BScN Admissions

[GLM123]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone would be able to help me out.

I just graduated from U of T with a Bachelor of Arts and a 3.05 CGPA. I was hoping to go into a paramedic program, but I have been told repeatedly by numerous people (including several paramedics) that I should consider nursing instead. I've been researching programs and I am not eligible for any of the 2 year programs, as I do not have university level microbiology, however I think I may be eligible for a few of the 4 year programs:

-Ryerson/Centennial/George Brown collaborative degree

-Humber College

-Queens University

I was originally looking at McMaster but, from what I understand they are incredibly competitive and my CGPA would definitely not cut it. What I wanted to know is if you think I stand a chance in applying to these programs.

-I will be doing a Pre-Health program at Mohawk this September to boost my marks

-I don't think these programs take job experience into account, but I am currently working as a hospital security guard and I have worked as a patient transfer attendent in the past

[madricka, BSN, RN]

If you want to be a paramedic, why would you let people talk you into nursing? You should always do what you want, not what others think is best for you.

That being said, if you do want to study nursing, you will have to get your grades up as your current GPA is NOT competitive at all. There are students with a 3.6-3.7 who are not able to gain admission to any program. Every nursing program is difficult to get into, regardless of school. So going to pre-health to boost your grades is a good idea. Grades will earn you a spot in a nursing program so when you do pre-health, work hard.

Work experience does not really count for anything. Your grades are the most important thing. BScN programs are extremely demanding and you need to show the schools that you can not only handle the work but do well (since nursing "pass" marks are higher than other programs).