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
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..
Hello,
For totally clarity ..I am not an NP. I got my MSN in the dark ages (late 70s) as a Practitioner/Teacher. I totally wanted academics but this was the program in my city.
But I think you have a lot of offer nursing and further advanced practice when the time is right. You probably have forgotten more science info than I ever learned. That being said, I can see so many possibilities in your future - research nursing, nursing education --
We have had a lot of non-traditional students through the programs I have taught in - one was a biology PhD who had old sciences, ministers etc.
Contact some advisors at some schools to gauge how you could fit in - Ask about exceptions in the recently of courses. Exceptions are made. The tuition and lack of loans at the generic BSN level may be a problem - can you save a bit? Maybe really investigate scholarships, see if a hospital or CDC has tuition reimbursement. Maybe you qualify for teaching some lab science courses at a college - Go for it. There is room for all ages and viewpoints and different places we start in nursing. Are you going to Cambridge, Mass?
chemist11 said:
Not to mention, I am a caretaker already to a sibling with a medical condition..
This is very impressive with all the other things you have done - publications, etc.
I wish you all the best - And if I wasn't so old and retired I would like to work with you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's another thought I had....I don't know how many Direct entry MSN programs use the GRE but I took it (post BSN) but it was not required to nursing MSN admission (we had the Miller Analogies). The graduate college I went to equitably distributed the GRE scholarships across all programs and because no one else submitted GRE scores except me I got a semester scholarship. Also there were 'traineeships' for nursing educators/faculty and I got another 1 year scholarship with a stipend. I was also supported by a college for a commitment to teach there after graduation (heard about that from someone at a cocktail party). Spread the news of your interest in nursing education to everyone -- There are plenty of people who get in with lower GPAs and with some more recent programs GPAs have become inflated.
A DNP will take 4 years (like Med school it's a PHD program)
Quote
A PhD is an academic degree focused on original research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. A professional doctorate focuses on applying research to practical problems, formulating solutions to complex issues, and designing effective professional practices within your field.
The DNP is a clinical doctorate and as such there is a distinction in time, expense. Also physicians receive a Medical Degree (MD) but many do go onto a PhD or a MPH (Master of Public Health). It depends if they want an academic role in a Medical School...grant funding
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
chemist11 said:
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.
Here is why I don't think you should become an RN or an NP:
1. You admitted your original GPA was not very good. I told you how to raise that and you pretty much vomited over my suggestions.
2. You did come across as rude and only looking for a shortcut to becoming an NP. We have a problem in the NP profession with too many low-quality NPs being graduated due to a proliferation of poor-quality, for-profit schools.
3. For someone who has written papers, I am baffled at your apparent inability to research the requirements to become an NP and the different pathways to become one. That does not bode well for someone who professes a desire to become an NP.
4. It is going to be HARD to change careers. It was the hardest thing I ever did. After working for many years, it is quite difficult to switch to the student mindset.
5. You will have little to no income while attending school. And with bad grades, you aren't going to get any scholarships. That leaves loans, meaning you are going to owe a bunch of money if you graduate.
For someone who has written papers, I am baffled at your apparent inability to research the requirements to become an NP
Writing for scientific publications and getting PUBLISHED is very different than 'writing papers'. The OP strikes me as a first-generation college student (and successful) and as such is not into nuances or the intricacies of the college world. The poster has admitted as such because of the 'floundering' encountered during undergraduate years. Do you know how hard the Med Tech curriculum is? The OP is not just reading glucometers, nor other machine readings and whatever all day long. Do you understand the rigor of the curriculum the OP has mastered already? But since neither you or I have heard anything else, the OP may be gone. And I am just 'tilting at windmills',
Having taught for 45 - 50 years, I can tell you some people were just not born ready to negotiate college. The baby boomers, (you and I are retiring, dying, becoming disabled.) will be out of the work force and totally in control of health care in a few years. Pass along your wisdom, your hopes, enthusiasm, and ways to encourage the dreams in others. Frankly, the statistics are that many successful people will change the course of their careers...including total subject matter and category within their lifetime. The stats are significant. Not everyone needs to start over at the beginning. Where were you until you were 53? Just saying...you did it all on your own? Exceptions are made for college entry requirements for accomplished people. Did you ever counteract advice with a negative response?
