Going back to school for a nursing degree. Good idea?

[Ted D]

I have recently graduated with a non-science bachelors degree. My GPA was not all that hot (2.9) so that concerns me a bit.

But basically I am wondering what my chances are at any of these 12-18 month accelerated BSN programs? I figure there are about a million schools that offer them, so one has to accept me right?

Any advice since this is all very new to me, would be GREATLY appreciated.

[ybq2008]

honestly? i think your chances of getting into a accelerated program are slim......with your gpa.

I wouldn't say that's the case. To the OP: I was accepted into an accelerated BSN program at a very competitive and high ranked university. My undergraduate grads were not very competitive, but I had a 4.0 in all of my grad school course work, a master's degree, competitive GRE scores (my program required the GRE for admission), and a ton of great work and life experience.

Situations in undergrad WILL NOT determine the rest of your life, if you refuse to let them. You may be required to prove yourself a little bit more than someone with higher undergraduate grades, however; good programs will look at the whole student. Nurses have to be well-rounded and high GPAs may not translate to excellent patient care and nursing skills. Good luck with finding a program. Be sure that you're going in to nursing because of your passion and not for any other reason. As many others have mentioned, it will be a struggle on all fronts

[rn2bnwi, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't say that's the case. To the OP: I was accepted into an accelerated BSN program at a very competitive and high ranked university. My undergraduate grads were not very competitive, but I had a 4.0 in all of my grad school course work, a master's degree, competitive GRE scores (my program required the GRE for admission), and a ton of great work and life experience.

Situations in undergrad WILL NOT determine the rest of your life, if you refuse to let them. You may be required to prove yourself a little bit more than someone with higher undergraduate grades, however; good programs will look at the whole student. Nurses have to be well-rounded and high GPAs may not translate to excellent patient care and nursing skills. Good luck with finding a program. Be sure that you're going in to nursing because of your passion and not for any other reason. As many others have mentioned, it will be a struggle on all fronts

and if the other poster had that further education that showed his revolve i would say i completely agree with you... ..... but he doesn't. I did say that if he did really well on his pre-reqs that could make a huge difference. but your in a totally different situaton you had good graduate work, a good gre score, and life experience.(which life experience is a huge factor in 2nd degree programs) but this person is JUST graduating and they have none of what you say. I simply said they have to do some things if they want to be competetive. i have yet to hear of one 2nd degree program that isn't competetive.

[Ted D]

Wow, thanks for all the tips and advice.

I really do think Nursing would be something I have the personality for. I'm still young and it's always been a career in the back of my mind.

I guess what I'm wondering is do ALL of the accelerated programs have about the same acceptance rate? Or could I get into a less reputable one?

[Ted D]

Also would I maybe be better off just getting the ADN for the time being? Would that be any less competitive?

[Diaper, RN]

Just like what others said, take your pre-req first. I don't think the school just looks at your GPA as a sole factor to determine your eligibility. I received a mediocre GPA and I got into an accelerated program. In order to boost your resume, you should do some volunteers or leadership experiences. Yes, taking a CNA class will help tremendously. You can gain better understanding of the role of the nurses and enhance your time management skills.

Good luck with everything.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Awesome advice everyone!

[sas818]

Don't give up because of your undergrad GPA. I just got accepted into an accelerated BS to BSN program, and my undergrad GPA was a 2.8. I just made sure to get A's on all of my pre-req classes, and life experience is huge. i never thought I would be accepted but clearly programs look at more than grades!