Alternate ways to being a nurse?

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jun 19, 2014

What classes did you take that you received credit for? Also, which programs are you looking into? Are you only looking at the one program? I would keep my options open if you are determined to become a nurse. It may require you look at other programs and what they have to offer. Some other programs may not even look at your credits. They may have a list of prerequisite courses you have to take to get into the nursing program and look only at those grades. I would speak with some advisers from different schools and get their opinion. If you want to become an RN and major in something else, there are accelerated 2nd degree BSN programs. However, if your ultimate goal is to become an RN, I recommend you try to get into a nursing program, even if it means branching out to other programs, rather than wasting time and money on a completely different degree and then doing a nursing program.

knnyz · Jun 19, 2014

I think most nursing programs don't even look at your other classes if it doesn't concern the program's prereqs. I'm sure some do but most just want to see how you did in your prereqs...AKA prereq GPA is more important than cumulative GPA. What classes did you transfer with? The big class that you need to do extremely well in is anatomy & physiology and other science prereqs, like chemistry and physics etc. Those are usually make or break.

Nevertheless, find out your schools program requirements and take everything you need to take. No more no less if you want to get in as fast as possible Good luck

ash012 · Jun 19, 2014

The C+ I received was College Algebra (I was a sophomore:bored:)

B- was in Trig and Special Functions

B+ in Speech

A- in Intro to Lit

A- in Intro to Sociology

A- in Creative Reading and Writing

I am currently enrolled to go to one college that I love, so I have not looked at other programs yet.

ash012 · Jun 19, 2014

So, if I really apply myself next year, do you think they will see I did well in the college courses there and not think I'm stupid from my ancient grades of high school?

It's so frustrating because I know I could have gotten As in those courses but I didn't apply myself because I didn't see the importance at that age. AHHHH

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · Jun 19, 2014

Well I think most schools consider your grades for A&P I and II. As for the other prereqs, for every school they're different. Mine was a mixture of college algebra, public speaking, psychology, English, and a couple of other general classes. So, if anything, DO WELL in A&P. After all, that will be a fundamental course during nursing school that you will need to know by heart. As for the other classes, they are slightly less important but still needed to get into the nursing program. Good luck.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Jun 19, 2014

Take all of your remaining pre-req classes and apply. If it is not competitive enough, then retake as many non-As classes as you can and then re-apply. A 3.66 is pretty good, plus you wont be ready to apply for a few years and things may be different by then.

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jun 19, 2014

I don't think a 3.66 is all that bad. Just make sure you get those A's!! Also write a stellar essay. They are most likely really going to look at A&P I and II and a couple of others if you are on the border. It also depends on how competitive your school is. I go to an extremely competitive community college where if you don't have a 4.0 in the classes they look at you are toast. There is a private school in my town also that is very expensive but you can get a 4 year degree and it is not as competitive. It's a 4 year nonprofit private christian college. My school and the other one both boast 100% NCLEX pass rates. I wouldn't put all of my eggs in one basket. You do not have to take an entrance exam like the Hesi, Teas, or NLN? That would be surprising if you didn't. Pretty much every school has an entrance exam to see how proficient you are in the basics.