PS Lily Tomlin once said 'what if our world was only populated with ballerinas. firemen and large machine operators'..the choices of children?
Writing for scientific publications and getting PUBLISHED is very different than 'writing papers'. The OP strikes me as a first-generation college student (and successful) and as such is not into nuances or the intricacies of the college world. The poster has admitted as such because of the 'floundering' encountered during undergraduate years. Do you know how hard the Med Tech curriculum is? The OP is not just reading glucometers, nor other machine readings and whatever all day long. Do you understand the rigor of the curriculum the OP has mastered already? But since neither you or I have heard anything else, the OP may be gone. And I am just 'tilting at windmills',
Having taught for 45 - 50 years, I can tell you some people were just not born ready to negotiate college. The baby boomers, (you and I are retiring, dying, becoming disabled.) will be out of the work force and totally in control of health care in a few years. Pass along your wisdom, your hopes, enthusiasm, and ways to encourage the dreams in others. Frankly, the statistics are that many successful people will change the course of their careers...including total subject matter and category within their lifetime. The stats are significant. Not everyone needs to start over at the beginning. Where were you until you were 53? Just saying...you did it all on your own? Exceptions are made for college entry requirements for accomplished people. Did you ever counteract advice with a negative response?
PS Lily Tomlin once said 'what if our world was only populated with ballerinas. firemen and large machine operators'..the choices of children?
Thank you . Yes I was busy with thanksgiving with family, and a wedding over the holidays, and was welcomed with a bunch of "wows" when people ask me what I have been up to . So thank you @FullGlass for making me realize how lucky I am for people who do encourage me .I actually met a PA over the weekend, and she actually said "some schools with pay for your NP if you work with them after.
I could do ALOT with my degree in Biological engineering and biochem. hell , I don't even have to work if I don't want to, my culture encourages women to stay at home. I did not have to get a degree..as a first generation. I wanted to .. I can go into so many industries with my degree. not to mention, as previously mentioned , work at Pfizer for vaccine development.
as @londonflo mentioned, do you understand what medical technologists do? WE are the backbones of doctors and physicians. without med techs you don't have diagnosis . Doctors would be clueless without medical technologists. They require a degree in physics or chemistry or biochem for 1, and 5 years of experience and then a licensing ASCP exam... its brutal. So brutal , even people who have PHds I have worked with were stumped on the exam. We do biological enginnering and scientific experiments. we are not setting up IVs or catheders that require a 2 year education...
I DO NOT HAVE TO GO INTO NURSING.. I WANT TO ..I DO NOT HAVE TO DO NP, I can simply go for a BSN .. but I want to do NP..
MY bf and I are planning on getting married in the next year or so and hes an oral surgeon, wanting to start his own practice before we have kids ( we are both in our early 30's), hence the timeline preference. So don't worry about my income.. I never asked anyone's advice or input to how I am going to pay for it.. I am simply asking for a route..
I in fact have called several NP schools and get bounced around to different departments or get told the same thing about expiration dates. So I don't know why you think I didn't do proper research..
My brother has a severe medical and mental condition in which he is not able to take of himself. I had to take off 2 years and come back at a time where I could focus without too much stress while working part time while in school . I could have switched majors or dropped out all together, but I didn' t. Yes I said that from the beggining about my GPA , I have valid reasons of having that and I'm not ashamed but I want to use the classes that I have instead of doing the "student life working part time while taking classes " all over again.
There is no " you need to do such an such". These days there are girls making money off degrading themselves on the internet. I choose to path, I do not have to.. So please refrain from saying "its clear you don't have what it takes to become an NP"
Thank you so much @londonflofor the encouraging words. I did not want to say things to call out other posters for coming across as rude.. and "unambitious". so thank you for doing that. Im 31, and have a degree and 6 years experience and just wanting to switch careers. I don't know how that equates to " sounds like you just want a shortcut to becoming an NP"..
