Graduated BA with low GPA want to be a RN what are my options?

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Nov 5, 2013

I would speak with a guidance counselor at various schools in the area to discuss your options. What is your degree currently in? An ADN could be difficult, as most require high GPA's to get into clinicals. There is usually a waiting list. And another associates degree may not get you any closer to a job than currently.

You could see about a BSN, see how that goes, and then pursure your masters after that. I can see that an LPN bridge to ADN and then onto a higher degree is perhaps where your mind is at--but that will mean another year of school. Most LPN programs may not (or may, but ask) take any credits for your college education--it is a completely different thing. And it is not easy for an LPN to get a job along with an ASN/ADN.

So set up an appointment, see what your options are, and also have discussion about academic support should you need some help with some of the areas of study.

stephsantos12 · Nov 5, 2013

So its harder to obtain a job if i do the LPN?

-My plan was to go to my local CC and take prereqs courses and try to raise my GPA. Then apply to bsn program or masters entry program. Im just confused because i was reading other posts similar to mine other people suggested since GPA is so low i should start all over begin with an LPN program and make why up from there.

thanks for replying

SweetiePie26 · Nov 5, 2013

Hey stephsantos12!

I agree with the other poster, check out schools because you may meet other requirements that will give you entry besides GPA. some schools weigh a previous bachelors heavily.

But I must warn you that the classes you take in an LPN program will not equate to transferable courses for an ADN or BSN. If anything I would say go ahead and take a few classes to raise your GPA and go for the bachelors. ADN and BSN programs take the same amount of time for the nursing portion... So considering you have completed your gen ed I would shoot for BSN since you'll have a better chance at finding a job.

Grades in A&P, microbiology, statistics, and psych usually weigh the most to university nursing programs.

Best of luck.

lovenotwar14 · Nov 6, 2013

I suggest you take a couple of classes to raise your GPA then apply to a bsn program. Then a bsn to msn bridge. If a masters is what you are after. Also I don't think FA pays for a second Bachelors degree so keep that in mind. Also if you're wanting to be in healthcare in generl then you maybe want to consider healthcare administration.

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Nov 6, 2013

ASN, BSN, ABSN, and direct entry MSN are highly competitive. I would give up on an ABSN or a direct entry MSN because they use your first degree GPA as an entry requirement. The only way I can see is to get As in your pre-reqs and retake any other grades that they will accept that are below an A or B+. You need to do far better than a 2.5 GPA in your BSN to get into an MSN (nurse practitioner) program.