How can I get into nursing school?

Kvedaa · May 28, 2013

I live in Oregon and all the schools here require at least a C in A&P to even apply so with a D I would say that you will have to retake it before applying. The school I a going to which is a BSN program that average GPA for my cohort is 3.87 cumulative and 3.91 prereq o I would shoot for a 3.75 or higher which equals out to no more than a couple B's in all your classes and no more than 1 B in prereq classes. Anatomy is also weighted heavier at the community colleges in Oregon so if it is the same set up I would recommend taking anatomy until you get an A.

It is very difficult, for most point based admission programs you need a near perfect GPA, a previous degree may help (bachelors in non-nursing) for BSN programs, you need healthcare experience, and for essays and interviews you need sharp critical thinking skills and life experience, and depending on the school strong admission entrance exam scores. All especially because you are so young that might be seen as a disadvantage even though it is impressive that you have accomplished so much. As far as transferring that shouldnt be a problem at all!

That all being said I dont want to scare you, I just wish someone would have been blunt with me when I first started. It would have saved me a lot of time. The biggest thing you need is perseverance, when you hit a snag don't give up. We have ALL had to retake classes, I even went a got a B.S. Sociology to make myself a better candidate. Just keep it up and if you dont get the grades you want (say A's) retake it as soon as possible and if things outside of school are making it hard to be successful change them if nursing is your goal! Have faith you will get there and yes you will still get into nursing school its just going to take a little extra work :)

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · May 28, 2013

Quite honestly, you'll have to check with the schools you're planning on attending. I would further imagine that you'll have to repeat that "D" course so that you'll have a far better grade as that should only help improve your points standing. It all starts with good pre-planning. That includes planning your studying sessions as well. The prerequisites are hard for a reason. They want to be sure that you can handle the rigors of nursing school.

Each school is going to be slightly different in what they require for entry to their program. Know what they require and follow that roadmap. The other thing you're going to need to do is make sure that you have your General Education stuff planned out so that you'll be done when you complete the program. Otherwise you'll have to wait to test because you wouldn't have actually graduated from college. That's regardless if you're in an ADN program or a BSN program.

Just to reiterate a point: if your schools use a points-based entry system, know how many points they require and do what you need to do, so that you're able to meet or (better yet) exceed the entry requirement. It's good that you're starting the planning process now. Keep it up, your eyes on the goal, and you'll get there before you know it.

ArrowRN, BSN, RN · May 29, 2013

5 college classes? That's a lot. First you would need to focus on the sciences like anatomy and enroll in fewer college classes so you can focus your studies to make higher grades, you are still young their no need to rush. Try to get A's or B's but mostly A's is what you need. Keep it up! you will get there.

StayHumble11 · May 29, 2013

Definitely slow down and start taking your time with these classes. You are only 16, but it's good that you already know what you want to do.