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
The best (and really only direct) route is direct entry ABSN or MSN RN. You'll have to look into the schools requirements and meet them at whatever schools you're interested in. Only after THAT, can you think about NP.
Your experience might make nursing school easier for you than others. However, it's not going to put you ahead of someone else in the application pool. Most nursing schools look at academics, GPA, etc. As long as you meet those, that's your foot in the door. Good luck to you.
as @londonflo mentioned, do you understand what medical technologists do? WE are the backbones of doctors and physicians. without med techs you don't have diagnosis . Doctors would be clueless without medical technologists. They require a degree in physics or chemistry or biochem for 1, and 5 years of experience and then a licensing ASCP exam... its brutal.
Thank you chemist11: I want to thank you for responding and providing more details. My father was a chemist and we used chemistry on a daily basis around the house. When I started a HS chemistry course, I was given a pretest with the class, Afterwards I got called into the teacher's office ("where had I taken chemistry before?" I hadn't,) We ended up moving to another area - my father's skills/knowledge were in demand and I ended up leaving the course in the first semester. It ended up my ACT in the sciences was so high I was: 1) exempted from HS chemistry, 2) accepted into my first choice of college and 3) did NOT take HS Biology until senior year. 4) (I did take basic chemistry, my idea and choice, the Summer after graduating from HS - just to have parity with other incoming college freshman.)
lifelearningrn said:
Most nursing schools look at academics, GPA, etc. As long as you meet those, that's your foot in the door.
I hope people realize that meeting the GPA stated parameters does not guarantee entry to a program. Nor does not meeting a GPA mean refusal from the college. These GPAs were put in place because of research findings/published findings among HS graduates successfully completing a program. AND because with the public perception that 'nursing' is a great ticket to a great financial future, we got inundated with applications.
Many schools look at an applicant holistically. Where were they... then, where are they... now. Frankly someone who works in an entirely science based (and heavy field) position successfully that is vital to health care is so much more of an asset to health care than Mommy's little boy or girl that had food, shelter, tuition paid for as a fledgling.
The last week I read postings of at least 3 individuals who achieved academic and professional success in other fields, looking to consider nursing as a profession. The negative comments were overwhelming. It is not a race or competition. What will benefit society and the community it serves?
Of note is that we know GPAs of nursing students have climbed since they plead for great grades from science professors. Give me someone who enjoyed learning or struggled to learn when they did not know what to do and made it out on the other side, & achieved significant contributions to society!
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
londonflo said:
Writing for scientific publications and getting PUBLISHED is very different than 'writing papers'. The OP strikes me as a first-generation college student (and successful) and as such is not into nuances or the intricacies of the college world. The poster has admitted as such because of the 'floundering' encountered during undergraduate years. Do you know how hard the Med Tech curriculum is? The OP is not just reading glucometers, nor other machine readings and whatever all day long. Do you understand the rigor of the curriculum the OP has mastered already? But since neither you or I have heard anything else, the OP may be gone. And I am just 'tilting at windmills',
Having taught for 45 - 50 years, I can tell you some people were just not born ready to negotiate college. The baby boomers, (you and I are retiring, dying, becoming disabled.) will be out of the work force and totally in control of health care in a few years. Pass along your wisdom, your hopes, enthusiasm, and ways to encourage the dreams in others. Frankly, the statistics are that many successful people will change the course of their careers...including total subject matter and category within their lifetime. The stats are significant. Not everyone needs to start over at the beginning. Where were you until you were 53? Just saying...you did it all on your own? Exceptions are made for college entry requirements for accomplished people. Did you ever counteract advice with a negative response?
PS Lily Tomlin once said 'what if our world was only populated with ballerinas. firemen and large machine operators'..the choices of children?
Actually, I did indeed figure out what was needed to get into a good nursing school and then NP school on my own, without the use of forums such as this. And I was also a first-generation college student. My mother was an immigrant with only an elementary-school education and she spoke almost no English when she came to this country.
