BA + LOW GPA...Career change advice? PT 2

EDRN-2010 · Dec 26, 2009

I live in New England, so not sure if programs are the same around you on the west coast. I would not go the LPN route. If getting it done quick is what is most important to you, go to a private school that offers an accelerated second bachelors degree. These programs are for people with a BA in any field, are intense, but give you a BSN in under two years (the schools near me are 16-18 months) You will pay more upfront BUT will be able to work 2 years+ sooner at a RN salary, if like you said there are long wait lists. I had a 4.0 in my pre-req classes so I got in the first time I applied but if I hadn't, this is what I would have done. I have a friend that is retaking classes now to try and improve her GPA to get accepted to the program I got into - she has applied 2 yrs in a row to no avail because she doesn't want a $20,000 student loan. Not my life but drives me nuts cause say she makes $20,000 a year now, if she made even say $40,000 her first year of nursing, she could theoretically continue with her current lifestyle and pay off the loan instead of what she is doing now. But anyway, I would look into the second degree programs in your area, I say private schools because here they actually tend to have lower GPA requirements but we have a few schools private and public that have BSN and a couple MSN programs for people with another degree - in these programs you can sit for the NCLEX halfway through or thereabouts the program, so you can work as a RN while completing the final year and a half (3 yrs total for MSN)

Like I said, not sure if you thought about this but it is worth looking into.

witty_online_moniker · Dec 26, 2009

Hi, I am in a similar position except my previous BS degree is about 10 years older than yours. I am currently in GPA-repair mode and will be starting at a local community college next semester to begin work on the pre-requisites necessary for RN programs. After discussing my options with various admissions counselors for post-bacculaureate nursing programs, I will most likely pursue my RN via an ADN program and then look at doing an RN to BSN program, most likely part-time while working. Definitely read the fine print or talk to an admissions counselor at a school that interests you - at least one of the community colleges in my area looks at only your last 30 credit hours if you have a previous degree when calculating your GPA for entrance to the program, including post-degree coursework. I have the "luxury" of being able to plug away at my pre-reqs over several semesters while I raise my kids and work part-time. I will not likely be ready to apply for the actual nursing courses until 2012.

While I am impatient to get started on my new career path, the grades I earned as an undergrad were my own doing and if it takes me a few extra semesters to gain acceptance to a nursing program, those are the breaks. I'm just more motivated than ever to perform well in my college courses this semester - I know I am capable of doing better than my undergraduate GPA. I wish I hadn't been so short-sighted when I was earning my first degree. I naively thought that as long as I skated by with enough GPA points to graduate that it didn't matter if I was a C student or an A student because a BS degree is still a BS degree. Lesson learned the hard way now that I have reached a different stage in life and no longer wish to pursue a career related to my first degree.

Good luck to you!

Edited for a silly grammar error and also to say that the only post-Bac nursing programs in my area are through private colleges and that = $$$$$. In my area, the post-bac program is just as competitive as the ADN programs. A friend of mine that recently completed the program said it isn't for the faint of heart - the accelerated pace is quite greuling, even for strong students.

sunnycalifRN · Dec 26, 2009

As the previous poster advised, since you've already got a Bachelors degree, you could certainly try for one of the accelerated BSN programs. I'm in the Bay area and I believe that UCSF and Samuel Merritt have accelerated programs. They are not cheap, however. Additionally, admission to the programs is competitive. However, you will need to take the science prereqs before you can apply and you can bring up your GPA.

I know that you've said that you've wanted to go into nursing with CRNA as the ultimate goal. I'd advise you to arrange to shadow RN's in various areas of nursing for an entire shift so that you can at least see what you're getting into. As you may know, the job market in nursing is very tough right now. However, by the time that you're ready to enter the job market, several years, at the minimum, hopefully, things will be better. Best of luck in your pursuit of nursing.

Tela · Dec 28, 2009

Thank all of you for your replies!

I've applied to a couple of 2nd degree BSN programs...grades were too low. But I'm just afraid that I'll complete prereq's and still won't get accepted into a program.

So right now i'm looking for alternatives of reaching my goal (the longer way I guess?), or maybe a "back-up" plan...if I dont get accepted to an accelerated BSN or entry level MSN program (after raising my grades) at least getting certified as an LPN first, I can at start working while waiting...you know?

To me I guess getting into an RN program is going to be the hardest part...once I'm in there I'ma work my butt off to make sure I stay there and not give those 2nd degree programs a reason to deny me again because of grades!!!!

It's insane...either the programs are no-wait list and more money than I've ever seen in my lifetime or I'll be waiting around for another 3-4 yrs just to get started....double edge sword huh?

Anybody know how I could go about financing the no-wait list, expensive programs (they dont offer grants, or aid of any kind)...AND I HAVE BAD CREDIT, no family member to co-sign!!!! Aaaah!

4 steps forward...6 steps back.

T.

two pups · Dec 28, 2009

I understand how frustrating it can be! I too have a similar situation. Here is a thought- make all A's in your upcoming sciences classes and take the GRE (which you will need anyway). If you score well perhaps you can enter directly into a master's program. (?)

wspfan · Jan 3, 2010

Tela,

Speaking as a former LPN (7 years), do not go to LPN school if your end result is CRNA. I agree with the accelerated BSN track to get you where you want faster. There's also the military to help with tuition sometimes, so you might want to talk to a recruiter. Good luck.