Back to school for nursing

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Hello,

I am looking at going back to school for nursing. I already have a BA in Communications & Journalism. I originally wanted to go to school for nursing, but didn't think I could handle it as at the time I couldn't handle the sight of blood (even on tv). So to make a long story short, I graduated, moved out to DC with my husband and took up a second job at a veterinary hospital to stay busy while my husband was deployed. My second part time job turned into a full time passion. I found that I LOVE the clinical part of my job. I am now a certified vet tech and have found that my work as a vet tech has made me want to pursue nursing. I have a friend that is a labor and delivery nurse and I've always been so facinated by it. I was able to shadow her for a while and believe it would be the perfect job for me. I know the jobs are hard to come by. My point is, I would like to go back to school to get my BSN. However, my cum gpa when I graduated from college was 2.98. It clearly says for accelerated programs around the nation that you need at least a 3.0 to even be considered. Do I have any other options? Would I be able to enroll in a "normal" ASN or BSN and just skip the classes that I've already done and finish in the same amount of time as an accelerated program? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!

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I also have a BA in a totally unrelated field and my GPA from that degree was about the same as yours (thank you freshman and sophomore years!). I looked at both an ABSN and a traditional BSN option when I decided nursing is what I wanted to do. Both of these programs don't consider the applicant's GPA from previous degrees, only the GPA earned in the nursing pre-reqs.

With the program I'm applying to, I only needed a handful of pre-reqs - two semesters of A&P, an accelerated one semester chemistry class, patho, micro, nutrition and growth and development - since I already have a degree. I started last summer and I'm finishing up my application for Fall 2011 right now! Because of the way the timing worked out, if I get in, I will graduate 4 months later in this BSN program than I would if I pursued the ABSN route (the ABSN accepts students once per year versus twice per year in the BSN program).

Look really closely at the programs you are interested in. Most nursing programs place most, if not all, emphasis GPA in science pre-reqs and test scores, if a test is required. You should be able to find programs for which your previous GPA isn't detrimental.

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Thanks Christina23. I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Good luck!

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I guess it really depends on the programs in your area. Around here, your GPA just wouldn't cut it if you wanted to get into an accelerated program (or any program..it's really competitive here!). Retake a couple classes and nail them. Of course, if you decide to pursue an ABN program and you want a BSN, you won't finish in the same amount of time. I would look up programs in your area and then compare what you have with what they require/suggest. Then formulate a plan of action. It may take a little longer than you want, but if you are serious, it'll be worth it!

Good luck!

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My school is a community college, but then I'll transfer to another school to do the RN to BSN, which is short since I also have a degree in another field. The community college I attend only looks at the grade in Anatomy & Physiology & TEAS score. They now do not consider GPA at all. There are definitely options =) G/L

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