I know this question may seem far fetched, but I thought id ask on here instead of being thrown around all over with nursing schools that cant offer me much insight.
I live in Atlanta, Ga. Growing up I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare , but didn't know exactly what. I got into GA tech out of high school and majored in biology ( mainly because I wasn't educated on other paths), so I just picked my highest subject from h.s which was biology. I kind of wanted to be a doctor, but then decided I didn't want to deal with touching people I wanted to be in lab.
Fast forward one year, my time at tech came to an end and I had to deal with alot of family stuff . My brother was diagnosed with a condition, and my parents financial responsibilities went to him and I had to not only be there for my FAMILY but provide for myself. I ended up switching to a local school closer to my home and switched my major from chem E to biochem to bio back to biochem ( YEA I KNOW don't ASK)
Anyways, after having a *** college career - withdrawing several times from various classes because of the stress, I ended up with a 2.5 GPA. I still was able to take the higher level micro, anatomy/physio/ chem1 and chem 2 so I have the pre-reqs. but not a great GPA.
I needed ip not even pursuing anything science until the pandemic, but was left feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled in lab work and need something more stimulating. which is why I want to become a nurse... BUT
I do not have a BSN , and was told that because I already have a non nursing bachelors NP would be better for me.
How do I go from a bachelors to NP? and with my low GPA is this even possible? will they look at my grades can I rectify it?
I do not plan on practicing as an NP right away as I know you need some experience as an RN first. but it would just be a better route to get the RN
Any help is appreciated
P.S - I also do not plan on staying in GA - I plan on moving to Texas
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
brandy1017 said:
I also would suggest the OP consider other careers like Ultrasound tech, there are community college programs for this and it is a high paying job, as well or better than an RN.
I've heard that dental hygienists make great money. Most of them only work part-time because their hourly rate is so high. I remember my dentist complaining several years ago that she wished she had become a dental hygienist! There was a shortage of them awhile back, which might be why they made so much $. I'm not sure what their pay is now.
Yes, the science pre-reqs usually expire after 5 years, if you're under five years, you could apply for an accelerated BSN or direct entry MSN. Both will get your foot in the door for RN, which is NEEDED before you can even be considered for a NP.
No, you can not use your experience in healthcare to skip the RN process.
You may qualify to some PA programs.
Hi,
To clarify ,(and not trying to b rude, it just doesnt come off over forums like this), and to keep it short not to tell my whole liffsafasfafae story...
I did not say Im using my experience in healthcare to skip the RN process, thats crazy, but above post said "get in some healthcare experience, such as CNA, medical assistant, any healthcare"
Im a scientist, (MT), I worked in a medical lab, thats why I was trying to ask can I use THAT as "experience" on application...for an NP application..
I understand you need to be an RN to Become an NP, however, the direct entry programs are for that - using your non-nursing degree to apply for a NP (which you will get an RN in the process because you still need to take the NCLEX)
To clarify ,(and not trying to b rude, it just doesnt come off over forums like this), and to keep it short not to tell my whole liffsafasfafae story...
I did not say Im using my experience in healthcare to skip the RN process, thats crazy, but above post said "get in some healthcare experience, such as CNA, medical assistant, any healthcare"
Im a scientist, (MT), I worked in a medical lab, thats why I was trying to ask can I use THAT as "experience" on application...for an NP application..
I understand you need to be an RN to Become an NP, however, the direct entry programs are for that - using your non-nursing degree to apply for a NP (which you will get an RN in the process because you still need to take the NCLEX)
I do not want to become a PA..
I don't know that lab tech or lab work is all that helpful experience for RN of NP, MA or CNA is more along the lines of what they're looking for, as it's a direct patient care role like RN or NP, whereas lab work has no direct care role, but will have some knowledge of labs and results, but not necessarily reasons/outcomes
To clarify ,(and not trying to b rude, it just doesnt come off over forums like this), and to keep it short not to tell my whole liffsafasfafae story...
I did not say Im using my experience in healthcare to skip the RN process, thats crazy, but above post said "get in some healthcare experience, such as CNA, medical assistant, any healthcare"
Im a scientist, (MT), I worked in a medical lab, thats why I was trying to ask can I use THAT as "experience" on application...for an NP application..
I understand you need to be an RN to Become an NP, however, the direct entry programs are for that - using your non-nursing degree to apply for a NP (which you will get an RN in the process because you still need to take the NCLEX)
I do not want to become a PA..
Sure there is no reason you can't use it for your application. And you have a scientific background so that is a plus. But not sure that will allow you to skip the science classes if it has been over 5 years since you took them. I think they are even woven into the program since most people going into a direct entry RN/NP Program had a non nursing, liberal art's background. Just weave your career into your essay for why you want to be a nurse and how you feel it will prepare you for the nurse program and I'm sure it will be fine. The good news is there are lots of nursing programs out there.
