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

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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?

Don't give up so easy. If you want to be an RN, you can be. I had a 2.85 GPA when I got my Bachelors. However, I rocked my 7 pre-req science classes with a 4.0. I applied to an ADN program and 2 BSN programs. I got into all three. Like some of the posters above, I spent lots of time on my letters and had some great references. Every school is different with how they weight GPA, Pre-req GPA, TEAS...etc. 2.7 is not all that bad, especially if you've shown progression over the end of the your college education. Don't give up, if you want it bad enough, you'll find your way.

Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I got in with a 2.54, graduated with over 3.25 Turns out I didn't hit my stride til I got to nursing school

Specializes in LAD.

Just apply and don't change your career plans due to "past" grades. When you have a dream, you have to set out and accomplish it. If you really want to be a nurse you will make things work. I promise. I've learned everything is possible! You can bring up your gpa when you take prereqs.

GPA are important but that is not what makes a nurse. You have to have the desire and determination to be a nurse, when you finish school that do not put your GPA on your Diploma or Lincese, what makes a good nurse is that person who is willinging to go the extra mile to make sure their patient is well taken care of. So don't let something like a GPA below 3.0 detour you if in your heart nursing is what you want to do. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

Specializes in ED.

I agree! Don't give up if this is truly what you want to do! My undergrad GPA was 2.79 and I went back to a community college for pre-reqs and had a 3.5. My TEAS score was pretty decent (84.7%) and I was just accepted into a BSN program. If there's a will, there's a way. Hang in there.

Specializes in LAD.
I agree! Don't give up if this is truly what you want to do! My undergrad GPA was 2.79 and I went back to a community college for pre-reqs and had a 3.5. My TEAS score was pretty decent (84.7%) and I was just accepted into a BSN program. If there's a will, there's a way. Hang in there.

Congrats to you!

Hey add me, would love to talk more about this

Thank you all for sharing and the very encouraging words! I have no intention of giving up!

Specializes in ICU, Radiology,Infectious Disease,Forensic Nursing.

I think it depends on what location you are applying in and how competitive the nursing programs are. Where I am located it is very competitive. Their requirements was a 3.0 but they usually accepted an average of 3.2. I applied with a 3.6 and was nervous. I would say apply everywhere and supply letters of recommendation.

Specializes in ER.

It depends. A lot of programs are doing away from waiting lists. I was on my community college's last waiting list although the waiting list in itself was weird as I was moved up quicker than other people. Someone who applied a year before me supposedly had a waiting time frame of two years behind me.

I would look at a minimum of five schools in your area, a mix of BSN and ADN programs. Then look at what each school requires and how they admit. Try to figure out a way to hit as much pre-reqs as possible. Like some may require world religion and another may require lifespans psychology, another one may want stats and so on. Then figure out how they admit. Is it a point system or a waiting list? If it is a point system, will you be put on the waiting list or will you have to reapply?

Then look at cost. How much does each school cost and how much will it cost you? Actually sit down with an admissions and a financial aid counselor if possible. If it costs 100,000 to get a BSN, that is not worth it. If the real cost is only 30,000 for you, then that may be worth it to you.

Then go to work to getting as much of the pre-reqs done. I would recommend trying to be flexible in your goals such as after the pre-reqs, if you do not get in look at other schools that may have openings around the same time so I would aim to keep your life as flexible such as don't buy a house and try to build up good credit so you could rent a new apartment somewhere else. I know someone who moved to Colorado with her boyfriend and started a nursing program the next week (she was on the wait list at my school).

LPN programs are also an option too. Some students will complete their LPN and then apply for the LPN to RN program at my school. It's the same final year with only one class change. However, keep cost in mind. I started an LPN program but dropped out for paramedic and nursing.

I attend an ADN program and they go on a point system for admission. GPA is worth so many points depending on where your GPA falls, A's are worth 4 points, B's worth 3 and so on. Also they look at how many pre-reqs you have completed prior to admission. So while your GPA is important to get accepted, it doesn't need to be a 4.0. Don't stress! Apply anyway. You have a chance just like everyone else.

That Guy, what kind of transcript did you have for the nursing school to accept you? I'm sure you had something they wanted because accepted you with a 2.54 gap. Just curious

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