Looking for Accelerated Nursing Programs for 2nd degree majors who accept low GPA

[asq360]

Hello everyone!

I am currently a senior and I am highly interested to know which accelerated nursing programs (preferably, in the tri-state area), accepts applicants with a low GPA.

Unfortunately, my GPA is a 2.67 (which is below the minimum requirement of the majority of most accelerated nursing programs). My excuse for why my GPA is so low is because my freshman and sophomore year, I forced myself to take heavy loaded courses, while also participating in many activities on campus and volunteering/working in health-related fields. I wanted the challenge but I took it too far and it hurt me greatly.

However, the number of hours of health-related experiences and clinical hours is great because I had started, continually, since the 10th grade in high school plus I have had a wonderful opportunity to witness one 4-hour open heart surgery and one 2-hour OB-GYN surgical procedure that I believe many college students (other than med school students), do not have the access to. Also, I have done community service for almost 4 years including a trip to the Appalachian region for a week taking care of the poor and the list goes on.

As you can see, I am no stranger to the health care field, but my GPA does not show a student with a strong GPA to handle their workload. I am confident my final year will be a great turn around, but I am concerned since many applications are due by the end of this year and the beginning of next year.

Can someone who can relate or may have an idea of students who are in similar positions as me do in order to get accepted into these programs? Also, a list of schools who accept low GPA students would be great as well. Thank you!! I really appreciate it!

I'm new to this so I apologize for the length!

P.S. I plan to apply to DeSales, UPenn, Drexel, Jefferson, Robert Morris, and NYU

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

My school had a 2.5 GPA minimum requirement, but they raised it to 2.75 for next summer's start date. I am not sure what the actual GPA was needed to get into my cohort. You need to repeat courses to make your GPA more competitive.

[asq360]

What was the name of your school that required that GPA?

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

Indiana State

The cohort has a max 30 students.The first 2 had less than 30 apply (one start time/ yr.). My cohort had 35 apply and 30 accepted (1dropped before school started).

Indiana State University : Department of Baccalaureate Nursing : Accelerated 2nd Degree Nursing

Admission criteria

http://www.indstate.edu/nursing-2nd-degree/pdfs/admission-progression-retention-dismissal-graduation-2nd-degree-bs.pdf

[meljonumd]

You may have to work for a year "in the field" to gain relevant experience, which you can prominently display on your resume, while you retake some classes to up your GPA.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Some programs require you to compete entrance exams, or CLEP classes for a higher grade, just FYI.

The only "accelerated" program I am knowledgeable about is LaSalle's ACHIEVE program; I had cohorts who had Bachelors as well as Masters degrees; it's a part time evening and weekend program of nursing courses for two years. Something worth looking into, IMHO.