2.91 GPA as Bio major to Grad-Entry NP Chances?

[kyrae_04]

I just graduated with my BS in Biology and a cumulative 2.91 GPA. My grades did not really have an upward trend, they were more up and down. Excuses aside, I did not do nearly as well as I would have hoped. My question now is what are my options? I want to become an NP (realized MD/DO wasn't for me and I like the nursing model of healthcare more) and am considering getting my MPH in health promotion or something related... I am wanting to get into a Direct/Graduate entry NP program for students who received their bachelor's degree in a non-nursing field!!

Since most schools require a 3.0 and I am below that with a 2.9, what are my options? I still need to complete 2-3 required courses I did not complete with my bio degree (nutrition, stats, pharmacology) if I were to do well in those, would that help?

The other pre-reqs for most of the MSN/NP programs I did well in. Nothing lower than a B! I took a lot of difficult classes that would not have been required with a BSN that lowered my GPA such as upper-level sciences, etc so I don't know if they look at that? I could also take some extra courses to boost my GPA and look good for nursing, if necessary (such as any other pre-nursing classes, etc.) I am currently looking into financing options, since I will not be working toward a degree (already graduated) I will not be eligible for state/federal financial aid.

I have taken the GRE once, and got about average. I am hoping to retake it soon and do better, but I am not expecting an outstanding score.

I was also considering getting my STNA and I have been trying to find a PCA job somewhere to gain some experience.

Long story long, what are my chances? I am willing to apply out of state, and have considered trying to get my MPH and apply after, but it is not optimal since that would be 2 additional years and tens of thousands of dollars in debt to add to my $33,000 from undergrad. I know that becoming an NP is what I want to do, and trust me I have done a LOT of research and internalization to get to this point!

Any advice will be very much appreciated. I am new to the site as a registered member, but have already gotten so much help from it. Thank you!

[kyrae_04]

Does anyone have any advice?

[ToTheStudent]

I'd pay off debt from undergrad before starting a new program. Most direct entry programs are extremely expensive already, extremely. You don't want that interest building for those three years. Overall it seems like you have a lot of work to do. The admissions committees will look at the total package when they consider your application, but to be honest you will need above a 3.0 at least. And as you pointed out an A or B in your prerequisite classes. I would not apply unless you have these or will have them. Other than that volunteer work, student and campus involvement, and other experience and skills will all be a factor. You can get in, but you need to start working towards it now. good luck!

[RescueNinjaKy]

Hi, just a little question, how come you didn't become an rn first if you liked the nursing model?

[futureeastcoastNP]

May I ask - do you really prefer the nursing model? Your history suggests that you were a premed, realized your grades weren't up to par, and decided you could still be a provider by going an "easier" route.

A few things: The NP route is not necessarily easier. You will have to go to nursing school, become an RN, work a bit, go to NP school. This could easily take 3-5 years, and will cost A LOT of money. In addition, both RN programs (especially ABSN programs) and NP programs have become extremely competitive at this point. A 2.91 undergraduate GPA will not get you into an ABSN program. A direct graduate entry NP program is just an ABSN program and NP program taken in succession - again, extremely competitive, expensive, and long.

My advice: take a year and do some medical volunteer work while retaking some science courses you did poorly in. Take all the pre-reqs for PA school and go there. PAs are similar to NPs, and since you're not a nurse it will take less time. In some cases, PA programs are less competitive than direct entry NP programs.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

Honestly, with below-cutoff GPA most quality schools will be looking for straight As in prerequisite courses, or something substantial in your application that sets you apart.

[mzaur]

Unfortunately that GPA is pretty low. If you take more undergrad classes, you can boost that up to a 3.0+ which would help. But honestly unless you have a 4.0 in your pre-reqs, a very high GRE score (at least 310 combined score), really good letters of recommendation, and an amazingly written and relevant personal statement which demonstrates your commitment to this profession, then you really don't stand a good chance. These programs are competitive.

I am currently looking into financing options, since I will not be working toward a degree (already graduated) I will not be eligible for state/federal financial aid.

I also had to pay out of pocket but tuition is affordable at community colleges. It wasn't so bad.

Do you have any volunteer experience or anything? Most people who apply to these programs have 3.5-3.7 average GPA, high GRE score, relevant volunteer experience for at least a year (I had two years research and clinical experience), and stellar recommendations. Not saying it's not possible for you, but you will have to work hard and really improve your application before you will become a competitive applicant. It may take you at least a year just to get to that point.

[naturalized]

try taking graduate course as a non nursing student at the school you want to go to. It can boost your gpa up but also, if you get in, you get a head start.

[OCRN3]

Most graduate programs want a 3.0 at least. Some school will take you on a preliminary basis but will have to pass classes before being fully admitted.