I wasn't accepted to the graduate nursing schools I applied to. Why?

[Solnce1981]

I hold a dental degree from Moscow State University with GPA of 3.61. After moving to the US 10 years ago I knew that I didn't want to become a dentist. For the past 10 years I was concentrated on raising my child, learning English, and working as medical and dental assistants(not related to my previous degree but work that I could do without a liscence while raising my child). I recently retook all expired prerequisite science classes with a GPA of 4.00

I haven't had volunteering work prior applying to two Graduate programs in Nursing but had a previous Dental degree with clinical experience.

Also, I had very nice recommendation letters from my science profs.

Both schools rejected me as an a prospective student.

i am trying to understand the reason? It is because of no volunteering experience, no previous successful career in another field, or because of something else?

should I try to apply to more humble schools rather than to the top one in my city(Chicago)?

Please, share your insights?

[MedicFireRN]

Solnce- If I were you I would consider doing an Accelerated BSN program; then you can be working as a nurse while you work on your MSN. It will make you more marketable once you get your MSN because you will have your MSN + Nursing experience. I have read a lot of posts on here from new graduate MSN's who have no experience working as RNs that have a difficult time finding a job. People want an advanced degree plus experience for any kind of management and research positions-you have to know what it is like to work as a nurse in order to be an effective manager or researcher.

[Wrench Party]

Simple: those programs are extremely competitive and when they create the classes, they are looking for a diverse and balanced group. The only thing that may separate the candidates may be unalterable characteristics- gender, ethnicity, etc.

[RPNVJK]

From what I can gather, you have a few options here:

- Get some volunteer experience! I graduated from my nursing program last year and just got my license this year and the job prospects are looking grim. But volunteering close to the prospective field you wish to enter is always smart. Look into volunteering at nursing homes, clinics, anything in public health is also good. (That's what I'm doing!)

- Call the admissions office or the school itself and set up a FACE TO FACE IN PERSON MEETING I guarantee things will speed up and you will get answers and connections that will help you figure out what your next move is.

- Be persistent! Admissions also look at how badly you want something so I'd recommend constantly emailing and showing your interest in becoming a nurse so go in person for sure and set up a meeting as well as email with admissions to find out what you can do.

BE PROACTIVE YOU GOT THIS!!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I thought the same thing when reading the original post. Most graduate programs require an RN first and that means at least 2 years (4 semesters of nursing courses) and passing the NCLEX and applying to the BON in your state. Contact the dept of nursing to clarify at the specific schools.

The OP is in Chicago, a metro area with multiple direct-entry MSN programs for those who have previously earned non-nursing degrees.

[Dikid]

I am not sure if you applied to Rush and DePaul as those are the two programs (that I know of) in Chicago that have masters entry level nursing and have given a response.

I applied to rush and uic and was rejected from rush and I am eagerly awaiting my UIC response. My GPA is just under 4.0

I was told that rush got more than double the applicants and they had many more qualified applicants.

The dean at my school told me that the same people who used to go to wmdical school are now doing np.

Also, she advises that I become a CNA and work to gain experiences and than reapply if I don't get into UIC.

I know it stinks to be rejected but know that it wasn't because you weren't a good applicant but there were so many good applicants that stood out.

[Solnce1981]

Rush and DePaul were the schools! I appreciate your input and your encouragement. I will be applying to UIC too after I will take a prereq. class in RESEARCH METHODS. if you took this class, would you please advise which college you attended for this class? Thank you

[apalehorse]

have you considered completing an accelerated bachelors program instead? easier to get into, more of them, moves you forward. since you already have a degree you won't have to complete general education classes.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

With your dental degree/health background have you considered going to PA school?

[JaneBSN]

With your dental degree/health background have you considered going to PA school?

Great thought!