Could use some advice here

[joemomma35]

I'm a male, 21, just graduated from Rutgers. My degree was in psychology, with a minor in biology because I took all sorts of prereqs required for PA school. I originally thought I'd go into PA school but I didn't because throughout my college career, the standards went up and my grades weren't quite good enough.

Anyway, so I'm looking into an accelerated program at a different school. I understand that the programs are very competitive and my GPA is likely going to hold me back. My GPA is a 3.1, my prereqs are probably around a 2.8 with a few bad C's in microbiology, A&P II, and chemistry I (though I pulled an A in chem 2). I would think the two things I have going for me is that I'm a male, and I've been an EMT for over 2 years now, but I don't know how big of an influence those things have on admissions when everyone else's grades are probably a lot better than mine.

So, what should I do here? I'm looking into a school for spring 2011. Would it be worthwhile to go to a community college for a semester to improve my grades in my prereqs? I'm sure most schools are easier than Rutgers. Should I apply to the acellerated programs in the meantime? Does anyone have any advice they can share? Thanks..

[jenniepaige]

I think that before you do anything you should look at the school or schools in your area and talk to an advisor to see what their requirements are. Your GPA is prob too low as is to get into a nursing program. Some schools will take the higher grade when you repeat (like mine), some will average and some won't take it at all. So, best advice is do some research in your area and get advised by the schools to see what your best options are.

[njmomstudent]

I'm a rutgers grad as well. I'm going to my local college (that has a great AAS program) and doing it that way. Afterwards I will probably finish by doing the BSN online (while working hopefully) or going right to a MSN somewhere. I did it this way because the accelerated BSN programs for people with a BS already were way too intensive (all day everyday) and I need to hold down a job right now. I got in no problem to the local college with my background and NLN scores.

[joemomma35]

Yeah I'm about to start asking around. Any more advice?

[njmomstudent]

My GPA was only a 3.2, but because I already had a bachelors the AAS program liked that. I don't know what area in NJ you are from. My school only starts the program in the fall, and to apply for the fall you usually have to have all your paperwork and NLN done in the early spring. I definitely suggest taking the NLN and getting it out of the way. You should be able to look up your local college requirements and dates online at thier website.

[MaryEMT]

My GPA was only a 3.1 as well. However I did retake my A&P I&II courses and got A's instead of C's (this was not factored into my undergrad GPA but it sure did make my preq GPA much higher). I also volunteered as an EMT for two years . I got into three of the five schools I applied to (GWU, CNR, MCPHS). So, my advice retake at least one of those prereqs, have a strong personal statement, and definately talk to the admissions department at your schools.

[caliotter3]

Some people would advise you to start over from scratch at a community college and strive for A's in your prerequisites, or just repeat all the prereqs, striving for A's, before you start applying to nursing schools.