BSN-MSN in CA; Impacted?

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My goal is to become a CRNA, however, I can't even get into an RN program! I've always had outstanding grades (honors, AP courses ect), but I managed to get a B in both my Micro and Physio courses (I tried to cram both classes in one semester along with working two jobs and additional GE classes). Since AP scores do not count any credits toward Pre-Req GPA, two B's in 5 unit classes have really screwed me over. My Pre-req GPA is a 3.45. My accumulative is a 3.7. I've tried Junior College Lotteries at COS and BC but was not lucky. (I think those lotteries are rigged anyway, I know people that got in with the minimum 2.5!!! but the "know" people). I have also been denied from Fresno State's EL BSN program because minimum entry GPA is 3.5 in the spring and 3.65 in the fall.

FYI, I have my Associate's from a JC. I am a transfer student and OMG the CSU system is SO anti Transfer student right now!!

I am enrolled as a Health Administration major at Fresno State, now, in hopes of landing a spot in a BS-to-EL MSN program at Fullerton or someplace else. Is a BS-MSN bridge program hard to get into? Should I try additional ADN programs if it would be easier to get my foot in the career that way. Could my B's follow me to my Master's and inhibit me from getting into that program as well?? Will a BS in Health Admin help me with my nursing career in the long run like a higher role in the hospital, ie VP or Charge Nurse.

The first time I've gotten a B since 6th grade and now my life's dream is on hold.

Anything will help. I don't want to be stuck with a career inspecting food as a "helth administrator!!"

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If you are able to relocate, you could apply to other JC lotteries. CSU-Sacramento's info night told everyone to take ANY spot you could get into a nursing program. "We have NO wait list for our RN-to-BSN program, so get your RN from a JC and we can get you right in to get your BSN." I heard some of the JC's are thinking of moving away from the lotteries, too. Check out the other CSU's, as well as the JC's. Your B's are NOTHING to be ashamed of! These pre-req's are hard -- I WISH I was getting a B in my A&P class! ;-)

There is a place for you -- good luck! :)

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My boyfriend is a firefighter-Paramedic and he said the same thing: "Who cares where you get your RN from, just get it so you can start your career!"

I just feel like I should already have my master's by now, and that I'm behind. Suppose we all have our own paths to follow (:

Thanks so much for your input!

I'll definitely look into programs outside of my area!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

I'm in Sacramento, too.

The challenge for Candice will be getting her RN in the 1st place.

Yes, CSUS does have an RN-BSN program, but where could she get an RN from?

The local JC's in Sac are lottery. This means some people get in year 1 and some people don't get in year 5.

The ROP and tech schools will charge 12-30K for an LVN and then charge 20-30 more for an LVN-RN bridge.

The cheaper LVN programs also want you to be a CNA first.

With a decent GPA, CSUS will let you in year 1- but you must be competitive.

Candice, I think there may be less competition for programs that require you to have a Bachelor's degree, 1st. There will still be GPA minimums, but less competition, I think.

Good Luck!

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You should apply to an accelerated Bsn program. I applied and was accepted to Valparaiso University in Indiana for May 2011- August 2012. I do not have a Bachelors degree and I have been in school for almost 3 years.I jus finished my pre reqs/gen eds at lasalle university and penn state university. If you have a minimum of 54 credits which includes the pre reqs for nursing then you should apply. I am also applying to Lakview school of nursing ABSN in Illionis .It starts in August 2011 and ends Decmeber 2012.You should check them both out because the deadline has not passed. The application for Valaparsio was free. My end goal is to also be a CRNA.

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Taurus, thanks for the input on ABSN programs; I thought accelerated BSNs were for those who already hold a BS in a Non Nursing major. I'll look into them!

Vintagemother, my hopes are that el msn programs are slightly less competitive. My only worry is that my current pre-req grades will follow me. Hopefully I will have a great GRE and my upper division GPA is flawless... If I decide to to take this route to my RN.

I'm starting to become desperate but I refuse to deviate away from anything other than being a nurse!! Haha I'll make I happen somehow!

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Most ABSN programs are if you have an bs in something usually. But these two are different which makes it great and convenient for those who have lots of credits with no degree. There is also Allen college in Iowa and bellin university . But definitely look into Valapariso !!!!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

re: "Vintagemother, my hopes are that el msn programs are slightly less competitive. My only worry is that my current pre-req grades will follow me"

I know that this is easier said than done, BUT if you can decide which program you want to go to, you might check with their admissions requirements to determine if that particular school allows re-takes.

In my area, CSUS allows retakes for the prereqs for the nursing program and they only look at the retake. This may be only if you retake at 2 different schools, but this is what was explained to us at the info meeting and matched what is on their website.

Also, at ARC/SCC you can also retake prereqs. You aren't "supposed to" per college requirements, but you can for admission to the RN program.

However, you do need to check with you particular school-since some take away admissions points if you have retakes.

HTH!

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Vintagemother:"you do need to check with you particular school-since some take away admissions points if you have retakes. "

Most of the schools that I've looked into thus far have prohibited retakes, for if you do, your application will not be reviewed.

Thanks for the input... I'll search for programs similar to what you have described (:

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