Accelerated BSN Programs, How Competitive Are They Really?

[wannabecatcher]

Hello All,

I am in the process of applying to several Accelerated BSN programs and I was hoping that those of you who have attended or been accepted into an Accelerated BSN program could possibly post your stats/experience (what programs you got into, GPA, experience, maybe why you think you got in, etc). Also, I would be interested in those of you who are applying to an Accelerated BSN program right now: where you are applying, undergrad GPA, pre-req GPA, any other health/medical experience, etc.

I graduated with a BS in Ecology and Evolution in 2003 from UC Santa Barbara with an undergrad GPA of 3.4. I am an EMT, a doula, and I volunteer at the birth center at my local community hospital. I aspire to become a nurse-midwife (advanced practice) eventually but would like to get my BSN first and work in a labor and delivery unit as an RN until I feel ready to move up.

I am applying to Johns Hopkins University, NYU, University of Rochester, University of Southern Maine, Stony Brook University, University of Binghampton and Linfield College.

Thank you to anyone who adds to this thread, I think it could be a good resource!

[ICRN2008, BSN, RN]

I would imagine that most of the programs you are applying for take into consideration factors other than grades. How strong do you feel in other areas (demonstrated people skills, career accomplishments, etc.)?

My accelerated nursing program based admissions solely on GPA. There were 84 applicants for 24 spots, and the cutoff GPA was 3.6. However, they only calculated the cutoff based on prerequisite classes, and did not take into consideration any of the courses from our first degrees unless they were a pre-req.

A direct-entry MSN program in my area typically accepts students with a 3.9 or 4.0 GPA along with demonstrated success in their previous careers.

I think that overall admissions to most Accelerated BSN and direct-entry MSN programs are extremely competitive. Many students at my school ended up applying with the traditional students or goint to other schools because they are not able to achieve high enough grades.

If you have any more questions please feel free to PM me.

[Megsd, BSN, RN]

My program looked at previous degree GPA as well as pre-req GPA. I know there were over 100 applicants, and there are 24 of us in the program. I don't know what the GPA cutoff was for our class. The thing that my professors have emphasized to us about why they love the accelerated program is because we each bring something unique to the profession because of our previous degrees and other life experiences.

I would wager that your experiences as an EMT and as a doula would be helpful to you if that type of experience is favored in the program.

Me personally, I got a 3.89 with my previous degree, a 4.0 on my prereqs, had a year of CNA/Home Health experience, and I'm fluent in Spanish. I am in class with a former army helicopter pilot and paramedic, a former cancer researcher, a few exercise physiology majors/physical therapy types, and a variety of other people.

Good luck on your applications!

[smilin_gp]

I can speak a little on Linfield's aBSN program, they will likely take your other experience into consideration, as well as your grades for their specific prereqs. Good luck :)