I am generally very encouraging to people who want to became an NP, especially those who wish to change careers to do so. Just read my original response to the OP and responses to other posters for the past few years. However, I am under no obligation to encourage everyone who expresses an interest in becoming an NP. We have a real problem in the NP profession now of increasing numbers of poor quality NPs, due to the proliferation of for-profit schools. The last thing we need are more poor-quality NPs. Therefore, I do not encourage everyone to become an NP. It should be hard to become an NP and it should also require a great deal of commitment on the part of an aspiring NP. The OP did not demonstrate this, repeatedly stating they refuse to take any classes over again, including science prereqs. Their prereqs are more than 5 years old and like it or not, those have to be taken again. They might be able to get some waived, but not all of them. The OP came across as rather entitled in their initial posts.
I don't care how hard or science-heavy their current job is, or how hard the Med Tech curriculum was. Just because someone has a heavy science background does not mean they would be a good NP. I know plenty of scientists and engineers, and believe me, many of them would be terrible healthcare providers.
I also had a very difficult job prior to starting nursing school and I did not expect shortcuts on the path to NP. I was willing to take some classes over again. In addition, I made the effort to figure out how to become an NP without expecting someone to spoon feed that to me. This was accomplished via internet research, talking to healthcare professionals, and talking to admissions officers and professors at nursing schools. I gave the OP the same advice they gave me, and OP was not interested.
And someone who wants to become an NP must indeed be ready and able to negotiate college and grad school.
I also have no idea why you made the comment about ballerina dancers and such. That was completely irrelevant.
Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
chemist11 said:
2. When you say "pre-reqs " ,...do you mean chem1, chem2, micro, anatomy and physiology? because like I said, I took all those in undergrad..
and from what I have been told some nursing schools carry an expiration date on those classes? I refuse to take them over again, I just don't have the time for it, and it would just elongate the process even more..
Please see above. In general, nursing school prereqs must be taken within 5 years of applying/starting school. You flat out refuse to do this. Perhaps you can get a partial waiver, but that would still require you to take some classes over again. Since you refuse to do so, how do you propose to get into a nursing program?
Therefore, someone applying to the Johns Hopkins DNP program must have a BSN or an entry-level MSN. Here are the requirements for the Hopkins entry-level MSN:
Bachelor's Degree (in a discipline other than nursing from an accredited college or university)
Scholastic GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale from an accredited college or university
3 Letters of Recommendation (2 academic and 1 professional)*
Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)
GRE scores are accepted but not required
One written essay
Virtual Interview/Video Essay
Current Resume
Prereqs:
In addition to a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field, applicants must complete 17-21 credits (grade B- or better) of prerequisite coursework from an accredited college or university. Students who have not taken their prerequisites can take them all online at Hopkins Nursing.
Anatomy with lab (3-4 credits)
Human Growth and Development Through the Lifespan (3 credits)
Microbiology with lab (3-4 credits)
Nutrition (2-3 credits)
Physiology with lab (3-4 credits)
Statistics1 (3 credits)
It is recommended that prerequisite coursework be completed within the last five years, but it is not a requirement.
Now let's look at a more accessible school, Cal State L.A. (Los Angeles)
ABSN
The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) is for students who already possess a baccalaureate degree in another field, but do not possess an RN license, and are interested in a full-time intensive accelerated program to earn a B.S.N. degree as second baccalaureate. The courses are offered through special sessions via College of Professional and Global Education. Students in this option are required with a minimum 3.0 GPA and no less than a C in each course.
Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
Submit an application to Cal State LA;
Completion of a second application to PACSON;
Completion of bachelor's (or higher) degree in another field from an accredited institution;
Minimum GPA 3.0 in last 60 semester / 90 quarter units;
Completion of prerequisite science courses at grade of B or better;
Completion of all other prerequisite courses at grade of C or better; and
Meet the supplementary admission criteria listed on https://www.calstatela.edu/page/accelerated-bachelor-science-nursing
A selected test of basic academic skills administered by PACSON will be required prior to consideration for admission into the program. Top ranking applicants will be invited for an interview and on-site writing sample. Admission decisions will be made after this process.
Prereqs:
(Attached as PDF)
Expiration date for prereqs not provided on website, as far as I can see.
