Low GPA applying to Direct Entry NP

TheBlackDogWaits · Sep 16, 2015

I don't know if I understand your predicament, but if you are asking if you can jump into a Nurse Practitioner program from scratch, with an undergrad degree which is not in nursing, and you are not currently a licensed nurse, here is my humble perspective:

I believe you are only granted entry into a NP program if you are a licensed nurse, as it is a graduate program. As in, advanced practice.

Following that vein, having CNA experience will do nothing for you. If you are interested in nursing, then by all means, become a CNA and take a position in a facility where you are happy with your job. The CNA experience will be a wonderful launch into a nursing career and will serve you and your patients in a million ways...

If you like it, go for the RN license. Then, if you succeed at that and still feel that you can handle more, you will be prepared to tackle an APRN program.

Trying to get in before any of that, however, will probably be unlikely - I suspect that most advanced practice programs require a nursing license and 1-2 years of clinical experience.

Please someone correct me if I am wrong, as I am no expert.

Good luck, and happy nursing!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Sep 16, 2015

There are direct entry masters programs. Like absn they are very competitive (minimum 3.0, average admitted student 3.7-3.9 GPA). They are rarely APN programs. Usually generic programs

Irish_Mist, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2015

I could be wrong but I don't think there is a such thing as a direct entry NP program. Every single NP program I've looked into required a BSN and current licensure as a registered nurse. If your goal is to enter an accelerated BSN program, you'll need to do well on your prerequisites to make up for your prior GPA.

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

LifeIsBeachy, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2015

As others have mentioned, you're not going to be able to jump straight into an NP position. But if it's a BSN you're looking into, try focusing on your GPA in the sciences. Get all A's in your prereqs--A&P, Micro, etc. Many schools look at your sciences to see how well you've done, and if there are any re-takes or withdrawals in the past.

I got accepted into a competitive BSN program with a 2.75 overall GPA (it included my community college GPA, bleh), but I have a 3.9 in the sciences. I also have worked as a PCT for a few years now, have a previous BA degree, and studied abroad to learn Spanish. Hopefully the school will look at you as an overall person/student, but all I can suggest is that you focus really damn hard on your sciences and ace them.

sailornurse · Sep 17, 2015

I think the OP is asking about Direct Entry NP programs which do exist. A bachelor's degree is required. There are direct entry MSN also known as Graduate Entry Progams. I know someone who graduated from Vanderbilt as Direct Entry FNP. She had a bachelor's degree, earned her BSN at Vanderbilt, worked as RN while working on her MSN/FNP. There are now also DNP/FNP direct entry.

But as to the question of GPA, these programs just as PP's have stated with ABSN are very competitive and GPA plays a huge role.

I taught in a traditional BSN program that also had an ABSN. Minimum GPA is 3.0. Majority of those accepted had 3.5 & above.

sailornurse · Sep 17, 2015

[h=3]Direct Entry Program in Nursing (DEPN)[/h]UVM's Direct Entry Program in Nursing is an accelerated path to the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for those who have not graduated from a nursing program and hold a baccalaureate or higher degree in another field.

The program includes coursework related to the science and art of nursing, including basic, clinical and applied sciences and concepts of practice management, health policy, ethics and quality in health care. Graduates are eligible for national certification.

[h=4]Curriculum[/h]The DEPN curriculum begins with a full-time pre-licensure year that enables the student to sit for the NCLEX-RN and obtain an RN license in the State of Vermont. (Please note: A degree is not conferred at the end of the pre-licensure year and in some states a conferred degree is necessary for licensure.) DEPN students successfully completing the pre-licensure coursework and the registered nurse licensing examination (NCLEX-RN) enter the doctor of nursing practice program to complete the DNP degree. No additional application is required for progression. Graduates earn a doctoral degree in nursing (DNP).

The curriculum for the DEPN program per entrance year (PDF):

DEPNPre-Licensure Sequence 2015-16

DEPNPre-Licensure Sequence 2014-15

DNP Primary Care: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner 2016-17

DNP Primary Care: Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner 2015-16

DNP Primary Care: Family Nurse Practitioner 2016-17

DNP Primary Care: Family Nurse Practitioner 2015-16

The UVM Course Catalogue details specific requirements as designated by catalogue year. Academic standards are outlined in the CNHS Nursing Graduate Student Handbook found here.

OP do a search for: Direct Entry NP programs

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Sep 18, 2015

A big thank you to sailornurse for providing detailed information on a new educational model...

BUT - I hope OP does a very thorough investigation of the employment prospects for direct entry NPs. My organization employs a good number of them in a variety of settings. However, NONE of those positions are open to inexperienced candidates. All require a significant amount of nursing expertise because NP roles are fairly autonomous. We aren't going to risk patient safety.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2015

Yes....crappy grades matter when applying to grad school. Yes they "care" about ALL your grades.

You are "trying to become" a CNA. Ok..so what is stopping you? Do you have evidence that will "boost my resume"? Where did you hear that? It seems you are throwing darts with a blindfold on. NO one on here can say "yes" you will get into nursing school. You apply like everyone else and be honest about your grades and then see what happens. If you have specific questions about specific schools then contact the school.