Master's in nursing with low GPA of 2.4

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I have a question, if there any one who had a GPA of 2.4 or less and actually got excepted into the Canadian Graduate school or USA. I have graduated from school last year, since then still can not find a full time job. I am thinking now if it is at all possible to return to school and to finish Master's program. Is it possible at all? I do understand that i will need to take some courses and i am open to take them but the question is will they let me and how long it iwll take to boost up the GPA to 3.0? What is the best Master's program that will be easy to find a job and is interesting as well as will be always in need even 15 years from now? Thanks a lot!!!.

Specializes in Forensic Psychiatric Nursing.

I'm doing an MSN through Phoenix right now... you have to have a year of work experience before they'll take your money.

All BS aside, you get out of it what you put into it. I have a four year university degree in another subject, but that was a cakewalk compared to just the prerequisites for the community college nursing degree I did. They put you through the CHANGES where I took the prerequisites.

Now I'm at Phoenix, and it's pretty easy to do the minimum and coast on through. At the same time, you can take your education seriously and learn something. There are a lot of resources available at Phoenix that I never used as an undergrad.

I'm repairing my GPA, too. No decent NP program would take me with a 2.8 or a 2.9... the bottom line is I never made an A in my nursing degree so it's tough to compete for a spot. I figure if I pull a 4.0 at Phoenix that might grease the wheels a little. Right now I'm on track to make that happen.

Good luck.

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.
Also, keep in mind that, with the exception of some entry-level master's programs, a graduate program will prepare you to be a specialist and many nurses who jump too quickly find themselves in specialty roles that they don't really enjoy.

Moog, I thought this too, and then just got flamed in a threat I posted on today about someone wanting to go into a "general" MSN. I posted that there weren't really any available (my point was, a CNL was as "general" a Master's focus as you could get) and you had to specialize, unless you went through a DEMSN program which usually don't specialize. Apparently there are many DEMSN programs out there that make you choose a specialty (as an entry level practitioner. Appropriate? Who knows.) I wasn't aware of this -- all the ones in my area are just an Master's. Anyway, this guy listed probably 20 DEMSN programs that required specialization.

Just an FYI I guess, off on a tangent.

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I take a look at YOU as a person. If you could only manage a 2.4 gpa in undergrad, what makes you think you are ready to undertake a higher level and more rigorous level of nursing curriculum that leads the the ability to eventually practice independently and potentially be in control of people's lives?

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Specializes in ICU, ER, EP,.
One caveat: just because a program is online doesn't mean it's easier, either in terms of getting into the school or in terms of the amount of work that one is expected to do.

Shore up some GOOD references, volunteer if there's no paying jobs, get certified (ACLS, PALS) if you can. Join a professional organization. Beef up your CV so that you are a more attractive applicant for grad school so that you can show the admissions committee that you're more than your GPA.

Best to you in whatever you end up doing!

With all due respect, anyone, whom has never nursed, especially in an ICU will have tremendous challenge at ACLS/PALS even with the new dumbed down guidelines. the rhythms, and even few remaining drugs are way too much for a new grad. PLUS, every facility whom requires this for a position will train and credential the individual. This is well meant, but bad advice... IMHO.

OP, geeze you are in a bad spot, chances are you will NOT be accepted into a masters program until you complete... so and so courses to prove your intent to excel. Honestly... and many people here have been more easter bunny than honest.... a 2.4 is below a "c" and that will be very tough in this competitive market, unless you pick an expensive college that doesn't care about the previous grades.

i"m being point blank honest... you will either pay in time to prove yourself or time in an expensive college to progress to a masters with that grade. Anyone who says different, means well, but isn't helping you a bit. Tough advice, and I'm sorry to be so blunt but you have your work cut out for you in this market.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Zookeeper, its nice that you are honest but not snarky about it. So many people sugar coat their posts, which isn't going to help anyone in the REAL world. Bottom line, I think you hit the nail on the head.

