Better to...Graduate with a BS then go back to nursing?

BellsRNBSN · Sep 7, 2010

Hello, I am finished with my pre-reqs and my pre-req GPA is 3.28 and overall GPA is 3.21. I went to open house for different schools and they told me my GPA is very low for their program. SO I am considering getting a BS in Kinesiology then apply for grad nursing school. Will that be a better path for me?
If so what are some school that you can recommend?

In this situation, I would recommend you get your BS and then look into attending some accelerated post-baccalaureate BSN programs. If by "grad nursing school" you mean an entry-level MSN program, then their GPA requirements are even more strict - they are MUCH harder to get into. Definitely try and get the best grades you can, but also remember that nursing schools look at other aspects as well, such as volunteering, work experience, and letters of recommendation. So make sure you're covering all angles: get a lot of volunteer experience in some sort of medical setting, form connections with professors in classes in which you excel so that they can write you letters of rec in the future, and if possible, look into becoming a PCT or CNA while you obtain your BS. From what I've heard, medical work experience counts A LOT when it comes to getting into nursing school.

I could recommend some ABSN programs in California, but I'm not sure what state you're in...

Good luck! :nurse:

iPink, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2010

Finish your first degree (never heard of that degree btw). Go back for an accelerated BSN or entry-level MSN that above poster mentioned.

I'm doing the ABSN first then going for the specialty MSN. I can't speak for the MSN programs, but a 3.0 GPA is good enough for the ABSNs. They are competitive, but not as competitive as the ADN programs.