Is it hard to get into Accelerated BSN programs?

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2009

Your best bet would be to contact the nursing department and ask 1) how many students apply, 2) how many are accepted, and 3) what is the GPA range (lowest and highest accepted). It's also helpful to know if they weigh your science and more recent classes more heavily.

But that will only give you a sense of what the odds are for or against you. The only way to know if they'll accept you is to apply. Worst case scenario, they don't accept you, you finish your degree, and then look for 2nd degree BSN programs.

Music in My Heart · Aug 23, 2009

On the positive side (?): With each semester that passes in which a substantial portion of new graduates are unable to secure employment, the demand for seats in nursing programs is likely to diminish so your odds will get better.

aismail3 · Aug 23, 2009

I plan to apply in 3 semesters. I'm going to work really hard this year to raise my GPA and probably do some volunteering.

Apparently there were about 300 applicants last year and 147 got accepted with only 69 that actually enrolled! I don't know how many SLU undergraduate students applied and enrolled. Their website says only a "limited" number of undergraduates are accepted with preference given to current SLU students.

Anyway, does anyone know what this is: "American Heart Association Health Care Provider Course"? I'm supposed to submit a copy of my card to them when I apply. Is this some kind of class that I have to take? Where can I take it? What do I learn? How long is it? How expensive?

Thanks! :)

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2009

I plan to apply in 3 semesters. I'm going to work really hard this year to raise my GPA and probably do some volunteering.
Apparently there were about 300 applicants last year and 147 got accepted with only 69 that actually enrolled! I don't know how many SLU undergraduate students applied and enrolled. Their website says only a "limited" number of undergraduates are accepted with preference given to current SLU students.
Anyway, does anyone know what this is: "American Heart Association Health Care Provider Course"? I'm supposed to submit a copy of my card to them when I apply. Is this some kind of class that I have to take? Where can I take it? What do I learn? How long is it? How expensive?
Thanks! :)

I'm actually surprised that a nursing school is requesting for you to submit proof of taking a Health Provider Course during application (it's what you might know as a Basic Life Support / CPR class, but for those entering the medical profession as opposed to lay people because they teach you how to use automated external defibrillation and techniques for adult and pediatric resuscitation). Something like that is usually required when you're accepted AND you decide to enroll. I would double check that for sure with the school, I have never seen that requirement at the application stage. By the way, I have not taken this course yet obviously since I am an applicant myself, but I do know that it's generally no longer than 4 hours or so and it's not that expensive (@ $50 I think).

You're on the right track with volunteering - it's a good experience for you and is a plus for your application. Your GPAs are quite competitive also so you're a good candidate I feel, but keep in mind that the applicant pool every year determines what the average GPA will be ... hopefully you won't have a slew of 4.0's applying for SLU because more than likely they will for the most part get the priority admission no matter how good your other application items are. I really hate when schools make admission decisions based on the numbers alone, but at some schools it's the pure reality. They are fast to quote studies that show that the high GPAs correllate highly with the success later on in the rigorous program. Whatever ... it's just a shame.

If you don't get in the first time, don't get down ... it probably was not meant to be this year, and if your heart is set on it you will apply again ... never give up on something you really want!

Music in My Heart · Aug 24, 2009

Anyway, does anyone know what this is: "American Heart Association Health Care Provider Course"? I'm supposed to submit a copy of my card to them when I apply. Is this some kind of class that I have to take? Where can I take it? What do I learn? How long is it? How expensive?

It's the CPR class for health care providers. As I recall, it was about 4 hours and cost $35 through the "Outdoor Adventure" program at the local university. It was cheaper for students (~$20).

aismail3 · Aug 24, 2009

http://newcareersinnursing.org/uploads/PDFs/GeralynMeyer.pdf

Well, according to that link the average GPA's of the graduate students was a 3.38 last year. However, on SLU's website, applicants with degrees have to have a 3.0-4.0 and those without degrees have to have a 3.2-4.0. I have a 2.92 now and I've tried predicting how much I could raise it this year - not more than a 3.3, but I can get a 3.8 on the prerequisite courses if I study well, which I will because I'm determined!

I'm going to look into that class but I don't know where to look... ? Should I contact the American Heart Association in St. Louis? I'll probably just take it during the winter or summer.

Who do you guys think I should get letters of recommendation from? 2 are required. I'm thinking one of my SLU professor's (Organic Chemistry) and one from someone at the hospital, if I end up volunteering there. If not, then 2 professors. (?)

Thanks everyone!

Music in My Heart · Aug 24, 2009

Who do you guys think I should get letters of recommendation from? 2 are required. I'm thinking one of my SLU professor's (Organic Chemistry) and one from someone at the hospital, if I end up volunteering there. If not, then 2 professors. (?)

Don't eschew a reference from a boss... and don't "force" one from somebody at the hospital... get 'em from people who can really speak to your character, work ethic, motivation, and/or intellect. Try to pick people who know you reasonably well.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2009

Apparently there were about 300 applicants last year and 147 got accepted with only 69 that actually enrolled!

Those are actually pretty good odds- nearly half of everyone who applied was accepted. The school I'm going to received over 900 applications the year before I applied and accepted 160.

Study hard, get your grades up, volunteer, and don't put your eggs all in one basket- this isn't the only accelerated program out there, and if it's the first one you can apply to because they'll take students before they have a degree, you can always broaden your scope for when you're done with your undergraduate degree. With that in mind, I would look around at other schools you might want to go to and get a sense of what their prerequisites are and when you would complete them if they're different than the ones you're currently working on.

aismail3 · Aug 27, 2009

Guess what?

I talked to the recruitment specialist at SLU's school of nursing and it seems I can actually do the traditional BSN. They require a GPA of 2.5 (mine's about a 3.0). But, instead of graduating on May 2012, I would probably have to graduate on December 2012. That kind of upsets me, but I guess it's better than taking classes this year and my junior year and then applying to their ABSN for my senior year and having the possiblity of not getting accepted. If I did get accepted, I'd graduate on May 2012. What do you guys think? For the traditional BSN, I would only have to transfer my transcripts to the school of nursing to get accepted, for the ABSN, I would need letters of recommendation, prerequisites, possibly an interview, and a stronger competition with more qualified students.

I am excited about this but I'm not liking having to graduate in December. Nevertheless, nursing is very important to me... so I'm going to do it.

Thanks for all of your answers, too.

Music in My Heart · Aug 27, 2009

But, instead of graduating on May 2012, I would probably have to graduate on December 2012. That kind of upsets me...
...I'm not liking having to graduate in December.

Given the current employment market, you may actually be better off graduating six months later.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2009

...you're worried about a 6 month difference in graduation date? How long would it take you to become a nurse if you don't get in to the accelerated program and have to apply elsewhere after you graduate?

Patience, grasshopper. 6 months is nothing.