LEAST competitive program? 2 Year RN ABSN, or Direct Entry

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  1. What is the LEAST competitive program to get into?

    • 9
      Traditional 2 year
    • 3
      Accelerated BSN
    • 1
      Direct Entry MSN
    • 2
      Other (Please specify)

6 members have participated

I have a non scientific bachelors, so what would be the least competitive program to get into?

1. Tradition 2 year

2. ABSN

3. Direct Entry

Specializes in Dialysis.
There are programs that are far less competitive, largely because you pay more to attend. Think private schools.

The cheaper schools can often be the most competitive- because more people are trying to get into them. Think community colleges.

That said, there's still some amount of competition for any school, and the programs themselves are rigorous- which is good, because do you want a nurse who isn't well educated taking care of your loved ones? Nursing school is no joke.

If you're dealing with a personal history, ask the counselors at the schools you're considering what will make YOU more competitive. Maybe it's getting a different degree (I have another bachelors, that helped me), maybe it's grade replacement, maybe it's just crossing that school off the list.

If you really want to go, put forth the effort. Make a plan. And then follow it, all the way to your first unit.

Check this thread: https://allnurses.com/texas-nursing/how-competitive-is-358784.html

Just make sure you check out both accreditation (regional and CCNE/ACEN) and NCLEX pass rates according to your state BON (not school website or literature) to save time and anguish

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Well, the ABSN and Direct Entry require a bachelor's to enter, so I'm thinking that will weed out a good portion of the population. But do they have less seats available?

Most of those types of programs I find start once a year, and take like 30 applicants.

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They are roughly the same. A range of competitiveness for direct entry MSN, a range for ABSN, and range for BSN, so it will depend on the individual schools and programs you are interested in and how they rank against each other.

That being said - why aim for the easiest program? Why not aim for the best program you can get into?

Ideally that would be a good idea, however nursing school is extremely competitive and people with 3.5's are being turned away or wait listed. And my GPA wasn't great in undergrad.

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There are programs that are far less competitive, largely because you pay more to attend. Think private schools.

The cheaper schools can often be the most competitive- because more people are trying to get into them. Think community colleges.

That said, there's still some amount of competition for any school, and the programs themselves are rigorous- which is good, because do you want a nurse who isn't well educated taking care of your loved ones? Nursing school is no joke.

If you're dealing with a personal history, ask the counselors at the schools you're considering what will make YOU more competitive. Maybe it's getting a different degree (I have another bachelors, that helped me), maybe it's grade replacement, maybe it's just crossing that school off the list.

If you really want to go, put forth the effort. Make a plan. And then follow it, all the way to your first unit.

Check this thread: https://allnurses.com/texas-nursing/how-competitive-is-358784.html

Thanks for the link, I'll check it out and look at private schools in my area.

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I have a non scientific bachelors, so what would be the least competitive program to get into?

1. Tradition 2 year

2. ABSN

3. Direct Entry

In respect to your question they all will be competitive but the degree will vary.

Traditional 2 year (are you talking about ADN?) if so, the community college route would be the most competitive. They are cheap in terms of tuition so they receive hundreds of applicants and allow about 70-120 students in per semester. Private two year would be the least competitive they are more expensive so least students apply.

ABSN is extremely competitive especially at public colleges again the cost is cheaper then private schools also the duration is shorter (accelerated) (people want quick and cheap) so they get A LOT of applicants. Usually ABSN only enrolls students once per year so if you miss out getting in with one cohort you have to wait a whole year to apply again.

I'm not sure what direct entry means so I can't comment on that route.

So in a nutshell the cheaper the tuition and shorter the program the more applicants the more competition.

The more expensive programs generally* have less applicants less competition.

But also different schools have different entry requirements (GPA, entrance exams HESI A2/TEAS, interviews, completed prerequisites, etc...) that will differ at every institution.

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Specializes in ER.

It depends on your area. My school was super competitive and so a lot of people went to go get their traditional BSN elsewhere. I know several people who were graduating if not graduated with their BSN when the community college contacted them if they were still interested in starting their clinicals. Although they did do away with the waiting list and now accept only based on a variety of factors.

The least popular programs will be the least competitive. The better ones will be competitive.

I assume the direct entry is a MSN program?

Well, the ABSN and Direct Entry require a bachelor's to enter, so I'm thinking that will weed out a good portion of the population. But do they have less seats available?

Most of those types of programs I find start once a year, and take like 30 applicants.

Actually, to be honest, a lot of people are going back to become a nurse because their first job didn't pan out or they found out that their degree is useless. I think a good 30-40% of my graduating class already had a bachelors degree. My sister has a bachelors degree and she is going back to nursing school.

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Specializes in critical care.
Please refer to the How should I know thread. Just call the schools you are interested in and see what their admission requirements are. With no medical experience and a 2.5 GPA your options are going to be pretty limited.

OP, if this is true about your GPA, I think it's rare to find a program that will accept less than 3.0.

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Specializes in progressive care. med surg. tele. LTC. psych..

This is old, but OP did you find a school? My school accepts everyone who passes the HESI and has a 2.0GPA. It's an ADN program:) PM me if you need help!

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This is old, but OP did you find a school? My school accepts everyone who passes the HESI and has a 2.0GPA. It's an ADN program:) PM me if you need help!

Hey iShaybie,

I couldn't help but ask what school you are attending. I am currently in a similar situation, my G.P.A isn't so great.

Hope you don't mind.

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Specializes in progressive care. med surg. tele. LTC. psych..
Hey iShaybie,

I couldn't help but ask what school you are attending. I am currently in a similar situation, my G.P.A isn't so great.

Hope you don't mind.

Hey! :) I go to Rowan in south jersey! They're partners with a few community colleges here so it's easier to get in, and cheaper! Getting my BSN here too :) Where do you live?

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Hey! :) I go to Rowan in south jersey! They're partners with a few community colleges here so it's easier to get in, and cheaper! Getting my BSN here too :) Where do you live?

=) I see, I live in California and doing my research on schools. Unfortunately, I do not live in New Jersey or else I would give that school a shot. Thank you for responding by the way.

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Specializes in progressive care. med surg. tele. LTC. psych..
=) I see, I live in California and doing my research on schools. Unfortunately, I do not live in New Jersey or else I would give that school a shot. Thank you for responding by the way.

Aw! Well Cali is a huuuuge state I'm sure you'll find something! If you want, I can help you look! PM me what city you're in:]

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