HELP! BS degree, trouble with accelerated BSN programs

FutureNurseInfo · Dec 27, 2016

Why did you take TEAS twice before? Was it just for practice? As far as the criteria of three times of taking the exam, I had no idea. If that is the case, I guess you have one more shot at really nailing it. Study hard and try your best to succeed.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Dec 27, 2016

Hello! I am in need of lots of advice because I do not know what to do. I am hoping someone else has experience with this and can help me.
I am graduating in May with my BS. I have been planning on applying to several different accelerated BSN programs. However, I just realized that you are only allowed to take the TEAS exam 3 times??? I was stupid and didn't study the first two times because I had no idea that you only had a certain number of times to take the exam. Therefore, my highest score on the TEAS is a 65 overall, which is awful. I have read you have to wait 5 years until one of those test scores disappears and you can take it again... not sure if thats true. My cumulative GPA is a 3.3. A lot of the schools I'm applying to require anywhere from a 2.5-3.0, so I think I am fine with my GPA but my test score is what I am worried about..
So now I am looking at starting over and getting my LPN because I do not know what else to do, considering a CNA makes no money.
Does anyone have advice on what I should do? I am a wreck.

Who told you that you can only take it three times? A quick google search showed me this:

However, officially, ATI has not really put a limit on the number of times you can appear for the exam.

Schools place restrictions on how many times you can take it. Here is the official ATI TEAS site.

How Often Can You Take The TEAS Test?

So each individual school will have it's own rule set.

Google sure is handy :)

quarterlifemess, ADN, RN · Dec 27, 2016

As stated above it is the individual programs that restrict the number of times you can take the TEAS. You need to check the restrictions for each individual program.

What's the reason for switching from an ABSN to LPN? There isn't anything is wrong with LPN; it just seems like you are jumping from one extreme to another. You still have one more shot at the TEAS for that specific program (please study). You also have the option of applying to ADN and traditional BSN programs. I would advise you to do some thorough research before you make any other moves.

kyleegillen · Dec 27, 2016

I actually wrote that wrong. I have taken the TEAS a total of 3 times. I took it as a senior in high school because I was applying to a university in hopes of a nursing major. And then the other 2 times for when I reapplied for the nursing program.

AceOfHearts<3 · Dec 27, 2016

Not all schools require the TEAS. I attended an ABSN program that did not require it and was also admitted to other ABSN programs that did not require it.

kyleegillen · Dec 27, 2016

Can you please tell me which schools these were? I am desperate at this point..

Username invalid, RN · Dec 28, 2016

Can you please tell me which schools these were? I am desperate at this point..

There are just too many schools that don't require TEAs, so it's impossible to answer your question directly.

Here's how to find out what you need, though: whatever school that you are interested in applying to will have a website. From its website, find their BSN program, and then find the application process for it. The application process page is where your TEAS issue is addressed. Some schools take a HESI test instead of TEAS (though I think only ADN schools). But since some schools need neither test, where you go all comes down to your research - not your desperation. You get to pick who you're going to pay, so you have to option to skip applying for schools that need that test.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Dec 28, 2016

I just graduated from an ABS program and never took the TEAS. Rutgers.

203bravo, MSN, APRN · Dec 28, 2016

The limit on the number of times one is able to write the TEAS exam is set by the university/college and ATI has no such limits. So when researching schools that do require the TEAS make sure to inquire if they impose a limit on the total number of times you can write the exam.

tjmnurse · Dec 28, 2016

I'm in Tennessee, and we didn't have to take TEAS.

verene, MSN · Dec 28, 2016

It feels like from your post you are at two extremes. Either ABSN or LPN, and perhaps haven't researched the different pathways (and their requirements) very well. This is where I would start. Work on getting to know all the different options for schooling, what your personal goals are in going to nursing school, and how to get there.

As others have said individual schools set the limit on TEAS exams. Many programs don't require the TEAS at all. Of the 5 programs I applied to, not one required the TEAS. 2 required the HESI, 2 required GRE, and one didn't have an exam at all.

Look into the full spectrum of options for getting into nursing school: LPN programs, ASN programs, BSN programs and ABSN programs. Find schools that are in your local area or an area you would be willing to move to. Check their websites for their nursing programs. Make a list of what each school requires and their deadlines for application. It can help to make up a an excel spreadsheet or a hand-written chart so you can see at a glance which requirements are universal for all programs and which are only for one. Write the deadlines for application down in your planner or calendar so you don't miss out on submitting your application. (Of note, if you are trying to apply to ABSN and BSN programs for Fall 2017, you may have already missed the deadlines for many programs as applications frequently close December/January time frame. ASN/LPN programs are more likely to have deadlines that close about 3-4 months before the start of the program).

Finally, if you don't get accepted into nursing school right away: Don't panic. You can feel sad or upset for a little while, but make a goal for yourself of things to do if you don't get in. Take the time to work, volunteer, and better prepare yourself for nursing school so that you can be a stronger applicant the next time around. Getting into nursing school can be more of a long grind than a race.