Masters GPA to replace poor BS GPA??

TJFRN · Mar 24, 2011

I've heard that this does work for you. I took 5 master level courses as a non-degree seeking student while deciding what to major in. Advance Patho is a good course to take beforehand. It's a science class and they look favorable on science classes. Chemistry wouldn't be a bad thought either. I would contact your #1 choice of school and ask them what they think. Just remember if you take a course that you want to transfer to another college keep your syllabus. Most colleges want to see that in order to transfer the credits.

FEU IN · Jun 29, 2011

I also have a low GPA (2.9) and would really like to take master level courses. Do you know of any online school that offers advanced pathophysiology? I asked one local university where I live and they told me that i have to be in their master's program, in short, they don't accept non degree students. I'm currently studying for GRE and would like to increase my chances by taking master level courses.

SRNA2011 · Jun 29, 2011

There are numerous things that you can do to help boost your application when applying for CRNA school. You can take graduate science or nursing courses, such as organic chemistry, physics, advanced pathophysiology, or pharmacology. A good way to do this is to find a program/school in your area that offers entry as a "Non-matriculated" Master's level student. This will allow you to take 1 or 2 basic nursing courses at the graduate level, without having to be accepted into a program. You can also consider doing these classes online (if offered) since it's more flexible. Just make sure the CRNA program you want to apply to will accept these credits later on. Obviously do well in these classes (get an A) because it will show them you can handle the level of graduate course work.

In addition, some other ways to help improve your chances are: obtain your CCRN certification, get a high GRE score, shadow a CRNA, maybe also consider transferring to a high-acuity unit, and be an active member on your unit (Ex: charge nurse, do an in-service, project). In your personal statement letter, you should briefly explain what happened and what you have done to improve your chances. Just be prepared for the interview panel to ask you about your grades. Everybody has a different story and just because what happened then, doesn't reflect the person you are today.

A previous co-worker of mine was in the same situation with a low undergraduate GPA. She applied to many different schools and was rejected initially. She did all the above to help boost her application and increase her chances. She did not give up and kept reapplying every year. I think about 3 or 4 years later, she finally gained acceptance into a CRNA program! So keep all this is mind... if this is your dream for the future, keep trying and work hard to get to your goal! I wish you the best, good luck!

CRNANUPE_2B · Jun 29, 2011

Hello colleagues,

I would suggest taking graduate pharmacology and graduate advanced patho-physiology. I did this at Liberty University. All you need to do is call them up and register. Sent them a copy of your RN liscence and you can take up to 12 hours of gruduate courses as a non-degree student. The course length is 8 weeks and get goes by fast. Its alot of work but its def. worth it. I took both classes at the same time in 8 weeks and recieved an A in both of them. I am currently applying to programs so hopefully I will be getting accepted for 2012. Keep me in your prayers. The cost is around $2,800 but I think it is well worth it. Good luck you guys and please message me if you have any questions....

CRNANUPE_2b, BSN, RN, CCRN

FEU IN · Jun 30, 2011

Thanks everyone for all the advices! I will definitely try Liberty for non degree courses. Good luck to all of you, hopefully we all get in!