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Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education.
With all due respect, anyone, whom has never nursed, especially in an ICU will have tremendous challenge at ACLS/PALS even with the new dumbed down guidelines. the rhythms, and even few remaining drugs are way too much for a new grad. PLUS, every facility whom requires this for a position will train and credential the individual. This is well meant, but bad advice... IMHO.

Point well taken. Thank you!

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

Is a 2.4 below a C? I thought it was like a C+. Isn't an A a 4.0, a B a 3.0 and a C a 2.0? Or am I wrong?

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Specializes in Hem/Onc/BMT.

If your heart is set on nursing, you might consider community colleges or other non-traditional route. Dedicated students I've seen even worked their way up from starting as CNA, regardless of their previous level of education. If you're set on Master's degree, however, are you sure about your desire to be a nurse?

I was an applicant for direct-entry Masters program (I'm not new to nursing, but since I am an LVN...) and I was competing with some amazing people with 4.0 GPA, top GRE scores, dual major, research experience, etc.

But of course, everyone has a story and GPA is not a sole determinant of your future. I just want you to know the reality of applying to Master's programs, and know that there are many different ways of getting into nursing.

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i take a look at you as a person. if you could only manage a 2.4 gpa in undergrad, what makes you think you are ready to undertake a higher level and more rigorous level of nursing curriculum that leads the the ability to eventually practice independently and potentially be in control of people's lives?

i really do not want to be rude, but first of all you don't know me as a person therefore you cannot judge me for the number that stands besides me. everyone have their own story and i do have mine. gpa or grades do not show the knowledge and don't make someone unintelligent. besides that, with my gpa of 2.4 i am capable of working in an acute setting and working with people who have gpa above 3.0 and guess what i feel bad for their patients. just a reminder, next time when you will be in the hospital as a patient don't forget to ask the nurse that will care for you what is his/her gpa was.:)

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i really do not want to be rude, but first of all you don't know me as a person therefore you cannot judge me for the number that stands besides me. everyone have their own story and i do have mine. gpa or grades do not show the knowledge and don't make someone unintelligent. besides that, with my gpa of 2.4 i am capable of working in an acute setting and working with people who have gpa above 3.0 and guess what i feel bad for their patients. just a reminder, next time when you will be in the hospital as a patient don't forget to ask the nurse that will care for you what is his/her gpa was.:)

i was not judging or saying anything about you as a person. i was just simply suggesting that you take time for personal reflection and make sure you are ready to take on such a commitment. you may or may not be - you need to decide that. i was in no way attempting to make that decision for you.

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Specializes in Emergency.
With all due respect, anyone, whom has never nursed, especially in an ICU will have tremendous challenge at ACLS/PALS even with the new dumbed down guidelines. the rhythms, and even few remaining drugs are way too much for a new grad. PLUS, every facility whom requires this for a position will train and credential the individual. This is well meant, but bad advice... IMHO.

OP, geeze you are in a bad spot, chances are you will NOT be accepted into a masters program until you complete... so and so courses to prove your intent to excel. Honestly... and many people here have been more easter bunny than honest.... a 2.4 is below a "c" and that will be very tough in this competitive market, unless you pick an expensive college that doesn't care about the previous grades.

i"m being point blank honest... you will either pay in time to prove yourself or time in an expensive college to progress to a masters with that grade. Anyone who says different, means well, but isn't helping you a bit. Tough advice, and I'm sorry to be so blunt but you have your work cut out for you in this market.

Actually, a 2.4 is above a C average. Below a C would be below a 2.0. Also, you said people would have "tremendous challenges" in an ACLS course without ICU experience? Well I will be graduating nursing school next month and I was just hired in the ER this week and will be taking an ACLS course right after boards, so it can be done but the new grad has to be willing to stay on top of things. Going through nursing school should have taught us all how to do that so YOU CAN DO IT!!!! :)

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Specializes in Emergency.
Is a 2.4 below a C? I thought it was like a C+. Isn't an A a 4.0, a B a 3.0 and a C a 2.0? Or am I wrong?

Nope, you're right. Others are wrong.

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