are an SRNA from your name, how would you say the difficulty of classes weighs in? Is a 3.44 really that bad for CRNA and AACNP admissions if the courses taken are regular BSN courses as well as more difficult courses unneccessary for the BSN such as Calculus I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Physics, and Organic Chemistry?

RunBabyRN · Jul 4, 2014

Thanks RunBabyRN. I was leaning towards not taking it anyway and I think you swayed me that direction even more. I'm thinking that I will just take a graduate pathophysiology course down the line if you think that that would be beneficial, considering most if not all programs require it. That's also odd that you mentioned vocational rehabilitation because I have been using it since day one and not many veterans know about it.

Good plan!

I think with all of the stipulations with voc rehab, many don't qualify, but I'm sure there are plenty who do that don't know. That's why I try to spread the word when I can. Great program!

Jaykalkyn, BSN, RN · Jul 4, 2014

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that you should probably take Patho again. I have researched CRNA programs and advanced degree programs and those upper level science courses carry a lot of weight. I'm not saying Patho is the end all, be all, but it won't hurt to do the best you can. As a matter of fact, I have read in many programs that retaking science courses where you made below a B would help to increase your chances of getting into the program you want.

As far as funding a retake, a few hundred dollars is well worth getting into the prgram and the career you really want.

I say bite the bullet and take the class over, perhaps during the summer.

TCU15SRNA · Jul 4, 2014

Thanks TCU15SRNA! I am for sure going to bust my *** until then. I am aware that of the pathway that I need to take I'm just very preemptive. I know that schools look at GPA as well as other things. Since I'm assuming that you are an SRNA from your name, how would you say the difficulty of classes weighs in? Is a 3.44 really that bad for CRNA and AACNP admissions if the courses taken are regular BSN courses as well as more difficult courses unneccessary for the BSN such as Calculus I & II, General Chemistry I & II, Physics, and Organic Chemistry?

That is a great question! Every school does their admissions a little differently...the fact those extra classes are 'unnecessary' for BSN might lead admissions to ignore them, or to look at your grades in them. My best advice is to pick a few schools that you are interested in, get on their websites & check out their requirements, and e-mail them asking them the weight they put grades in classes not required for your BSN. Some schools want to just see a science GPA...you never know! Best of luck :)

jwalker03 · Jul 4, 2014

Thanks again everyone! I think I'll just take it later down the road while I'm getting work experience so that schools can see that I can handle a more difficult pathophysiology course. I did some digging as per your advice TCU15SRNA and found out that Rush University here in Chicago allows up to 12 C.H. to be taken as a student-at-large. Surely if I take Advanced Physiology, Advanced Pathophysiology, Advanced Pharmacology, and one more class that one C will become less and less significant. Now to stop worrying and focus on what i have to do NOW. Best of luck in CRNA school and nursing school TCU15SRNA & jaykalkyn! P.S. I'll help spread the word RunBabyRN!

Hobberdog · Jul 5, 2014

Don't worry about it. Just keep your grades up in nursing school, the higher the better.