Low gpa with a BS in bio, what to do?

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So I graduated with a BS in biology, minor in chemistry. Worked for a year and decided I needed to go back to school, nursing is by far my favorite option as I have several friends in this career, as well as friends' parents in the field in upper positions. I have a 2.7 gpa, and live in Missouri. Most schools need a 3.0 to get accepted for an accelerated BSN track. Should I keep taking classes (I have over 150 credits currently, so I would need several more semesters to raise my gpa enough) or should I get an RN and then RN to BSN? I would eventually like to be a NP or CRNA, and would appreciate any input as I am totally lost. Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

You have already realized that your GPA needs to be higher - based on what you have written, this seems to be your most important issue re: going to nursing school. Even though the media hype about "nursing shortage" is beginning to wane, the competition for entry to nursing school is still very fierce.

Talk to a few nursing schools in your area to find out whether you can effectively 'erase' poor grades by re-taking the course. Even though it may seem counter-intuitive, this is a faster way to raise your GPA than trying to do it on a more global scale. I would also strongly advise you not to put all your eggs in one basket... with ABSN or nothing. If you can get accepted into a generic program, it would be faster than a never-ending search for entry into a (much more expensive) accelerated program. You would probably also have a much better chance of getting a job as a new grad, as many organizations (like mine) are not keen on ABSN grads.

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Thanks for your input, I will look into that but the nearly 3-4 years of nursing school starting from before almost makes me consider another major since I'd be starting from scratch. Does anyone else have any opinions?

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I'm in a similar situation. I have a not so good gpa with a BS in Biology. I am going to an ADN program that based its admission solely on your TEAS exam score at my local community college. I would also like to be NP or CRNA someday. I figured I would have will have a fresh start and a chance to show my abilities. I figured I could start working somewhere with an ADN while I get my BSN online. It may take a little longer this way but with my gpa its the best option I have.

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU.

If you're really passionate about Nursing, then I say go for it. Yes, the amount of time it can take isn't always ideal, but, in my opinion, the wait is worth it. If you're considering NP or CRNA, then it will definitely take several years to get to that point (especially CRNA, since many/most programs require that you work and gain experience for at least 1-2 years prior to applying...at least, that's how it is in my area). If Nursing is all you can dream of doing, then don't let the length of the programs deter you. On the other hand, if you aren't very passionate about the field and are considering it for the wrong reasons, then you'll probably want to think of another field.

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I have the same degree you have..a BS in bio with a chem minor. I graduated with a 2.87. The nursing school (BSN program) I now go to requires a 3.0 to get in. I applied to the university (not the nursing school, just the university itself) and got in. I then took one semester of four 3 hr non-nursing classes, made straight A's, raised my GPA to slightly above a 3.0 and then applied to the nursing school BSN program the next semester and got in.

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

Usually nursing schools look at specific classes they need more say the prereqs. Apply to many schoools associates degree RN and BSN programs and then see who takes you.

ALTERNATIVE - do the 2 year RN, get license and transfer as RN-BSN program. Now your chances of getting in are much higher as its a different track now its RN-BSN.

You get your A.A.S take license exam and are now RN start working and do the RN-BSN online or on campus. I too had low gpas previously so wasn't sure i'd get into a BSN program so i went the associates route and now i'm an RN and now get to choose which school I want to attend as I've an acceptance to two schools I applied to 3. Ironically the BSN school I ended up getting accepted and attending suny stony brook university was my plan C I applied on a whim and said what the heck i 'll see what happens but i dont think they'll take me anyways cuz of GPAs, i'm going to school A for sure. Well school A rejected me, School B is a 2 hr commute amongst other things, School C is distance learning + known for very good program and I hear thier program is eve more rigorous than my plan A school so you see? never know

MY TIME FRAME: 9 month pre-nursing classes, 2 years AAS Nursing (now RN), future 1.5 years BSN

I graduated AAS in december, took boards in april, and RN-BSN (distance learning) starts in June so yes overall this route is a bit slower, it works for my wallet and sanity. When I got accepted here at my local community college (20 mins commute) for AAS my choices were to take 2 semesters more doing prereqs for BSN and wait till the next fall as BSNs needed some more prerequs (that's like 1 year or slightly more).

Don't wait any longer apply to AAS and BSN programs every where and make your decisions from there. To spend several semesters trying to raise a GPA that has approx 150 credits in is time that you could have already be holding an RN license working AND have your pick of the RN-BSN schools.

You want to be a RN nurse right? Then it doesn't matter how you get there .. go around the side door. GOOD LUCK!! You can do it! See you in a few years as Nurse!

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