Can An Average Student Do It?

Nursing Students General Students

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I am currently a Pre-Nursing student looking for different Nursing Schools to apply to. I have A's in all of my non-science classes, but when it comes to A&P i've gotten 4 Cs!!! I am trying to get into some of more competitive nursing schools, so here is the quesiton: If I haven't done too well in A&P, but have a 3.7 GPA and other impressive experience, can I still get in? I have studied in Africa and did a 3 month internship in Kenya. I've volunteered in 3 different hospitals all 3 years of college, and had a 4.0 three semesters in a row. what do you all think? is it possible to get in with C's?

Usually they say you must have at least a C in all your classes so I'm sure one or two wouldn't be bad, But I'm not really familiar with how schools work so I'm sure some will have a better answer for you

Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

Why don't you talk to the schools you are interested in......see what their standards for admission will be. I think all schools are a little different, & it may depend on the applicants as to what GPA will/will not get you in. I know in my area it depends on your GPA plus an entrance exam like the NLN. They look at the NLN scores, your GPA compare it to all that apply = who is chosen for that session. We also had to interview, & write an essay. Good Luck

Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

Can an average student do it? Yes

Is it possible to get in with C's? Yes

Don't let the list of requirements listed by the nursing schools get you down. Some nursing schools are willing to bend their entrance requirements based on other principles that they feel are more important. Of course, they never list those things with their entrance requirements. There is also the fact there there is a shortage of RNs despite what you might be hearing to the contrary. You might have to apply to several schools and you might not get into the nursing school that is your first choice, but keep at the application process. Apply to schools even if your grades don't quite meet their requirement levels. All they can do is say "no" to you. Nursing educators know that the required sciences are difficult for students. Some are going to be more interested in your life experiences that you bring with you when they make decisions regarding who they give a place in their nurses classes to. With so many people wanting to get into nursing schools, educators are going to give the opportunities to people who are serious about nursing and will be future role models and leaders in the field, not to twits who are entering the profession because they think they are going to make big bucks and are going to end up burning out and quitting when the going gets tough for them.

Specializes in Surgical/Telemetry.

I think that you will be a great candidate for a program that has an essay/interview requirement. In that case, outside experience may count more. Might want to consider retaking at least one of the C classes just to show that you can improve that area. Good luck!

Specializes in Cardiac.

In most of the programs in my state, you need a B average for A&P, and C's are ok with the other pre-reqs. But if you're thinking of being an NP someday, then your grades will really matter then.

My clinical instructor told me that by 2012, the NP program will no longer be a masters program, but will be a PhD progam. I wonder if that's true. I was thinking of becoming an NP in the future as well, but I doh't know about the PhD part..

Some of the best nurses I know, passed with C's. In the long run great grades aren't going to make you a good nurse.

Depends on the school. If you're applying to a competetive program, I don't know if C's will get it done. I'd try to identify what it is about A&P material that causes you grief and try to focus on fixing it. Nursing takes A&P further, so having a really good foundation of understanding is going to be pretty essential. I can only speak to what my school does, but I think it would be pretty darn hard to get passing grades without an above average understanding of the body systems. Good luck to ya!

Some of the best nurses I know, passed with C's. In the long run great grades aren't going to make you a good nurse.

I totally agree, Ronold. Grades alone do not a good nurse make ... same with any field. A's don't necessarily mean you will be a great nurse, doctor, dentist, ect. Personality, perserverence and determination come to mind ....

So as far as having C's in A/P , I wouldn't be worried. If nursing is what you want to do you will find a way to do it. Work hard, and learn as best you can. Good Luck!

Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiac Cath Lab.

Most schools in my area now require at least a B in all nursing prerequisites, but it definitely varies from school to school. Check with the schools you're interested in attending to find out what they require for admission. Good luck! :)

C = degree

I am a C student and always have been. Ill be able to take the NCLEX in june : )

so yes the average student can do it. however i must say nursing school is no joke and dont expect to go in and cruise through cause that will not happen. You will earn you degree and it will be one of the most important things you will ever do. so good luck to you and go get that degree!

Yes you can do it!! Sometimes the smartest people doesn't make the best nurses or whatever. That just means that they know the textbook stuff and know how to study. Everybody knows that nursing is more than just knowing the textbook!!

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