BA in Psych--->RN

[Miranda2360]

0Hello everyone,

I graduated in May 2014 from Mount Saint Vincent in NYC with a BA in psychology. I have had much experience working in the psych field from being a case manager in a mental health facility, to a program manager for dementia patients, to even working with foster children with disabilities. After receiving all of this experience I feel like it's time to truly chase after my passion which is to become an RN. I have been doing some research but I would appreciate some of your advice as to what direction I should go in to become an RN... I completed my prerequisites at MSV:

My grades weren't the best, but my overall gpa was a 3.0 after graduating.

Fall 2011 A&PI C+

Fall 2011 General Organic & BioChem I B-

Spring 2012 A&PII B-

Spring 2012 Gen, Organic & BioChem II C+

Fall 2012 Microbiology B-

Psych classes I received B's and higher. Another issue is my prerequisites will exceed 5 years this year....do you have an schools you can recommend that accepts the prerequisites within 10 years?

I would like to continue my education in NYC, but I am willing to travel. Any suggestions/recommendations?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The reason that science-y pre-reqs expire after 5 years is because knowledge is continually updating. That's also the reason that clinicians (all disciplines) have to be lifetime learners... just to keep up.

In my part of the country gaining entry to a nursing program is still highly competitive so applicants with only a 3.0 are not likely to be successful. Most programs frown on (and may penalize) applicants who repeat courses to improve their GPA - but if the retake was due to course expiration, the negative impact usually disappears. This may be beneficial for you.

Wishing you the best of luck in your nursing education journey.

[Future Georgia Nurse]

I agree with the previous poster regarding retaking the classes if they expire. I'm in a similar boa as yourself. I have a B.S. in psychology and worked in CPS. If they expire, you have the opportunity to retake the classes and possibly earn A's. This can bring up your GPA tremendously and make you more competitive. I had the opportunity to retake my expired classes and it helped my GPA. It was definitely worth the hard work. I'll be applying with a 3.72 gpa (would have been a 3.86 but I made a B instead of an A in one of the classes). I would've had a 3.4 or so otherwise.

Good luck whatever you decide!