Cna then RN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 13, 2014

Do you guys think I have a chance at getting into the Nursing Program at the cc?

Welcome to Allnurses.com!

It depends on how competitive the nursing program at your local CC is. In many areas, CC nursing programs typically have several hundred applicants competing for less than 100 available spaces, so they often admit the people with the highest grades and test scores.

However, nursing programs with lottery style admissions will admit anyone who is minimally qualified as long as their name is randomly selected.

future21rn · May 13, 2014

Thank you. What about taking a few more classes to raise my GPA?

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · May 13, 2014

I did it at a CC, made sure to get A's in the sciences, but had a bad history from many years prior when life got in the way and I stopped going to class and took F's because I missed the withdraw date. Lesson learned 15 years late! But it can be done, they don't consider only your grades in most cases. But obviously they matter. If you meet the minimum GPA requirement and not much more, you can do other things to stand out. Glowing letters of recommendation even if your program doesn't require them in the application package, volunteering, a stand out essay if your admission package requires one. A cover letter on your application package. Good luck!

SeattleJess · May 14, 2014

CCs have a range of criteria for admission. I know of one that selects based only on TEAS scores; GPA is used to break ties. Another uses a point system. Grades are only part of the picture with big chunks of points available for working in healthcare, volunteering in health care, being an EMT or taking non-required courses that contribute to your success as a nurse (and you explain why.) Both schools looked only at grades in the prerequisites. Anyone could have flubbed a number of other courses and it wouldn't make a ripple on the app.

Don't get discouraged. Keep on toward your goal and check out the admission requirements for a number of schools. You'll find a fit!

Good luck.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · May 14, 2014

Just wanna throw this out there... I too decided to become a CNA on order to make money as I finished my RN prereqs. And the patient care experience really did benefit me immensely.

BUT....CNA wages were really low. I make $9/10 per hour. People can make that in retail or make better than that waitressing. I ended up pursuing and completing my LVN. That license pays well enough for me to work part time as I finish my RN degree. Plus I'm now eligible to apply to bridge programs.

lpn2B2016 · May 16, 2014

Just wanna throw this out there... I too decided to become a CNA on order to make money as I finished my RN prereqs. And the patient care experience really did benefit me immensely.
BUT....CNA wages were really low. I make $9/10 per hour. People can make that in retail or make better than that waitressing. I ended up pursuing and completing my LVN. That license pays well enough for me to work part time as I finish my RN degree. Plus I'm now eligible to apply to bridge programs.

I am with you on this... I want to get my LPN then Bridge to RN... Good luck with your RN degree!

future21rn · May 16, 2014

I understand CNA pay is low but I rather be paid low in something I have interest in rather than fast food, etc. Im looking for experience mostly, and I need to work asap. That's why I chose CNA over LPN.

ecolmen · May 16, 2014

Yes get your CNA, but apply for an acute care position. So you can get your foot in the door. I am an LVN 3 weeks from graduating from my RN program and struggling to get into a hospital. Have over 6 years LVN experience in a SNF, but hasn't helped me :-/. Good luck!

future21rn · May 16, 2014

Thank you & the best of luck to you in finding a hospital