got my bs, but can't get into a bac bsn progam, what do I do?

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so, i graduated from umass in 2006 with my bs in psych and french. as i was finishing up, i realized i wanted to go into nursing and took some classes that would help me qualify for the bacc. bsn program. long story short, my gpa is too low to get into the bsn programs( the result of a little too much fun my first two years, and promptly playing catchup the next two years.) most places require a minimum gpa of at least a 3.0 to even consider you. i would love to get into the an rn program, but they seem to be even more backlogged and more competitive than the bsn program. i feel the only option i'm left with is getting my lpn, then doing an lpn to rn program. i know that seems a little circuitous

do people think getting your lpn than doing an lpn to rn is a total waste of time?

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I already have a B.A. myself and even though I could easily get into an accelerated BSN program, I don't have any financial aid available to me anymore...so...I'm in a similar situation. Due to the need to work I am going to have to do a RN program at a Community college (as oppposed to a direct entry MSN program) and then a RN-BSN, and then a MSN program. It will take me a year or two longer, but it will be cheaper, less hectic, and will allow me to work--which I need to do.

I would say look into the following options:

1- Apply to community college RN programs (then enroll immediately into a RN-BSN program).

2-If you aren't competitive for those take some remaining pre-reqs and/or electives at a community college to boost your GPA (many community college RN programs only consider your GPA from the last 30 or so hours...so you may be able to get in without having to take additional electives:)) Then do a RN-BSN program afterwards.

3- Take a LPN/LVN program, then do a LPN-RN program, and RN-BSN.

Unfortnuately, most of the time post-baccalaureate students have to start from scratch when going into Nursing. Limited financial aid and the need to work force many of us away from accelerated programs.

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

Your post sounds very general so if you haven't already I'd speak to a few schools to find out for sure. In my area the BSN programs are far easier to get into than the community colleges so I wouldn't decide you can't get in without actually investigating.

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I also have a BA and could have gotten in to an accelerated program, but could not afford to pay for it. So I am entering the second semester of an ADN program and am very happy with the choice I made. Our clinicals started almost immediately, the academic work is indepth and challenging, and I will be done in 2 years. Then I will let the hospital I work for pay for the RN to BSN.:wink2:

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I have a BE from 1984.....and my GPA was nothing to write home about! :D Like you....a little too much partying and I hated what I was studying....(long story) -> The upshot was I could never qualify for an accel BSN program.

I enrolled in my local CC for the RN (ASN). Took the pre-reqs and NAT (for a point system).... and will start NS this summer. (positive thinking!) Later...other programs often look at last 60 crs....that would allow for a MSN later.....but I am going to take one step at a time.

Good luck to you!

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I have a similar situation...I'm in my last semester of school for journalism and will graduate with a BA in May. I'm taking a ridiculous mix of courses next semester to be ready for nursing school...anatomy, microbiology, feature writing and intercultural communication. LOL.

From the nurses that I have talked to esp. my stepmom who is a director of education, with a bachelor's and an associates degree in nursing (RN) you can get board certified for most things. the other bachelor's would put you in to a position of management if you wanted to.

for me, i have a 3.8 right now but i don't want to spend another $20,000 on school to get a bsn. i can afford to send myself through an adn program and the admitting process is a little easier. my plan is to get the adn, get to work and bridge later to a MSN.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Many schools require a 3.0 or whatnot, but a lot will also look more closely at your prerequisite and recent classes (last 60 credits). My GPA was scraping 3.0, but I did a few things to bulk myself up (got As in the last 5 of 6 classes, 1 b), took the GRE (not needed). I was accepted into Drexel's ACE Program. It is expensive (tuition is 33k/year) but it's a 1 year BSN. I'm taking out loans and planning on living off of fumes.

I'd focus on getting prereq courses done (if not already) and start applying to whatever appeals to you. Sure, you'll probably get some rejection letters, but you may get in to some places, too. When (re)taking any more classes, work hard to get an A. Improve your overall and recent GPA. And just apply. Apply. Apply. If you want to get in and work towards it, you probably can.

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I am going for my LPN first, then continuing on LPN to RN in a couple years. It isn't a total waste... just depends on what your plans are.

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