Don’t know where to go from here

[StefanieG]

Hello!

I am a student at MJC. I am finished with my prerequisites, however I have a 2.3GPA. You need a 2.5 to even apply.

I am frustrated because I took anatomy 5 years ago. I was fresh out of high school and didn’t take it seriously. I got a C.

I then took chemistry, 3 times. Yes you heard that, 3 times. I really struggled with the theory of chem and the math confused me as well as the balancing etc.

I finally passed chemistry, which is not a direct prerequisite, but you need it to take physiology and micro.

I took micro, got a B which I was happy with.

then came physiology,

I took this class, going through a breakup of 6 years, working 2 jobs with a 4 year old child. I pulled a D, and decided I would try again the next fall. This fall came around, and I was so ready to get this course over with. I was prepared on the first day. Everything was going great, then my professor was struck with epilepsy the second week of school. She did not expect it as this was her first diagnosis, but we missed 2.5 weeks of instruction in between cancelled classes and they struggled to find an instructor to replace her for the semester. The dean advised us to not drop the class. This was the same week the ‘drop without w’ date came up. So I tried my best, but I could not teach myself the basics that we missed at the beginning of class. We were instructed to read and teach ourselves cell structure/function/metabolism, cell membrane transport, and some of chemical messengers. I had my old sister tutor me. I did all the extra credit that was offered. I still pulled a 75.79%. This brought my prerequisite science GPA to 2.33. This was my second and last chance to take physiology and this circumstance put me in a bad place. I can not retake anatomy because I already got a passing score. I can’t retake physiology again and I believe if I did I wouldn’t get a decent grade anyway. I can challenge my grade with the dean and the instructor but I’m not sure if it will even be worth it. I’m doubting myself and all I really want to do is apply for the program. I want to be stable and start my career and my life already. I don’t know whether to continue with nursing or just accept that I can’t get through these prerequisites. Should I just do the CNA program, go for Medical assisting? I just need direction.

[FutureNPBri, CNA, EMT-P]

Don’t doubt yourself. So sorry that this happened to you but at least you pulled through! Why don’t you apply for other nursing programs and go from there. Don’t stop at just one option there are other options and other ways to jump start your career. You can work as a CNA but go for nursing. This is just one bump in the road but you will get past it. I would also speak to an advisor. Good luck!

[StefanieG]

1 hour ago, FutureNPBri said:

Don’t doubt yourself. So sorry that this happened to you but at least you pulled through! Why don’t you apply for other nursing programs and go from there. Don’t stop at just one option there are other options and other ways to jump start your career. You can work as a CNA but go for nursing. This is just one bump in the road but you will get past it. I would also speak to an advisor. Good luck!

Hi, thank you for your words of encouragement!

I have looked into other programs at Delta, Merced, and Stanislaus State, however they all want a 2.5 or higher!

[caliotter3]

Have you considered obtaining an LVN license? That would give you an option at employment as well as a renewed avenue to RN school.

[Mergirlc, MSN, APRN, NP]

From the schools you stated, I can see you're in Nor Cal. I will tell you straight up, your grades are not at all competitive for any regular nursing program up here.

I think your idea of trying for a CNA or MA is probably your best bet. Fair Warning: If you decide someday you wish to climb the career ladder and become a RN......you will still have that 2.3 GPA. I strongly suggest you start just taking some general classes and see if you can slowly move that GPA up to a 3.0 in case you decide to try the RN route years down the road.