Masters degree then FNP/DNP?

DAP AGPC-NP-C · Jun 5, 2011

My bsn gpa was a 2.9 ...I did a msn at Loyola new Orleans with a concentration in healthcare systems management and finished with a 4.0. I have applied to USA, uab, and slu for a post masters in adult/gero np. I have been accepted so far by USA and slu...still waiting on uab, which should come out at the end of the month or early July. I feel it's a good plan to achieve your goals if you gap isn't high.also my professors wrote wonderful recs for me!

gettingbsn2msn, MSN, RN · Jun 5, 2011

Sometimes (my school) they will waive the gpa if your GRE score is high. In my case I had a 2.9, however, my GRE score was high compared to the other applicants. It ended up being a wash. Either high GPA or high GRE.

DAP AGPC-NP-C · Jun 5, 2011

Since I earned a msn, the gre was waived... so I took my chances and did not take the gre.

LadyEJ BSN, RN · Jun 6, 2011

Thanks for the input! I'm considering earning a MPH through a distance learning program and then applying for an FNP program. Although, if I get a MSN such as Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) then I could earn a post-MSN certificate in FNP. So many options/decisions.

NAURN · Jun 11, 2011

You will probably be talking a lot more money and time in order to go from one master's to another. I would just take some undergrad or grad courses to increase your overall GPA, then once your GPA is up to par, go straight into the FNP program. I guess it all depends on how low your GPA is. 3.0 should be your goal.

DAP AGPC-NP-C · Jun 11, 2011

I think it will cost me approximately $ 11,000 to do a post masters. I would also recommend taking pathology, pharm., and adv. Assessment if you can while doingthe MSN ...then you would finish quicker. It would have saved me a year.

mandyr220 · Jul 14, 2011

dana.... I too am post-master's... Have you heard anything from UAB yet? I have not. I am FNP however.

DAP AGPC-NP-C · Jul 14, 2011

mandyr220, I thought UAB called me about 2 weeks ago. I was distracted when I received the call and now think it was USA. I have not received any communication from UAB about my application. Curious about why we have not heard anything yet. If it's a "NO" then lets get it over with already. I have decided to go to USA, and have already turned in my acceptance packet. Have you applied anywhere else?

tony55! · Oct 17, 2013

You will probably be talking a lot more money and time in order to go from one master's to another. I would just take some undergrad or grad courses to increase your overall GPA, then once your GPA is up to par, go straight into the FNP program. I guess it all depends on how low your GPA is. 3.0 should be your goal.

This is an old post an you my not read ever see this question. I have applied and been denied to several NP programs. I wanted to know how to sign up for grad courses to bring up my GPA. My nursing GPA is 3.4, but my cum GPA is 2.75 ( or 2.70 when recalculated by one school) and this is hurting my chances of acceptance. My grades are 15 years old. Any advice would help. I thought about trying for a MBA and then trying to get into a NP program. Thanks in advance.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2013

tony55, I would suggest looking into other programs that take into account only the last xxx classes when they calculate your GPA. I would also suggest talking to the recruiters/advisers of some programs and being honest about the fact that your full GPA is low, but your recent GPA is higher and see what they suggest to improve your chances. Some may want a GRE. Others may want you to take a couple of graduate level courses and do well in them, others may not be for you, but there is a program for you if you really want it!

Unfortunately, no one answer fits for all programs. It is going to take some work on your part to fix, but it is something you can overcome.