Please note the following from the FAQs:
An official transcript awarding a Bachelor's Degree in a field other than nursing with a preferred GPA of 3.0 or higher. Transcripts must also show a strong academic record of GPA 3.0 or higher in the last 90 quarter units or 60 semester units. In addition, a grade of "B" or better is required in all four sciences with lab pre-requisite courses.
Note 1: The reason for the emphasis on GPA is that nursing school is very hard for most people. The schools want to make sure that candidates will be able to complete the coursework with passing grades in order to graduate. Someone with a poor original GPA must provide some way for the school to have confidence that they are capable of earning a satisfactory GPA in their ABSN or MSN. While work experience is helpful, it is not the same as academic performance.
At least in California, nursing programs at the public universities and colleges are highly impacted, meaning a lot of people want to get into them, so they are highly competitive in admissions.
Also, ABSN students can indeed get financial aid and scholarships. I did.
Note 2: Note that the schools require letters of recommendation. At least one of those must be academic. How is someone who got poor to mediocre grades several years ago going to get a good academic letter of recommendation? That is why such an applicant needs to retake some classes and/or take other relevant classes!
I hope people realize that meeting the GPA stated parameters does not guarantee entry to a program. Nor does not meeting a GPA mean refusal from the college. These GPAs were put in place because of research findings/published findings among HS graduates successfully completing a program. AND because with the public perception that 'nursing' is a great ticket to a great financial future, we got inundated with applications.
Many schools look at an applicant holistically. Where were they... then, where are they... now. Frankly someone who works in an entirely science based (and heavy field) position successfully that is vital to health care is so much more of an asset to health care than Mommy's little boy or girl that had food, shelter, tuition paid for as a fledgling.
The last week I read postings of at least 3 individuals who achieved academic and professional success in other fields, looking to consider nursing as a profession. The negative comments were overwhelming. It is not a race or competition. What will benefit society and the community it serves?
Of note is that we know GPAs of nursing students have climbed since they plead for great grades from science professors. Give me someone who enjoyed learning or struggled to learn under adverse conditions when they did not know what to do and made it out on the other side, & achieved significant contributions to society!
The op did not say I want to go straight to an NP curriculum. Please review what I have emphasized above.....1. you do not know anything about the rigors of a med tech curriculum NOR nursing BSN admissions - who the heck determines what is in your "culture and sensitivity" order, other actions and who determines the "confirmation at 12, 24 etc hours???" YOU KNOW what you write in the order (entered into the computer 2020s like) Oops they compare symptoms (provided to you) to the culture and outcome of a culture? And they tell you their findings (it is also called a 'lab report. ') to determine course of action based on antibiotic (as specific infection_) C & S.. But of course if you never ordered labs,..... .. And I am already outside my depth with what they do, like you.
FullGlass said:
I also have no idea why you made the comment about ballerina dancers and such. That was completely irrelevant.
I am not sorry I added this joke because I thought you changed earlier job positions from any earlier career to a different (your now current) profession. (It is demonstrating HUMOR if everyone everyone got their wish as a child and were in those jobs now). "Mommy when I grow up I want to be policeman".
Frankly, Why have admission committees and Any DEAN look at an application? Copy and Paste accomplishes this as you have shown .
FullGlass said:
I know plenty of scientists and engineers, and believe me, many of them would be terrible healthcare providers.
Jeepers, I agree if they want to be an NP without further education in nursing.
FullGlass said:
In general, nursing school prereqs must be taken within 5 years of applying/starting school.
As I said the OP has forgotten more science than you ever learned. She has built on an advanced science curriculum ( better than yours, me thinks) .Competed 400 level sciences. She can give her time to focus on other areas and not 'punished' , (rather a detour) to go YOUR straight nursing route. Does learning acquired by a college course, lab and internship have a 'sell by date' if being used on a routine basis?
FullGlass said:
Note 1: The reason for the emphasis on GPA is that nursing school is very hard for most people. The schools want to make sure that candidates will be able to complete the coursework with passing grades in order to graduate.
Okay, -- do you we take a GPA in a field that is not considered rigorous (I am afraid to give example, not willing to offend but a BSN graduate (applying to a respected state school) raised her cumulative GPA by taking baking, food service courses.
the OP has shown she can accomplish a RIGOROUS demanding curriculum.