I don't know that lab tech or lab work is all that helpful experience for RN of NP, MA or CNA is more along the lines of what they're looking for, as it's a direct patient care role like RN or NP, whereas lab work has no direct care role, but will have some knowledge of labs and results, but not necessarily reasons/outcomes
I don't think it is necessary to have so called "relevant" work experience to apply for a nursing program. These accelerated or direct entry programs exist to train people with non nursing college degrees to become nurses. It doesn't require you to become a CNA first in my opinion. The lab job is relevant in that it required a science degree and science classes are a prereq for nursing. The low GPA is probably the biggest hurdle, but with a strong essay it should be able to overcome or if there are any tests to take like a MCAT for premed or GRE for grad school, not sure what if any applicable tests for direct entry RN/NP?
I don't think it is necessary to have so called "relevant" work experience to apply for a nursing program. These accelerated or direct entry programs exist to train people with non nursing college degrees to become nurses. It doesn't require you to become a CNA first in my opinion. The lab job is relevant in that it required a science degree and science classes are a prereq for nursing. The low GPA is probably the biggest hurdle, but with a strong essay it should be able to overcome or if there are any tests to take like a MCAT for premed or GRE for grad school, not sure what if any applicable tests for direct entry RN/NP?
It depends on the age of those science and math pre reqs. Some schools do look at relevant experience, and different things qualify as we've seen in various discussions on this site. All falls down to the program
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
brandy1017 said:
I don't think it is necessary to have so called "relevant" work experience to apply for a nursing program. These accelerated or direct entry programs exist to train people with non nursing college degrees to become nurses. It doesn't require you to become a CNA first in my opinion. The lab job is relevant in that it required a science degree and science classes are a prereq for nursing. The low GPA is probably the biggest hurdle, but with a strong essay it should be able to overcome or if there are any tests to take like a MCAT for premed or GRE for grad school, not sure what if any applicable tests for direct entry RN/NP?
For someone who wants to get into an good program, then it is important to do everything possible to improve admissions chances.
I graduated in fall of 2016 and I probably took chem 1 and chem 2 fall 2010 / fall 2011? . micro (Spring 2012) , anatomy (Spring 2013). So yes its been a while since I took these classes, but I was told that once you have a degree, expiration dates don't matter ? ..
I also had to fit in all my organic classes , biochem, analytical chem, physics, calulus and bio classes as well.... which was already a struggle to do .
The only experience I have is my lab work experience.
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
chemist11 said:
Hi,
To clarify ,(and not trying to b rude, it just doesnt come off over forums like this), and to keep it short not to tell my whole liffsafasfafae story...
I did not say Im using my experience in healthcare to skip the RN process, thats crazy, but above post said "get in some healthcare experience, such as CNA, medical assistant, any healthcare"
Im a scientist, (MT), I worked in a medical lab, thats why I was trying to ask can I use THAT as "experience" on application...for an NP application..
I do not want to become a PA..
You come across as someone who does not want to put in the work required to become an RN or an NP. In addition, it is very important to have good people skills to be a good RN or NP. Your writing calls into question whether you have such soft skills. I strongly urge you to consider a different career path.
You come across as someone who does not want to put in the work required to become an RN or an NP. In addition, it is very important to have good people skills to be a good RN or NP. Your writing calls into question whether you have such soft skills. I strongly urge you to consider a different career path.
Im a medical technologist, I did covid testing for 3 years.. I work at the CDC here in Atlanta...during covid.. I just got a job offer from Pfizer to do vaccine development in Cambridge.. I have a degree in Biotech and Biochem..
feel free to ask for my publications..
If I I didn't have strong people skills, I wouldnt have had these opportunities in life..several people have told me I am not meant for the lab pipetting all day and Im meant for something more meaningful with my personality not to mention I want to work in the ER..
Not to mention, I am a caretaker already to a sibling with a medical condition..
I never said I don't want to put in the work required.. Im just trying to find a path that will allow me find the best possible route using what I have
I want to do NP because it opens doors for other careers within nursing, and not just RN. If I do NP I do not plan on working as an NP right away, im just doing an MSN to have an RN license....instead of applying for a BSN ( financial aid does not cover a second undergrad)
I have a degree with advanced classes in chemistry (organic, biochem, analytical/physical chem, inorganic, calculus, physics, genetics, micro, immunology , virology , biotech, bioinformatics, anatomy, physiology , and engineering classes ).. my guess would be for a program that only requires gen chem 1 and 2.. theyll take my other classes into consideration..
FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP
2 Articles; 1,939 Posts
I've heard that dental hygienists make great money. Most of them only work part-time because their hourly rate is so high. I remember my dentist complaining several years ago that she wished she had become a dental hygienist! There was a shortage of them awhile back, which might be why they made so much $. I'm not sure what their pay is now.