Current combat medic w/non science degree and low gpa (2.6). BSN

[Etaldred]

I am looking into applying to a program for active duty enlisted soldiers called AECP. The program is designed to pay for your schooling towards a BSN program. I am very interested in transitioning into the army nursing corp via this program. The program requires admission into a BSN program. I currently have a BA in Architecture from Portland State in 2009, but when I went to school I was focused on working full time to provide for my wife and daughter. Paying the bills took precedence over a good gpa unfortunately. I joined the army in 2010 and during my medic training I fell in love with medicine. I really enjoy this field and am looking to dive into nursing. I am just now starting to look for a BSN program that will accept me with my low gpa and non-science degree. Would I have to take all of the prereq's before being accepted into any program? I apologize for the directness and dry writing above, but I am early in this process and am doing some simple information gathering. Thanks for your help in advance.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Etaldred

First of all - THANK YOU for serving our country.

Your underlying degree should not make any difference if you are applying to a generic BSN program. You will still have to complete all of your pre-requisites. Have you already taken them?

I would suggest that you explore nursing programs at schools that are partners of eArmy U. https://www.goarmyed.com/ You can search to see how many schools have BSN programs - I believe there are several. Another potential school is the University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. SA Tx is very military-friendly, and most organizations offer special consideration to active military & vets. They have an excellent BSN program.

The very best of luck to you and your family. Stay safe.

[cyclone67]

I am in the Army so I am familiar with this program. You're going to have to complete your pre-reqs because the program will only release you to attend the 2 year portion for the BSN, it will not cover pre-reqs. This is an advantage though -- it gives you an opportunity to raise your GPA and to show that you can handle difficult courses. The important thing will be to try and get as many A's as possible.

There are many schools that will look more at your post-grad work and your science GPA. You have a advantage over a lot of applicants because you have work experience -- you just need to show them you can handle the coursework. Also -- last I looked at that program, you will either have to go to a school from your home of record or at the state you are currently assigned to because it only covers in state tuition -- look online; there is a recruiting page for that program and it has a lot of good information.

Good luck! It is possible, I was in your situation 10 years ago and got into the Medical College of Georgia (Georgia Health Sciences University). I started out with a 2.6 GPA and after completing my pre-reqs (all As )-- I had brought it up to over a 3.0 cumulative.