FullGlass said:
Someone with a poor original GPA must provide some way for the school to have confidence that they are capable of earning a satisfactory GPA in their ABSN or MSN. While work experience is helpful, it is not the same as academic performance.
Actually a sound accomplishment in a field that demands rigorous curriculum building on previous work to demonstrate a baccalaureate mastery of the subject with detailed accuracy in a measurable scientific field on a daily basis is as, or more helpful , (I am just not providing a 'curbside ' 'drive by' opinion. I know from detailed reports of outcome measurement on (NCLEX Mountain Measurement reviewed annually), graduation rates (annually) ATI or & HESI (per semester). Factual data beats copy/paste from websites every time.
Measurable: a sound knowledge base as evidenced by evaluation of transcripts with the course syllabus/course catalog AND a job-performance evaluation: better indicator of an expectation of achievement than an A from a student who is a FT student.,
I have served on admission committees for baccalaureate programs for 40 years. I created the entry requirements for 3 baccalaureate programs for BSN programs.
You, as I recall, changed fields from financial executive to health care. Somewhere, someone gave you a chance or you are a unicorn. .
Going to a For-profit NP is NOT something I support/advocate. However the OP asked about the road to being an RN, BSN and NP. An elitist mentality is not something I support; endorse, or seek to instill in others.
FullGlass said:
Note 1: The reason for the emphasis on GPA is that nursing school is very hard for most people. The schools want to make sure that candidates will be able to complete the coursework with passing grades in order to graduate.
Quote
hope people realize that meeting the GPA stated parameters does not guarantee entry to a program. (with emphasis) Nor does not meeting a GPA mean refusal from the college. These GPAs were put in place because of research findings/published findings among HS graduates successfully completing a program. AND because with the public perception that 'nursing' is a great ticket to a great financial future, we got inundated with applications
. Faculty time reviewing applications, conducting interviews and reading an essay take a lot of time.
FullGlass said:
Note that the schools require letters of recommendation. At least one of those must be academic. How is someone who got poor to mediocre grades several years ago going to get a good academic letter of recommendation? That is why such an applicant needs to retake some classes and/or take other relevant classes!
Letters of Recommdation
we only read these when all the application has been read and then shredded in most cases. Frankly I have written probably (50 years times 35 a year) ...Never had once someone call me about one.
Full Glass - keep your day job. elitism has no place here.
londonflo
3,002 Posts
Hello,
For totally clarity ..I am not an NP. I got my MSN in the dark ages (late 70s) as a Practitioner/Teacher. I totally wanted academics but this was the program in my city.
But I think you have a lot of offer nursing and further advanced practice when the time is right. You probably have forgotten more science info than I ever learned. That being said, I can see so many possibilities in your future - research nursing, nursing education --
We have had a lot of non-traditional students through the programs I have taught in - one was a biology PhD who had old sciences, ministers etc.
Contact some advisors at some schools to gauge how you could fit in - Ask about exceptions in the recently of courses. Exceptions are made. The tuition and lack of loans at the generic BSN level may be a problem - can you save a bit? Maybe really investigate scholarships, see if a hospital or CDC has tuition reimbursement. Maybe you qualify for teaching some lab science courses at a college - Go for it. There is room for all ages and viewpoints and different places we start in nursing. Are you going to Cambridge, Mass?
This is very impressive with all the other things you have done - publications, etc.
I wish you all the best - And if I wasn't so old and retired I would like to work with you! Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's another thought I had....I don't know how many Direct entry MSN programs use the GRE but I took it (post BSN) but it was not required to nursing MSN admission (we had the Miller Analogies). The graduate college I went to equitably distributed the GRE scholarships across all programs and because no one else submitted GRE scores except me I got a semester scholarship. Also there were 'traineeships' for nursing educators/faculty and I got another 1 year scholarship with a stipend. I was also supported by a college for a commitment to teach there after graduation (heard about that from someone at a cocktail party). Spread the news of your interest in nursing education to everyone -- There are plenty of people who get in with lower GPAs and with some more recent programs GPAs have become inflated.