GPA lower than a 3.0, can I still be a nurse

Published

  1. proceed by

    • 55
      applying to bsn program anyway
    • 7
      apply to bsn program in carribbean
    • 16
      change major

16 members have participated

Im 21 years old, one year away from gwtting my BS in Health Sciences at USF, my GPA is a 2.7 I want to be a registered nurse, but every second degree program I look at require a 3.0 GPA or higher to even be considered. Im not a bad student I had to retake college algebra in theend I got a B. And my 2nd semester in college I had to retake my classes and received nothing lower than a B. I spoke a friend the other day and they said Imight have to consider another career path. All Ive ever known are health classes, thats where Ive always been. I work as a CNA. I volunteer at thehospital. Im looking for advice, Im starting to feel like I wont be able to get into a BSN program despite all Ive done. Can I get some thoughts advice?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

In my experience, I had a 2.9 overall gpa and prob 2.5 science gpa. I am currently in nursing school and I feel very lucky that I am in it. Apply everywhere you can and don't lose hope! Because right when I was about to lose hope and was going to retake all my sciences was when I got an email saying I got into a nursing program. Good luck!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I graduate in May from an ADN program, I honestly did not try super hard in my sciences, and struggled in them because of it. Add to that a couple classes I had failed many moons ago, my GPA was much lower than 3.0 (prob like 2.4 or 2.5). When I applied for my program, I had no idea nursing schools were so competitive, but I got in my second try. Since being in the program I have actually increased my GPA to a 2.9. You might think that is weird, normal people don't raise their. GPA in nursing school, the drop it after all! Lol For me, nursing just makes sense, I am now applying all that science stuff, and the pieces are coming together so I retain info more, critically think more, and constantly have light bulb moments. My friends who excelled in those science classes struggle more, it's been an interesting observation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Tgats what Im gonna try and do! Thats awesone for you! I was considering maybe going back to a ASN program but that sort of feels like going backwards. I dont know...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My nursing school journey: I applied and didn't get into a BSN program several years ago. A few weeks after I was rejected I applied and got into an LPN program. After graduating LPN school I applied to a LPN-RN program and didn't get in. Later that year I applied to a LPN-BSN program and I got in. :-) I am now am RN. I say keep trying if you don't get in the first time. That's what I did and I'm exactly where I want to be today.

Retake whatever class you need to in order to get your GPA up. Do what ever you can to help you get I. :-) don't give up!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I considered applying to an associates program but I chose to try and increase my gpa while getting my health science degree in hopes of increasing my chances for nursing school. Only to find out later that I without a 3.0my chances are slim to none. Im crossing my fingers sayingmy prayers and working my butt off to get A's in hopes that its not too late

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went backwards! and thats ok! whatever can get you to your dreams right? :) I got my Bachelor's in Kinesiology and now in an associates program, and its actually better than the program where I got my bachelors at!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Before you get all down in the dumps about your GPA, check your "prerequisite" coursework GPA against what various schools require. You may find that while your overall GPA is low, your prerequisite coursework is above a 3.0 so it should be something you look closely at. I also have a Bachelors. My overall GPA isn't all that great, but my prerequisite course GPA was really high, when looked at by themselves. My background includes Sports Medicine and Paramedicine. Guess what? That coursework actually made RN school much easier, though I had to stop thinking along the medical model. Now I can easily think either way and I think it's certainly an asset to be able to.

My Associates program is certainly very, very good... and about on par with the local BSN program. I'm certain I'm getting a very good education in Nursing. Don't blow-off ADN programs just because they're not a BSN program. If you want a BSN after that, just go for a 2nd degree as it'll be faster. You may also find that you'll be more "acceptable" for BSN programs after you're an RN. Just know that once you get your Bachelors or you go above a certain number of units, you're knocked out of many grant/scholarship/loan programs.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

I think you really need to look at ADN programs. Most of the community colleges here in CA run on a lottery system. I would apply anywhere you'd consider attending. Even if you were to achieve a 3.0, most BSN and aBSN programs are extremely competitive, and you would likely need a 3.7 or higher.

If you know you want to be an RN, I'm confused as to why you're getting your BS in health science. Why spend the time and money on that if that's not your goal? It'll keep you from being eligible for many scholarships, grants and loans.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

I was in a similar situation as another poster. I was rejected from two ADN programs, even with a decent GPA above 3.0, but it didn't stop me from pushing through and working hard to get to where I am today. I am in a BSN program and when I was accepted, I was right on the edge of a 3.0 in my Sciences with a 3.5 cumulative GPA. I think if it's what you truly want, you will stop at nothing to be successful. If you must retake classes to improve your GPA, then do it. :-)

Do not give up on your dream because in the end, it will work out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

ADN programs are competitive too. However, if you are open to moving continue to apply to as many as you can. Sometimes you can find a new program and be eligible to start right away. However newer programs also have kinks in the system that may not get ironed out while you are in the program and most accrediting bodies do not accredit new programs till they have at least two if not more years of NCLEX data behind them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I completed two years of college with no major right after high school and dropped out with a horrible GPA in the 2.something low range. When I finally figured out what I wanted I went after it and never looked back. I applied to ADN programs because the community colleges in my area work on a lottery or wait list system. While waiting on that I rocked my nursing pre-reqs, worked my but off writing an amazing admissions essay(s) tailored to each specific school I was applying to, lined up an impressive letter of recommendation and applied for what I really wanted, a spot in a BSN program. I think it was easier for me knowing I was on the ADN waiting lists and had that to fall back on, but it turned out I didn't need it. I was accepted into more than one of the BSN programs I applied to.

Past mistakes don't have to ruin your future, it's possible! =)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion